Backyard greenhouses can be a great way to grow fresh produce and flowers all year long. However, the climate inside a greenhouse is different than that outside.
This means you’ll need to make sure your plants get the right amount of light, water, heat and humidity to thrive.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Proper management is essential for a backyard greenhouse. |
| Regular maintenance and fixing issues promptly ensure the longevity of the canopy. |
| Shading techniques help control temperature and light exposure in the greenhouse. |
| Treating the canopy with care and following pro tips enhances its durability. |
| Securing the greenhouse from wind and adverse weather conditions is crucial. |
Location
The location of your greenhouse is one of the most important factors in determining its success. The greenhouse should be located in a sunny area, and not shaded by trees or other structures.
If you’re growing plants that require direct sunlight, it’s also important that the roof be transparent enough for light to pass through.
The location should also be sheltered from winds and storms so that plants are protected from damage. Finally, look for an area that isn’t prone to flooding—you don’t want all your hard work wasted!
When it comes to managing a backyard greenhouse, fixing and maintaining your canopy is crucial. Our pro tips on fixing an EZ-Up canopy will help you keep your canopy in top shape and ensure the longevity of your greenhouse.
Materials
Materials for the greenhouse include glass or plastic, frames and covering materials.
Materials for the frame should be durable, strong and able to withstand wind and weather conditions.
The frame should be sturdy enough to support all the materials and will not collapse when you walk into it.
Covering materials can include polyester sheeting or PVC sheeting which is easy to install as there are no seams when you roll it up across the top of your greenhouse.
Polyethylene film is another option but this does require some sewing skills as it does not come as one continuous piece so you need to cut around windows etc yourself before installing it on each side of your structure depending on what type of material you decide upon using in creating an enclosure around your new garden space!
Heating
Heating is needed for plants that require a longer growing season.
There are several ways to heat your greenhouse, including electric and solar. Electric heaters are safer than solar, but also more expensive and harder to install.
Solar heaters are less efficient than electric ones, but they’re also cheaper and easier to install.
Are you looking to create a temporary canopy for your backyard greenhouse? Learn from our experience and check out our guide on building a temporary canopy to get step-by-step instructions and valuable insights.
Cooling
Cooling the greenhouse is an important part of managing your backyard greenhouse. Some of the ways you can do this include:
Using fans to circulate air and cool down the air in your greenhouse. Fans also help to keep pests away, which is especially helpful during warmer months when they are more likely to be a problem.
Using cooling pads on hot days, such as those made out of water bottles filled with water or pebbles. These pads will release moisture into the air and provide some level of cooling for your plants during these hot weather periods.
Using an air conditioner on those really hot days where temperatures climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
You may want to invest in one if it gets too hot for you inside your house or apartment! Note that some types work better than others depending on what type of plant material is being grown inside them; make sure yours says “tropical” somewhere on its packaging before purchasing one!
Watering
Watering is the most important task you need to keep in mind. Without water, plants will die. So we want to make sure our greenhouse plants are healthy, right?
But how do we know when they need water? Well, it depends on the type of plant and its location within the greenhouse. The table below shows how often you should give each type of plant a drink:
- Tomato plants: Once per day (Or more often depending on how hot it is outside.)
- Cucumber vines: Twice per day (Or more often depending on how hot it is outside.)
- Lettuce leaves and stems: Every 4-6 hours (For best results, spray from above.)
Lighting (Day/Night)
While many people begin their greenhouse gardening in the spring, it’s important to remember that plants grow throughout the year.
If you have a greenhouse, you’ll need to make sure that your lights are on at night and off during the day. This will help keep your plants alive longer.
How much light do plants need? This depends on what kind of plant you’re growing, but generally speaking most plants need about 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day for optimal growth.
Proper shading is essential for maintaining optimal conditions in your backyard greenhouse. Discover effective techniques in our comprehensive guide on how to shade a canopy to ensure the ideal balance of light and temperature for your plants.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a vital part of greenhouse management. The air in your greenhouse needs to be changed regularly, so that plants can breathe and are not subjected to toxic fumes or too much humidity.
The most common way to ventilate a greenhouse is with fans. Fans can be bought or made at home, but if you’re new to greenhouse gardening and don’t feel comfortable making one yourself just yet, there are many different types of pre-made fan options out there that will work just as well!
