Greenhouse Gardening as a Hobby

Gardeners enjoy greenhouses for growing plants year round.

Greenhouse gardening gives you a chance to enjoy growing and taking care of plants year-round. Some gardeners choose to only use a greenhouse for getting seedlings started for transplanting to the garden in the spring. Before building your greenhouse, you'll want to consider your budget, purpose and available space for the structure.

Light

You'll need to choose a location that receives plenty of morning sunlight year round. Look for south- or southeast-facing locations. A location where hot afternoon sun gets blocked by leafy deciduous trees in the summer works best if you want to greenhouse garden year-round.

Structure

Greenhouses come in all sizes and shapes, including lean-to and even-span structures that require one wall be attached to an existing building. Freestanding structures offer another option. A simple window box that attaches to your window gives you a few shelves to put pots on while costing very little.

Heating

Except on the warmest summer days, you'll need to heat your greenhouse to keep it a steady temperature in which your plants can grow. Heating systems require heaters, fans and thermostats to regulate temperatures.

References

• Auburn University: Hobby Greenhouse Operations and Practices
• University of Missouri Agricultural Electronic Bulletin Board: Planning and Building a Greenhouse

Resources

• Missouri Alternatives Center Library: Agricultural Electronic Bulletin Board