With unpredictable spring snowstorms, growing cilantro starters can be risky. One unexpected frost can wipe out a month’s growth of delicate, new sprouts. Likewise, autumn weather often turns harsh before busy gardeners have finished harvesting. Rumford Gardener gives green thumbs respite from Mother Nature’s precarious weather, and extends the growing season with its lightweight, portable greenhouse. The sturdy, tubular, steel frame assembles quickly with interlocking pieces. A protective, powder-coated finish helps resist weather-related damage. The clear PVC cover wraps around the greenhouse to insulate plants, while providing plenty of light exposure. The cover’s front panel unzips from both sides--so gardeners can roll up the front panel on warmer days and seal it at night. Four, wire grid shelves support trays of seeds, starts, and potted plants. Each shelf measures 27 by 18 inches, and holds plants up to 13 inches tall. A top shelf supports plants up to 19 inches high.
The greenhouse’s lightweight structure makes transport easy. During early spring and late fall, gardeners may opt to carry it outside for daylight hours--allowing plants the benefits of sun and fresh air--and return it indoors at night to avoid frost damage. In windy climates, it’s best to weigh the greenhouse down to keep it from toppling over. Putting the greenhouse together is simple with included instructions. No additional tools are required. Assembled, the greenhouse measures 63 by 27 by 18 inches. Unassembled, it measures 13-1/2 by 3 by 16 inches and weighs 12-1/5 pounds. Rumford Gardener covers this product with a lifetime warranty. --Jessica Reuling
