Cultivating a thriving backyard greenhouse can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Our blog post offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to effectively manage your greenhouse, from temperature control and ventilation to pest management and plant care.
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Dive deep into our blog and gather the knowledge needed to create a flourishing, sustainable backyard greenhouse.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Water your plants early in the day to avoid mold and mildew growth. |
| 2. Ventilation is crucial for a healthy greenhouse environment. |
| 3. Consider using organic pest control methods to keep your plants healthy. |
| 4. Be mindful of temperature changes and adjust accordingly. |
| 5. Regularly clean and maintain your greenhouse to ensure optimal growing conditions. |
Determine Your Budget
A greenhouse can be a great addition to your backyard, but it’s important to consider your budget before you make any purchases. First, figure out how much money you can afford to spend on a greenhouse.
Consider the cost of the structure itself and any materials needed for its construction. Then, determine how much fuel and supplies will be needed for heating, gardening, and other tasks that may arise in the future.
Once all these costs have been factored in—as well as any maintenance fees—you’ll have determined how much money will go towards keeping your greenhouse running smoothly and efficiently over time!
If you’re considering building a backyard greenhouse, it’s important to know how much it will cost. Our comprehensive guide on how much a backyard greenhouse costs can help you budget and plan accordingly.
Essential Tools and Supplies for a Backyard Greenhouse
| Tool/Supply | Description |
|---|---|
| Thermometer | To monitor temperature changes in the greenhouse. |
| Fan | To ensure proper ventilation and prevent mold and mildew growth. |
| Watering Can/Hose | To water plants as needed. |
| Organic Pest Control | To protect plants without using harmful chemicals. |
| Potting Soil | To provide nutrients and support for plant growth. |
| Pruning Shears | To maintain the shape and health of plants. |
Be Practical About What You Want to Grow
Once you’ve established what type of greenhouse you want and where it will be located, you can think about the plants that will thrive in your climate.
If you’re in an area that gets colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5°C) during winter months, think about which types of plants can survive these freezing temperatures.
Even if some of your greens are frost-resistant, they might not be able to survive multiple freezes per season—which means that all of your hard work could go to waste!
Once you have an idea of what kind of plants grow well in your area, consider how much time and energy you want to spend tending those plants.
Doable? Not too difficult? Or maybe just outside the realm of possibility for now? Either way, keep these things in mind when choosing what kinds of produce or herbs might thrive best within a small space like this one.
Top 5 Plants to Grow in a Backyard Greenhouse
| Plant Name | Description | Ideal Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Easy to grow and produce high yields. | Warm and humid conditions with plenty of sunlight. |
| Cucumbers | Fast-growing and versatile. | Plenty of water and warm temperatures. |
| Basil | A fragrant and flavorful herb that’s easy to grow. | Warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. |
| Peppers | Come in a variety of flavors and heat levels. | Warm temperatures and well-draining soil. |
| Lettuce | Can be grown year-round in a greenhouse. | Cooler temperatures and plenty of moisture. |
Make Sure You Have Space
Before you even think about purchasing a greenhouse, you need to make sure that there is enough space in your yard for it.
The size of the greenhouse will depend on how big of a garden you want to grow and how much room you have for it in your yard.
Before buying one, measure out the area where you plan on putting your greenhouse. If possible, try setting up an existing structure or structure kit into its intended location so that no time is wasted later trying to move it once purchased.
If it doesn’t fit there, don’t worry! There are plenty of other places around town where someone might be able to help with this process (like at one nearby nursery), but if nothing else works out then just keep looking around until they do!
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Find the Right Location
Finding the right location for your greenhouse can be a challenge. You should look for an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, without being blocked by anything (like trees). The area should also be protected from strong winds and not get too much shade if possible.
It’s important to note that the ground under your greenhouse may be more wet than other parts of your backyard, which can cause issues with drainage.
In addition to this consideration, keep in mind that many plants like high humidity and may do better inside a greenhouse than outside.
Decide What Type of Greenhouse You Need
A cold frame is a wooden box with a glass or transparent side, which you can use to keep plants warm in the winter.
Cold frames are usually used to grow plants that only need moderate temperatures, like tomatoes and peppers.
If you want more control over the amount of light your plants receive, then consider using a hoop house instead of an enclosed-type greenhouse.
Hoop houses are similar to lean-tos because they have no walls but provide protection from wind and rain, while allowing some sunlight in through the top.
A lean-to differs from a hoop house by having only one wall facing east or west; this allows for more solar exposure on those sides than would be possible if there were walls on each side.
A cold frame is basically another name for what people commonly call “greenhouses” today – these structures provide protection from frost (freezing temperatures) as well as excess heat during hot summers.”
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Select a Great Door
You’ll want to make sure that your greenhouse door is able to seal properly. This is important for keeping moisture and pests out, as well as maintaining a healthy environment inside your greenhouse.
If you are on a budget, or just don’t have the tools for building a custom greenhouse door, there are plenty of options available.
You can pick up a pre-made plastic or wood one from your local hardware store—this may be more expensive than making it yourself, but will save time and effort in building it yourself.
If you’re looking for something more authentic (and/or cheaper), try checking out used barns at auctions or antique dealerships. Many older barns had sliding doors with metal tracks; these would work perfectly in any size of small greenhouses!
Consider what kind of plants you want to grow in this new home when choosing whether to invest in an automatic opener or manual opening system like push bars or hinges.”
