Time to read 4 minutes
A gardener has many tools. A tool for every job- and there are countless. But I must say, a greenhouse is an invaluable piece of kit and well worth the quite sizeable investment.
I have always loved greenhouses. I attended a primary school situated next to the Grand Union Canal so all our school trips were on barges and to local farms.
I think I must have visited a greenhouse on one of these farms way back in the day that left a very lasting impression on me. I remember feeling the humid warmth on my face and what I can only describe as a sense of peace and wellbeing.
In 2018, I moved into my now husband’s home, which had a large South-facing garden and a 6″ x 8″ aluminium greenhouse that stood, unloved for years.
We began using it for storage for cardboard boxes from my move and various deliveries, which certainly was a sad misuse of this valuable resource and upon going in there, I did not feel that sense of health I did upon visiting those industrial greenhouses as a child.
In the Spring of 2019, my husband and I decided to clear out the greenhouse.
The cardboard was recycled or taken to the local tip, the glass was steam vacuumed and my love affair with greenhouses was reignited. Here are some reasons why I love my greenhouse.
1. Greenhouses Extend the Growing Season
Greenhouse gardening extends the growing season. You can start seeds off as early as end of January/February…or even continuously, for certain varieties, if you are succession planting.
2. Controlling the Variables
You have full control over variables such as temperature and humidity by heating your greenhouse, optimising ventilation with the use of window vents and fans.
3. Exotic Plant Collections
Growing tender or tropical plants become accessible – I do not know what I would do without my citrus trees! I bring my lemon tree outdoors in the Summer, but I house my productive lime and orange trees in my greenhouse permanently. They give me fruit all year round.
4. Greenhouses are Great Places to do Deep Thinking
Greenhouses are cosy… I often retreat to my greenhouse for some deep thinking time, to have conversations with friends – being surrounded by plants, all doing their thing, natural light and the natural materials of the greenhouse helps with deep thinking and mindfulness.
5. Greenhouses are Photogenic
Greenhouses look fantastic in photos. Or anything else you would like to photograph. All bathed in that natural light. For those who have an interest in photography or just like to keep a photo archive of their plants, greenhouses make great photo locations and backdrop. Fill the space with different species of plants and flowers of all different hues.
6. Greenhouses Create a Microclimate for Wildlife
Create a microclimate within a microclimate. We can alter the climatic feel of a space by the inclusion of the materials and plants we choose to include in our gardens- think providing over head shade, creating water features, etc…all of which can affect not only the look and feel of the place, but also the type of wildlife we are able to welcome into our gardens.
Greenhouses are like this but of course, on a much smaller and limited scale. We must be intentional with making space for beneficial insects by planting attractive plants and flowers into the space and ensuring the greenhouse has adequate means to allow insects in- and out of the enclosure. I find all kinds of insects overwintering in the greenhouse.
Greenhouses are a Great Place to Get into Gardening
Greenhouses are for the overwhelmed gardener! Taking on a whole garden – ensuring the space is cohesive, the contents harmonious, the lawn and flower beds are – and remain weed free is a big commitment which is ongoing.
Opting for greenhouse gardening, especially if you’ve inherited a greenhouse and have never gardened before, or it may be a large financial outlay if the house you have does not already have one, but can lessen the feeling of overwhelm as you have a much smaller space in which to garden. Within a space that is protected from the most extreme elements.
So there you have it. Greenhouse gardening is not without its downsides – hello daily watering! But it is such a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
All Homesteading 