Getting Started With Greenhouse Gardening
Getting started with greenhouse gardening begins with some basic knowledge of greenhouse gardening and the tools of the trade. Here are a few basic considerations before beginning your greenhouse gardening project.
Selecting an Area for Greenhouse Gardening
Selecting the right area of your yard to begin your greenhouse gardening greatly depends on the type of gardening you prefer. If you grow mainly houseplants or greenery, a partly shady area of the yard is best. Vegetables and fruits need more sun than foliage plants. If you plan to grow a mixture of plants or are unsure of what types of plants you will grow, you can locate your greenhouse in a sunny area and utilize sunshades to protect plants when needed.
You can also situate your greenhouse to face east or west instead of north or south to take advantage of more light. You will want to position your greenhouse in close proximity to utilities such as electricity and water.
Choosing a Type of Greenhouse Construction
Selecting a type of greenhouse depends largely on your budget and the space available. Smaller, portable greenhouses are fairly inexpensive, and custom-built greenhouses that attach to your home can be quite pricey. Special greenhouses are also available that allow you to start plants in your kitchen window or basement. Greenhouse gardening can be adapted to fit any lifestyle and budget. Hobby greenhouses are available in various sizes and materials to suit the needs of every gardener.
You can also choose from a wood frame greenhouse or an aluminum frame. Wood is more aesthetically pleasing, but aluminum is more durable and nearly maintenance free. The foundation for your greenhouse can be constructed of timber, steel beams, concrete block, brick, or a concrete slab. These construction materials vary greatly in price and your budget may be the main deciding factor in selecting a foundation. Some gardeners choose a concrete slab to act as a foundation and flooring in one for their greenhouse.
This simplifies construction in many cases. Others opt for a more natural flooring by adding a landscaping screen to keep out weeds and accenting with a brick walkway or stone pavers. Even a simple gravel flooring is sufficient for use in a greenhouse. You can also choose to use a traditional glass covering for your greenhouse or select a lightweight, inexpensive plastic sheeting or paneling for the walls of your greenhouse.
Other Greenhouse Gardening Considerations
When beginning greenhouse gardening, you will also need to consider where you will get your heat, ventilation, water, and electricity. Specialized greenhouse systems can help you provide these greenhouse gardening essentials, or you can provide them individually as you see fit.
Gardening accessories necessary for greenhouse gardening are few. A watering can, spade, shovel, pots, benches, garden gloves, potting soil, seeds, plants and fertilizers are all great beginning items to collect before beginning your greenhouse gardening project.
Beginning a greenhouse gardening project is easier once you decide on the basics of your greenhouse project and gather the essential greenhouse gardening supplies.
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