Green House Articles

If the plants are to be grown in the beds in the house they should be in place by the middle of May, if not before. The soil for this purpose should be even richer than is required for field-grown plants when they are set in the house, and in addition to the rich compost a liberal quantity of ground bone can be used to advantage. If an old solid bed is to be used, the surface should be taken off and three or four inches of compost, composed of three parts of rotten sods and one part of decomposed cow manure, added.

While one strong plant in a place will generally make a good clump, some growers use two or three. About once a week or ten days the surface of the bed should be loosened and all runners should be pinched off. In four or five months after the plants were set, strong plants will be formed and flowers will show. As the weather gets colder, and before severe frosts come, the sash should be placed on the house, but the arrangements for thorough ventilation should be ample, and it should at no time be neglected.

Care should be taken to regulate the time of watering, to permit the plants to dry off before night. If they are syringed, it should be only early in the morning of bright days, and, so far as possible, the water should not be allowed to fall upon the leaves when it is applied to the soil. As sub-irrigation not only admits of applying the water without wetting the surface soil, but aids in keeping the foliage dry, it is especially desirable for this crop.

For several years many growers have experienced considerable loss from what is known as the “violet disease.” Really, there are a half dozen diseases that attack the violet, any one of which may practically ruin the crop. The “eel-worms” (Nematodes) also work havoc, particularly in poorly drained soil, by causing galls upon the roots.

The violet diseases are, undoubtedly, one and all, invited by unfavorable conditions of growth or surroundings. A superabundance of fresh stable manure might cause a soft watery growth ; a high temperature and long continued forcing would also weaken their vitality and render them easy victims. The real cause is that the spores (seeds) of the different diseases find conditions favorable to their propagation and growth. Much can be done to hold them in check if the decayed leaves are frequently removed, and the germs destroyed.

With healthy plants to start with, and with proper care in watering and ventilating, the danger of the appearance of the various violet diseases will be greatly reduced, but if any of the plants show traces of any disease, the injured leaves should be pulled off and burned. The surface of the soil should also be occasionally stirred and all litter removed.

The violet is troubled by few insects, the most troublesome being the aphis and red spider; frequent fumigation for the former, and syringing for the latter, should hold them in check.

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For more information, go to http://GreenHouse.FunHowToBooks.com/

Having a greenhouse means you will need to also think about which greenhouse accessories will be necessary.

Take a look at the books that are on the market for people who own greenhouses. Books are great greenhouse accessories and they also make nice gifts for friends and family members who have a greenhouse.

Garden accents add beauty and interest to the greenhouse. There are many of these greenhouse accessories to choose from. A few garden accents make the greenhouse come alive.

A garden cart is a very useful tool in the greenhouse. When you have one of these greenhouse accessories you will be able to move things from one part of the greenhouse to another with ease.

Speaking of tools, these are greenhouse accessories that make work in the greenhouse easier. There are tools for every job in the greenhouse.

Containers are greenhouse accessories that look good in the greenhouse and allow you to grow flowers and other plants in planters that are different sizes, shapes and colors. They are a lovely addition to any greenhouse. Look for lightweight containers that can be easily moved in, out and around the greenhouse.

Potting benches come in extremely handy in a greenhouse. These greenhouse accessories are helpful when you are working on getting your plants and flowers into pots. They hold all the supplies you need while working on your repotting projects.

There is an abundance of wonderful greenhouse accessories and many of them will enhance your greenhouse as well as be very useful.

Many greenhouse accessories serve the purpose of making the greenhouse a more attractive place. There are other greenhouse accessories that are more fundamental to the success of the greenhouse.

A tie down kit is one of those greenhouse accessories that is essential in a greenhouse. Many greenhouse kits are not anchored to a foundation, so a tie down kit helps to assure that your greenhouse will not be toppled over in high winds.

You will need watering greenhouse accessories to ensure the health of your plants. Plants and flowers need a regular watering schedule and a watering system that is easy to use and works efficiently.