Some fans even come with integrated thermostats so you can set an ideal temperature for your plants based on the time of year, which makes monitoring more convenient than ever before!
| Ventilation Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Exhaust Fans | High-powered fans that expel hot air and provide fresh airflow in the greenhouse. |
| Louvered Vents | Adjustable vents that allow controlled airflow and can be opened or closed based on temperature and humidity levels. |
| Ridge Vents | Roof-mounted vents that promote natural convection and facilitate hot air escape from the greenhouse. |
| Side Wall Vents | Vertical vents positioned along the sides of the greenhouse to enhance cross-ventilation and maintain optimal temperature. |
| Hinged Windows | Windows that can be opened and closed to regulate airflow and provide additional ventilation when needed. |
| Evaporative Cooling Systems | Systems that use evaporative pads or misting to cool the air inside the greenhouse, reducing temperature and increasing humidity. |
| Circulation Fans | Fans placed strategically to ensure consistent air movement throughout the greenhouse, preventing stagnant air pockets. |
| Automated Ventilation Controllers | Smart controllers that monitor temperature and humidity levels and adjust ventilation systems accordingly for optimal conditions. |
| Roll-Up Side Walls | Sidewalls that can be rolled up to allow for increased airflow and natural ventilation in the greenhouse. |
| Solar-Powered Ventilation | Ventilation systems powered by solar energy, providing sustainable and eco-friendly airflow solutions for the greenhouse. |
Humidity Control
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air (relative humidity). The higher the humidity, the more moisture that’s present.
Low humidity can lead to dry skin and cracked lips while high humidity can lead to mold, mildew and other health concerns.
A well-managed greenhouse will have controlled airflow to maintain a reasonable level of humidity so plants are able to thrive.
You’ll want to monitor this as best you can by checking daily as some plants require different levels of moisture than others do.
Taking care of a gazebo canopy requires specific treatment techniques that can be applied to managing your backyard greenhouse. Explore our pro tips on treating a gazebo canopy to learn valuable maintenance strategies for long-lasting canopies.
Soil PH – Fertilizing & Nutrients
Soil pH is important for plant growth. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0, but it can vary depending on the type of plants you want to grow in your greenhouse.
The reason for this is that some types of plants require more acidic soil than others, and so they may not grow well if the pH level is too high or too low.
If your soil’s pH level isn’t within this ideal range (more acidic than 7 or more alkaline than 6), then there are several methods you can use to adjust it:
Lime can be added to raise the pH level; however, adding too much lime will cause nutrient deficiencies in some soils.
Also note that when using chemical fertilizers on an acidic soil, they are less effective because they don’t dissolve well in a low-pH environment.
Sulfur can be added to lower the pH level; however, when using sulfuric acid solution on an alkaline soil (one with a high pH), contamination from iron pipes could occur because this acid does not react well with metals like iron.
Soil amendments such as peat moss or vermiculite may also help lower your potting mix’s overall acidity by adding organic matter
| Fertilizer/Nutrient | Description |
|---|---|
| Espoma Organic Garden Lime | Raises soil pH levels for acidic soils, promoting optimal nutrient availability. |
| Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier | Lowers soil pH levels for alkaline soils, creating an acidic environment for acid-loving plants. |
| Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizer | Specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, provides essential nutrients while maintaining lower soil pH levels. |
| Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food | All-purpose fertilizer suitable for a wide range of pH levels, offering balanced nutrition for various plants. |
| Fox Farm Grow Big Liquid Plant Food | High-quality liquid fertilizer with a balanced nutrient profile, suitable for adjusting pH in different soil types. |
| Alaska Fish Fertilizer | Organic fish-based fertilizer that nourishes plants and supports healthy soil biology. |
| Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food | Ideal for promoting a healthy lawn, this fertilizer can be used to adjust pH in turfgrass areas. |
| Jobe’s Organics Bone Meal | Natural source of phosphorus, beneficial for root development and adjusting pH in the soil. |
| Osmocote Flower & Vegetable Smart-Release Plant Food | Controlled-release fertilizer suitable for flowers and vegetables, providing consistent nutrients over time. |
| Plant Success Great White Mycorrhizae | Contains beneficial mycorrhizal fungi that enhance nutrient uptake and overall plant health, suitable for pH adjustment. |
Greenhouse Planters & Plant Holders
Plant pots should be large enough to accommodate the plant. It is recommended that they are at least a foot deep and wide.
By using different sizes, you can create an interesting effect in your greenhouse garden – particularly if you want to grow taller plants, such as tomatoes or cucumbers.
Plant containers needn’t be expensive or overly ornate; simple terracotta pots will do just fine! As long as they are well-drained, they can last for years without cracking or breaking (unlike plastic ones).
You can even make your own planters by filling large glass jars with soil if you have some lying around the house.
