51 Tips for Greenhouse Gardening

Greenhouses can be a very fulfilling investment.
This ebook is designed to give you some great
ideas about how to start an awesome greenhouse
garden.

WHY A GREENHOUSE?
This first set of tips will discuss some of
the great reasons to start a greenhouse.

1. Winter Plants
   Many people have greenhouses so that they can grow plants
   to use in the winter. It’s easier to grow smaller vegetables
   for this purpose than bigger ones.!
2. Early Start
   Having a greenhouse is a great way to get an early start for
   tender plants seedlings. You can protect these young plants
   better in a greenhouse, thus having better success.
3. Experiment
   Having a greenhouse can be a fun hobby. With a
   greenhouse, you can experiment with different plants, or
   to develop new varieties.
   LOCATION
   This next set of tips will tell you some
   of the factors that you need to
   consider when choosing a location for
   your greenhouse.
4. Sunlight
   Your greenhouse should be in a place where it gets
   maximum sunlight. Sunlight all day is ideal, but morning
   sunlight on the east is best for plants.
5. Direction
   It’s a good idea to face the long side of your greenhouse
   south. There are two reasons for this:
   • The angle of the roof is made to catch he
   maximum amount of the sun's rays.
   • If you use shadecloth, you will need to shade
   only one side, instead of both sides.
6. Trees
   Maple and oak trees can shade your greenhouse from the
   afternoon summer sun. Keep in mind though; these trees
   should not shade your greenhouse in the morning.
7. Water Source
   Your greenhouse will need a reliable water source. Either
   bring in a whole separate watering system, or have a hose
   that can reach the entire length of your greenhouse.
8. Drainage
   Good drainage is also very important for your greenhouse.
   If you can, build your greenhouse above the surrounding
   ground, so rainwater and irrigation water will drain away.
   STRUCTURAL TYPES
   There are several types of
   greenhouses. This next set of tips
   will go over some of the structural
   options that there are.
9. Lean To
   Lean-to greenhouses usually attach directly to a wall of
   your home or garage. Here’s a picture:
10. Quonset Hut
    Quonset hut greenhouses are sometimes referred to as
    “hoop style.” They’re domed shaped, inexpensive and easy
    to heat. Here’s a picture:
11. Gothic Arch
    Gothic Arch greenhouses are a lot like the Quonset style,
    except that the sides are usually straighter and the curved
    roof is pointed on top. Here’s a picture:
12. Classic A-Frame
    Classic A-Frame greenhouses have high, slanted sides.
    They’re a bit harder to heat because of this. Here’s a
    picture:
13. Modified A-Frame
    Modified A-Frame greenhouses are different from the
    classic, because they’re built with Gable roofs, which are
    usually not as steep. Here’s a picture:
14. Barn Style
    Barn-Style greenhouses, like their name implies, looks like
    a barn. They have straight walls; therefore make very good
    use of space. Here’s a picture:
15. Even-Span
    An even-span greenhouse is a full-size structure that has
    one end attached to another building. Here’s a picture:
    SIMPLIFYING
    This next set of tips will give you
    some ideas on some shortcuts that
    you can do to simplify your
    greenhouse.
16. Cold Frames
    If you don't have much space, cold frames are the way to
    go. They are small, boxed in gardens, covered with glass or
    Plexiglas. It’s like a miniature greenhouse.
17. Grow Racks
    Grow Racks are the next size up from cold frames. They
    usually come with a cover so that you can modify the air
    flow, temperature, and humidity. Here’s an example:
18. Window Mounted
    A window mounted greenhouse is just as it sounds: a
    miniature greenhouse that’s mounted on a window. Here’s
    an example:
19. Portable
    Portable greenhouses range from 6 feet to over 50 feet.
    You can often buy them as greenhouse kits that are easy to
    assemble and disassemble.
20. Easy Drainage
    There are some simple and economical ideas to make sure
    your greenhouse has good drainage. For example, use any
    of the following in the bottom of your boxes or pots:
    • Cracked walnuts
    • Marbles
    • Broken clay pots
    • Charcoal
    • Gravel
21. Easy Trellises
    You can make indoor trellises out of coat hangers. Get
    creative and bend them into different shapes, like stars or
    hearts, and put them into your pots.
    TEMPERATURE BASED
    Some people have greenhouses
    that are based on temperature.
    This next section will go over these
    different types.
22. Cool
    In a cool greenhouse, the temperatures stay around forty
    degrees F. These greenhouses are great for seedlings or for
    storing other plants that don’t need a constant high
    temperature.
23. Warm
    In a warm greenhouse, the temperatures are around fifty
    degrees F. This means that most plants you grow outdoors
    can survive through the winter in this environment. Many
    types of houseplants also do well in warm greenhouses.
24. Hot
    Hot greenhouses maintain a temperature of 70 degrees F or
    warmer and are great for growing tropical plants. To have
    a hot greenhouse, you’ll probably need special equipment,
    such as grow lamps, to maintain their temperature.
25. Solar
    Solar greenhouses collect and store solar energy. This
    keeps your plants warm at night and when the weather is
    cold and cloudy.
26. Passive Solar
    Passive solar greenhouses combine solar energy with other
    forms of heating to keep your greenhouse warm during the
    coldest months.
27. Pit
    A pit greenhouse is one where you grow your plants at
    ground level, then dig a walkway underground in order to
    have access to the plants.
    COVERINGS
    This next set of tips will discuss some
    of the options that you have for