Ventilation is something you can not ignore in a greenhouse. Plants need constant air movement. If you do not have a ventilation system installed and working well, your plants will not grow and flourish.

Greenhouse accessories for heating and cooling are an important part of a successful greenhouse operation. If the temperatures in the greenhouse are not kept at optimum levels the plants will suffer from stress and may not be able to survive.

When it comes to bugs and insects, the greenhouse accessories you need are pest control products. These greenhouse accessories are necessary to prevent infestations of whitefiles, aphids, mildew and to keep your plants strong and healthy.

You may find that you will need a shade cloth for your greenhouse. Shade cloth greenhouse accessories are great for keeping your greenhouse a bit cooler in the summertime.

Many greenhouse gardeners enjoy starting seeds in the greenhouse, so they have healthy seedlings to transplant into the ground as soon as it is warm enough. If this is something you are interested in you may want to order seedling greenhouse accessories, like seed heat mats, soil cables, and seed starter kits. Heating your soil will help your seeds germiate much faster.

Look for greenhouse accessories that are functional, greenhouse accessories that make the greenhouse more beautiful, or a combination of both.

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

Greenhouse heating issues can be more complicated depending on where you place the greenhouse. You will be able to figure out appropriate greenhouse heating no matter where you build the greenhouse, but thinking about heating the greenhouse before you build or even order it will make it easier.

Consider your climate. If you live in an area that is particularly cold or extremely hot most of the year it will have an effect on greenhouse heating. In a hotter climate you will not have to heat your greenhouse as much. You will have greater greenhouse heating requirements in if you live in a climate that is cold and has a long winter season. Additionally, if you live in an area that often has heavy cloud cover, you will not be able to rely on the sun from greenhouse heating during the daylight hours.

If your greenhouse will be built with a lot of sunlight exposure you may not need to do as much with heating but you will still need to keep the greenhouse heating maintained at the same level if you want the plants to thrive.

Maybe the only area you have to fit a greenhouse is in an area that will face the north and not receive much direct sunlight. You will need to take this into consideration when planning your greenhouse heating equipment.

Remember that trees and tall buildings will also figure into the greenhouse heating equation. If trees or tall structures block the sun for part of the day it can make a difference in greenhouse heating.

It does depend on where you build your greenhouse when it comes to greenhouse heating needs. Some factors you will have little control over, but if you can do anything to improve your greenhouse heating situation, it can save you money down the road.

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

If you want to get your own greenhouse it can be easy to do. First decide how you will use it (to winter over plants, get an early start on seeds, grow cool or warm weather crops, or a combination), and find out what greenhouse will best work for your plants. There are many different greenhouse kits to choose so it’s important to read lots of information about greenhouse kits to make an informed decision and know your greenhouse is right for your area and your crop.

When looking for a greenhouse kit, you will also have to consider size. Measure how big of space you have for the greenhouse (preferably in an area of your yard that gets southern exposure). You may be fortunate to live on acreage and space is not an issue. A majority of hobby greenhouse kits start at 8?x8? or 8?x12?. Anything less than 8? wide does not give you much room to work comfortably in your greenhouse. If you have a smaller space, there will be less kit options to choose from. You may need to consider a custom designed unit and look for greenhouse covering options.

If you have never used a greenhouse before, you may find that a cold frame would work better for you until you know how you will use your greenhouse. It will be less expensive and you can use it during two seasons to let you grow a bit longer out of the year. This will give you the chance to see and learn how growing under cover can open up your growing possibilities. What you choose is up to you. There are many greenhouse kits and companies that are ready to help you along the way. You just have to get online and find a greenhouse that works for you and fits in your budget.

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

Many serious gardeners would love nothing more than to own a greenhouse. There, they could enjoy the opportunity to grow beautiful blossoms and healthy vegitation year round instead of during one short season. Until recently, owning a greenhouse was a luxury, something that required too much money, a good deal of engineering experience, and a lot of time.

