Are you interested in gardening all year round? or maybe extending your gardening season? If so, a greenhouse might be a great invest for you.

The main purpose of a greenhouse is securing a reasonable amount of heat and water vapors so that warmth and humidity is maintained within the greenhouse. Warmth and humidity is key because: 1. germination needs a humid and warm atmosphere to successfully take place 2. warm and humid conditions help keep plants from dying in not so suitable conditions. For most of us who are backyard gardening, a greenhouse means a place to start seeds or keep our plants during temperament weather, so that’s what we are mainly going to discuss here.  It’s perfect for starting seedlings on time who will be later moved out to the garden so you may utilize the entire growing season. Utilizing a greenhouse allows you to start seedlings in an uniform and organized area and in a little bit larger capacity than in your home near the sunniest window. Greenhouses created for these purposes are easy to come by and are found at DIY kits and are considered “freestanding” meaning they aren’t attached to your home etc. Typically, they have about 4-6 shelves where you would place plants or seedlings and a plastic cover of some kind to zip it close. It relies on the sun to heat keep it warm.

Other forms of greenhouses include covers for your raised beds, nursery style that allow you to walk in, and holds a larger capacity. These styles are great for the gardeners who has a few years under their belt and ready to expand (still in there backyard) their gardening capabilities. These types might not need additional heating needs (such as a heater etc) depending on the “glazing” that comes with the greenhouse. Glazing is basically the type of cover and the opacity of it. In my opinion, we recommend keeping it as simple as possible and explore as you master what’s in front of you first.

Greenhouse covers for raised beds are neat because they offer protection during not the best weather and somewhat keep pests out. This option is great for unpredictable weather prone gardening zones and  gardeners who grow “in-ground”.

Benefits

• less bugs and pests
• transplant availability and success
• longer gardening seasons
• effective use of gardening season

Cons

• price
• requires constant monitoring, maintenance and care
• may detract from aesthetic appeal of a garden

In a nutshell, why get a greenhouse? Only if you’re looking to grow more honestly. It serves as a great place to start seedlings if that’s an issue for you. Also, it can help extend your gardening season by providing protection in unlikely weather. You can purchase a simple kit that includes a few shelves to house your seedlings or plants that need protection. As well as, you can find “hoop house” tunnel greenhouses to cover your raised beds if you sow directly in ground and protect plants during cold fronts. As always, keep it simple as possible and happy planting!