Whether you are growing some fruits and vegetables or are planting an array of flowers, starting a garden is a rewarding and exciting feat. However, to maximize your garden, be sure you have everything needed to grow for success. From seeds and soil to a home for your new food and plants to live in, there is a lot to consider.
If you are looking to up the ante with your gardening, you have probably looked into various DIY greenhouse kits, tools, and accessories. Planta greenhouses provide a designated place for your plants to live and grow, protecting them from outdoor elements that could potentially cause harm. If you live in an area with a cold climate, such as Canada, but want to maintain your garden year-round, a greenhouse can help you sustain it.
Albeit, just like humans, every greenhouse is different. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how various models align with your gardening goals before purchasing a DIY greenhouse kit.
Here are a few things to consider when picking a greenhouse that is right for you:
Think about size tomorrow, not today
If you’re just starting, chances are, you have a couple of plants going. While your garden may be small now, it’s always important to think ahead. If you want to maintain and keep a small garden, you can opt for a more condensed greenhouse, such as an Astra. These greenhouses can home a smaller amount of plants or a single plant family and take up next to nothing in terms of space.
If you are looking to expand your greenhouse even further in the future, you will want to account for the end result, not just what you have now. There are a plethora of options to fit the needs of those who are looking to grow from a few plants to an entire home! The Sungrow or Ministar are built for those who want to build larger gardens and cause house a larger number of plants. Their durability allows them to be kept up all year round, protecting the contents inside from harsh weather elements.
It’s important to consider your end goal and not just your current state when choosing a greenhouse. You don’t want to end up with a DIY backyard greenhouse that is too small or too large with what you inevitably want to create.
Take into consideration the surrounding light
When people think about greenhouses and the plants within, many think about perfectly transparent resting houses where plants can bask in the sunlight for hours on end. While sunlight is essential for plants, too much exposure can actually have opposite effects. Knowing this plays a huge role in your greenhouse decision.
If you plan on keeping your greenhouse in an area away from direct sunlight, you can opt for a fully transparent option. However, if your greenhouse is going to reside in the path of direct sunlight, you may want to consider a different type of greenhouse with a diffused lighting system. All Planta greenhouses offer UV protection, allowing plants to continue absorbing the sunlight without the risk of overexposure. Either way, before settling on a greenhouse, analyze where you would like to put it and how the sun impacts that spot.
Speaking of surroundings, think about the weather
Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a place where the weather is always calm and cooperative? Unfortunately, many of us don’t live in such places. Rain, hail, snow, ice, winds, dry air - these are just a few elements provided by mother nature that can wreak havoc on a greenhouse. If you reside in a place where the weather is mostly calm, your options are plenty; however, if you live in a place where the weather is less than ideal, you’ll want to look for greenhouses crafted with select, sturdy materials.
Similar to lighting, the location of your DIY greenhouse kit plays a huge role in what type works best for you. If your greenhouse is under a tree or in an area where children frequently play, for example, it’s better to be safe than sorry and opt for a greenhouse that can withstand potential hazards.
Plants need to breathe just like we do
Just because plants can talk doesn’t mean they don’t feel. While that may sound really cheesy, it holds merit. Plants require a lot of similar means that humans do as well, such as nutrients, sunlight, water, and proper ventilation/regulated temperatures. Greenhouses should release hot air in the warmer months and retain warm air in the colder months to optimize the longevity and growth of all living organisms within. Most greenhouses come equipped with vents that allow for just that. When shopping around for your next greenhouse, ensure the housing provides adequate ventilation for all your plants.
Purchasing a greenhouse is a significant and long-term investment; ergo, you want to ensure you choose the one that best suits your needs. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all the above factors to help you move further along in your decision-making process and find a greenhouse that meets all of your wants and needs.
Still, need some help picking out the greenhouse of your dreams? Not a problem, we are here to help! Contact us today!