Jump to:
Garden greenhouses are among the practical gardening solutions. Owning one can benefit not only a variety of plants but also the gardeners themselves.
Whatever your level is, you can take advantage of all the perks simple greenhouses can offer. Grow more than just organic vegetables. Cultivate year-round, and don’t worry about extreme temperatures.
Read on to learn what greenhouse gardening is and the good effects of greenhouse growing.
Garden Greenhouses
So, you’re thinking of investing in a modern greenhouse for your crop-raising needs. It can either be small enough or rather large to fill your garden. What makes it so special, then?
Different types of greenhouses are on the market, all built from a variety of materials. We’ve listed these below just to make things simple.
But no matter the greenhouse design, all share one thing in common. And that is, they provide a controlled environment for plant life.
Cultivating in a greenhouse environment promises an efficient growing and extended growing season. Acting as a shield between nature, it also protects your range of plants from rough weather.
The benefits may overwhelm you, but there’s more to it.
Greenhouse Gardening Benefits
For every advantage you read, the closer you get to realising it’s a worthwhile investment. Ready to get your hands dirty?
Extended growing season
The major benefit of a greenhouse is you’re no longer restricted in what and when to grow. This simply means you can start your growing season at any time of the year.
At the same time, extend it to accommodate your cultivation needs. You can either plan your planting earlier or later in the season and still enjoy a good crop! For instance, growing cucumbers during the colder months, despite being predominantly summer crops.
Note: Warm-weather plants can thrive inside, no matter the temperature outside. Meanwhile, cold-frame greenhouse suits cooler climates plants.
Ultimate weather protection
With the UK’s temperamental weather, a closed environment does wonders for plants. A greenhouse also ensures protection against snow and heat waves. All sorts of bad weather conditions.
Temperature changes may put the delicate nature of your greens off balance. But with a stable environment for plants, they can grow strong and healthy. Forget about too much direct sunlight, damaging winds, or excessive rains.
Effortless overwintering
While prepping your garden for winter, you can leave your potted plants in the greenhouse. This will keep them safe and dry from the frost, even as you close for the cold season.
Protected and controlled environment
A wooden greenhouse supplies the ideal haven for any types of plants. Besides less exposure to extreme weather, it can also keep the threat of pests at bay. For one, they’ll have a hard time getting to your outdoor garden.
What’s more, you have complete control over it. The light that comes, air circulation, temperature control, moisture levels, and the plants. They’re all decided by you, who manage the space.
Whether you have exotic plants or growing fresh vegetables, you can rely on a greenhouse.
Top tips: Keep your greenhouse neat and clean. Also, opt for organic and pesticide-free gardening practices for effective pest management.
Portable and customisable
Portable greenhouses allow for convenient garden layout changing. Since you’re growing in potted plants and not on the ground, you have more freedom to move them around as needed.
You may also use the greenhouse to plant, nurture, and grow seedlings, then move them out when the time comes. The possibilities are endless!
Customising is also easy! With roll-up covers and panels, you can tailor how much ventilation your plants need. And if space is an issue, you won’t run out of size options. You may consider a lean-to unit, a pent growhouse, or this easy-fit frame.
All-in-one plant tending space
You can have a dedicated area for your gardening and growing. This will let you grow anything from flowers to vegetables and even tropical plants. What’s more, you have a spot to keep your gardening tools and equipment within reach.
Fresh produce supply
Your greenhouse can be your home food supply. If you crave a fresh salad, your plant haven is just a few steps away from home, and then harvest the ingredients.
By growing your food, you’ll have a constant and reliable supply of fresh, healthy greens. In turn, you’ll know exactly what food you and the family consume.
Depending on what you grow, your fresh produce could last throughout the winter. Better yet, if you grow organic veggies and fruits, you’ll be able to consume them at a lower cost than at a grocery store.
Production increase
With all-season gardening, you can increase your plant production. Not only that, but chances are good that your crops will be a lot bigger. The warm temperature inside is also a factor for encouraging growth.
Create a suitable environment for the plants you wish to grow to maximise your harvest.
Multipurpose environment
It’s no secret by now that a greenhouse is a multifaceted place where all sorts of plants can live there. Thanks to the warmer and more humid environment, you can add bulb plants to your ‘plants to grow’ list. Even ornamentals, herbs and, in some cases, spices!
As long as you understand your plants’ survival conditions, you can grow various of them. Or change what you sow every year and adjust accordingly for your ideal harvest.
Think of your reduced trips to the farmers market every weekend or early in the mornings!
Round-up
With the right greenhouse, gardening can be a year-round hobby. It’s the perfect place for developing your green thumb.
The extra growing options can widen your plot with more than just greens. You may inject colours with roses or orchids or any seasonal blooms you’ve always admired.
It also helps reduce carbon footprint. So much energy is spent on producing and transporting plant food. But growing your own helps reduce that number.
If these benefits pique your interest, here’s how to choose the right greenhouse for you.
FAQs
Why do plants grow in greenhouses?
Plants in the greenhouse use the energy from the sun to fuel photosynthesis. The structure then traps the heat to keep the plants warm.
What grows well in a greenhouse?
Greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale all thrive in a greenhouse. Other cool-weather crops, such as carrots, beets, peas, and broccoli, are ideal, too.
Do plants grow faster in a greenhouse?
That depends, but warmth and humidity promote plant growth. On top of that, they need moisture and light. A greenhouse perfectly stabilises the ideal growing environment for them.
Is a greenhouse better than the outdoors?
Outdoor plants are naturally exposed to nature and weather patterns. This enables them to grow at certain times of the year.
As for greenhouse cultivation, it’s more on the mechanical side. It gives farmers and home gardeners, for one, more control over the environment. In return, anything they can can be controlled and monitored year-round with convenience.
Should a greenhouse be in full sun?
As much as possible, find a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This is especially crucial during the winter.
Positioning it east to west will ensure the largest side will get full southern sun exposure.
