I created an indoor greenhouse in my bedroom during the winter by our big windows facing south. I have been using grow lights, but the house barely gets over 70 in the winter. The plants and dwarf trees are growing ok, but I am wondering if light, water and fertilizer are enough? Do I need more heat on them, like the summer outdoors?
I have dwarf olive and lemon trees which are obviously in dormant stages now. BUT, I guess I was asking more about my tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc., so I can have some fresh veggies through the winter. They don't grow as fast or as intensely as they do outdoors even though they have plenty of light, both sunlight and grow lights, fertilizer, water, but the house never gets much above 70 and I'm thinking the HEAT is missing? I seem to recall outside my tomatoes don't really 'take off' until the temps getting nice and toasty.
Those aerogardens seem to work very well, although they are grown in a different medium which could explain that. Too bad they are so expensive still! I am SO READY for spring!
I would need to know exactly what you are growing to tell you what needs a resting period and what can grow straight through the winter. As was stated earlier, most perennials and trees need a period of dormancy to grow and thrive well. I never expect plants to look their best in the winter months.
Keep in mind that except for the equatorial zone, there ARE seasons, and most plants need a cool rest period to be able to bloom in spring. THEIR spring. For example, South American cacti bloom in our fall, and need a cool rest period afterward. Have a look at my dad's cacti at http://dawna.com and see what can be done without grow lights or heat even in the snowy alps. Have FUN! DearWebby
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