Building a cheap greenhouse or fenced garden

Our old enclosed garden/greenhouse

Building a greenhouse sounds overwhelming but can be cheap and easy. We built an enclosed garden in the back yard of our apartment building before we bought our house. In the winter months, with the help of a little sheet plastic, it served as a cheap greenhouse. Greenhouse building is not in my list of skills but this method was quite simple. I learned quickly.

To begin building a simple greenhouse or enclosed garden you will need 2x4x8 lumber and cement mix. The amount needed depends on the size of the greenhouse. You will need 4 vertical corner posts as well as one vertical post every three to four feet for the frame. You will also need horizontal posts all the way around the top and bottom of the frame.

Use a post hole digger to dig holes for building the four corners of the greenhouse. Be sure to take accurate measurements to evenly place the holes. Stand a 2x4 up in one of the holes and brace it while using a level to insure that it is straight. The 4 inch width should face the front and back of the greenhouse. Now mix the cement as directed and pour it into the hole with the post braced in place.

Repeat this step in building the other three corner posts of the cheap greenhouse. When the cement is dry, remove the braces. The other support posts do not need to be cemented in. They can be dirt packed in. A string can be strung around all the corner posts to help place the rest of the posts evenly. Use the level and braces for these dirt packed posts.

Once all the posts are in place, it's time to build the rest of the frame. The horizontal posts at the top and bottom are screwed into the vertical posts with an electric drill with a screwdriver bit and three inch construction screws. The posts should be measured so as to be flush at the corners of the cheap greenhouse. The horizontal posts will need to meet in the center of the other posts for attachment purposes. Use the level prior to screwing the frame together.

If your cheap greenhouse is larger than 8x10, bracing posts will need to be screwed in from side to side. Measure the distance between sides and use the level for placement. Drill screws in from the front and back of the frame to hold the bracing posts in place. The bracing posts will insure the stability of the cheap greenhouse in bad weather.

We used an old screen door that was a bit tall for our cheap greenhouse. One that fits better can be constructed by building a frame and stretching screen across it. Hinges and a lock can be placed on the outside of the cheap greenhouse frame to eliminate the need for a built in door frame. Once the door is in place, it's time to weather proof your garden.

Coat the entire frame and the wooden part of the door with outdoor paint or weatherproofing. We wanted to keep things cheap so we used some old paint purchased for the shed and picnic table in our yard. Weather proofing and paint are available in brush on and sprays. Weather proofing leaves a more natural look to the wood frame. One coat is sufficient but two coats lasts longer.

If you are using the structure as an enclosed garden in the summer months, it will need to be screened in. Chicken wire is the cheap alternative to screening. It gives the enclosed garden a rustic look. The chicken wire is also great for climbing vines. Use an industrial staple gun or hand pounded staples to attach the chicken wire all around and across the top of the frame.

In the winter months, purchase rolls of cheap plastic and staple them to the cheap greenhouse frame. The enclosed garden can continue to be utilized this way for most of the winter. With the addition of a portable heater, the cheap greenhouse garden can continue to produce crops all winter.

Building a cheap and easy compost bin

Building and using a compost bin is a great way to save money on expensive fertilizer. Your garden will appreciate the optimum nutrition it gets from your own homemade compost. Fall is the best time to start a compost bin, although it can be used year round. I suggest building your bin just before raking fall leaves for convenience sake and a good head start on next years' compost.

Building a compost bin doesn't have to be complicated.

Those needing just a small amount of compost can use a large trash can or simply pile the compost in a heap. As the garden expands, a larger container may become necessary. Here are simple instructions for building your own cheap and easy composting bin.

Supplies

You'll need 4 – 4 foot long sections of 4x4 lumber as posts. The cheapest, simplest way to do this is to buy two 8 foot long sections and cut them in half.

You'll also need enough dense three foot wide chicken wire to wrap around these corner posts to make the size bin you want.

Directions

Bin frame:

*Measure and mark off the four corners where the cheap and easy compost bin will sit.
*Dig a one foot deep hole at each corner.
*Insert the first four foot post into one of the holes.
*Fill the hole with loose dirt.
*Use a level to position the pole in the hole.
*Pack the dirt tightly around the pole to stabilize it in level position.
*Repeat with the other three poles.

Wrapping the frame:

*Start your chicken wire by wrapping it completely around one pole.
*Staple the chicken wire into place with a good staple gun.
*You can also use pound in staples from the hardware store.
*Now wrap the wire around the whole frame, stapling it to each 4x4 as you go.

