As food costs continue to rise, many homeowners began gardening this year and may be looking to plant winter crops too. Not all Americans can grow crops through the winter due to below-freezing temperatures. Of course, a greenhouse can resolve that issue allowing them to carry on. However, installing a heat source and lights to make up for the lack of sunshine is necessary for many to be successful.
Florida’s mild winter climate is perfect for growing crops year-round. Are you considering putting out a winter garden? If so, at least sixteen vegetables grow heartily throughout the winter here.
They are:
- Argula
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Mustard
- Peas
- Radish
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Turnips
Gardening indoors
Even though it’s possible to garden outdoors all year long in our part of the country, a greenhouse could make things more enjoyable. Why? You won’t have to worry about constantly battling bugs that want to hold an ongoing banquet. Whether it be you they hope to feast on or your garden!
Another plus? You won’t have to worry about dousing your plants with pesticides when growing indoors.
Is it just us or does it appear more alluring to putter about in the greenhouse on a gray winter day versus hoeing garden rows under cloudy skies? We can get by without installing a heating system and, for the vegetables listed above at least, the sunlight will sustain them without backup lighting.
Screen Enclosures Make Great Greenhouses
Installing a mesh screen enclosure to create a greenhouse is a viable solution if you want to grow indoors. They are relatively inexpensive and the screens are designed to keep out all types of insects. Even those aggravating noseeums aren’t getting through the finely woven screen. Mosquitoes aren’t getting through to attack you while you’re working either. Fresh air will abound, however, which will be good for growing strong, healthy plants.
With the money you save putting up your structure, you might want to invest in additional lighting and broaden your growing horizon to include some of your family’s favorites.
You could keep the budget even smaller if you don’t install a floor. However, rather than digging and planting directly in the ground, we suggest investing in pots or building long rows of trough-type planters. Installing a walkway between the rows is a good idea too so you won’t have to work on soggy ground on those rainy days.
If gardening isn’t your thing
Even if you don’t care to spend your free time gardening, you must admit that being surrounded by lush, green plants is a tranquil atmosphere. It enhances your ability to relax—especially if there is the sound of running water nearby. That sound has a mesmerizing effect on many people—and in today’s crazy world, any time spent mesmerized is time well spent in our book.
Maybe gazing at the ocean is your happy place. Wouldn’t it be something to walk out your backdoor to be met by that scene every day? Beach front property is pretty expensive, we know, but it could still happen!
Customizing the screens of your screen enclosure allows you to transform your surroundings. Seriously. It’s nothing short of amazing! Once you customize your space with the perfect decor, your new enclosure will likely become your family’s favorite spot. Your family’s private getaway spot to escape from the world.
Sound good?
There’s more!
Even if you don’t customize your screens, an outdoor enclosure provides your family with several benefits that you can enjoy all year.
They include:
- Added privacy—While screen enclosures don’t provide total privacy, they create the illusion of privacy and that’s all our minds need to escape. In fact, homeowners comment that had they realized what a difference it would make in their ability to completely relax, they would have added their enclosure sooner!
- Clean surroundings—Your enclosure keeps dirt and storm debris out in the yard where it belongs. Not only will you not be sweeping up nearly as often, you won’t be cleaning up branches or other debris from the area before sitting down to relax after a storm blows through.
- Provides a barrier of protection—Once your enclosure goes up, you have a solid barrier protecting your family from snakes—or other wildlife—that may wander into your yard. If you’ve ever been surprised by a snake curled up under a throw pillow or a large iguana sunning itself on the lanai floor, you know what a benefit that will be!
- Another safety feature—Young children are known to wander off if you’re distracted even for a second. Your screen enclosure provides a safe space for them to get some sun and fresh air without worrying they won’t stay put. Your pets can take advantage of the space for that reason as well.
- Prevents mold and mildew—Our hot, humid climate provides the perfect growing conditions for mold and mildew. Prolonged exposure to that stuff negatively affects our health—and our pets’ health too. Symptoms are similar for both and in extreme cases can result in death. Screen enclosures allow air to move freely throughout the enclosure preventing mold and mildew growth.
Green thumb or not
If you’re considering installing a greenhouse, a screen enclosure is an economical choice. It will provide a bug-free environment that allows your plants to have plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
If finding time to rest and relax is more to your liking, enclosing your outdoor space is a great way to enhance your downtime. You and your family will enjoy a heightened sense of privacy. The area won’t get dirty as often and unwanted guests—including bugs and insects—won’t be invading your space. Moreover, kids and pets have a safe place to play giving you a minute to sit down and relax during your busy day.
Customizing the enclosure’s screens allows you to completely change the ambiance surrounding you. The difference is nothing short of amazing. Take a look at these customer images and see if you agree.