The Yard Farmer

Gardman R688 Walk-In Greenhouse

One of the most important essentials in greenhouse gardening would be location, location, location. The ideal spot isn’t too hard to choose. There are a few guidelines though to help you in choosing a site that is optimum for your greenhouse build up.

Clean Site

A clean site is one with low traffic area and a place where there is maximum amount of winter sunlight available. It really is no point if you get maximum sunlight during spring and summer but nothing at all during winter. Not sure if you get maximum sunlight during winter? Here are a few things to consider:

• Notice the change in angle of the sun between summer & winter
• Notice the shadows cast by existing structures and trees- Growing trees. Will they shade the greenhouse in future?
• To ensure that your greenhouse is in its best possible angle, then align your greenhouse with the long side facing south. This will benefit you for:
• The roof is angled in way to catch the maximum amount of the sun’s rays during winter with the least amount of loss due to reflection
• If you use a shade cloth during summer or spring, you only need to cover one side

Light

Another essential for greenhouse gardening would be light. Spring and fall are the most important times for the sun to reach a greenhouse. This is because the sun is the lowest in the southern sky.

Gardman Rainbow Garden R687 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse

Workspace

Adequate workspace is essential for potting plants as well as to move about comfortably. You would also need to take into consideration the height of benches as well as the tables. Keep a little bit more space for future objects such as a sink or a space for tools.

Temperature

Apart from location, ideal temperature is also important. Greenhouses produce more heat when there is more sun. Placing a thermometer in the middle of your greenhouse will help you to monitor the temperature at different times of the day and night as well as during sunny or cloudy weather. Depending on the different between temperature and the plants that you are growing, you will be able to assess your ventilation needs. The temperature readings for your greenhouse is essential as it enables you to determine the type of plants to grow and when.

Ventilation

Ventilation is very crucial in a greenhouse. Air should be circulating freely among the plants and spread evenly throughout the greenhouse. Because greenhouses overheat easily, the likelihood of ‘cooking’ your plants instead of nurturing them are high. Your ventilation should suit the region you live in as well as the size and design of your house.

Soil and Irrigation

Commercial potting soil together with a mixture of sand, peat moss, perlite and vermiculite are excellent for the average home greenhouse gardening as it has adequate drainage and nutrition distribution. Never over water your plants as this could lead to the death of the plant or seedling. Only water when the soil is dry- you can either hand water the plants of use drip irrigation systems.

Maintenance

Maintenance has to include disinfecting the greenhouse, opening up the vents, scrubbing the walls and floor as well as periodically spraying the walls and corners with water to keep spider mites and whiteflies away.