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Gardening Tips & Advice
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Thinking about a Greenhouse?
Although a greenhouse is the dream of many
gardeners, some careful planning needs to be done to make sure
that your green house lives up to your expectations.
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First of all, a greenhouse is just a structure
that can provide a more controlled and even environment for your
plants. To begin with, you need to decide what your greenhouse
will be used for; starting seedlings earlier in the spring; growing
tropical plants, or keeping a salad garden all winter.
Your decision will determine the basics of your greenhouse, such as
the size, and whether to add electricity (for heaters).
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Next, you need to determine what type of
materials you will use and how elaborate the green house will be. You
can build it yourself out of plastic sheeting and wood, purchase a kit
that uses glass or rigid plastic or even hire a contractor to build it
for you. You can choose something very simple, such as a
basic unheated building that provides some extended protection for
your plants, or by providing electricity to power a small heater, you
can literally garden all year round.
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Then, decide on the location of your greenhouse.
South facing for the most sunlight is ideal, however, an east or
west facing would also be suitable. Try to choose a
location that will not be in strong winds as these will chill the
structure and put a drain on your heating bill. If you are
going to use electricity, then make sure the location takes this
into consideration. Of course having a tap inside is
ideal, or at least making sure your structure is within easy reach using a hose.
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You may prefer to attach your greenhouse right to the
side of the house. This is perfect if you are adding water and
electricity as you can tap right into your water and electrical
supply. Otherwise you may have to run an electrical cord
to the structure during the colder months to power a heater if
your building is farther away from the power source.
Be sure to provide lots of ventilation too.
Plants need the fresh air and of course bees need to be able to come
and go if you want your plants and vegetables to be pollinated in
order to produce fruit.
My family loves greenhouses; my parents have a tiny,
rather saggy looking plastic sheeting and wood model with a couple of
benches inside that was very inexpensive to build, but year
after year, it produces hundreds of pounds of blight-free
tomatoes. My sister has a beautiful glass
free-standing greenhouse, and although not many plants are grown
in it, it makes a wonderful spot for the bartender to set up
during her
many garden parties!
Whatever you choose, a greenhouse can be a delightful
addition and focal point to your garden and outdoor living.
Visit these retailers that we
have rated to see a good selection of
greenhouses.
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