Have you ever thought of confronting the increasing food costs by growing your produce at the comforts of your own home but unsure where to start? If you want to increase your chance of growing fresh and bountiful produce in your backyard, then you should learn some tips and tricks on how to use a greenhouse for beginners.
Uncertain of where to start? We’ve got you covered! This article will tell you how to use a greenhouse for beginners!
Importance of Growing Your Own Produce
Growing your own produce does not only benefit you financially but also gives health-related advantages.
It’s no surprise that numerous households are already turning to fresh vegetables and fruits to boost their immunity and lessen the number of harmful elements they put into their body. Also, fresh fruits and vegetables can add new flavors to your favorite dishes. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea to grow your produce:
It is cost-effective when looking for ways to lessen your household grocery budget
It is a tastier option when given a choice between fresh, canned, or even frozen produce
It is less harmful to put into your body due to a lack of pesticides, chemicals, preservatives, etc.
What is a Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure made of metal or wood that is surrounded by plastic sheeting. Other materials can also be used as walls as long as it allows light to enter and air to circulate.
It usually looks like a small building with four walls, a roof, and a single entry or exit point. It can be purchased or assembled through your local hardware stores. As a convenient option, you can also buy them online.
A lot of gardeners want to know how to use a greenhouse for beginners for good reasons. Greenhouses reduce the chance that shifting weather and seasonal issues could hamper the progress your garden makes not only during the germination of seeds process but also during the critical growing season. Planting in a greenhouse also provides the gardener the ease of growing their produce in comfort, and this method can be less physically demanding.
It offers weather and pest protection to precarious plants and extends the length of the growing season versus an open-air garden.
Some gardeners use a greenhouse only during the beginning of the growing process before relocating their plants to an open-air garden, while others use it all-year-round due to restrictions in space and time.
Things to Consider
There are some essential things you need to consider when you want to know how to use a greenhouse for beginners. To ensure a productive process, it is recommended that your greenhouse has the following features:
- Sufficient height for tall plants
- Space for heating and air systems, if needed
- Extra space for you to move the plants without damaging them
- Tight plastic or any reflective material to allow light to enter but hold heat and moisture from escaping.
- The proper location for natural sunlight or shade.
- Specialized tools
How to Use a Greenhouse?
Choose the best style of greenhouse that will suit your needs
There are multiple styles and types of greenhouses available out there, from freestanding structures to leaning ones. Freestanding structures are installed in the backyard while the leaning ones have only three walls, with the fourth one being the wall of a current structure – your house.
- Freestanding structures require a higher level of space than the leaning one.
- Leaning structures are the best option for those who have limited space. But you also have to take note that the one wall of the greenhouse will not be able to receive any natural sunlight.
Research additional features that you may need
Know if the current climate of your location may affect your plan to grow to produce year-round. This is crucial when understanding how to use a greenhouse for beginners. Learn if lights, heating systems, and or fans are needed to make your greenhouse fit for the product you want to grow.
Select the location of your greenhouse
Regardless of what style or type of greenhouse you choose, it is essential that the location has maximum exposure to the sun, as the natural UV rays will intensify the growing ability of any plant.
If your existing location does not allow for at least six hours of sun daily, grow lights can be installed to assure that the plants receive the UV exposure as well as the temperature they need for positive growth.
Make sure a level of shade is present
While all plants need sunlight to grow, they also can burn and dry out from too much exposure. Using trees or other means – such a shading sheet – increases the chances of survival of both fragile and robust plants.
Check for pests
A greenhouse will have a higher chance of controlling pest damage, but it is still possible for pests to create havoc on your plants. Outside foliage should be kept away from the greenhouse to reduce the risk of infection. Some gardeners will place insect screening around any open area – this includes the doorway, air vents, and water systems.
Conclusion
Household expenses can be hard and stressful at times, but reducing your grocery expenses by introducing homegrown produce will lead to financial and health benefits.
Using a greenhouse to grow your vegetables, fruits, and even herbs will not only make you feel healthy but will give you a few extra dollars in your pocket.
Hopefully, with this article on how to use a greenhouse for beginners, you will now be ready to start showing off your green thumb while saving bucks at the same time. Find out more about greenhouses.