- What are Greenhouses good for?
Greenhouses create an artificial environment for your plants, forming the ideal conditions for them to grow quickly and well. A greenhouse traps the sun’s rays within its translucent walls, where the inside of the building heats up much quicker than the space outside. In a controlled environment like your greenhouse, you can carefully adjust the overall humidity, temperature, and how much light each of your plants has access to. These ideal conditions mean that you can start growing earlier, as your crops will be protected from some of the late winter or early spring frosts. More time for harvests means more fruit and veggies on your plate.
- What do you need in a Greenhouse?
While a greenhouse is a powerful tool all on its own, it still needs a little help to make sure your plants are getting everything they need.
- Temperature Monitor - You’ll want to know exactly what temperature it is within your greenhouse, even when you’re not in there. There’s a wide array of options online, with varying levels of automation and remote-control capabilities. You’ll want to know exactly how cold it gets in the nighttime, as well as how hot it gets during the peak of the day. Some thermometers can be connected to vents, windows, or heaters, allowing for automatic adjustments when things get too hot or cold.
- Ventilation - Moving air within your greenhouse is incredibly important. This helps keep microclimates from forming, balancing out the overall temperature within. Additionally, circulating air reduces the risk of fungus, mold, and pests from taking hold. Install one or two oscillating fans, depending on the size of your greenhouse. If possible, install windows that are able to be opened and closed. This will be especially essential during summer, when hot days risk things getting too warm for your plants to handle.
- Heat - Seedlings will require heat pads in order to make sure the soil stays warm enough for baby plants to thrive. This is essential for when ambient temperatures drop too low, the heating mat will make sure the soil doesn’t drop along with it. Additionally, you may want to install actual heaters within your greenhouse if you plant tropical plants, or want to extend your growing season into the winter.
- How warm is a Greenhouse?
A greenhouse should stay between 75 and 85 degrees in the daytime, and not drop below 60 degrees F in the evening. You can adjust temperatures throughout the day by using shade cloths, increasing ventilation, opening windows, or damping down the flooring within your greenhouse. You can keep things warm at night by installing thermal batteries, heaters, or other equipment to keep the temperature from dropping too low.
- What are some issues Greenhouses Have?
1. Pests are some of the most common issues that pop up in greenhouses. Aphids, ants, and other kinds of insects are attracted to the ideal conditions within the greenhouse, and your yummy plants within. These can be handled by using companion plants, pesticides, or other insect-repelling technology.
2. Diseases are also possible within a greenhouse. This can include mildew, root rot, fungal diseases, etc. Be sure to check your plants frequently for symptoms, as well as removing excess moisture and ensuring proper airflow within your greenhouse.
3. If you’re using filters in tandem with your ventilation system, check them frequently for clogs or damage. Air filters need to be changed regularly.
4. Make sure to know how warm your greenhouse is getting during the day, and how cold its getting at night. Things getting too warm or too chilly can be disastrous, especially for young, vulnerable plants. Make sure your heaters and ventilation system are working properly.
- What's the best beginner crop to grow in a Greenhouse?
Choose a crop that is durable against adverse conditions, as well as disease, while you’re getting started. It’s also important to choose a crop that you enjoy! This will encourage you to stick with gardening, and actually utilize what you grow. Pick a variety that matches your location, make sure you’ll be able to provide it with the adequate temperatures, humidity, and conditions. Some popular choices for first-time crops include: carrots, onions, radishes, peas, kale, spinach, garlic, or strawberries.
