Tips on setting up your Greenhouse

Here are some growing tips to keep your new seedlings happy and healthy:

Try a greenhouse kit. If you are not sure whether or not a greenhouse is for you, or if you are not confident in your DIY skills with a hammer and nails, consider buying a greenhouse kit. The kit will have everything you need—from supports to plastic sheeting—to start you off.

Set up a thermostat. Temperature control is vital in a greenhouse, and you want to make sure it is not too hot or too cold; a temperature around 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is best for most plants. Set up a thermostat so that you can keep an eye on the temperature and make changes if things swing too far out of your ideal range.

Don’t forget about air circulation. While a moist environment can be great for certain plants, too much moisture can cause issues for plants that are prone to fungal diseases or mildew. Air circulation has the added benefit of preventing cold spots during winter. A ventilation system (with roof vents or a ventilation unit) is great for advanced gardeners, but at the very least, consider setting up a rotating fan or two (on a low setting) to keep plants well-circulated with air.

Keep an eye out for pests. While greenhouses may seem like they would keep insect pests away from your plants, it can be the opposite—once pests get in, the warm, humid climate of the greenhouse can be a perfect breeding ground for infestation. When greenhouse gardening, you need to keep an eye out for any signs of pests. When you see pests, take the affected greenhouse plants out to prevent their spread, or bring in predatory insects (like ladybugs and lacewings) to keep the population under control.

Keep a greenhouse journal. If you are planning on greenhouse growing for many years, it is a good idea to start taking notes in the beginning to keep track of what works and what doesn’t work in your greenhouse.