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An Introduction to Greenhouse Gardening
from: Paul P. DuxburyGreenhouses come in a wide variety of different styles and
types. Each is suited to a special need or want and degree of
seriousness for greenhouse gardening. For the beginning
greenhouse gardener there are smaller versions available that
come in the form of portable greenhouses, a hobby greenhouse, or
mini greenhouses. There is also the option to build your
greenhouse from scratch with a foundation.
What exactly is a greenhouse? A greenhouse is a structure that
creates a protected environment for plants to grow in, thus
extending the productive lives of plants. Greenhouse gardening
is a fun and functional way to garden all year around. You can
pick tomatoes in the winter. Grow herbs and vegetables and start
seedlings and cuttings. Some of the reasons to start a
greenhouse:
Carrying over garden plants to be used as Greenhouse plants next
season Getting an early start for tender plants started from
seed Increasing the possibilities of a greater variety and
continuous supply Easier culture of small vegetables for winter
use To propagate and experiment with various plants as a hobby
Develop new varieties of plants
As with most projects, begin your greenhouse gardening with a
plan. You want to consider the type of greenhouse you want (a
cold house or a heated greenhouse) and the construction and type
of foundation that is required. What type of equipment you will
need, covering for your greenhouse, and what type of watering,
humidity control, heating, and air circulation systems that will
be best suited for your needs.
A cold house is the most uncomplicated of greenhouses. This type
of greenhouse is not equipped with any artificial means of heat
therefore the growing season is shortened when the outside
temperature drops below freezing. Frost sensitive plants will
not grow between late fall and the middle of spring unless you
provide heat, which of course would not then be a cold house. A
cold house does lengthen the growing season from that of
gardening outdoors by trapping the heat from the sun throughout
the day. In addition, it provides a cosy respite for you to
enjoy your gardening away from the elements of wind and rain; it
also protects plants from these same elements too.
Monitoring the temperature of your greenhouse is very important.
If the temperature inside your greenhouse becomes too hot, your
plants will wilt and die. On the other hand, lower temperatures
can decrease the vigour and growth of your plants. Try to
develop a daily schedule that maintains the best possible
temperature. It does not take much to destroy all the work you
put into your greenhouse; one hour of intense heat is all it
takes. It is better to leave your greenhouse open, and have it a
bit cool, than to have your plants die from the heat. For the
first few days, check the temperature of your greenhouse several
times. If you necessary, open the doors more and/or provide more
vents to maintain desired temperature control. During the late
afternoon or early evening, when the temperature has cooled,
close up your greenhouse. This is a great time to water your
plants and flats if they require it.
If you begin greenhouse gardening with a cold house, once you
install a heater you will then be able to enjoy a true
greenhouse. When you do this, you will transform your love of
gardening into a year-round hobby. To grow greenhouse plants
throughout the winter the minimum temperature is 45 degrees.
Unlike gardening outside where the rain waters the plants, it
does not rain inside a greenhouse. Watering greenhouse plants is
not simply taking a hose and saturating the soil. Within the
soil, there are small open-air pores that roots depend on for
providing them with nutritious gases. When you water your
plants, these small pores fill up with water; which then causes
suffocation for the plants roots. When the roots suffocate, the
plants wither and it is very common for most gardeners when they
see this to water the plants further thus causing further
suffocation. Remember the watering needs inside a greenhouse are
different because the environment is enclosed a majority of the
time and a fair amount of moisture becomes trapped lessening the
amount of water required. A good rule for watering is to check
the soil and if it is dry then add water.
About the author:
Paul Duxbury writes extensively on a range of topics including
Gardening and you can read more at
http://www.garden-care-centre.com
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