    covering your greenhouse.
28. Glass
    Glass was the original covering for greenhouses. It looks
    great and is easy to maintain. Sometimes tempered glass is
    frequently used instead because it is two or three times
    stronger than regular glass.
29. Fiberglass
    A fiberglass cover is great because it’s strong and
    lightweight. Make sure it’s good quality fiberglass that is
    clear and transparent.
30. Film Plastic
    Film-plastic coverings are made of polyethylene (PE),
    polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers, and other materials.
    It’s great because it’s fairly inexpensive, and lasts between
    1 and 3 years.
31. Double Wall Plastic
    Double wall plastic covers have two layers of rigid plastic
    separated by webs. These covers are great because they
    retain more heat, so you can save up to 30 percent on
    energy.
32. Floor
    The flooring is very important in your greenhouse. It’s a
    good idea to make a walkway made of concrete, gravel, or
    stone, down the middle of your greenhouse. The area
    under the plants should be covered by several inches of
    gravel for drainage of excess water.
    OTHER STRUCTURAL TIPS
    This next set of tips will give you
    some more ideas on how to make
    your greenhouse run smoothly.
33. Heating
    You’ll need a good heating system in your greenhouse. You
    can get some heat from the sun, but you’ll probably need
    more than that, especially for a cold winter nights. A good
    choice is a 220-volt circuit electric heater, as it’s clean and
    efficient.
34. Cooling
    Sometimes, especially during the heat of the summer, your
    greenhouse will need a means to cool down. A good way to
    do this is with a small evaporative cooler. They cool the air
    increases humidity in your greenhouse.
35. Soil
    The best soil that you can use in your greenhouse is just
    commercial potting soil found at any garden store. Look for
    things like perlite, sand, fir bark, peat moss, and
    vermiculite on the bag.
36. Air Circulation
    Circulation of air in your greenhouse is important. It’s a
    good idea to install circulating fans in your greenhouse.
    Even in the winter when you heat your greenhouse, the fan
    will circulate that warm air and keep the temperatures
    uniform.
37. Ventilation
    Make sure your greenhouse has proper ventilation. A good
    way to do this is to use roof vents on the ridge line with
    side inlet vents. Then, use your fan(s) to circulate the air.
38. Controllers
    It can be hard to maintain a successful greenhouse without
    automatic controllers. The outside weather and
    temperature can change so quickly, and you’d have to
    monitor your greenhouse very close without an automated
    system that controls temperature and moisture.
39. Water Systems
    A lot of people hand water their plants by hand. This is
    great for most greenhouse crops, but you need to be
    available to water during the day. But many people work
    during the day, so it’s a good idea to get an automatic
    watering system.
40. Light and CO2
    Carbon dioxide (CO2) and light are important in your
    greenhouse. You can buy bottled CO2, dry ice, and sulfurfree
    fuels as CO2 sources.
41. Workspace
    Don’t forget to make room in your greenhouse for potting
    plants and working on other projects. If you have limited
    space, they have potting benches can fold down when
    you’re not in using them.
42. Maintenance
    Keep in mind that your greenhouse will have its own
    maintenance requirements. Be sure to regularly disinfect
    your greenhouse with diluted bleach, being very careful not
    to get any on your plants.
    WHAT PLANTS NEED
    This next set of tips will go over 4 important
    things that your plants in your greenhouse
    will need.
43. Nitrogen
    Nitrogen is needed for healthy leaf growth. Sources of
    Nitrogen include:
    • Bone Meal
    • Activated Sludge.
    • Bloodmeal
    • Manure
    • Cottonseed Meal
44. Potassium
    Potassium is used in plats for cell division and strong stems,
    and helps fight diseases. Sources of Potassium include:
    • Manure
    • Greensand
    • Wood Ashes
    • Compost
45. Phosphorus
    Phosphorous makes for strong root systems and bright
    flowers. Sources of Phosphorous include:
    • Activated Sludge
    • Cottonseed Meal
    • Bone Meal
    • Bloodmeal
    • Rock Phosphate
46. Trace Elements
    Other Trace Elements that your plants need include:
    • Calcium
    • Iron
    • Magnesium
    • Sulfur
    • Zinc
    Sources of these include:
    • Oyster Shell Flour
    • Seaweed
    • Compost
    GROWING TIPS
    This last set of tips will give you some
    ideas to help your plants grow healthy and
    strong.
47. Watering
    Be sure to water your greenhouse plants with room
    temperature water, so you don’t injure your plants. If
    you’re using tap water, let it stand for a day to get of the
    chlorine.
48. Herbs
    Herbs are great in greenhouses because many of them can
    repel insects. Herbs also naturally inhibit microorganisms
    that are good for us.
49. Egg Shells
    To give your plants a boost, put some crushed egg shells
    around them, on the soil. Another tip: dried coffee
    grounds add acid to the ground.
50. Transplanting
    If you transplant young plants, keep in mind that young
    plants can experience transplant shock. This can set your
    young plants back considerably. To avoid this, do your
    transplanting on a sunny afternoon. Keep them covered in
    your greenhouse, and uncover them a little more each day.
    Protect them from the cold every night until they gradually
    adapt.
51. Rinsing
    Make sure anything edible from your greenhouse is properly
    cleaned before you eat them. A great way to do this is to
    put chicken wire over a bottomless wooden box. As you
    rinse the vegetables with your garden hose, the dirt and
    bugs will stay outdoors.