Today, because of development in greenhouse engineering, improvements in the durability of plastics, and availability of pre-fabricated greenhouse kits, people can enjoy the benefits of a greenhouse right in their backyard. So what are the benefits to having your own greenhouse?

There are many reasons why a greenhouse provides solid investment and a relaxing home environment. A greenhouse can not only increase the value of your home, but can also provides a quiet haven in which to reap the benefits of beautiful plants and vegetation.

A well-built greenhouse should require little care and extend your gardening pleasures throughout the entire year. Many people choose to grow organic fruits and vegetables, while others prefer blossoming flowers and plants. Whether for profit or personal pleasure, you will soon begin to see the advantage owning your own greenhouse will bring to your overall gardening experience.

There are several types of greenhouses, each providing various uses for different types of greenery. They come in all sizes and at varying costs. It is important to carefully research what type is needed to best suit your purpose.

Another benefit to owning your own greenhouse is that they are cost effective. Whether constructed of plastic, wood, or metal, they are now low in cost, and easy to assemble.

It is also easy to expand and add accessories as needed or desired, and you can recoop your cost by selling your finished products if you choose to do so. Add to that the wealth of information about the various types and how to construct them available in libraries and on the Internet, and you just may find there is no good reason not to garden year round!

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

The main purpose of a greenhouse is to create an environment that is warm and humid enough for the plants inside to grow well and remain healthy. Unfortunately, during really hot seasons, too much heat inside the greenhouse will cause a lot of harm to your plants. One of your main goals in your greenhouse gardening should be to ensure that your greenhouse is not getting too hot and causing stress on the plants. You can recognize the warning signs of excessive heat when plants begin to wilt, regardless of ample watering, or fail to grow healthy fruit.

To make sure that the problem as actually heat and not some other factor, it is a good idea to do a little research first of all, to ask a professional or search online to find out the optimum temperature for your plants to grow in. You should also install a thermometer in your greenhouse verify out how hot your greenhouse actually gets during the day. If you find your greenhouse is getting too hot for your plants to flourish, you will need to work on cooling the greenhouse down.

Shade Cloths

The easiest way to lower the temperature of your greenhouse is to use a simple shade cloth. Shade cloths can be easily found at any local nursery or online. They work by preventing some of the sun’s rays from entering the greenhouse which, obviously, is the greatest source of heat inside the greenhouse. It is typical to use a shade cloth in the hottest months of June to August when plenty of sun light exists for your plants. Be sure to research the needs of your plants because some plants may require as much light as possible, making a shade cloth a problem rather than a solution.

Evaporative Coolers

Some areas in the United States are simply too hot and require more than a simple shade cloth to make sure that the temperature inside your greenhouse is cool enough for your plants to survive. In such circumstances, you may want to invest in a portable evaporative cooler to lower the temperature of the greenhouse. Evaporative coolers allow heat to leave the greenhouse and can help keep the air moist in hot, dry climates. If you happen to live in an exceptionally hot area, an evaporative cooler may be the best solution for your plants and your overheated greenhouse.

Ventilation

Ventilation is crucial for a greenhouse to function properly, especially during the hot summer months. Ventilation helps the productivity of your greenhouse in many ways. Most importantly, proper ventilation will evenly disperse the heat throughout the greenhouse and will allow excess heat to naturally escape. Exhaust fans can drastically help regulate greenhouse temperature by forcing stale air out, which allows fresh air to flow in. The best way to properly ventilate your greenhouse is to use a combination of both vents and exhaust fans. Circulation fans should be used for approximately every eight feet of greenhouse space. During summer months, be sure to keep your vents open all the time to let hot air to escape during the cooler nights. Place exhaust fans in the roof (if possible) of the greenhouse opposite the door because this is where the greatest amount of hot, stale air will collect.

Ventilation will also help your greenhouse plants to photosynthesize because it brings plenty of fresh air in contact with their leaves. Also, proper ventilation can help prevent pest infestations by keeping the air clean and by removing excess moisture from the greenhouse. Lastly, ventilation encourages the important process of pollination among the plants by circulating the air and allowing pollen to move freely from one plant to another.

