Greenhouse Gardening

Greenhouse gardening is a fun way to grow a variety of plants throughout the year in a controlled atmosphere.  You can begin with seeds, possibly using a Seed Starter, or seedlings and start a hobby by developing new varietals.  Greenhouses are great places to grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruits and other ornamental plants.

There are many types of structures available commercially that the greenhouse gardener can purchase.  Greenhouses are available to build from kits and plans, or can be purchased and delivered fully constructed to your greenhouse garden.  Also available, are Portable Greenhouses.  Greenhouse gardening can be done in  whatever size area is best for you and can contain bed and container gardens.  Don’t forget to include some type of bench on which to sit and enjoy your greenhouse plants.  Also, you will need some type of table or potting bench on which to plant your seeds and other vegetation.

It is very important to think carefully about the location you will place your greenhouse garden.  The site should be level and have good sun exposure.  You need to consider the amount of sun the location will receive in the winter and summer months.  Look at the shadows that are created by trees and structures.  Remember that the sun’s angle on the horizon decreases as the days get shorter.  To fully enjoy your greenhouse gardening experience, place the greenhouse in a site with easy access.

Greenhouse gardening uses the suns rays to provide heat to the plants housed there.  The more sun the greenhouse receives, the hotter it gets inside.  You must provide adequate ventilation to maintain proper temperatures.  You need to have a thermometer in the greenhouse and monitor it several times a day when you first get started.  This allows you to add ventilation or shading to your greenhouse garden as needed.  Once you have gained some experience, you only need to check the temperature in the morning and early evening.  Most of the commercial greenhouses available provide you with detailed information on ventilation.

Commercial potting soil is sufficient for the average greenhouse garden.  Make sure you have proper drainage and maintain soil moisture.  Overwatering is a threat for many greenhouse gardens.  The greenhouse maintains humidity and therefore most plants only need to be watered when the soil is dry.

Greenhouse gardening offers the opportunity to work with plants and enjoy their beauty and fruits throughout the year.

www.GardeningLibrary.net