Episode 164 - Backyard Greenhouses

Episode 164 - Backyard Greenhouses

From Ditch The Store by CJ Steedman

May 25, 2026 · 49 min · Season 4 · Episode 164

About this episode

CJ Steedman discusses the importance and options for backyard greenhouses in frosty climates.

Winter’s rolling in down here in the Southern Tablelands, so today we’re talking backyard greenhouses — and I don’t just mean the “grab a kit from Bunnings and hope for the best” kind. I break down what a greenhouse actually does (wind management, frost protection, moisture control and temperature buffering), why it matters in frosty climates, and the different options from tiny cloches right through to DIY window-and-door masterpieces . I also share a quick personal update on my leg (surgery, bone graft, and the long road back to being properly useful around the farm again). Thanks for all the kind messages — they’ve meant a lot.In this episode Why there was no episode last week (and where I’m at with recovery) Greenhouse vs hothouse (and why I want both) The first step: know your climate zone + frost dates Frost pockets, wind exposure and why valleys can be colder What a greenhouse is meant to do (not just look pretty) Greenhouse options: Cloches (mini plant domes) Cold frames (old window over a raised bed) Hoop houses / plastic tunnels Shade cloth houses (what I’m using right now) Polycarbonate kit greenhouses Traditional glasshouses DIY builds using recycled windows and doors…

People in this episode

Host: CJ Steedman

Topics covered

  • backyard greenhouses
  • winter gardening
  • climate zones
  • frost protection
  • greenhouse design

Keywords

  • greenhouse
  • frost protection
  • cloches
  • DIY greenhouse
  • winter gardening
  • temperature control
  • moisture control

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Southern Tablelands

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