Bin Cover:

Use a tarp the size of the top surface of the cheap and easy compost bin as a cover. This will keep animals from foraging through the compost bin. The tarp can be tied down using twine strung through the grommets.

Growing bucket gardens for the hungry

Kitty litter buckets make excellent bucket gardens!

This year, my garden is primarily bucket gardens. Growing an extra row for the hungry could easily play into that strategy next year. After all, I actually got the idea to use buckets in the garden due to an annual charity event. Groups get together and plant 5 gallon buckets with tomatoes surrounded by various vegetables and herbs. The gardens are then distributed to the hungry.

Bucket gardens differ from planting a row.

They give the hungry an opportunity to grow their own vegetables. These 5 gallon buckets give recipients food as well as a sense of accomplishment as they nurture their growing gardens.

Bucket gardens can be planted with any number of vegetables and herbs.

Just be sure to punch several drainage holes in the bottom of bucket gardens prior to adding soil. Soil with timed release fertilizer is best for bucket gardens. The recipient may not have financial means to purchase fertilizer.

Bucket gardens are traditionally started by planting a tomato in the center of the bucket.

Be sure to bury the tomato plant about 2/3 of the way so that only the top leaves are above ground. For added fertilizer, place a whole, uncooked, unbroken egg under the planted tomato.

Other vegetables and herbs are planted around the tomato.

Plant short root vegetables such as lettuce, radishes and green onions. Basil is very compatible with tomato plants as well.

Bucket gardens are a great way to help the community, even in the fall.

Fall is not too late to plant bucket gardens. Many garden centers have unsold tomato plants available at discount prices. Vegetables like lettuce and radishes grow rapidly. Plus, bucket gardens can be grown indoors.

Bucket gardens can be replanted throughout the year with quick growing veggies.

Consider giving seed packets and instructions with the bucket gardens. Some seeds may even be able to be used next year. Most herbs are perennial and will not need replanting.

Gardening gloves: Option or necessity?

Garden gloves aren't just an old time accessory. They serve a useful purpose.

Fall has arrived. You've not worn your gardening gloves once? Many people think of garden gloves as an option rather than a necessity. Protecting the hands from dirt and the elements just doesn't concern them. The problem is there are more dangers to unprotected hands in the garden than just a little wear and tear.

There's bacteria lurking in garden soil.

Even if your soil is completely and totally 100% organic and you manufactured it yourself, it can contain disease carrying bacteria and fungus. That is the nature of dirt, my friends. It's dirty. A small scratch on unprotected hands leaves an entry for these bacteria and fungi to enter your system.

Injury is a big concern for unprotected hands.

When a tool slips, it's much more likely to break the skin if you are not wearing gloves. Gardening tools have sharp edges. Rose thorns can be quite painful. Why risk injury when donning a pair of gloves can protect hands easily? Rusty tools can cause tetanus just like a rusty nail.

Speaking of tetanus, did you know it lives in the garden soil?

That's right, rust is not the only carrier of tetanus. Make sure your shots are updated if you garden. Wear your gloves at all times. Gloves will once again prevent tetanus and other diseases from entering the bloodstream via the little scratches you get while gardening.

If you do use organic pesticides, good for you.

If you don't and there are pesticides in your garden soil, gloves can prevent them from irritating the skin and entering the bloodstream. Organic gardeners are not completely safe from chemicals and pollutants either. Remember there are many pollutants in rain and in previously contaminated soil as well.

Yes, it's true, garden gloves are sometimes bulky and uncomfortable.

However, considering the amount of things they protect you from, are they really that inconvenient? Think of how uncomfortable you will be if your garden soil makes you sick. Better to be uncomfortable for an hour than incredibly sick for weeks.

Taking control with fall garden maintenance

Don't be afraid to show mint who's in charge!

Gardeners love plants. Whether it be an overrun weed or a majestic willow tree, we're suckers for the green things. I know it's hard to take control of your garden and tell your plants what to do but it's a necessary evil. Fall is here and it's time for a little tough love maintenance from the gardener.

At the end of the growing season there are many plants that have taken their chosen territory by storm. Don't be afraid to cut them back to where they're supposed to be. It's OK to use a little rough pulling and tugging in garden maintenance.

