Last fall I picked up a real gem of a gardening tool in preparation for this year.  I picked up a portable greenhouse, so that I can start my seeds and plants inside the house earlier.  This is far preferable to me than using electric lights.   Last year I placed my seeds in totes and then covered the totes with plastic wrap to create a micro-climate conducive to seed germination.  It worked, but it was kind of tedious working with the plastic wrap.

Not so much with the portable greenhouse.  Now, I wouldn’t use this outside, simply because I think it would topple over in a gust of wind very easily.  But it works fantastic in front of a south facing patio door that we never use.  The plastic cover zips and also removes easily if I don’t need to use it.  Today I got to put my greenhouse into action.  No, I didn’t start any seeds yet, although that’s coming at the end of this month.  What I did do was plant a whole lot of bulbs which are sprouting.  In a few weeks I hope to have dozens of tulips with which to usher in spring.  Many of them will be planted in the yard, but I suspect because there are so many that many will actually end up being given away.  All told, I think I planted about… 80 bulbs?  It will be fun to see if they all take.

While it’s too soon to give a full report on the success of the portable greenhouse, I happen to be optimistic in thinking that it’s a fabulous tool.  I placed the pots into totes for watering purposes- I have to say, the plastic totes are also a gardener’s friend.  It felt fantastic to be working with dirt again, and I’m counting the days until I get to plant my broccoli and cabbage seeds.  I can’t wait!  It’s just 19 days away!