Don’t Waste Your Greenhouse Space

Construction of your hobby green house is finally completed and it is time to decide what you’re going to plant. What are your favorites? Vegetables, a variety of herbs, or ornamental plants? You might choose a combination of flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs so there is something for everyone.

Whether you choose veggies, flowers or a mixture of both, it is important to wisely utilize your available growing space by choosing plant varieties that are compact. Bush varieties are ideal because they grow well in pots or hanging baskets.

When selecting your greenhouse plants, remember that varieties that grow vertically take up less space, but they can tend to block sunlight. Whenever you choose larger plants, be certain their containers are large enough for their larger root system.

Peas, beans, cucumbers, squash, melons, figs, bananas and tomatoes are available in both vine and bush varieties that do well in greenhouses.

Consider cost when you set out to buy greenhouse plants. At your produce counter, onions and potatoes don’t cost much. Fresh herbs may cost a lot more. Choose plants that are the most expensive and grow them yourself.

The success or failure of your greenhouse is determined in large part by its temperature. Some plants can still grow in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many vegetables that will do well in, and perhaps prefer, cold weather. Many types of lettuce and some root vegetables such as carrots are perfect examples.. Herbs such as rosemary, fennel, dill and cilantro will do well in cooler temperatures. Flowers that can tolerate colder temperatures include pansies, sweet peas, nasturtiums and snapdragons.

When you choose what to cultivate in your cool weather greenhouse, be sure to pick those species that have the shortest time from seed to harvest. These generally tend to be heartier and more resistant to colder temperatures.

Remember that there are many species of plants that need a cold season at which time they can be dorment. Only then will they be at their best during their growing season. Some plants to avoid in your greenhouse are rhubarb, asparagus and respberries.

Choose warm weather varieties if you live in a hot climate. Passionflowers, jasmine and gardenias are excellent for flowering plants. For fruit, bananas and citrus both love heat. If you’re looking for beauty, consider an orchid greenhouse that can provide you with the splendor of the flower’s beautiful blooms.

A long spell of overcast winter weather can cause nitrates to build up in greenhouse soil, so it is best to choose varieties that are known to pull fewer nitrates from the dirt. When you buy seeds or plants for a cold weather greenhouse, be sure they are nitrate resistant.

The warmth of a greenhouse makes it an ideal climate for good plant growth. Unfortunately, greenhouses provide ideal environments in which pests and diseases can thrive. There are many varieties of plants that have been bred to be resistant to pests and diseases commonly found in greenhouse environments. Talk to your nursery to find out what they carry that will fill the bill. They will have a lot of information for your climate.