All of us have faced the rising prices of food in the grocery stores.  Most of us, especially those who are regular readers of BernieHund, are well aware that our food is far from safe these days.  Not to be an alarmist, but over the past few years we have seen more than one case of salmonella and too many hosptializations and deaths before the source was pinpointed.

More and more of us are beginning to grow at least some of our vegetables.  Many farmers and neighborhood gardeners employ the use of cold frames to get a fast start on the summer garden.  Today I would like to discuss the advantages of a portable greenhouse.  Unlike the cold frame, the portable greenhouse allows for the gardener to stand upright when working (in most cases) and allows for shelving for added space.

Additionally, portable greenhouses come in a variety of sizes.  We have seen some that appeared to be about the size of a bookcase while others are large enough to use year round.  In some cases the portable greenhouse can be converted to a permanent greenhouse with little effort.

Most home gardeners who use a portable greenhouse make the choice because of space.  Some of us in today’s surburban society do not have ample yard area to keep a greenhouse year round and have space for our summer gardens.  Still others enjoy condominium or apartment living and have even less space for gardening.  There is a portable greenhouse for almost every need, from the ones that are 10′ X 10′ and sit in the middle of the backyard while in use to the smaller ones that fit over the back door or the patio door. 

For those who live in an apartment or condo the portable greenhouse that fits up next to the house allows you to walk into the greenhouse straight from your house.  With a second door, the greenhouse can be entered from the outside.

The point is simple.  Before giving up on the idea of a summer garden due to lack of space, consider a portable greenhouse to get you a quick start.  With the cost of most of these portable units being so low, one season of fresh vegetables or herbs will pay the cost of the greenhouse.  And, you will know where your food comes from.

— Contributed by Happy Gardner  of Eating the Backyard

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