Whether you’re a new gardener or a full-time professional, greenhouses are an excellent option. They provide the optimal conditions for effective and long-lasting growth.
Are you a greenhouse gardener or someone who hopes to start a greenhouse garden? You all may have a problem with how to choose the right location to position the greenhouse in the garden. Choosing the right location for your greenhouse is perhaps the most essential decision you’ll make. It is important to the success of the plants you wish to grow inside.
Is there a better location for a greenhouse? By reading this guide, you will be able to know, Where to Position Your Greenhouse: Best Spots Guide.
Let’s start,
You should not place a greenhouse in an area where it will be damaged by strong winds, or where the greenhouse’s performance will be hindered. The location of a greenhouse is really essential. When choosing a location for a greenhouse, there are a number of critical factors to keep in mind.
How to choose the right location to position your greenhouse?
There are 15 tips that are helping you when starting a greenhouse garden and positioning it in the right location.
1. Consider the size of the greenhouse.
Make sure you measure your greenhouse’s dimensions before installing it and make sure that your available area can support this new construction.
2. Decide the types of plants wish to grow.
You should also consider the type of plants you wish to grow in your greenhouse when deciding where to place it. Smaller greenhouses can be used if you are simply cultivating a few plants for yourself and don’t need as much room. If you intend to grow commercially, you will need a larger greenhouse.
3. Choose the place that receives adequate light.
Every plant needs adequate sunlight to grow well. Low light inhibits photosynthesis, resulting in stunted development and the premature ripening of fruits and flowers. In the end, the yields are modest and the financial returns are small.
The ideal location for your greenhouse is one that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. During the winter seasons, it’s important to remember this.
Greenhouse orientation to the sun
You should locate your greenhouse such that it gets the greatest sun from fall to winter on the south or southeast side of your home (November to February in most areas). The east side would be the next best spot if it weren’t already taken. A greenhouse on the southwest or west side of a building is the third-best location. For a greenhouse, the north side is the least desirable location.
Avoid placing the greenhouse in a north-to-south orientation. The structure gets more light and less shade from this vantage point. Depending on the type of plants planted and the time of year they are grown, afternoon shade may be just as important as unrestricted sunlight.
Grow lights can be used if you don’t receive a lot of sunlight, especially in the winter. Having grow lights in the greenhouse is important all year round, but they are especially useful in the winter. Wintering plants benefit greatly from grow lights, which provide a continual supply of warmth and healthy lighting.
There are many various types of lights. The best grow lights for your greenhouse should have proven advantages in terms of illumination, so choose wisely. In the absence of natural light, these artificial lighting solutions can provide adequate illumination.
4. Consider whether it is easy to water.
To get the most out of your greenhouse gardening experience, it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with the specific watering needs of each plant you wish to grow. To avoid over or under-watering your crops, instead of following a generic watering schedule, learn how much water is necessary for each crop.
Uneven drying reduced root and shoot growth, and immature plants with poor quality and shelf life are all signs of insufficient irrigation. When plants are watered incorrectly, insecticides and growth-control measures may be needed to compensate.
Each plant has its own preferences when it comes to watering frequency and volume. Watering a plant too much or too little might lead to issues. When you feed your plant a lot of water at once, it doesn’t get overwatered.
This is the result of excessive watering before the soil has had a chance to dry out. To avoid this, you can set up a drip irrigation system, which allows you to control the flow of water to individual pots or flat areas. With a timer and a drip gauge, you can set this type of water.
Make a note of how much water each plant needs. Watering is needed if the plant appears dry and shriveled and if the compost is dusty and dry. Remember that it is the roots that require access to water and not the foliage. Sprinkling the leaves with water is a waste of water and could spread the sickness further.
5. Make sure your greenhouse has fertile soil.
Choose a site with good soil if you plan on planting directly in the beds of your building. You’ll be relying heavily on it. Mixing compost and fertilizer with the soil is a great way to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need. Pests and diseases can be spread through the use of old potting soil, which should be avoided.