Mint is just one herb that used to cause me trouble every year. When I first planted my herb garden, I gave no thought to popping that little plant right in with the rest. Every year I used brute force to eradicate the spearmint. Every spring it came right back up again to take over the rest. When we moved to the new house, I made sure to keep mint in pots.

If you made the mistake of planting prolific plants like mint in the ground, don't worry about eradicating them. Those little buggers won't be harmed by your brutal fall garden maintenance. It's OK to show them who's boss even if it isn't true. Somewhere underground there is a spearmint root with devious plans for taking over next years herb garden.

That adorable little patch of dandelions didn't ask to be planted in your yard. Some wayward seed just happened to land there and do its thing. Dandelions are really pretty, aren't they? Too bad sucker, fall maintenance means digging up dandelions so the yard has a chance to grow next year.

Sometimes fall maintenance means moving the 'little plant that could' to someplace where it could do better. Aw, poor little thing, it really put forth some effort to grow where it was planted, you just planted it in the wrong place. Give it a new home where it has a prayer, it's OK.

There are tulips where you want daffodils and daffodils where you want tulips? It's OK to dig them up, dust them off and move them to different locations. That's called lifting bulbs. It's common for fall maintenance. You can read about how to do it here. Don't worry, they're going to love their new home.

Oh, gee, what about all the little plants that don't make the cut? How sad for them to be thrown away like yesterdays news. Well, that's alright too. They can serve a new purpose as compost fertilizer for next years plants. See, that wasn't so bad. Most of the plants survived your brutal fall maintenance. The others will be fine. They're in a better place now.

Brightening up your gradual garden

So what if your garden is a fixer upper? Bright decor still makes it whimsical and homey. Using bright decor such as colorful pots and wind chimes gives your garden character. Show your imaginative side by scattering bright decor in your garden, even if it's still a work in progress.

Brightly colored pots are a popular trend.

Make your own by purchasing plain clay pots and painting them in bright colors. Colorful painted designs over bright decor colors adds an interesting twist. Use indoor outdoor spray paint or acrylic paint sealed with acrylic spray for long lasting outdoor decor.

Wind chimes are pretty and melodic!

Wind chimes can be made from any desired object and painted in bright decor colors. I have used seashells, bells, metal and wood objects to jazz up my garden. Bright neon painted seashells mixed with copper bells can make even the smallest garden special.

Painted ceramic suns add a southwestern touch.

Give them a new twist by using neon paints in place of the usual earth tone or native pottery colors. Paint can be splashed on or sprayed on in random patterns.

Whimsical signs in cheery colors stand out.

If you can't find one, make it with a garden stake and a small board. Paint flower power flowers around your message to give it a hippy vibe.

Pinwheels are a quick garden color fix.

Just buy them and poke them into the soil for instant bright decor. Add a pink flamingo for a nostalgic touch. Gnomes are a fun option as well. You can find all three at the dollar store.

Add a few brightly colored frogs and other statuary.

Mix and match them with traditional bird baths, feeders and fountains for an eclectic look. Hanging reflective plastic in fruit trees keeps birds away from produce and encourages them to use the healthy treats and water in bird baths and feeders.

You may choose to use only one of these ideas in your garden.

Then again, what is the harm in using them all for a big splash of bright decor? Some might think it's a bit much. I say let your garden come to life with all the bright decor you want. After all it's your garden to do as you wish with!

Alternative uses for garden bird baths

Bird baths are a wonderful way to accent the garden and show wildlife you care. What if you just moved into an apartment and have no garden? What if it's winter and the birdbath looks devoid of life? What if the birds are being pestered by squirrels or kitty cats? What other uses are there for garden birdbaths? Here are some interesting uses for birdbaths that might solve your problem.

Indoor or outdoor garden fountain

Bird baths can be used indoors too. Use your birdbath indoors or outdoors as a fountain base. Center a small fountain pump in the bird bath. Surround it with stones or seashells. Extend the tube upward and cover it with the stones or seashells on all sides but leave space for the water to flow up and out. Fill the bird bath with water and turn on the pump. Water will cascade peacefully down the stones or shells.

Indoor or outdoor planter

Line the bottom of the garden bird bath with small river rock for drainage. Add potting soil and fertilizer. Use several different looking plants that require the same care. Cactus make a very pretty rock garden type display in an old bird bath. This idea is especially good for old cracked bird baths that no longer hold water. If the garden bird bath is cracked be sure to use it outdoors.