Conclusion

When you apply the necessary steps to keep your greenhouse the correct temperature for your plants, you will get the most out of your greenhouse gardening experience. Be sure to research the needs of your plants and make sure they are given enough sunlight and warmth. Pay close attention to the temperature of your greenhouse. Use shade cloths and evaporative coolers if necessary, and create proper ventilation in your greenhouse so your plants may flourish. Taking these measures will allow you to be able to enjoy the beauty of healthy plants and reap the benefits of a prosperous harvest.

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Shawn Hart is an internet marketing professional for http://ShedTopia.com. For additional information about greenhouses and greenhouse accessories, visit http://www.ShedTopia.com.

A greenhouse has the potential to provide many benefits for the average flower-lover. However, if they are not built in the appropriate location the results can be detrimental. That said, before you build a greenhouse, it is important to consider all aspects in order to ensure you receive the best results possible.

If you are thinking of building a greenhouse, but are unsure of factors which can affect the outcome, read the information below which will inform you on everything you need to know before you start building. Consider the following factors when determining where you are going to build your greenhouse:

1. Light – Everyone knows that plants need light to grow and sunlight is even more crucial for greenhouses because there are so many different types of plants and flowers requiring light. You do not want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives no sunlight at all however you do not want to build it in an area which receives too much sun either. Not enough can be harmful to the plants and flowers, yet so can too much sun. You will want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives a minimum of 6 full hours of sunlight a day. You may also want to consider planting a tree on either side of your lighthouse which will provide some shade through the day. Overhanging trees are not a good idea and may put your greenhouse in danger due to falling branches.

2. Convenience – You will want to build your greenhouse in a convenient area which can be easily accessed, but is not in an area which may be targeted by high winds. You don’t want to have to walk a mile just to get to your greenhouse because chances are you won’t maintain it as well this way. Other things to consider when building your greenhouse are access to electricity and water. These are important in the successful functioning of your greenhouse.

3. Setting – The actual setting of your greenhouse will greatly affect its overall performance. Many areas throughout the world receive high levels of rain during certain times of the year. This can be detrimental to operation of your greenhouse since too much rain can cause flooding inside. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by building your greenhouse in a high level area that is a great deal higher than most of the other property.

Choosing the location of your greenhouse is the most important factor you will need to consider. Take your time and research all your options before you start building. A greenhouse is a large investment and you want to make sure the money you spend now will be worth it in the future.

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Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning proper hydroponics and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from storage sheds to gazebos.

Imagine fresh-cut flowers gracing your Christmas table or home-grown peas and carrots filling your Thanksgiving bowls. These concepts aren’t just pipedreams. With a greenhouse or solar shed on your property, they can become realities.

It’s no wonder then that every backyard gardener dreams of owning his or her own greenhouse. The addition of a greenhouse to your outdoor landscaping can, at the very least, give you a head start on your spring planting. For serious gardeners, however, it can provide year-round growing of even the most temperate-loving flowers and vegetables.

So, what are you waiting for? Well, here are a few things you should consider before investing in a backyard greenhouse or solar shed.

1. Should you build your own greenhouse or should you purchase a kit? Having a solar building professionally installed may not be as expensive as you think.

2. What style and size of greenhouse will best suit your needs? Make sure the design you choose fits your landscape. After all, the solar shed or greenhouse you ultimately decide upon will become a permanent backyard fixture.

3. Compare covering materials. Because of its superior ability to transmit light and thanks to its attractive and formal appearance, Backyard Gardener expert Jeff Schalau considers glass to be “the gold standard against which all other materials are judged.”

4. Do you want a greenhouse frame that is constructed of wood, metal or PVC? If opting for wood, make sure it is a rot-resistant and pressure-treated variety. The durability of Western Cedar makes it an excellent choice.

5. Ventilation and cooling capabilities are two of the most important factors to consider. Solar shading blocks 75% of the sunlight and 50% of the heat that can rob you of these vital resources while a power ventilation fan with a thermostat allows for optimal temperature setting.

