How To Start Greenhouse Gardening In 2023 Whether you want to try growing a few plants that thrive in a different environment than your backyard garden or just want to grow veggies year-round, a greenhouse can be an ideal place to grow crops in a controlled environment.Â
That said, if you’re a newbie in the world of greenhouse gardening, this article can help you get started on the right path.Â
- Choose The Right Greenhouse Unit
Obviously, you can’t start greenhouse gardening without a greenhouse. Specially designed to cultivate plants year-round, greenhouses are available in three types:
- Wooden Greenhouse
If you live in colder climates, a wood greenhouse can keep your harvest warm throughout winter. A wooden greenhouse is known for its high insulation properties and mimics nature as well as absorbing harmful UV rays that allow plants to thrive.Â
- Plastic Greenhouse
If you want something cheaper but durable enough for year-round gardening, a plastic greenhouse is the best choice. You can opt for a polycarbonate plastic greenhouse that offers more efficient light diffusion, allowing your plants to enjoy sunlight while protecting them against harsh radiation exposure.Â
- Metal Greenhouse
Metal greenhouses are lightweight, maintenance-free, long-lasting, and easy to relocate. Usually designed with aluminum frames, metal greenhouses have a solid and durable construction base allowing more loads and shelving options than other types.Â
Buying a Greenhouse Online
Regardless of the type of greenhouse you choose, you can have a wide range of options online. Some greenhouses you buy even come with free delivery and installation, such as the range at https://www.swgreenhouses.co.uk/.Â
“4×4 Elite Compact Greenhouse from swgreenhouses.co.uk”
- Choose The Best Location
Once you find the perfect greenhouse, you need to find the best location for it. The biggest factor to consider when choosing the best location is sunlight exposure. Since plants need light for photosynthesis, you need to check how the sunlight will reach them. In general, a south-facing greenhouse will receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.Â
Aside from sunlight exposure, you also need to consider any plants and structures around the location. Tall trees and walls may prevent sunlight from reaching your greenhouse. Also, make sure to always put your greenhouse on a flat, level surface with proper drainage to ensure excess water will flow out of the plant beds. Also, make sure that the ground is firm and compacted so it doesn’t settle after placing your greenhouse.Â
- Consider Air Circulation
Proper air circulation in your greenhouse creates uniformity in humidity, temperature, oxygen, and CO2 within the enclosed environment. In general, plants respond better to proper air circulation and environmental consistency. Proper ventilation can help stimulate the wind in the enclosed environment of a greenhouse.Â
Even if your greenhouse comes with doors and windows, you should consider adding a ventilation system that can provide the right levels of humidity and temperature.
- Add A Lighting System
Plants require sunlight for photosynthesis and growth. During summer and spring, this is not an issue since your greenhouse should receive enough sunlight. However, if you live in colder areas, or once autumn and winter come, adequate lighting may be an issue.Â
Thus, you might want to add LED grow lights and fluorescent lamp strips that can support your plants’ growth when sunlight is scarce. In general, though, a greenhouse lighting system is placed in the germination or propagating room to support the early growth of plants.Â
- Add More Shelves
Greenhouse shelving allows you to stay neat and organized. Also, adding enough shelves can help you maximize the space for plants while providing support for climbing plants and vines. Make sure to choose adjustable shelves for better flexibility, allowing you to move them up and down as necessary.
- Seed Starting
There are several factors to consider when it’s time to grow your greenhouse plants—from growing conditions to ideal planting time, and the types of seeds or plants you want.Â
For newbie greenhouse gardeners, you can start by buying transplants from your local plant nursery. However, for advanced growers or those who just want to grow better crops, growing from seeds is a much better option. If you choose the latter, make sure to study various seed types as well as how to grow and care for them.
- Know How Often Should Your Plants Be WateredÂ
One of the most important aspects of greenhouse gardening is watering. Make sure to understand the watering requirements of your plants to prevent underwatering or overdoing it which can kill them. If you have enough budget, you can invest in a good drip system with a timer to ensure proper watering of your plants.Â
- Defend Against Pests
Although the structure is enclosed, your greenhouse is still prone to pesky pests. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep them out. For one, you should keep outside foliage away from the greenhouse. You can also stop pest invasion by using screens on your vents. You can also attract predatory pollinators like butterflies and bees into your greenhouse. Not only can they help in eliminating pests like aphids, but they also help pollinate your plants.Â
Takeaway
A greenhouse provides the ideal environment for plants to thrive—even during cold seasons. When you get it right, greenhouse gardening can help you grow your own produce all year round.