Choose the Right Frame
There are many factors to consider when choosing a frame for your greenhouse. You’ll want to consider the strength of the frame, as well as the ease and weight of assembly.
- Steel frames can be quite sturdy, but they’re also heavy and difficult to move around (especially if you have a larger greenhouse).
- Aluminum is lighter than steel and easier to work with, which makes it ideal for DIY projects. It’s also less expensive than other materials such as PVC or vinyl-clad metal frames.
Select a Ventilation System
You will want to choose a ventilation system that uses fans and a thermostat. This is the most effective type of greenhouse ventilation, and it’s also easy to use.
The fan helps push air through your greenhouse and the thermostat keeps it at an optimal temperature so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot or cold.
Another thing you should look for in a fan is how much airflow it can produce per hour. You want this number to be high because if there isn’t enough airflow, then heat won’t be able to escape from inside your greenhouse into colder temperatures outside, which could hurt plants’ growth by causing them sunburns or frostbite.
We recommend buying fans with humidistats so moisture can also be regulated using these systems as well!
When buying humidistats, make sure they’re easy-to-use because otherwise they’ll just cause more stress than necessary when trying set up new equipment.”
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Pick a Good Foundation
When selecting a foundation for your greenhouse, you want to ensure that it is as sturdy as possible.
To accomplish this, you should build the foundation on top of concrete slabs and make sure that it is level and able to support the weight of your greenhouse.
You’ll also want to think about how weather conditions will affect your new structure. If there’s heavy rainfall in your area during certain times of year, make sure that there’s enough space around the base of the foundation so that water can drain away from it easily.
Consider the Fixtures for Your Greenhouse
When it comes to the fixtures for your greenhouse, there are a few considerations.
- Where are you placing your greenhouse?
- What is the climate like where you live?
- How much do you want to spend on maintenance?
This last one is important because in order to keep things running smoothly, you’ll need frequent maintenance on the watering system, heating and cooling systems, lighting system, and any other features that may be included in your greenhouse.
If these tasks require hiring an expert (and they probably do), then it’s worth considering whether those costs are worth it for the convenience of having everything within reach of your backyard space.
Consider Any Mechanical and Electronic Additions With Your Greenhouse
Consider the cost of running a greenhouse. The cost of running a greenhouse will depend on the size and type of greenhouse, so be sure to do your research before making any purchases.
For example, if you’re planning on keeping an extensive collection of plants inside your greenhouse, then it may require more frequent watering and may require air conditioning in order to maintain ideal temperatures for growth.
If so, then you might want to consider purchasing a water-cooled lighting system or an electric heating blanket rather than relying solely on passive heating (like warm sunlight).
Think about other mechanical and electronic additions with your greenhouse. Other common additions include fans for circulation and misters for humidity control — both can help keep plants happy!
Do you want to make your small backyard look more spacious? Our article on making your backyard more spacious offers simple and practical tips to help you create the illusion of space and maximize your outdoor living area
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of greenhouse gardening. It’s a wonderful way to get your hands dirty, but it also requires some planning and knowledge about how to maintain your greenhouses.
If you follow these tips and are willing to do a little research, then you should be well on your way to a successful garden in no time!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources related to backyard gardening and greenhouse management:
How Much Is a Backyard Greenhouse? Find Out!: This article discusses the cost of setting up a backyard greenhouse, including materials, size, and other factors to consider.
How Do You Make a Small Backyard Private? Easy Guide: This article provides tips on creating a private and intimate backyard space, which can be helpful for those with greenhouses.
How Do I Start Landscaping My Backyard?: This resource offers advice and inspiration for those looking to enhance their backyard with landscaping, which can complement a greenhouse.
How Do I Make My Backyard More Small? Easy Way: This article provides practical suggestions for maximizing the space in a small backyard, which can be useful for those with limited room for a greenhouse.
How Do I Build a Cheap Backyard Fence? Easy Tips: This resource offers guidance on building an affordable and attractive fence for your backyard, which can help to enclose and protect a greenhouse.
Greenhouse Kits: This article provides information on different types of greenhouse kits, including their features and costs.
How to Set Up Your Own Greenhouse: This resource offers a comprehensive guide on setting up a greenhouse, including site selection, construction, and maintenance.
FAQs
What is a backyard greenhouse?
A backyard greenhouse is a structure used for growing plants in a controlled environment. It is typically located in a backyard or other outdoor space, and can be constructed from a variety of materials, including glass, polycarbonate, or plastic.
Why should I use a greenhouse in my backyard?
Using a greenhouse in your backyard can extend the growing season, protect plants from harsh weather conditions, and provide a controlled environment for optimal growth. It can also allow for a wider variety of plant species to be grown, as they may not be suitable for outdoor conditions.
What plants can I grow in a backyard greenhouse?
A wide variety of plants can be grown in a backyard greenhouse, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Some popular options include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, and various herbs.
How do I manage temperature and humidity in my backyard greenhouse?
Temperature and humidity can be managed in a backyard greenhouse through the use of ventilation, fans, shading, and watering. It is important to monitor these factors regularly to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants.
How do I maintain my backyard greenhouse?
Maintaining a backyard greenhouse involves regular cleaning, monitoring of temperature and humidity, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. It is important to regularly inspect the greenhouse for any damage or issues that may arise.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.