If you’re into gardening and are considering greenhouse gardening, there are several mistakes that you want to avoid. Avoiding beginner’s mistakes will save you plenty of trouble and wasted plants. Greenhouse gardening will only enhance your green thumb, so give it a try keeping these things in mind,
1. Failure to Control the Temperature
In order to maintain a healthy and prosperous greenhouse, you need to monitor the temperature everyday. Summer daytime temperatures should fall between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while night temperatures shouldn’t dip below 60 degrees. Winter daytime temperatures should be kept between 65 and 70 degrees, and no less than 45 degrees at night. There are several methods you can employ to control temperatures. Shade cloths, ventilation and heating are the main three. Country Living suggests that you pay attention to the label that comes with the plant, and not assume that you know better.
2. Neglecting the Humidity
Humidity is part of the greenhouse water cycle, but the air can hold but so much water. The lower the temperature, the less moisture the air holds. If it gets too hot, you want to gradually reduce the temperature and humidity. Allowing drastic changes in temperature will result in drastic changes in humidity, and will ultimately damage plants that are sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Too much humidity can also encourage the growth of various fungi and mold.
3. Setting Up Under Trees
Make sure that you thoroughly research potential greenhouse locations. Consider its proximity to trees and other tall plants or shrubs. Tree roots can cause some headache as well as too much shade and falling debris. Monitor the amount of shade a potential site gets throughout the day and be sure to consider the sloping of the ground. You may even need to prune or remove trees or shrubs.
4. Not Shading Appropriately
You want to be able to control the amount of shade your greenhouse receives. Proper shading can reduce the risk of heat stress. Proper shading can also determine how much water your plants require. Shade cloths block some of the sun’s radiation from the plants, not necessarily the greenhouse.
5. Not Ventilating
Ventilation is an important part of regulating your greenhouse’s temperatures. If you’re unsure of how much ventilation your greenhouse needs, you want at least 20% of your greenhouse to be open. It also requires that air actually moves. Just having windows open or walls rolled up does not guarantee proper air circulation. Remember, hot air rises and cool air sinks. A small fan on the floor may be enough to keep the air moving.
6. Growing the Wrong Plants
Every plant has its season. Some plants don’t want to be started too early on, and all plants don’t thrive in warm moist environments. When you properly plan your garden, you should see some very rewarding results. Be sure to respect the ideal growing temperatures of the plants. With this information in mind, you can extend your growing season. Depending on your geographical location, you may be able to grow certain vegetables and fruits in the winter.
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to try your green thumb at greenhouse gardening. If you’re looking for a greenhouse, you can find it at Agron. Choose the style and size that best fits your situation, and start planning your plants. Greenhouse gardening doesn’t have to be intimidating when you’re prepared.
