Growing vegetables in a greenhouse will allow you to enjoy fresh produce all year. A greenhouse will enable you to control the amount of light, heat, water, and humidity your plants receive, which can make them thrive even in hot or cold weather that might damage them if they were outdoors.
Choose the type of greenhouse that is appropriate for your needs. Double-glazed windows will defuse and absorb sunlight, while plastic covers made of fiberglass, polyethylene or the like will allow more sunlight to be absorbed. The tunnel greenhouse is suitable for some one has a garden or backyard. And the mini greenhouse is perfect for indoor growing. Figure out how many plants you want to grow so you can choose the right size for your greenhouse.
A greenhouse should be located in an area that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. If it is not possible to put your greenhouse in an area that receives sun all day, choose a location that gets a lot of sun in the morning.
Decide how you will water your plants. You can use a hose attached to a faucet in the greenhouse or use watering cans. If you need to raise the humidity level in your greenhouse, you can paint milk jugs black to absorb sunlight and fill them with water.
The type of vegetables you choose to grow will depend on the temperatures in your greenhouse. “Cool season” vegetables grow well in a greenhouse that is 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 45 to 55 degrees at night. Plants in this group, such as broccoli and lettuce, do not require hot, direct sunlight. “Warm season” vegetables do well if the daytime temperature is 60 to 85 degrees and the nighttime temperature is 55 to 65 degrees. Cool and warm season vegetables will not do well in the same greenhouse because of their different temperature requirements.
Plant seeds or vegetable plants in pots filled two-thirds of the way with soil. Place taller plants on shelves at the back of the greenhouse. A large portable greenhouse can leave enough space between the pots to give the plants room to grow. Water the plants as needed depending on the temperature and humidity level in the greenhouse.
Use two thermometers to measure the temperatures inside and outside the greenhouse. If it gets too hot inside, open a door or window to allow some air inside. If your greenhouse is losing heat, insulate the windows and doors.
Be on the lookout for signs of fungus or insects that can damage your plants. If your plants become damaged by fungus, you may need to separate or destroy them. Ask your local garden store what insect repellents, fungal cleaners, and fertilizers are recommended for the vegetables you are growing.