Greenhouses make it possible to grow plants that would be hard to germinate or harden off in less controlled conditions. Growing plants in a greenhouse requires attention to some details that are not present in outdoor gardens or most raised beds. There are five tips that will help any gardener to get the best results when growing plants in a greenhouse.
Temperature Control
Greenhouses need constant temperature control no matter what is happening outside. The greenhouse could easily heat up quickly or drop in temperature at night. Although individual plants require different temperatures, most greenhouses should never be allowed to get hotter than 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day or below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This is especially important during germination periods. Exterior vents and heaters are the two elements that will allow for accurate temperature control.
Ventilation
Every greenhouse needs a way to cycle new air into the space on a daily basis. Smaller greenhouses simply need to have the door opened for a few hours. Larger greenhouses will need a ventilation system with fans. The plants in the greenhouse require carbon dioxide to grow correctly. Plants in a sealed greenhouse will quickly use up the available carbon dioxide. This can result in slow growth or even weak plants with fragile root systems. Ventilation makes certain the plants have all the carbon dioxide necessary to grow while also moderating humidity levels.
Identify Shaded Areas
Greenhouses might seem very bright on the inside. The reality is that there are still going to be shaded areas. These are caused by the frame of the greenhouse, items outside like trees or even parts like vents. The shade could create areas where plants do not receive full sun during day and grow slowly. It is a good idea to identify shaded areas and use the space for equipment storage or to seat plants that will thrive in partial shade.
Water at Night
Greenhouses and the plants inside are different from some outdoor areas. It is normally most effective to water plants in a greenhouse at night. This is because the internal greenhouse environment often allows water to evaporate more quickly than natural outdoor environments. Watering at night allows the plants to absorb every drop of water. This prepares the roots, soil and leaves for the heat in the greenhouse during the day.
Keep the Greenhouse Clean
The greenhouse should be kept as clean as possible. This makes it safer and makes it easier for gardeners to take care of the plants inside. It also serves the important function of taking away shelter for pests and diseases. The enclosed area allows pests like snails, slugs, aphides and even nematodes to grow and spread. Piles of clippings provide food for fungal diseases or mold spores. Keeping the greenhouse cleans makes it harder for pests and diseases to spread to the plants inside.
