Benefits of a Greenhouse

While most people know a greenhouse is used to grow plants, many don't understand the benefits that go with using a greenhouse. A greenhouse can improve pest control, and help in regulating temperature, humidity, and water distribution, all of which can promote and encourage good plant health and lead to maximum production. Whether you are a hobby gardener, practicing self-sufficiency on a family homestead, or have plans to run a plant nursery for profit, a greenhouse can offer convenience and increased productivity .

Function

With a greenhouse, you have the ability to control your plants' growing environment. The greenhouse helps maintain heat, which tropical plants and seedlings need; humidity, which several vegetables, such as peppers, thrive in; and keeps out pests, animals and small children. In a greenhouse, you can also regulate the amount of water your plants receive, so drought and flood are rarely an issue. The allure of the greenhouse is often the fact that you can extend your growing season. This is especially desirable in cooler, northern climates where the growing season lasts only a few months, not nearly long enough for some vegetables to be harvested.

Features

A greenhouse works basically the same way the inside of your car does during the day. Sunlight enters through the windows and the resulting energy, or heat, is trapped inside. Your plants then benefit from the light and the warmth of the greenhouse. Most greenhouses also include some sort of opening window or fan to help keep the heat from becoming too excessive. Because the greenhouse is enclosed, the heat remains inside overnight, continuing to keep the plants warm and helping them grow without fighting frost or cold dew. While you may want to hand water your greenhouse, there are also irrigation systems using drip tubes to water your plants. Monitors can be used to track temperature and humidity, turning the fan on or off when needed. With automatic watering and cooling systems, an added benefit of your greenhouse is that it can literally take care of your plants for you as far as day-to-day maintenance is concerned.

Types

Coming in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, greenhouses can be made from a multitude of materials; anything from old windows to PVC pipes to metal frames using plastic or glass to cover openings. When cost becomes a factor, there are plans available to build your own, as well as greenhouse kits with all materials shipped together with instructions to construct the greenhouse over a weekend. Even cheaper still, some opt for a simple ground covering of curved pipes draped with clear plastic. When put together correctly your greenhouse shouldn't need much further care, leaving you time to tend to your plants. Benches, shelves, and even washtub-style sinks can be installed inside a large greenhouse, maximizing your growing space and making cleaning up easier.

Benefits

Whether you choose to grow flowering plants or your own fruits and vegetables, there are more benefits to a greenhouse than just the beauty of a fresh bloom or the first bite of homegrown food. A greenhouse keeps out several garden pests, such as raccoons, opossums and deer that often cause trouble digging up plants, eating flowers and eating your food before you get a chance to. You also have the opportunity to grow organically or at least know what kinds of chemicals have been used on your plants. A further benefit is the ability to start seeds earlier in the season under a controlled environment without fear of losing a whole crop when something unexpected happens outside. If you enjoy it enough, you may consider selling produce or potted plants as an additional source of income because your plant growth results are healthier, stronger and more reliable in greenhouses. In addition, a quality greenhouse can also increase your home's value.

Considerations

When building a new greenhouse or restoring an existing greenhouse, there will be an initial cost to purchase a kit or building materials, as well as the time it takes to construct or repair the greenhouse. This upfront cost often turns gardeners away from the idea,. However, most gardeners would agree that once the greenhouse is up and running the maintenance required is no more strenuous than a standard "in-ground" garden. Also consider what the correct size greenhouse for your needs would be. Make a list of the plants you want to keep and how much space they consume. Take the square footage your plants would require and double that number to give you room to spread out and add to your list over time.

Resources

• Greenhouse tips with several links