Organic matter can be incorporated into the soil by digging it in, and raised beds are a viable choice. To prevent difficulties in the construction process, avoid stony or rocky soils.
Compost-filled grow bags, pots, and raised beds, on the other hand, make this less of an issue.
6. Don’t place greenhouse directly under the tree.
Avoid placing your greenhouse directly under trees. Even more, light is blocked by the shade generated by trees, which fosters the growth of green algae that blocks and damaged gutters. The glass panes could be smashed if branches fall off in harsh weather or high winds.
Honeydew of insects on tree branches, their excrement can leave a sticky residue on the surface of glass or plastic.
The roots of nearby trees can penetrate your greenhouse and steal nutrients and water intended for your plants. Branches and leaves can also be thrown away at any time of the year. When it comes to blocking light, shades can also be a continual problem. To protect your greenhouse and plants, avoid putting it near trees or arranging it in such away.
7. Place your greenhouse where it’s most convenient.
If you can, locate your greenhouse as close as possible to your garden or home. The more time you have in the greenhouse, the better. Daily watering, checking pests and diseases, opening and closing doors are all reasons you’ll want to have it close at hand when you’re there.
Among the heavy equipment and items, you’ll need to bring to your greenhouse are heavy plant trays, bags of soil, and tools. You’ll get the best results if the greenhouse is close to where you’re plugging these in.
You’ll also need an easily accessible walking path. The shorter the main path, the easier it will be for you to clear it of snow when the weather becomes cold.
Electricity and drinking water are also necessities. Even though this isn’t always a deal-breaker, you can get by without electricity and you can collect rainwater to keep your plants well-watered, if you initially planned on integrating these elements when growing your plants, it can be a bit of an inconvenience.
8. Place on a level surface in the ground.
It’s best to have a flat, even surface. Avoid placing your greenhouse on an angle. Because the staging within must is horizontally oriented, it is technically doable. Avoid placing it at the base of a slope, as this is a frost trap where coldness persists which is not ideal for effective winter growth.
9. Make sure there is enough room around your greenhouse.
You should leave at least 1m of space around your greenhouse. When panes or covers need to be replaced or cleaned, or when simply passing by, this is a handy tool. In addition, fences and other structures won’t be close enough to throw shade and impede airflow by leaving this area.
Over time, dirt and even algae can accumulate in greenhouses. As long as you don’t have small space surrounding the greenhouse to remove these, keeping your plants healthy and vigorous inside will be difficult to perform.
10. Pay attention to the temperature.
For greenhouse growing beginners, temperature regulation is a must-know topic. Find out exactly what is going on in your greenhouse at any given time.
You should consider purchasing an electric or gas heater to extend your growing season during the winter months or an Evaporative Cooling System to keep your plants cool in the summer, depending on where you reside in the country.
Plants need to be kept at a lower temperature throughout the hottest months of the year. The abundance of foliage in a greenhouse means that humidity levels are almost always high. Transpiration is a process used by leaves to expel moisture into the air through pores on their surface.
Your plants must be persuaded that they are not in the same climate as you. The purpose of greenhouses is to capture the sun’s heat. Without intervention, the temperature would rise or fall as the weather dictated.
In order for it to survive, it is totally reliant on you. As a result, you should ensure that the heater/cooler you purchase is cost-effective.
You can use a simple thermometer, or you can get a digital thermometer that also contains the corresponding humidity, which is so important for preventing heat loss.
In order to maintain the proper temperature throughout the day and night, a heating system must be functional. If the temperature dips below a certain threshold, a programmable heater with timers is necessary. Gardening experts also recommend using these warmers to grow seeds and seedlings in cold weather. You can also save money on your utility expenses by using propagating heating mats.
11. Control of pests in greenhouses prior to planting.
Pest populations spread quickly in a greenhouse setting. Pests thrive in a greenhouse’s warm, moist conditions and abundance of plants, which make it an ideal habitat. Immediate detection and analysis of pests are necessary before the issue gets out of hand and you may suffer a financial loss to carry out the right pest management options.
Aphids
Aphids are a well-known pest. Soft-bodied insects with exquisite colors populate the leaves of your prized greens.
Aphids love to congregate at the base of leaves, so keep an eye out there. Aphids can be prevented from wreaking havoc on your plants if you practice proper trimming and sanitation.
Thrips
Black thrips can be found in the same habitat as brownish-colored thrips. Thrips can cause harm ranging from mild to severe. Thrips can be controlled by using screens on vents, inspecting fresh supplies entering your greenhouse, and controlling weeds.
Slungs and Snails
In areas with high levels of wetness, the population of slugs and snails may grow rapidly. Their thick and slimy bodies make them nocturnal and meaty.
Slug and snail control require cleanliness. Plant waste, such as weeds and leaves that have been uprooted or used bricks and rocks that have been cooled and moistened, should not be found in your greenhouse.
Bloodworms
Unlike fungus gnat larvae, bloodworms are roundworms that lack appendages and have a clearly defined brown head. Hemoglobin, a protein found in human blood, gives the dye its red hue. Hemoglobin allows them to thrive in water with low oxygen levels.
12. Require space for the walkway.
It is essential to have access to good walkways. As an example, if you transport your harvest over an unpaved road, your fruit will be vulnerable to all of the vehicle’s rocky movement, which could cause bruising or crushing, as well as other serious damage.
13. Consider about ventilation.
A well-ventilated greenhouse is essential even in the midst of the winter chill. It is possible to turn the vents on and off by hand, but you will need to keep an eye on the temperature. Vents that open and close based on temperature and electricity are available.
Your plants may perish if your greenhouse has insufficient or no ventilation. Warm air can be released from your home through the use of roof vents. Another option is to use a modest fan to ensure adequate air circulation.
14. Consider about drainage.
With proper drainage, any surface can be used for a greenhouse. You may make an excellent surface by placing a layer of landscaping fabric on top and covering it with 3 inches of 1 gravel.
This will keep out weeds but allow for drainage. Plants benefit from improved drainage, and weeds are kept at bay as a result.
15. Decide on the space needed to have accessories.
Additionally, there are numerous different accessories and supplies that will make your task more efficient. There are a variety of accessories that can make your work easier, including mist systems and fan systems, tool racks, potting benches, and shelving.
When searching for greenhouse gardening accessories, think about what your plants need, what you want, and how much space you have in your greenhouse.
When it comes to watering, certain plants need a continuous flow of water, while others can withstand more broad watering tactics without harming their growth.
Small greenhouses benefit greatly from the use of shelving, which is a great space-saver. It is essential to keep your greenhouse clean and orderly. Here, you may find the perfect greenhouse shelves!
Fans can be used for a variety of functions in an enclosed area. Insect and pest problems can be alleviated by using small fans to remove excess wetness or humidity. Everything is possible with larger fans. When coupled with appropriate ventilation systems, they can help purify and even cool your building. Find the best ventilation system here!
In greenhouse horticulture, a simple thermometer like this one can be an indispensable tool despite its diminutive size. A thermometer can assist you to determine if the temperature you’re working with is within a safe range for the plant you’re working with.
Shading is an effective solution for controlling the amount of light that enters the window. It’s a great way to feed plants that don’t need a lot of light.
What are the best types of greenhouses for your home garden?
Home gardeners are most likely to utilize these three types of greenhouses such as,
1. Cold Frame Greenhouse
When it comes to greenhouses, cold frames are the smallest and most basic, with movable lids that gardeners can use to grow plants. Because they don’t require a heat source, cold frames are typically less expensive to build or buy than other greenhouses.
It is common for gardeners to employ cold frames during the overwintering process, where hardy plants remain in the ground during the winter to continue their growth. To get started, check out our instructions on building a cold frame here.
2. Freestanding Greenhouse
Gardeners can usually fit within freestanding greenhouses, which are normally large enough to accommodate them.
Freestanding greenhouses are usually more expensive to buy or more difficult to build since they must be strong enough to stand on their own.
3. Attached Greenhouse
In order to secure the structure, attached greenhouses are built against a strong and stable wall (often the wall of a home). Window boxes are a good size for them, but they can also be as big and bulky as the building’s side.
To save money, their other three walls are generally constructed from flimsier materials, such as wood, cinderblock, or cinder blocks.
Top 7 easy to grow greenhouse plants
Here are 7 types of plants that you can easily grow in the greenhouse.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be grown both outdoors and in greenhouses! Organic tomatoes can never be beaten when they’re available all year round. For starters, look for a kind that is resistant to illnesses like fusarium and verticillium.
2. Carrots
When it comes to root crops, carrots are one of the most popular. Even in the winter, you can plant them. It can withstand frost, so there’s no need to worry.
When it comes to growing carrots, if you’re worried about any difficulties, you needn’t be. Just create a sandy, loose, well-tilled soil. They will be able to dive without the fear of being judged by others. You don’t want it to be too thick.
3. Zucchini
If you’re a novice cook, zucchini is a great veggie to start with. One of the easiest veggies to raise is bok choy. Within three to four weeks, they normally produce a large yield.
4. Eggplants
Aubergine is another name for eggplants. Warm-season greens like peppers and tomatoes require moderate temperatures to thrive. An ideal location for eggplants to thrive is a raised bed with composted manure. The beds will immediately warm the soil.
5. Peppers
Use easy-to-grow pepper types to have fun in the garden. Peppers come in a variety of colors. One of the nicest features of your greenhouse is the wide range of shapes and sizes. This dish has a wide range of flavors, from mild and sweet to spicy. There’s a ready-to-eat seed variety to suit every taste and preference.
6. Cherries
In a greenhouse, cherries are one of the fruits that can be grown There is less greenhouse space needed for potted cherries, and they can be moved. Easy-to-grow cherries are those that don’t require cross-pollination.
7. Sunflowers
Almost everyone has a favorite. Astounding as they are, the sunflowers can grow up to 10 feet in height! You don’t need to do much more than toss the seeds into the soil and watch them grow.
Watch what you need to consider before buying a greenhouse | Video
Is it possible to build a greenhouse near to a wall?
There are a few factors to keep in mind when building a greenhouse near a fence: The barrier surrounding the greenhouse should not block too much sunlight. The air vents should not be obstructed by it. Clean, weed and maintain the greenhouse by leaving at least a meter of space on each side.
Do I have to close the door to my greenhouse?
When the weather is nice, open all of the windows and vents. As long as the temperature isn’t too low, these can be kept open at night… Weather conditions can change quickly, and ventilation and doorways may need to be partially opened to prevent abrupt temperature rises. Automated ventilation and shading can be installed in large greenhouses at a considerable cost.
Choosing between glass and plastic for a greenhouse, which is better?
This characteristic of greenhouse heating means that glass has traditionally been a good barrier to infrared transmission, allowing light into the greenhouse and better retaining heat than plastic does.
Is the early morning sun sufficient for a greenhouse’s plants?
When designing a greenhouse, consideration should be given to full sun exposure, water drainage, and wind protection. When choosing a location for your greenhouse, take into account both the morning and the afternoon sun. Ideally, the sun should be shining throughout the day, but for plants, early morning sunshine on the east side is sufficient.
What is the purpose of greenhouse windows?
Many greenhouses contain windows, vents, or fans to help dissipate excess heat when necessary. Some additionally feature independent heating systems that raise the temperature when the light intensity drops.
Conclusion
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