*Add small houses or furniture for a fairy garden.

Birdbath plus feeder

Turn the bird bath into an all purpose garden bird feeder. Place a water dish in the center. Surround it with peanut butter balls made from peanut butter mixed with bird seed.

Gazing ball holder

Want a gazing ball in the garden and looking for a way to re-use an old bird bath? Fill the garden bird bath up with marbles to hold the gazing ball in place. Gently rotate the gazing ball with a slight pressure until it settles into the marbles for stability. When it rains, these gazing ball bird bath displays add an even more beautiful water show to the garden.

How do I protect garden plants from Denver hail storm damage?

Hail can destroy unprotected plants

I may be a casual, gradual gardener, but I'm still prepared for emergencies. Denver has frequent hail storms in the spring and early summer. Gardens left unprotected are pelted with hard nuggets of pounding hail. Plant damage from hail can be irreversible. Acting quickly and being ready protects plants from damage without a lot of fuss. Here are some items gardeners should have on hand to protect plants from hail damage.

Five gallon buckets and bricks

A five gallon bucket can be placed over short plants to protect them from hail damage. Invert them over the plant. Place a brick or rock on top for weight. The wind can be quite strong in a hail storm. Lightweight buckets may blow over and damage plants. Keep an inverted stack of 5 gallon buckets in an out of the way corner of the garden.

Grommeted tarp

Plant vines can be quickly covered with a staked down tarp. These can be purchased quite cheaply at Harbor Freight. Use cement blocks at each corner to keep the tarp from touching the plants. Drape the tarp over the blocks and pound in the stakes. Attach the stakes to the tarp in advance of a hail storm. It's faster and easier to protect plants when all the supplies are ready for use.

Trash cans

Trash cans are used to cover large caged or staked plants. They can be inverted and weighted just like the buckets. The larger container will serve to protect plants like tomatoes without damage to branches. Keep an inverted stack in the corner of the garden. To save space and protect from rain, stack the five gallon buckets and tarps under the inverted trash cans.

Prepared fences

A quick way to protect multiple plants from hail damage is to measure off tarp grommet locations and pound nails right into fence posts. This way, a tarp can be quickly stretched across the top of the fence to protect plants from hail damage. The grommets slide right over the nails to keep the tarp from slipping. This can also be done with strategically placed posts if the garden is not fenced.

Blankets or plastic

If no preparations have been made, old blankets are a quick solution to protect garden plants. Blankets are soft enough not to damage plants, strong enough to keep out most hail. Carefully drape blankets over garden plants and weight the corners down with rocks. Plastic drop cloth or bags can also protect plants from hail damage.

Natural acne treatment from the garden

Garden oregano

Natural acne treatments may be as close as your backyard garden. Proper nutrition can be the best acne treatment. You might also find some healing herbs to be useful. When it comes to acne treatment look first to the garden.

Oregano oil has antibiotic properties that can work as an effective acne treatment.

Those in need of acne treatment may need to combine prevention and cure treatments to fight the current breakout and discourage future breakouts. Oregano oil from crushed fresh garden oregano will fight surface breakouts while cleansing the body.

Acne is characterized by eruptions of the skin.

Many times these eruptions are caused by trapped toxins trying to make their way out of the body. Acne treatment that lessons toxins can be very important in the fight against further breakouts.

Flushing toxins from the system.

American diets often contain colon clogging ingredients. When the colon is clogged, toxins have no way to escape the body and begin leeching out through the skin. A change to eating closer to nature might help them find their way out.

Acne treatment on the surface will not stop future breakouts at the source.

Eating a proper diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables from the garden will cleanse the colon. This natural acne treatment keeps those toxins flowing out of the system.

Just about any fruit or vegetable works well to cleanse the colon.

A steady diet of varied garden fruits and vegetable keeps surface acne treatment from becoming a necessity. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and will fight free radicals in the body when consumed on a regular basis.

Try adding smoothies to your diet.

Leave out the binding dairy. For an initial acne treatment cleanse, whip up a delicious smoothie made with watermelon and strawberries. These two common garden fruits are full of water and quickly flush the system of acne causing toxins. After that, try various combinations of fruits and veggies daily.

Onion and garlic are acne treatment superstars.

Their antibiotic properties are helpful in keeping infections at bay and aiding in acne treatment. Plus, they're among the easiest things to grow. Just leave a few bulbs in the ground over winter and they become perennials.