Every spring, sales for greenhouses always go through the roof. That’s because successful gardeners have discovered the advantages of having one of these nifty contraptions in their own backyards. While others are struggling with cold, wet soils or draughty northern winds, greenhouse gardening lets you raise your potted plants throughout any season.
They let you grow flowers and vegetables for longer seasons, assuring you a reliable harvest. Even the smallest greenhouse can have an important role to play in any garden. And if you have a large range of tasks to achieve, the bigger ones can let you potter around in comfort. It is also the best way for gardeners who are just starting out to test the waters.
With that in mind, here are 5 tips that can help you make the most of your greenhouse garden in any season:
- Site it in the Sun
It is incredibly important to find the optimal spot for your greenhouse. Ensuring that it receives sunlight on all sides is vital. If your greenhouse is long and narrow, then placing it in an east-west orientation is the best choice. Also, keep it away from any structures that can cast a shadow over it including fences, walls, hedges, and any buildings. And, of course, avoid placing it under any trees.
- Provide Good Heating
Believe it or not, greenhouses are very inefficient at holding on to heat. And we all know that heat is a critical factor when cultivating plants in one. You can keep it unheated and rely solely on sunshine, which is a free and renewable resource. But if you must use a heat source, go for an electric one. That’s because they create better-growing conditions in your greenhouse.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature within the structure. Too much heat in a short period of time can kill delicate plants. So invest in a thermometer to help you keep track.
- Don’t Forget About Ventilation
All greenhouses need a good ventilation system. That’s because vents let any hot, rising air to move out while allowing cooler air in. This is especially important for summer months when the temperature tends to rise to very high levels.
You can find out the optimal number of roof vents that your greenhouse needs from the manufacturer. Also, invest in louvers to draw in air at the base of your structure and ensure a steady flow of air. This will help create better-growing conditions in your greenhouse. If you tend to be away from home during the day, fit in automatic openers to get this done.
- Solve the Watering Problem
For many people, investing in greenhouse plumbing is a luxury. So you can turn to more sustainable practices to solve the watering problem. You can harvest a surprising volume of rainwater using your structure’s roof and store it in nearby tanks. You can then use a watering can to keep your plants watered. And if you’re away from home a lot, you could invest in a semi-automatic watering system.
The best time to water your plants is in the evenings. This is the best way to keep evaporation down and ensure that your plants absorb more water and eliminate waste. You can also place stone or marble chips on your greenhouse floor to keep the humidity up, ensuring that your plants thrive.
- Check for Pests
Before leaving your greenhouse every evening, take time to check for any evidence of pests like snails and slugs. These critters can wreak massive damage on your plants without you noticing before it’s too late. It’s a good idea to try organic remedies like nematodes to help preserve the fragile ecosystem in your greenhouse.
