Growing in a Greenhouse

Growing in a greenhouse offers a number of advantages for gardeners, including the ability to extend growing seasons and increase production. A greenhouse also lets you control heat and light to bring out the best in your vegetables, herbs and other plants.

Green houses can be constructed from a variety of materials and can come in various shapes. Some are entirely made of plastic, while others are a combination of plastic and glass. Each type has its own set of pros and cons.

If you’re just starting out with a greenhouse, it’s wise to start small and choose easy-to-grow plants that are suited to your climate and skill level. You can easily move on to more complicated, advanced and demanding varieties as your skills progress.

Make sure your new greenhouse is placed in an area that receives maximum sunlight and is protected from standing water, such as a concrete slab or an open porch. This will encourage the best growth and give your greens the ultimate protection against radiation exposure.

You’ll also want to keep your greenhouse in an area where it can get a lot of natural ventilation, so you don’t overheat the space. This is particularly important during warmer summers, when the temperature in your greenhouse can rise quickly.

Keeping your greenhouse clean and free of debris is a good idea, as debris can block the sun’s rays and cause overheating. Adding compost and fertilizer to your greenhouse is a simple way to improve the overall quality of the space.

In addition, you may wish to add a fan or air vents to your greenhouse to help keep it cool during the day and warm during the night. You can also place a cover over your greenhouse to protect it from too much direct sunlight.

The right temperature and the correct amount of humidity are crucial for plant growth. You’ll need to determine the right temperature for your particular crops, and then adjust it as necessary to keep them healthy.

For example, you’ll need to adjust your temperature when you’re sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings in a propagator, and it’s always best to avoid overheating your greenhouse. This will prevent your seedlings from becoming wilted and weak, which can lead to stunted growth.

When it comes to the humidity in a greenhouse, some plants can’t handle too much moisture, such as ficus or fiddle-leaf figs. If this is the case, consider planting a variety that requires less humidity or an alternate space for your plant.

Herbs are another good choice for a greenhouse, as they enjoy the cooler and more moist conditions. Basil, sage, rosemary and thyme are all great choices for the space.

You can even grow herbs indoors, if you have a window or other space to allow for proper ventilation. But be aware that some herbs, like mint, can be invasive and should be kept to their own containers.

A greenhouse is an excellent option for extending the growing season, but it can be tricky to master in your first few seasons. To help you get started, here are a few basic tips for growing your first crop in a greenhouse: