About Greenhouse Gardening

GROWING UNDER GLASS…

White Cottage Greenhouses

Greenhouses are simply structures of varying sizes which are designed specifically for growing plants, with side and roof materials which are primarily see through, so that the plants growing inside can get plenty of sun during the day.

A modern greenhouse will often have heating and cooling systems installed, so that the temperature can be controlled, allowing plants of any type to be grown all year round, irrespective of the weather conditions outside.

Some common reasons for using a greenhouse:

  • Easier growing of plants and vegetables for winter use
  • Holding over garden plants to be used as parent plants for the next season
  • Growing plants which require a warmer/more humid environment
  • Getting an early start for delicate plants started from seed
  • Increasing the possibilities of a greater variety, and continuous supply
  • To propagate, experiment, and even develop new varieties

Any gardener can apply their knowledge and skills to the greenhouse, just altering it a little to garden under glass. There is a range of temperatures between which a garden greenhouse can be easily maintained; the ideal conditions of course depend on the plants to be grown. A little careful planning will ensure that you have a greenhouse that suits your needs…

 

Planning Your Greenhouse

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION...

Ideally your greenhouse should be positioned to maximise the amount of winter sun it can receive. This normally means, if possible, your greenhouse should be aligned with the long side facing south (or built against a south facing wall in the case of a lean-to). Some points to consider are:

  • Shadows cast by existing buildings and trees
  • The change in angle of the sun between summer and winter (winter shadows will be longer)
  • Will any growing trees shade the greenhouse in the future?
  • Deciduous trees will shed their leaves allowing winter sun, evergreens will not.

 

White Cottage Leisure BuildingsSIZE

You must first assess your needs. Your greenhouse interior should be large enough to allow room for potting plants and moving around comfortably. Also take into consideration any staging or shelving which you will need and how this will be positioned; adequate ventilation is achieved when air can circulate freely among your plants, so try to spread them out around the greenhouse, don’t crowd them too close together. Will you need storage space for tools? Are you planning to sit in your greenhouse during the summer: will you need to allow room for some furniture?

Ultimately the size of greenhouse you choose is completely up to you. Many hobby greenhouse owners suggest making it larger than you anticipate using, as once you start gardening you’ll want to expand, and end up wishing you had more space available. So consider getting one as big as you can reasonably afford and your existing space will allow; in many cases the size of your property will dictate the size of the greenhouse. There are a variety of designs available so be sure to research the options before embarking on your own greenhouse project.