If you want to grow your own food, greenhouse gardening is one of the best ways to do it. The protection of the greenhouse allows you to extend your growing season and it gives you an ideal environment for producing seedlings for a larger garden. Some plants, such as herbs, can be grown exclusively in your greenhouse. The bottom line is that a well-organized greenhouse can yield a surprising amount of food.
Types of Greenhouses
As you shop around, you'll see all varieties of greenhouses for sale. From mini greenhouses that are ideal for those of us limited to balconies or other small spaces, to large backyard greenhouses that go beyond hobbyists wildest dreams. There are indoor greenhouses available, which can be perfect for starting seedlings in early spring, and portable greenhouses if you've got to move your garden. Even a well-traveled military family can have a greenhouse garden!
Considerations for Greenhouse Gardening
Greenhouses are great because they give you control over the environment, and with this control comes responsibility. Because greenhouses are enclosed, you can monitor and manage factors like pests in the environment. Take care not to seal up your greenhouse, however, as good ventilation is necessary to prevent stale air. You'll also want to set up the interior to give you room to move around comfortably and your plants room to grow.
Water and Sunlight
Your greenhouse should get lots of sun and it is best to position it so that the long side faces south or southeast for best sun exposure. Take care not to over water your plants, which can be easy to do in a climate-controlled environment. Only water when soil is dry. Some greenhouse gardeners set up drip irrigation systems which are very convenient.
Greenhouses Are Not Hothouses
A major concern is temperature and you'll need to ensure that it is neither too hot nor too cold in your greenhouse. A quality thermometer is important and should be set up in a shady spot inside the greenhouse. The temperature generally should not go above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ventilation, heaters, and shade cloths can be used to regulate temperature to keep your greenhouse plants happy.
What You Can Grow in Greenhouses
What does it mean to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Salads, side dishes, vegetarian entrees, and fruity desserts are all meals that you can create from a handful of seeds in your very own greenhouse. Start by growing your own herbs, and every dish will have homemade flavor. Branch out and grow your own vegetables and fruits and soon you'll be shopping and spending less on food. Just about anything that can be grown in an outdoor garden can be grown or started in a greenhouse.
Few rewards are greater than enjoying food that you grew yourself; only one comes to mind and that is sharing that food with those you love. Greenhouse gardening makes it easy for you to reap all the benefits from the plants you sowed with tender loving care. Your greenhouse is a rejuvenating getaway when your hobby is growing your own food.
