Greenhouse Blog

This orchid bloom is three inches across and grows in a heated greenhouse, under bright light, with warm temperatures, and is kept at an average humidity.

The cold frame beds have been fully planted now.  There are three beds filled with soil where seedlings and seeds were planted.  The radishes have sprouted under just a week and the tips of the beets are emerging. Containers are planted in the last cold frame.  Lettuce, flowers, and brocolli are growing in this cold frame.  Seeds are also being started for May transplant into the garden.

This is our greenhouse in March. A new shading system was installed this month and the plants are starting to perk up after a long winter.

Pictured above is the beginning of a bat plant bloom that is being grown in our warm glass conservatory.

Pictured above is a Cane dendrobium that recently came into full bloom in the Solar Innovations, Inc. greenhouse. This flower features white petals with lavender edges and grows in our orchid greenhouse that is kept at 73 degrees in the day, 60 degrees at night with  40% humidity.

Solar Innovations has been producing bananas in our greenhouses for three years. We have two banana trees currently producing fruit and decided we would like to experiment with additional varieties. Three banana species were purchased from Florida, which will remain smaller in statue and take up less space. A Supreme Dwarf, Pink Velvet, and an Ice Cream Banana.

Greenhouses can be attached to existing structures and fitted to surroundings. Thsi greenhouse was attached to a potting shed and was modeled to fit the traditional aesthetic of an old-time farm.

Pictured above is a tray of plants we are propagating from existing plant’s clippings. These small plants are enjoying the temperate weather inside our greenhouse.

By mixing fertilizer, insecticides, and additional drainage you can create your own potting soil. We are currently experimenting with the process here at Solar Innovations, Inc.

At least half of any homemade potting soil is homemade compost, but most commercial potting soils are based on some combination of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite — all of which contribute to land degradation and pollution as they are mined, processed, packaged and shipped.

Here is a great tutorial located online:  http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Potting-Soil.aspx

This fresh compost was made from the employee’s lunch scraps that are collected in our cafeteria. It was recently added to the greenhouse’s raised bed where it will be used as fertilizer for flowers and watermelons.