Owning your own greenhouse or solar building can increase your gardening and growing pleasures…if the one you construct adheres to these basic requirements. Make the most of your greenhouse experience with a solar building that’s not only functional but also attractive.

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Customize and buy a professionally installed solar shed greenhouse

You might be interested in starting a business venture with a greenhouse. You can grow growing bedding plants, cut flowers, herbs or vegetables and sell them in a roadside stand or at a local farmer’s market.

We have customers who have paid for their greenhouse this way in just one season.

If you love working in the soil and growing things you may want to consider a greenhouse business. Greenhouses are the perfect venue for a business.

Greenhouses may be used by someone who wants to make a little extra money or even as a full-time job. You need to be aware that there will be an investment to get started with any greenhouse business. It would be a good idea to make a business plan. Start a greenhouse business plan by reading everything you can find on greenhouses.

Realize that greenhouse businesses also require a large time commitment. This is not an easy business to get started, but if you have time and money to investment, you can be very successful.

Find out what things will grow the best in greenhouses where you live. Consider, too, which things you enjoy growing the most and have been successful with. Also, as part of your greenhouse business plan, you will need to determine your market. Make sure there is a demand for your product.

Herbs can be a good crop for greenhouses. They are quite popular now and sell very well. There are many herbs to choose from and several are very easy to grow.

Organic fruits and vegetables are other crops that are selling well. People are becoming more health conscious and are looking for organically grown food.

If you are creative and like to work with flower arranging or dried flower bouquets, you can use greenhouses to grow everything you need. Fresh flowers and dried flowers are in demand all year long.

Greenhouses can be the answer for you if you are interested in starting a new business.

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

Different Types Of Greenhouse.

After you decide that you want to build a greenhouse, you have to decide next what type to build. This should not be a difficult one to address, provided you know what kinds of plants you want to grow. You will need to answer questions such as:

What will my greenhouse be principally used for?

Do I want a large or small greenhouse?

Will the greenhouse be the main attraction of my garden?

Is my garden exposed to strong winds?

Are there young children or wild animals in the area?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl) - like polyethylene, PVCs are soft and flexible. You can have transparent ones. Vinyl costs two to five times more than polyethylene. When properly installed, they can last as long as five years. Because it attracts dust and dirt from the air, it has to be washed from time to time.

So as not to mislead you, while there may be different types of greenhouse designs, we’re talking about the same greenhouse. You get to decide which type you want it to be.

For example, if temperature is the main factor, because of the plant varieties you want to grow, then there are three types in terms of temperature control. There are also different types of greenhouses based on structural design. We’ll start with temperature control factors.

For temperature control purposes, three types of greenhouses exist:

a hot greenhouse

a warm greenhouse

a cool greenhouse.

Hot Greenhouse

A hot greenhouse’s inside temperature is maintained at a minimum of sixty five degrees. You can at some future date increase the temperature, but a hot greenhouse is intended for growing tropical and exotic plants. If you live in a very cold region, you will need to install heating and lighting equipment to satisfy the requirements of tropical and exotic plant species.

Warm Greenhouse

The temperature inside a warm greenhouse, on the other hand, is at about fifty-five degrees F. At this temperature, a larger variety of plants can be grown, perhaps as many as you would in your outdoor garden. You may still need to resort to the use of additional heat and light during the winter months.

Cool Greenhouse

A cool greenhouse (frost-free greenhouse) is maintained at a temperature ranging from forty to forty five degrees F. This temperature is ideal for growing seedlings or any plants that do not need warmer temperatures to survive. A cool greenhouse is perfect for starting your plants and vegetables in anticipation of the summer months. Generally, the use of heat or lights isn’t required for a cool greenhouse.

As for structure, there are generally three types:

lean-to

detached

ridge and furrow or gutter connected.

Lean-To

The lean-to type of greenhouse is rarely used for commercial purposes because of size restrictions, but is the most popular among hobbyists.

