Greenhouse Gardening

If you are looking for a great way to do some gardening in as controlled of a manner as possible, then you should consider greenhouse gardening. Greenhouse gardening is a relatively simple thing to do, as long as you have a properly built greenhouse. Luckily, building a successful greenhouse can be surprisingly easy, as long as you keep in mind a few things.

• Plants. While it may be a surprise, you actually do need to consider the plants you will be growing in your greenhouse before you actually build your greenhouse. Each plant can have different requirements for ideal growth. Knowing what these requirements are will enable you to build and design the best possible greenhouse.
• Size. How big are you going to have your greenhouse? Is it going to be the size of a small shed? Perhaps it will be something the size of a two or three car garage? How much time do you plan on spending in your greenhouse? Each of these elements need to be decided prior to building, since they will directly affect the heating of the greenhouse, the materials used, and so on.
• Heating. When built properly greenhouses get hot. Either through the natural heat that is trapped in by the glass or plastic, or through the use of additional heaters during the winter, your greenhouse can get hot! You will need to know the ideal temperatures for your plants, and figure out a way to ensure that the temperature stays in that zone as much as possible.
• Materials. Many greenhouses are built using primarily glass, or plastic. Each will have their own definite benefits, negatives, and look. Do a little research, and figure out which will provide the best results for your gardening. Typically speaking, glass will work wonderful if you are building a permanent greenhouse. If you are wanting to build a greenhouse that will only be used for one or two seasons though, you don't want to go to the expense and permanency of glass, use plastic instead.
• Watering. Just like with any garden, you will need to water your plants. The higher end greenhouses can have a watering system that will allow regular watering without having to drag a hose everywhere. Rather the system is like something you may see at your local grocery store, where the water can "rain" down onto the plants directly. However, if you don't want to go to that expense, be sure you have a water hose, and water supply nearby—otherwise you will be carrying a lot of water around.
• Storage space. Include some storage space in your greenhouse. This storage space may be used for storing unplanted seeds, fertilizer, compost, tools and other planting materials. Keep in mind that you will want to have as many items on hand as possible to avoid wasted time.
• Foundation. If you are planning on having a permanent greenhouse, then don't forget to lay a foundation. The foundation will help ensure that there is a proper seal for the greenhouse, and that rodents, and garden pests are less likely to get into your plants.