Be sure not to use metal containers however as this could cause rust stains on tender-leaved plants such as basil and parsley which would spoil their taste!
| Planter/Holder | Description |
|---|---|
| Hanging Baskets | Suspended plant holders that maximize vertical space in the greenhouse. |
| Self-Watering Pots | Planters equipped with a reservoir to provide consistent moisture levels for plants. |
| Seedling Trays | Containers designed for germinating and nurturing young plants before transplanting. |
| Stackable Planters | Modular plant holders that can be stacked to save space and create multi-level plant displays. |
| Grow Bags | Flexible and breathable fabric containers ideal for growing a variety of plants in the greenhouse. |
| Planter Benches | Raised benches with built-in planters, providing a convenient workspace and storage solution. |
| Plant Stands | Elevated platforms or shelves that showcase potted plants and enhance accessibility. |
| Hanging Planters | Containers suspended from above, allowing plants to cascade down and decorate greenhouse walls. |
| Wall-Mounted Plant Holders | Space-saving options that attach to greenhouse walls, providing vertical planting opportunities. |
| Tiered Plant Racks | Multi-tiered racks that accommodate multiple plants, creating a visually appealing display. |
Pest Prevention & Management
Pest prevention is key to keeping your greenhouse healthy. Cleanliness and organization will go a long way in helping you maintain a healthy environment for your plants. To keep pests at bay, make sure you:
- Remove debris from the floor regularly
- Use natural pest control methods like ladybugs or praying mantis (insects that eat other insects)
- Get an automatic vacuum with attachments for cleaning leaves, cobwebs and other debris
Protecting your backyard greenhouse from strong winds is crucial for its stability and durability. Discover effective methods in our guide on securing a greenhouse from the wind to ensure your structure remains safe and intact during adverse weather conditions.
Know The Plants You Are Growing And The Conditions They Need To Thrive
The first step to managing a backyard greenhouse is to know what plants you want to grow and how they should be cared for.
There are a number of factors that can impact the health of your garden, including location, weather conditions, and what kind of soil you have.
If you live in an area where the summers get very hot or it rains a lot during the growing season, then consider planting crops that are suited to these conditions.
This means choosing plants that thrive under hot sun but don’t need too much water (or even drought-tolerant ones).
It’s also important to select plants that take up little space so there won’t be any overcrowding issues in your small space.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to manage your greenhouse, whether it’s large or small.
The key to a successful greenhouse is to have good quality equipment and plants that will thrive under the conditions that you provide them with.
If you follow these tips, then you should be able to keep your plants healthy and happy for years!
Further Reading
Planning a Greenhouse: This article provides valuable insights and tips on planning your greenhouse, including site selection, design considerations, and essential features to consider.
Greenhouse Gardening for Beginners: If you’re new to greenhouse gardening, this resource offers practical advice, from choosing the right plants to maintaining optimal growing conditions and maximizing productivity.
Greenhouse Kits: Explore a wide range of greenhouse kits available on the market, with this comprehensive guide that covers different types, sizes, and features to help you find the perfect kit for your needs.
This Further Reading section provides additional resources for readers who want to dive deeper into the topic of greenhouse gardening, including planning, beginner’s guides, and greenhouse kit options.
Now, here’s the FAQs section based on the semantic of the title, with five questions and answers in H3 format:
FAQs
How do I choose the right location for my greenhouse?
Select a location that receives ample sunlight, is well-drained, and offers protection from strong winds. Consider factors such as access to utilities and proximity to water sources for irrigation.
What are the essential features to include in a greenhouse?
Key features include proper ventilation, shading options, sturdy construction, and a reliable heating system. Additionally, incorporating benches or shelving, irrigation systems, and adequate lighting can enhance functionality.
What types of plants can I grow in a greenhouse?
Greenhouses provide a favorable environment for various plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even tropical species. It allows you to extend the growing season and cultivate plants that may not thrive in your region otherwise.
How do I maintain temperature and humidity levels in a greenhouse?
Monitoring temperature and humidity is crucial. Use ventilation systems, shade cloth, and automated climate control devices to regulate temperature. Employ misting systems, water trays, and humidifiers to maintain desired humidity levels.
What are the benefits of using a greenhouse kit?
Greenhouse kits offer convenience and efficiency, providing a pre-designed structure with all the necessary components. They save time and effort in planning and construction, making it easier for beginners to start their greenhouse journey.
I am Hellen James, a professional handywoman with expertise in improving home and garden spaces by using pergolas, gazebos, and tents.
