Greenhouse update: how to deal with the heat in Zone 8

 

The high today is 101 degrees Fahrenheit which translates to 135 or more in a greenhouse.  If you are using the greenhouse through the summer months that is just too hot to grow in.  If you are using the Greenhouse , like I am , to store pots , potting soil and garden tools it just to hot.   How to beat some of the heat is to install a vent fan.  There are many choices out there at many price ranges.  We have power in the greenhouse so a electric louver fan with a thermostat control works well for us.  We also installed a 50% shade cloth on the roof side that gets the mid day and evening sun.  This made a huge difference in the temperature.  

Just remember the vent fan is there to displace the heat in your greenhouse.  We put the fan as high as we could pushing air our and have a floor level opening to allow heavier cooler air to be pulled in to the greenhouse.  We have a small vintage floor fan sitting in front of the floor vent to help pull more air in.

 

  We also have a few windows that will open to help with air flow.  Early in the spring the small vent worked great at maintaining a decent temp.  However with the dog days of summer upon us we had to open a few windows to keep the temp only a few degrees hotter than the outside temperature.  

Luckily in zone 8 we have a long growing season and do not need a greenhouse to grow in.  We have somewhat mild winters and found that a grow mat was all I needed to start seeds with and maintain seedlings.  I remember only a few nights of having to bring in seedlings.  We have discussed  heat methods with out a decision yet. That will hopefully make another post later in the season.

Hope your gardens are green!

Sheryl

Drying Herbs for Kitchen Use. How to dry herbs

 

Herb growing and drying is an easy kitchen "preserving" task .  Herbs do not require a lot of care and three of the Five herbs that I dried today are perennial and return every year.  Oregano, Sage and Rosemary return every year.  Rosemary and Oregano are  evergreen in growing Zone 8 a .   I normally can find these in my garden year round.  Sage will semi die back sometimes offering a  sparse leaf every now and then in the winter months.   Basil and stevia I replant every year.  Basil is very easy to grow.  You will need a sunny spot with soft soil.  I cast seed every year in a pot or corner of the garden bed and water regularly until I have a healthy plant then just water weekly .  Stevia I pick up at local nursery or Lowes.  It is a fast growing plant that pinching it back increases its growth.

The first task is to collect your leaves .  Select blemish free leaves that look healthy.  Wash them well and drain as much of the water off that you can.  I place my herbs on a old towel and pat them gently dry.  Drying the leaves will make the drying process go a lot faster.  

I use a dehydrator to dry my herbs.  It is quick and neat.  You can use your stove and microwave as well.  Google offers may ideas on this process if you do not have a dehydrator.  

Once I have my leaves washed and patted dry I arrange them on a dehydrator tray .  Try not to mix your leaves unless you are making a mix.  

I took about 4 hours to dry completely. I checked  the trays about every hour rearranging leaves that were stacked .  

I store my herbs in jars with air tight lids.

There is a huge difference in the taste and smell of leaves that have been dried at home verses bought off the shelves.  The cost is minimal, and to be honest gathering, washing and drying are all therapeutic.  Hope you dry a few herbs yourself the winter soups and stews will be tastier.   

Happy Summer!

Sheryl