Detached

Detached greenhouses – as the name suggests – are independent and are stand alone structures. However, they may still be attached to a work area or else provide access to another greenhouse via a passageway.

The Quonset is the most common type of detached greenhouse used for commercial production. They are built from arched rafters and have solid walls for support. Quonset greenhouses are ideal for producing most crops, although the growing area is limited to the areas around the side walls, which diminishes efficiency and productivity.

Ridge/Furrow

Ridge and furrow greenhouses are attached at the lower edges of the roof by a gutter. The absence of an inside wall below the gutter allows for increased efficiency. Ridge and furrow greenhouses may be built with gabled or curved arches. Gabled houses are appropriate for heavy coverings (i.e. glass, fiberglass) while curved arch houses are covered with lighter materials (i.e. polyethylene, polycarbonates).

You may encounter different classifications in your readings on greenhouses. For example, another classification, which is similar to the ones just mentioned are:

Cold frame type

Roof cover may be poly or shade, end wall covering is either poly or rigid, available lengths come in 12 feet increments, and no gutter connections or vents.

Ground-to-ground

Roof covering is either poly or shade, wall covering may be poly or rigid, lengths available in 12 feet increments, no gutters, roof vents are available.

Gutter-connected, Gothic arch

Load rating may be either 10, 15 or 20 pounds, roof covering is poly, sidewall and endwall either poly or rigid, lengths available in 12 feet increments while heights available in 8, 10 or 12 feet, gutter connection and roof vents both available.

Gutter-connected Cable

Load rating 10, 20 or 30 pounds, roof covering either poly or rigid, endwall and sidewall covering may be either poly or rigid, lengths in 12 feet increments, gutter connection and roof vents available.

Gutter-connected Arch

Load rating may be 10, 20 or 30 pounds, roof covering and sidewall/endwall is rigid, lengths come in 12 feet increments, gutter connection and roof vents available.

Another way of looking at greenhouse types is the material they are made of; that is, glass, fiberglass, or plastic. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Whatever you choose, make sure you leave the installation and irrigation systems to professionals.

Glass

Glass type greenhouses are the most traditional covering used. They may be constructed with slanted sides, straight sides and eaves. Aluminum, glass buildings provide low maintenance and have aesthetic lines, as well as ensuring that you get a weather-tight structure. Pre-fabricated glass kits are available for easy installation by hobbyists and amateur gardeners. They come in different models to meet budget and space restrictions.

The disadvantages of glass are its fragile condition (glass breaks easily) and high costs.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass greenhouses – they are light, strong and hail-proof. Be careful, though. Low quality fiberglass will discolor, thus reducing penetration of light. Using a good quality fiberglass will however make it as expensive as building a glass one. If you decide to go for fiberglass, go for the most expensive grade, and do not buy colored fiberglass.

Plastic

Plastic greenhouses are becoming very popular for the following reasons:

Low cost (about 1/6 the cost of glass)

Absorbs sufficient heat Plastic Plastic greenhouses are becoming very popular for the following reasons:

Low cost (about 1/6 the cost of glass)

Absorbs sufficient heat

Fruits and vegetables and other plants under plastic are comparable in quality to that of glass-grown varieties

Lower tax liabilities

Choice of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers of these materials, and other readily available clear films.

Polythylene

Polyethylene: lightweight and inexpensive. It stands up well during the seasons of fall, winter and spring, but tends to deteriorate during the summer when it gets constant exposure to the sun. It breaks down due to ultraviolet rays and the deterioration begins along the rafters and along the creases. This problem can be avoided by using UV-inhibited polyethylene, which is available in two and six ml thickness and is up to 40 feet wide and 100 feet long.

PVC

Factors such as cost and space will determine the type of greenhouse you build. If you do live in a windy area, it may be worth to spend the extra money for a solid and sturdy greenhouse. If you live near a large hardware store or a nursery, or even a do-it-yourself home center, go and visit some models. The customer service representative should be able to provide you with valuable information before you make a final decision.

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