Have you fallen down the greenhouse rabbit hole yet, plant friends? If you've had plants for more than a year, you're probably like me, who's started Googling "how to put a greenhouse in my backyard" already. And I learned that a greenhouse isn't a big plant shelf but a structure, and it's probably the largest single purchase you'll make as a plant parent. I'm in Zone 10b in Florida and I still haven't built mine. So I asked Leslie Halleck, a favorite podcast guest, a long-time friend, and someone who has a master's in greenhouse production and a new book called Home Greenhouse Revival, what to figure out first. And I think she also holds the guest record for most appearances on the show! Let's dive in!
In this episode, we learn:
- [02:06] Meet Leslie Halleck
- [02:33] Moving her whole life and business from Texas to Oregon
- [03:29] Why the Pacific Northwest is a ‘horticultural mecca’ for gardeners
- [04:42] Lelie’s new 6-acre property (what she calls folia forest farm)
- [06:49] What does her "pocket farming" look like?
- [09:03] Why are greenhouses trending?
- [12:51] What is the biggest greenhouse mistake?
- [14:13] Why cooling a greenhouse is so much harder than heating one
- [15:29] Manukora Honey
- [17:47] Hoop house vs. glass house
- [18:47] What are the elements that make up a greenhouse?
- [21:21] Greenhouse framing materials and glazing!
- [22:43] Is there a beginner-friendly greenhouse?
- [25:04] What Leslie thinks about thrifted/DIY vintage window greenhouses
- [27:41] How to pick the right greenhouse size?
- [29:48] Greenhouses as the expensive part of a cheap hobby
- [30:33] Using multiple greenhouses to zone temperature and humidity
- [32:47] What about a half-empty greenhouse?
- [33:26] What is AOI (angle of incidence)? How roof pitch and sun angle affect how much light gets in
- [35:49] Inside the plant profiles (PPFD, DLI, photoperiod, fertilizer PPM, and VPD)
- [39:21] How does pest management in a greenhouse work?
- [43:33] Leslie's dream greenhouse for her new property (and why she's leaning Venlo)
- [48:23] How greenhouse pricing and options have changed and where to find good manufacturers
- [50:26] Why you want someone local who knows your climate and orientation
- [51:29] Starting small without setting yourself up to fail (and reviving a greenhouse that already flopped)
- [54:10] Where to find Leslie, the book, her gardener's round tables, and her UCLA courses!
Mentioned in our conversation:
For Leslie's expert greenhouse advice,
check out the full show notes and blog here!
Follow Leslie:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor:
Manukora
Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!
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