This is my 3rd year gardening. I have 1400 sq feet. Half for tomatoes and half divided between peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and green beans The first two years I purchased starter plants but want to try my hand at seeds. I looked at indoor with a grow lamp and outdoor with a homemade greenhouse (shelves enclosed with clear plastic) I prefer outdoor. Should I put a heating pad or if that is not enough, a small electric heater inside the enclosure for night time? I live in NJ across from Phila. How cold can seedlings take?
Make sure to follow the instruction listed on the seed packs, as each seedling will have a different set of tolerances. When you go by the instructions, it will not be necessary to take any special precautions. However, if you are planting outside of the parameters listed for each species, then it will need help to keep it within its parameters.
These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/how-to-direct-sow-seeds.htm
They scrape off real easy. I just wanted to know if they could be harmful to my starts.
I would be concerned about mold. You can contact your local Cooperative Extension service for advice on whether that is harmful and how to remove it.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/greenhouse-gardening-supplies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/is-greenhouse-humidity-important.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
We bought our house a year and a half ago, with a sunroom that is in terrible shape. I decided to use it as a greenhouse to grow some lettuce indoors. Some of the double panes windows are cracked with yucky stuff in between panes. There was some moss growing on the windows. I cleaned that off and put a dehumidifier inside to keep humidity down. I was wondering if I should be concerned about eating veggies grown in here? I’m going to start flower seeds as well, which is not a problem because we won’t be eating them. What are your thoughts about veggies and herbs?
I am more concerned with your breathing the air than the vegetables and herbs. I suggest calling a contractor and seeing how much it would be to replace the cracked windows. It may not be as much as you think.
I live in Eastern Ontario, Canada
It depends on what you are growing, but a tropical plant would not make it through the winter without warmth.
Here are some tips:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/unheated-greenhouse-growing.htm
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/how-can-i-insulate-my-unheated-greenhouse-during-winter
https://extension.umn.edu/growing-systems/deep-winter-greenhouses
6 by 4 feet
I'm not, entirely, certain of the question. What I can do, in the meantime, is include some articles might be of assistance:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/greenhouse-gardening.htm
Which veggie plants can be grown over the winter in a greenhouse in zones 3 & 4
That depends on how warm you keep your greenhouse. If it is heated, then you won't really be limited to what you can grow. If it is not heated, then I would only stick with cool season crops.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/spring-planting-crops.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/plants-for-greenhouses.htm
I bought a 8 ft x6 ft greenhouse for our personal use. what would be the best flooring for North Carolina and how will I know how much flooring to buy?
Generally, you can use gravel, alone! This is the most simple, and cheap method. There are many options, though.
This collection of articles will give you much more information on greenhouses: