Instruction Manual for Nurturing a Vegetation- Rich Indoor Garden
Growing a Thriving Greenhouse Garden
A greenhouse garden offers a unique opportunity to extend the growing season and cultivate a variety of plants that may not thrive outdoors. Here are some tips for creating a successful greenhouse garden.
Choosing the Right Plants
Day-neutral strawberries and some tropical plants, such as figs and lemons, are ideal additions to a greenhouse garden. They start producing earlier and continue longer than their outdoor counterparts. Herbs like basil, ginger, stevia, and lemongrass also flourish in a greenhouse environment. However, cabbage family plants are not suitable for a summer greenhouse garden.
For a productive greenhouse garden, choose fast-growing varieties that mature in less than 50 days. Grapes and kiwi can also be grown in a greenhouse, but may require more experimentation.
Location, Location, Location
A great location for a greenhouse garden has a lot of morning sunshine and good natural light all year round. In colder weather or during the winter months, a heat source and insulation to prevent heat loss are necessary. A plastic-covered greenhouse gives only about 3 degrees at night, and additional heating and/or a frost blanket may be needed.
Watering and Soil Management
Greenhouse plants need a lot of water and should not be irrigated with well or tap water. It's best to water plants individually with a hose from a water tank or a bucket to monitor plant growth. At the end of the growing season, it's a good idea to wash the entire greenhouse from top to bottom. Soil in a greenhouse does not recover as quickly as in an outdoor garden, so it's essential to maintain its health.
Temperature and Air Circulation
The best ways to control temperature and air circulation in a successful greenhouse garden involve a combination of ventilation, air circulation systems, heating, and humidity management. Use roof vents, side vents, and exhaust fans to remove excess heat and bring in fresh air. Employ various fans such as Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) fans, exhaust fans, and vertical circulation fans to maintain constant airflow.
Heating systems, such as indirect air heaters, help maintain optimal temperatures during cold periods. Balance humidity through ventilation and consider misting systems that raise humidity and cool the air when needed without wetting leaves excessively.
Other Considerations
In spring, the soil should be soaked well and a new layer (1-2 inches) of compost added. A shade cloth is a must, especially in spring for young plants in a greenhouse that is in full sun all day. Water supply is another major factor for a successful greenhouse garden.
It's important to avoid placing the greenhouse near trees with shallow roots like Willow, Aspen, Pin Oak, and Beech. Hydroponics can be considered a way to grow a greenhouse garden. At the end of the season, chickens can be allowed to scratch in the greenhouse to remove nesting insects.
For more information on watering your vegetable garden for greenhouse plants, read more on the topic. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to growing a thriving greenhouse garden.
- In a greenhouse garden, day-neutral strawberries, figs, lemons, basil, ginger, stevia, and lemongrass are ideal plants due to their extended growth period.
- Choosing fast-growing varieties, such as grapes or kiwi, can also be productive in a greenhouse, though they may require more experimentation.
- A good location for a greenhouse garden has abundant morning sunshine, good natural light year-round, and may need a heat source and insulation in cold weather.
- For watering, it's best to water plants individually from a water tank or bucket rather than using well or tap water.
- Soil maintenance is crucial in a greenhouse garden, as it doesn't recover as quickly as in outdoor gardens, so washing the entire greenhouse at the end of the season is advisable.
- To control temperature and air circulation, use a combination of ventilation, air circulation systems, heating, and humidity management, including roof vents, HAF fans, exhaust fans, and vertical circulation fans.
- In spring, the soil should be soaked well and a layer of compost added, while a shade cloth is necessary for young plants to protect them from excessive sun.
- Other important considerations include water supply, avoiding placement near trees with shallow roots, considering hydroponics as a growing method, and allowing chickens to scratch in the greenhouse at the end of the season to remove insects.
