Do you plan to grow vegetables all through the seasons? Or do you want to plant a few crops that require a different place other than the backyard garden? A greenhouse may just be what you need to get started.
What’s a Greenhouse?
It’s an enclosure that has a roof and walls that are transparent so sunlight can come in. It allows gardeners to raise plants in a controlled place. You can add some accessories like water misters, air circulation, heating pads, and sun lamps to keep your crops happy and healthy. You may want to click here to know more about the structure.
Types of Greenhouse
There are different types of greenhouses, but we will discuss those that are popularly used by horticulturists.
1. Freestanding
This type is a complete building, standing on its own. It is large enough to allow the gardener to enter. This greenhouse is quite expensive because it is sturdy and complex to construct.
2. Cold Frame
This is a small and simple greenhouse, usually constructed as a small box with a hinged lid that allows you to place plants inside. It is cheap to buy or build because you do not need any source of heat.
Home gardeners use the cold frame structure to protect plants from harsh weather conditions during overwintering processes. Those periods are when cold-resistant crops are left to keep growing in the soil all through winter.
3. Attached
This type is built against a strong wall (like the wall of your house) to serve as an anchor for the structure. It can be very small like window boxes or large like the portion of the building it is attached to. The price varies, but since there is a firm wall to secure it, you can use a flimsier material to construct the other 3 walls to save money.
Things to Plant in the Greenhouse
You can plant just about anything in the greenhouse. For starters, try vegetables and fruits that are easy to grow so you can develop your gardening skills. Below are some plants you can grow in the greenhouse.
- Tomatoes
- Sunflower
- Strawberries
- Radishes
- Potatoes
- Pepper
- Peas
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Lettuce
- Garlic
- Cabbage
- Arugula
Tips for Setting Up a Greenhouse
If you are ready to set up a horticulture greenhouse, below are some tips to help you begin.
1. Get a Kit
If you are not a DIYer, you can try using a kit. It contains all the supports and plastic sheeting you need to construct your greenhouse.
2. Install a Thermostat
Since sun rays will continuously come into the house and will not find an escape route, you should be able to measure the in-house temperature. You do not want it to be too cold or too hot. Generally, the optimum temperature for plant growth is 26 – 29 degrees Celsius. Hence, you need to install a thermostat so you can observe the temperature and adjust it if it goes beyond the ideal range.
3. Set Up an Air Circulation System
Moist environments are good for some plants but when there is excess moisture, the plants will become prone to mildew or fungal diseases. The essence of air circulation is to prevent cold spots in the winter seasons.
Advanced horticulturists usually set up ventilation units or roof vents in addition to the ventilation system. However, you can set up one or two fans to rotate on low setting. This will circulate the air around all the plants.
4. Check for Pests Regularly
Greenhouses seem like pests cannot get in and invade the crops, but this may go the opposite direction. As soon as the pests find their way in, the humid, warm climate in the house will provide a good breeding ground. Thus, the rate of infestation may be tremendously high if you are not observant.
When gardening, ensure you check for pests always. If you find any, separate the affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also introduce predatory insects such as lacewings and ladybugs to check the population of insects and pests.
5. Keep a Gardening Journal
Generally, gardening calls for record-keeping. You should be able to tell when you planted a seed so you can know when it is supposed to sprout, flower, fruit, and so on. This is also important in greenhouse farming.
You can start keeping notes from the beginning of the gardening to track what does not work and what does. You may want to take note of the following:
- The potting soil in use
- The amount of fertilizer you are adding.
- The watering schedule that is best for your tomatoes, cucumber, etc.
Record-keeping for your garden helps to improve your skills. It also ensures your garden stays in optimum condition. You may want to check out https://www.farmanddairy.com/top-stories/recordkeeping-for-the-garden/311117.html to read more about record-keeping.
Conclusion
Gardening is fun; it brings you closer to nature so you can appreciate how life forms. Isn’t it amazing how you just place a tiny seed in the soil, and it turns into a big tree, bearing large fruits? Farming in a greenhouse allows you to grow all your desired fruits and veggies all year round. You can give it a try.
