FEATURESTORY
3 Useful Tips for Every Greenhouse Grower
I
f you’re looking for a gratifying hobby, cultivat-
ing your own plants in a greenhouse may be
right for you. To ensure your success as a begin-
ner, check out the following tips:
Invest in the Correct Seed Starting Supplies
Before creating your growing schedule, make sure
to buy the correct materials. For starters, purchase the
following basics:
Seeds or Starters
Seeds are the most cost-efficient option, but you
can also take advantage of the vast array of starters
that are sold at local nurseries or online.
Make sure to choose durable and disease-resistant
plants along with plants that are easy to care for and
hardy. These plants all meet the standard:
◆ ◆ Amaranthus
◆ ◆ Aster
◆ ◆ Basil
◆ ◆ Cabbage
◆ ◆ Carnation
◆ ◆ Cucumber
◆ ◆ Roses
Containers
Plants need a suitable container so make sure the
containers are deep enough to contain the plant’s root
system. Additionally, make sure to sterilize the con-
tainers properly before using them.
Sterile Soil
Do not use unsterilized soil as it may contain para-
sites and bacteria that can harm seedlings and starter
26
plants. If you still prefer to use soil that’s collected
straight from the ground or used before, consider ster-
ilizing it. To sterilize soil fill an ovenproof container
about 3 inches deep with soil, mix in some water, but
not enough to make it runny or soupy then cover it
with aluminum foil. Bake the soil in a preheated over
at 200 degrees F until the center reaches 180 degrees
F. That’s a lot of work plus a potential mess in the
oven so it’s probably a good time saving investment to
purchase fresh, sterile soil.
Fertilizer
Most of the soil being sold in stores already has
enough nutrients to feed plants for three weeks or
more, so be careful not to overuse fertilizer in the be-
ginning. To be safe, give fertilizer a little bit at a time
diluted to half the recommended strength.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Avoid wearing clothing with bright colors because
they frequently attract insects that will follow you into
the greenhouse.
Install Adequate Lighting
In most latitudes a greenhouse will receive suf-
ficient light in the late spring and summer months. If
you want to grow and harvest plants year-round, you
need to invest in a supplementary lighting system so
that you can continue to cultivate healthy plants all
throughout autumn and winter. GG
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
March 2019