Have you ever considered investing in a greenhouse but felt uncertain about maximizing its potential? Or is your greenhouse sitting unused much of the year? Here are some ideas that I have tried to get the most from my greenhouse.
From the time that I spent working in a commercial greenhouse in my 20s, I have wanted a greenhouse of my own. They are such a magical place, filled with light, plants, and hope for the future, but I hate spending money on something that I am not using to its fullest potential.
My husband and I built our greenhouse from old windows a few years ago and it is a jewel in our backyard that we have loved ever since!
How I Optimize My Greenhouse
January through May
The busiest time in my greenhouse is from January through May. I start my seeds in late January and nurture them every day until they are ready to go into the garden. We are on the border of zones 7b and 8, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland so planting time is anywhere from mid-April to mid-May, depending on temperatures and weather conditions.
Greenhouse Heating Solution
The first year we had the greenhouse, we could not stabilize the temperatures to be able to start my seeds there. The heating system we had chosen was just not enough.
I used a collapsible shelving unit in my dining room, with grow lights. This worked great, but it seemed a waste of a perfectly good greenhouse. I knew that if I got the right heater, I would be able to start all my seeds in the greenhouse, so we set about looking for a better option.
Last year we purchased a larger (220v) heater to be able to maintain a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, all winter. This allows me to plant beds below my benches, of lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard for salads. And I was able to start seeds for trays of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, butternut, melons, and flowers for my Spring garden.
We also have a ceiling fan that runs all winter. This pushes the heat from the ceiling to keep the temperatures more consistent. It also helps the seedlings to grow stronger. And we purchased a temperature/humidity sensor with wi-fi gateway that alerts us by text or email if conditions exceed the parameters we set. We can also check it anytime we wish, even if we are on vacation. This was a huge game changer and gave us peace of mind that everything was working. For more information about the items we used, see the list at the end of this post, or click on the individual item.
I love the vintage enamel table that I use as a potting table, but it also makes a beautiful place to work, write, dream of my garden, select seeds for next season, or have a hot lunch on a snowy day.
Extending Late Spring and Early Summer Use
Starting in June, as days are getting longer and hotter, we have a sunshade (clips needed) that we can close to help keep the temperatures comfortable. We also have an exhaust fan that comes on at 70 degrees and an inexpensive automatic window opener that engages when the temperatures are rising. All of these were not expensive to purchase and easy to install so that we can extend the use of this lovely addition to our yard.
It is important to automate the greenhouse as much as possible. We work hard to grow all of our vegetables, so the last thing I want is to be away for the day and come home to a greenhouse full of plants that succumbed to the heat. I had that happen with my first cold frame and it is not something I want to repeat.
As plants are going into the garden and the potting benches are bare, our greenhouse turns into a lovely place to set up food for a garden party. I use vintage linens layered to hide imperfections. I invite friends to bring a dish and it fills up with food.
I got so busy chatting with friends that I forgot to take a picture after all the food arrived, but I am sure that you get the idea.
The enamel potting table becomes the drink station, and an old, galvanized washtub next to it, becomes a place to put bottles of flavored waters, beer, and wine on ice to keep them chilled.
Once their plates are full, they can wander around the garden to find the sitting area that they like the best. Read more about Creating Outdoor Dining here.
The greenhouse is also a wonderful place to have a romantic dinner on a special occasion, like our June anniversary.
I pull in my potted ferns from the yard to enhance the ambiance.
During the Heat of Summer
In July I use the greenhouse in the mornings, to pot up my fall seedlings, which I then take the trays directly outside to an area nearby with dappled shade until the weather cools down enough to plant them.
In August, the temperatures rise, and the greenhouse becomes too hot to enjoy. This is when it gets a rest, while I am busy preserving the harvest. I open the door, and all operable windows, and systems turned off.
Getting the Most of Your Greenhouse in the Fall
September through November, as fall approaches, start entertaining again. We invite our friends and family while enjoying the cooler evenings again (and less mosquitoes). Everyone loves being able to spend time in this magical space.
As frost becomes a concern, I move my ferns and annuals, that I want to winter-over, into the greenhouse and take cuttings of annuals that I want to have for next season.
It also becomes a triage for my houseplants when they need a vacation from the dry heat of our home.
In December, our greenhouse becomes a festive addition to our Christmas decorating. It cheers me when I go out to water the plants.
After the holidays, my attention turns back to the garden as the seed catalogs pile up on my desk. I will take them out to the greenhouse with a cup of tea, sit at the table, and start dreaming of Spring.
I hope that this has been helpful in getting the most from your greenhouse, inspires you to build your own or purchase one like this GREENHOUSE. Please let me know what great ideas you have to extend the use of yours.
Enjoy!
