We all know that space can sometimes cramp our greenhouse gardening style. Fear not! In this article, we'll dive into the world of greenhouse shelves and discover how they can transform your DIY backyard greenhouse for vegetables.
Here are the Most Common Types of Greenhouse Shelves and Their Advantages:
1. Wire Mesh Shelves
These shelves are perfect for plants that need proper airflow and drainage. They're a lifesaver for moisture-sensitive plants, as the open design allows sunlight to reach every leaf.
2. Slatted Shelves
Slatted shelves are great for plants that love well-drained conditions. Air and light can pass through easily, creating a happy environment for your green friends.
3. Adjustable Shelves/Multi-tiered
These shelves are the chameleons of the greenhouse world! You can adjust their heights or remove sections, customizing the space according to your plants' needs.
4. Galvanized Metal Shelves
Metal shelves are your handy space savers for seedling trays and small, light pots. Designed for holding tools and gloves, they can double as a convenient storage area for trays and plants about to be transplanted.
Can You Grow All Greenhouse Plants on Shelves?
Some plants will thrive on greenhouse shelves. For this to happen, you have to choose suitable plants. When it comes to shelf gardening, think compact and petite. Here are some plant options to consider:
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Dwarf Varieties
Opt for compact or dwarf versions of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other veggies. They'll make the most of your space and keep things manageable.
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Short Vegetables
Leafy greens, herbs, radishes, and salad greens are shelf-friendly champs. They're small, easy to harvest, and won't hog your precious greenhouse real estate.
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Flowers
Brighten up your shelves with compact greenhouse flowers like pansies, marigolds, and petunias. They'll add a burst of color and cheer to your greenhouse haven.
Let's take your greenhouse organization to the next level by combining shelves with grow beds.
Follow these steps:
- Set up sturdy wire mesh or slatted shelves along the sides of your DIY backyard greenhouse.
- Place a raised grow bed in the center, giving you plenty of room to maneuver around.
- Use the shelves for smaller plants or trays, while the grow bed can handle larger containers or direct planting.
Can you organize your greenhouse with just shelves?
For those who prefer simplicity or have limited floor space, shelves alone can still work wonders. Here's how to organize your DIY backyard greenhouse:
- Install wire mesh, galvanized metal, or slatted shelves along the sides, leaving enough space for easy access and airflow.
- Consider a multi-tiered shelving system to maximize your vertical space. Think of it as a plant tower of awesomeness!
- Arrange plants on the shelves based on their light requirements. Put the tall ones at the back and the shorter ones at the front. It's all about giving each plant its moment in the sun!
The final piece of the DIY greenhouse kit shelving puzzle is containers, you’ll need to use the right containers to get the job done.
These are the best planting containers for greenhouse shelves:
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Plastic or Terracotta Pots
Lightweight and versatile, these containers are a staple for DIY greenhouse beginner gardeners.
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Grow Bags
These nifty fabric containers are perfect for space-saving.
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Hanging Baskets
Hang baskets from your shelves and let them do their thing. Vertical beauty at its finest!
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Seedling Trays
They're perfect for germinating multiple plants and keeping everything organized on your shelves.
There you have it! By harnessing the power of shelves, you can transform your growing area. Choose the right shelves, consider suitable plants, and pick the perfect containers. With a little creativity and planning, your DIY backyard greenhouse will become a space where plants can reach their full potential.