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Growing Greens in Hoop Houses

Presented by Daniel Botkin

Growing greens in snowy climates year-round with hoop houses is an easy farming practice to start. Learn to use hoop houses for growing greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video series.

Series Summary

Organic gardening: more than just a hobby. Today we know that many of the pesticides, fertilizers, and treatments used in commercial and home agriculture are hazardous to the environment. Whereas at one point in history it was ‘okay’ to drain all the nutrients from the soil and poison any insects living there, rendering the land dead and stagnant, and then simply move on to fresher pastures, today people are concerned with their ecological ‘footprint’ and recognizing the damage our gardening products (like weed killer and pesticides) have on the environment and human health. Cattle are often treated with hormones to produce more milk or larger muscles, and many of them are bombarded by pesticides and chemicals from the grass and feed they eat regularly. Organic gardening is part of the counter-movement, a small step in the right direction that teaches people to trust nature and the natural ways food, flowers, and herbs are produced. In this free gardening video series, organic farmer Daniel Botkin teaches you how to grown greens in hoop houses year-round with the option of transplanting vegetables or herbs outside in warmer months. Daniel covers mixing soil for your greens and creating seeds blends that will work well in a hoop house. He also gives you tips on seeding and how to avoid damping-off disease, a killer for ground level plants. You will learn about transplanting seedlings, growing robust vegetables and greens, and much more. Daniel even offers suggestions for harvesting your greens and ways to prepare them.

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Prep Baby Greens for Salad

Cutting stems and washing organic vegetables is an easy process for home growers. Learn to prep greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Handling Poor Germination When Growing Greens

When seeds don't germinate robustly, apply a heat source to the seed trays and tend carefully. Learn to use hoop houses and handle poor germination from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Transplanting Cold Hardy Greens

When seedlings grow out of trays, transplant the hardy greens to outdoor soil. Learn to use hoop houses for transplanting greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Knowing When to Transplant Greens

If plant roots inhabit the entire plug, it is time to transplant your greens. Learn to use hoop houses for transplanting greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Tending Seedlings in Hoop House Growing

Hoop houses store warmth and sunlight, making a great environment for growing greens. Learn to use hoop houses and tend greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Cover Baby Greens to Cook

Cook greens quickly to save the flavor and nutrients in the organic vegetables. Learn to flash fry greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Flash Frying Baby Greens With Garlic

A quick cooking technique like stir frying is good for homegrown baby greens. Learn to flash fry greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Seeding Trays for Hoop House Greens: Part 2

Use a mixing device to place seeds into the first inch of soil before covering with a final layer. Learn to use hoop houses for seeding greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

What is Damping-Off?

Damping-off is a collective term for several fungi that destroy low-growing plants and vegetables. Learn to use hoop houses to protect greens from damping-off from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Harvesting Green Vegetables

Harvest plants with the whole garden in mind, finding overcrowded areas and extra leaves. Learn to harvest greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Benefits of Hoop Houses in Gardening

A hoop house in an unheated greenhouse made with plastic and hoops. Learn benefits of using hoop houses for growing greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Custom Seed Mixing for Greens

Mixing greens to grow together can produce surprising plants and save space and time. Learn to mix seeds for growing greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Seeding Trays for Hoop House Greens

Putting seeds into trays for indoor growing takes pre-wetting the soil with little art. Learn to use hoop houses for seeding greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Secondary Transplanting When Growing Greens

Often, seedlings are too big for trays but not hardy enough for outdoor growing. Learn to use hoop houses for transplanting greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Mixing Soil for Seed Planting

Mix sterile soil for planting greens in trays to keep in a hoop house. Learn to mix soil for growing greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Damping-Off Prevention for Growing Greens

Sterile soil can help keep away damping-off in hoop house growing. Learn to use hoop houses to protect greens from damping-off from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Gardening Tip for Transplanting Onions

Onions can be transplanted in large clumps to save time for the backyard gardener. Learn to use hoop houses for transplanting onions from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Transplanting Greens into Rich Soil

Planting greens in good soil is as simple and plucking and tucking. Learn to use hoop houses for transplanting greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Washing Baby Greens for Salad

Washing organic vegetables can be earthy and simple with fresh water. Learn to wash greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

Creating a Micro-Habitat for Cold Season Greens

Grow greens and herbs in cold climates by creating a micro-habitat of warmth and sun. Learn to use micro-habitat hoop houses for growing greens from an organic farmer in this free gardening video.

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