Deva

I don't think it is crazy idea...we, desperate ppl need any help we can, right:)?

-are you allowed to do anything like that on a balcony?

-how high are you?

-is balcony 'inside' (I mean protected from sides) or totally open to elements?

Hey Rina,

the balcony is is covered and in a corner. So, there is the side of the entrance/apartment, then a wall, and two sides with railing.

I am on the 3rd floor. And I think I can do almost anything I want. It's a condo. I'm not thinking of turning the whole balcony into a green house. Just a winter set up that I can remove come spring.

What cha thinkin'?

Here is a good photo of a neighboring building. They are all the same. So, mine would be the top left balcony. But a little higher because our ground floor is a walk out, where as that one is a basement apartment.

I was thinking that condo rules may not permit anything like a 'structure'...

If it was too high and open, it could be too windy. But neither of these seems to be of concern. What is the exposure?

So maybe you can build a structure to fit the space from 2x4 and enclose in plastic; 2 layers (one from inside and one on outside of 2x4 to have an air space in-between the layers)...not sure if it will be warm enough. Maybe too hot while sunny but perhaps not enough otherwise? You could access it from the sliding door...just enclose the balcony!...maybe I am just dreaming...Rina

At the start of summer I picked up a gardman 7620 compact walk-in on clearance at a local store. It seems to be the perfect dimensions (29L x 56W x 77H) for what you want. Not sure about the iowa winter part, but I can tell you that here it's hitting about 130F+ with the door open.

Lol Rina was going to suggest just making the whole balcony a greenhouse as well.

I wish I could enclose the whole balcony. But I also like to grill out there. And I'm sure the management company would frown upon that.

My balcony faces north west. So it gets direct sun from about 1pm on. Which in the winter can be as few as 5 hours. It also gets into the negatives. Somethings just at night, but we can go days in the negatives.

I have a grow light and one supplemental light that I used in an indoor set up last winter. But my collection has grown and I am concerned about it fitting nicely indoors.

This top pic was winter 2013 bottom was last winter

My plants have grown exponentially since then. And even in this pic the table was bowing in the middle. And nothing ever really went dormant.

Rina, do you think that double plastic sheeting set up would be protective enough against the cold? What about air flow?

yes Nicolas, that would be the best! Glassed-in or enclosed with acrylic...

Deva

Not that I have personal experience, but I read about growing in tunnels and double layer with air space has been recommended a lot. I am considering building a lean-to same way; friend of mine is trying to convince me that it would be 'warm' enough to over-winter succulents without heating. It would be on garage wall, facing south. I am not sure if I should risk it with succulents. They would have to be dormant I think?

And some ventilation would have to be provided, especially on sunny days otherwise plants will cook. So it starts getting little more involved, like a 'real' GH.

(I still may do it and try to overwinter some fig plants I have, and perhaps even olives...)

Rina

I've never seen snow or below zero temps but could a small portable heater inside the double plastic sheet greenhouse work? Obviously nothing with an open flame.

Could always convert the bedroom into a grow room and sleep on the couch. :)

Nicolas

I think it would. IIRC, Howard (bikerdoc) has heater in his GH, but it is one with acrylic sides.

I got 'rid of the kids' (not really, they moved out on their own) and now I have some extra space...

So, I've looked around and realized, a. Any greenhouse isn't going to protect too much from the cold without a heater. What I am thinking is putting together a small greenhouse and using a terra cotta pot candle heater. But I'm worried about the heater part. I just don't know if it would be safe...

Deva

That is basically open fire, I would be afraid to leave it under plastic, or even acrylic sheets.

Have you ever tried one?

I would use only a small radiant heater, that could be set to go on when temps fall below 50*F (perhaps even 48*F).

Rina

Rina,

I agree. I just don't think it would be safe. It appears I will need to put together some kind of indoor set up. I going to look for some kind of shelving set up and purchase another grow light like the one I have. I might also look into setting everything up in the garage instead of the 2nd bedroom/office.

Deva

I use the wire shelves (closetmaid, I think). I mount the rails right next to the window frame, and put shelves across. That way they get all available window light. It is easy to suspend the fluoro light fixtures above, and they are on timers. I usually have 2 shelves .

In the basement, I suspend the lights from the ceiling and arrange plants on tables.

Is your garage heated/warm enough?