Greenhouses For Dummies – Gardening is one of the all-time favourite pastimes in the United Kingdom, with over £4bn in total sales of garden products every year. Since outdoor plants are the most popular among the citizens, it only makes sense to use a greenhouse to protect your plants from the elements and provide them a stable ecosystem for growth.
However, greenhouse gardening is not as simple as many might think. What are the specificities of greenhouse gardening in the UK? Keep reading to find out!
What plants should I use for a starting greenhouse?
First things first – what types of plants are appropriate for greenhouse gardening?
If you’re new to working with a greenhouse, know this – there are almost no plants that cannot be grown in a greenhouse. There are, however, some that will thrive better and grow faster than others, including:
- Strawberries
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Mushrooms
- Radishes
- Peas
- and more!
Depending on whether your greenhouse can provide the right amount of sunlight and moisture, as well as the right temperature, you can expand your plant collection with more exotic plants as you gain experience. Always check climate and watering recommendations for any new plant you want to introduce and make sure your greenhouse fulfils the requirements.
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Greenhouse Gardening Essentials: Controlling the Temperature
Now, temperature and moisture are the two most important factors you can control inside your greenhouse, since you cannot directly control how much sunlight your plants are getting – but the other two factors are infinitely easier to control in a greenhouse than outside. We recommend using an electric or gas heater for winter, as well an evaporative cooling system for hot summers.
Make sure the greenhouse is generally airtight, so that the temperature and moisture are not escaping, but leave some room for ventilation or your plants may die. If your plants need more light, consider getting LED grow lights or fluorescent lamp strips.
Common Beginner Mistakes in Greenhouse Gardening – Greenhouses For Dummies
Finally, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common mistakes that beginner gardeners make when using greenhouses. The #1 mistake is not using sterile soil in greenhouses. To avoid pests and diseases, always prepare a blended soil mixture out of sterile bases – don’t use your old potting soil.
It is also not recommended to place your greenhouse near trees. The roots might take up the nutrients and moisture from your greenhouse plants, unless you have a hydroponic system installed, and leaves and branches can further reduce the amount of sunlight your plants are getting.
Strawberries
Garlic
Lettuce
…
and more!