HOW TO START YOUR FIRST BACKYARD GREENHOUSE
A greenhouse is a fantastic choice for individuals who want to cultivate plants in their homes.
CLIMATE IN MEYERSDALE, PA
The summer period in Meyersdale is warm, and its winter season is known for snow. Over the year, the temperature ranges between 20 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm period is around May to September, while the cold season starts around December until March. Having a nursery and greenhouse in Meyersdale, PA, can be tedious, but you need to learn simple tips to start your first backyard greenhouse.
GREENHOUSE, A SIMPLE DEFINITION
A greenhouse can be defined as an enclosed space with a transparent roof and walls that enable sunlight penetration. With a greenhouse, you can grow plants within a restricted environment. You can add heating pads, water misters, and sun lamps to ensure the proper growth of the plants. You can cultivate different plants such as Arugula, Cabbage, Garlic, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Strawberries, Sunflowers, and Tomatoes in greenhouses. There are three popular types of hobby greenhouses: the cold frame, attached, and freestanding greenhouses. This article shall discuss each of these popular varieties of hobby greenhouses.
COLD FRAME GREENHOUSE
These greenhouses are constructed as small boxes with hinged lids that make it easier for gardeners to cultivate their plants. They do not need a heat source and are cheaper to build. These cold frames are used to protect plants during the winter season.
ATTACHED GREENHOUSE
The attached greenhouses are constructed against a solid wall to secure the building structure. They are available in different sizes and have a well-built wall to ensure they are adequately secured.
FREESTANDING GREENHOUSE
Freestanding greenhouses are distinct building structures big for cultivators to gain access to. However, freestanding greenhouses are known to be high-priced and more complicated to construct.
WHY GREENHOUSE?
Most homeowners who want a greenhouse in their homes want to use it to cultivate plants under controlled conditions. Greenhouses are usually built to grow plants and prevent them from strong winds, cold weather, and animals.
USES OF GREENHOUSES
- To grow young plants and provide support for seed cultivation. In addition, a greenhouse offers shelter for tender plants against harsh weather conditions and keeps them moist and warm.
- Greenhouses are great for areas with intense winters. It enables the gardeners to raise plants in a warm environment. It is vital to cultivate plants not allergic to sunlight with greenhouses in your homes.
- Greenhouses are perfect for individuals who want to grow plants with unique growing attributes, such as mangoes.
HOW CAN I SET UP MY GREENHOUSE?
These are some crucial steps to follow if you want to set up your greenhouse and keep your plants healthy.
- Make use of a greenhouse kit. The kit will provide you with the information to start your greenhouse on a solid footing.
- Ensure the temperature is controlled in your greenhouse with a thermostat. The temperature in your greenhouse must be moderate and should be around 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a thermostat will enable you to monitor the room temperature and make adjustments at the appropriate time.
- Air circulation is critical to the growth of the plants. A humid environment is perfect for some plants, while a moist area is not suitable for plants vulnerable to mildew or fungi. By installing a proper ventilation system, air circulation can prevent cold spots during the winter season. If your greenhouse is small, you can keep a rotating fan to ensure the place is well ventilated.
- Pests are destroyers; you need to watch out for them in your nursery. It is essential to prevent the infestation of pests from your greenhouse. The warm nature of a greenhouse can attract pests, and it is your responsibility to eliminate any pests in your greenhouse. Whenever you see pests, remove the affected plants to foil the spread of their impact on your plants. Prevention is better than cure as some pests can bring more dangerous pests to your greenhouse and ruin your efforts.
- Have a Journal For your nursery and greenhouse: It is a brilliant idea to keep notes of your process if you desire to have a greenhouse for years. The journal can contain the potting soil, fertilizer, watering schedule, and other essential details that need to be recorded. Having a greenhouse journal will increase your proficiency and expand your knowledge base about your garden.