How to Start a Greenhouse On Your Land

Owning land presents a multitude of opportunities and a sense of freedom you can’t achieve any other way. With land that is entirely yours, you can install unique art pieces, raise a population of goats or create an environment for butterflies and birds to inhabit. Building a greenhouse, or starting up a garden, is an excellent way to interact with your land in a way that provides a productive hobby, access to locally-grown produce and adds a refined beauty to your property.

Starting, building and operating a successful and sustainable greenhouse requires ample amounts of education and preparation. Luckily, the industry has grown substantially since 2020 and is continuing to blossom according to Mordor Intelligence. This means there are more resources than ever to help you jump start your home hoop house and garden. Your friends at United Country Real Estate are here to provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively start a greenhouse on your land –no matter if it’s for additional income, a way to be active while never leaving your property or for a resource for home-grown fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Benefits of Using A Greenhouse

A greenhouse offers many benefits that a simple garden bed cannot offer. While gardens, whether they’re vegetable gardens, flower gardens or fruit and berry gardens, display their gifts to any passerby, this leaves the plants vulnerable to a variety of dangers.

Weather

Anyone who has ever worked with plants or crops knows that fickle weather can greatly disturb their growth and seasons. The extreme cold and snow in the winter season prohibits the plants from flourishing. Adversely, the heat of the summer season can wilt and dry-out certain vegetation. With a greenhouse, you control the temperature, removing any need for planting crops seasonally. These extended cultivation periods allow gardeners to grow crops like cabbage all year round or even plant unique and tropical plants in cooler locations. While the recommended temperature for a greenhouse is based on the plants you plan to grow, a safe estimate is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are a critical factor to maintaining your greenery. During the day when the sun is up, the ideal level for humidity is around 80 percent; during the cool of the night, it should rest around 70 percent.

Pests

Pests, like insects and hungry critters, are one of the main hindrances of growers and gardeners. This is where a greenhouse design shines. Preventing animals from entering your garden space can be extremely difficult, but with four walls and a door, greenhouses are exceedingly easier to manage wildlife pests. One factor to be wary of is that insects thrive in humid climates that these spaces require, so properly administering preventive measures is important for the safety and health of your precious plants.

Portable

Another incredible benefit to opting for a greenhouse over a garden is the portability of the plants, and the structure itself as well! Gardens often require flowers and other vegetation to be planted into the ground while greenhouses have plants cultivated in pots and other easily transportable gardening equipment. There are also a large variety of ways to build a one of these agricultural structures –many of which can be moved from property to property as needed. Along these lines, customization is convenient and cost-effective.  

How To Select the Right Greenhouse

Selecting the right greenhouse for your needs and your lands is another step that requires careful consideration and expert consultation. Figure out how much space you have to construct a greenhouse, what other outbuildings are on the land and how many plants you plan to grow.

·       Lean-to

Lean-to greenhouses are a fantastic option for those who do not have a lot of space or have additional outbuildings that can build on. They are defined by their ability to be attached to homes or other structures, making them one of the most convenient options.

·       Detached

As the name suggests, detached greenhouses are not attached to any structures, making them portable if you plan to move or need to make adjustments to its location. Quonsets are most commonly used and are quite affordable options for country homes and farms.

·       Ridge & Furrow

The Ridge & Furrow styled greenhouses are perfect for those who are planning on constructing multiple greenhouses. This style is made up of many greenhouses, standing next to each other, that, with a few modifications, can be expanded for further growth.

·       Gutter Connected

Gutter connected greenhouses are more geared towards large-scale horticulture efforts compared to other options. These massive and poly-covered greenhouses afford greater control of airflow and temperature.

·       Cold Frame

The cold frame greenhouse has much in common with its counterparts except it relies on the sun to create the climate for the garden rather than relying on electric heating or other methods. While they are one of the most dependable options due to their materials, they might not be the best option for those seeking to grow during the colder months.

Before You Build Your Greenhouse

Before you build your greenhouse determine what all you are wanting from your green space. Survey your land and decide where you might establish your agricultural conservatory. Consider sunlight, water sources, tree roots and other topographical elements before setting up at your ideal location. Once you have picked your perfect spot, and decided which type of greenhouse best fits your lifestyle, it is time to consider the intricate factors that make up your gardening space.

·       Ventilation

Since greenhouses are solid structures, proper ventilation is crucial for plant care. Vents and fans are the most common ventilation methods with both providing different benefits. Air circulation is an important factor to maintaining humidity and temperature levels, as well as preserving carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. Adapt your needs based on your greenhouse design.

·       Soil Quality

Buying soil at the store or mixing your own concoction by adding peat or sawdust to a soil mixture are both valuable options for planting seedlings. Creating a compost pile can be extremely advantageous for your plant health, as well as a sustainable solution for your kitchen needs. Make sure to reinvigorate your soil every few years to ensure your vegetation has suitable nutrients for growth.

·       Watering

Deciding when and how to water your crops depends on various factors. Whether you choose to water your plants by hand, using tube systems or sprinklers, create a consistent schedule once you have determined your water needs for your specific plants. To find a perfect timetable, discover how much water each plant requires through individual research, weighing your plants and consulting an expert.

Sources:

prospiant.com

mulberrygreenhouses.com

aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu

ggs-greenhouse.com

shelterlogic.com