In this post, we're discussing greenhouses. Most avid gardeners have considered a greenhouse but have not taken the plunge. Here are a few stories to give you a bit more information when considering a greenhouse.
Why Greenhouses Are Great For Growing Produce Year Round (EVEN IN WARM WEATHER CLIMATES)
We came to realize that it's not just the excitement of bringing plants to life but the restorative care the greenhouse provides for troubled plants and trees.
How much space do I need for a greenhouse?
No matter how much space or what kind of setup you have on your property— whether you live in a condo, an apartment, or a home—there’s an opportunity to start a little greenhouse that fits your situation and your climate. There are kits available online and a plethora of good resources at your disposal. Furthermore, we’d be happy to consult with you to assist in choosing the best option for you and helping get it set up.
There is no greater joy than watching a little seedling sprout and having it grow into a viable plant or tree. In addition, it’s such a great option and much more rewarding than going and buying fully grown potted plants and trees. Granted, it takes patience, but the joy far outweighs the time it takes.
Our greenhouse experience has already led to some incredible "wins". We have grown an amazing crop of lettuce (four different kinds, in fact) and it was so bountiful that we were able to pass out bags to our neighbors. I am also working on bringing back two little mango trees back to life and we have a promising tomato season ahead of us, with plants that at the time of this post, have grown to a height of more than 2 feet tall in just two months after being planted from seeds. They are now flowering in preparation for their first crop.
Check out our article about composting which is an amazing resource for a greenhouse, and can enhance the growth of your seedlings as well as provide excellent moisture retention. Happy green thumbs everyone!
Is Owning a Greenhouse Right for You?
The obvious answer is, "yes". Greenhouses can be used year-round, no matter where you live.
In most parts of the U.S., the colder seasons have always brought a halt to gardening activities for months at a time. Then there is also the issue of critters that feast on your plants.
Even if you don't need them due to weather obstacles, they can benefit you and your gardening exploits, because a greenhouse helps protect your plants from many things—snow, plain old cold, too much sun, and even non-weather plant brutality, like critters.
But what about your living mode, whether it's a condo, apartment, townhome, or detached house?
Greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes, you just have to find one that suits your needs and limitations. Can't find what you need for purchase?
The solution is to build a greenhouse. A high-quality one is probably much easier than you imagined.
Building your own greenhouse
When we say you should build your own greenhouse, we don't mean you have to start from scratch. There are plenty of greenhouse kits that you can easily put together yourself. Or, if none of them suit your needs, by all means, custom design one that does.Tabletop Greenhouse
Let's start micro, and move up. In a very small apartment, you can explore the benefits of a charming table top model.
Mini Outdoor Greenhouse
When you have a bit more room, for example, an apartment with an outdoor patio, or a townhouse with a balcony, you can opt for a space-saving, compact "Garden Mini Greenhouse". It gives you just the right amount of room for plants and herbs. They are always easy to put together which is also a plus
Mid-Size Outdoor Greenhouse
Going into a full greenhouse that is appropriate for a detached home is ideal for the avid backyard gardener. You can investigate a kit here.
Large Outdoor Greenhouse
Whether it is for commercial use or your own little homestead, a large outdoor greenhouse doesn't need to be difficult to put together (and it might just become your favorite space to spend time). Here's a great, inexpensive option for a large greenhouse kit.
Custom Greenhouse
When it comes to greenhouses, the options are endless—especially when you take custom designs into consideration. Building your own greenhouse can be just as much about artistic creativity as it is about growing plants. They can be as simple as old plastic containers to framed structures with old windows for walls and from hog-wire hoop houses with sheer plastic sheeting to in-ground, 24-inch cold frames.
Let your imagination be your guide and leave room for a little inspiration from the plant world. Just make sure you have a plan before you start!
Benefits of Greenhouses
Protection from the cold
Even if it doesn't snow where you live, a greenhouse can protect your plants from too much cold. You can grow tender tomatoes and protect tropical plants all season long.
Protection from pests
Most gardeners rate pests as their number one concern. After getting your tomato plants thriving, it can be disheartening to see them attacked and eaten by pests. Your greenhouse is your fortress. The plants are protected from the reach of bugs and varmints.
Save money
This helps you save money at the nursery as you are growing plants from seeds and not buying an expensive pre-potted plant.
A perfect place to spend time
An often overlooked benefit of a greenhouse is that it's a pleasant work environment. Greenhouse temperatures can be managed with airflow vents and fans. Consider the soft light as it filters through an 8mm heavy-duty polycarbonate window pane. The light is filtered in wavelengths that help plants thrive. These same light wavelengths are known to have a positive effect on the human mood, as well. Everybody wins.
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