Gardening is one of man’s greatest and most treasured pastimes and has played a significant role in the development of societies throughout the world. The cultivation of fruits, vegetables and even flowers has allowed mankind to prosper in ways that would have otherwise been impossible. More recently, gardening has seen resurgence as more and more people are looking for ways to save money while reconnecting with nature and the outdoors. People are planting vegetable gardens and nurturing once neglected landscapes even as the size of the average living space continues to decline. In response to this decline in space, many avid gardeners have opted for a smaller area in which to grow their gardens. Nearly gone are the days when the average citizen puts up a generously sized greenhouse that occupies a great deal of space and consumes even more in terms of utilities. Instead, people are opting for a simpler solution – the mini greenhouse.
Mini greenhouses are similar to larger scale greenhouses, but have a smaller overall footprint and generally come equipped with fewer climate control options. There are portable greenhouses that attach to the side of an existing building or window called lean-to greenhouses, small lean to conservatory, uPVC conservatories and free-standing structures featuring sophisticated computerized venting and heating. A mini greenhouse is most commonly purchased as a pre-fabricated unit that requires minimal set up time or prior knowledge of construction. These units are available online through specialty retailers and can also be purchased at home improvement and independent garden centers. The mini greenhouse that will work best for you depends on several important factors, some of which are listed below:
1. Available Space – there is a mini greenhouse available to fit almost any space and living situation, though it’s important to understand your limitations in terms of where you can place the greenhouse. You will want to choose a location that receives uninterrupted sun throughout the daytime hours, and will also want to pay attention to the orientation of the greenhouse (north to south, east to west), since this will have an impact on venting (cooling).
2. Crop Mix – what do you intend to grow in your greenhouse and in what quantity? By identifying what you intend to grow you will be better able to choose a mini greenhouse to suit your preferences. Not all crops grow equally well in all structures, so your choice of crops will be an important determining factor. There are crops that grow best in full sun and others that perform better under partial shade conditions. There are also crops that will perform poorly with inadequate ventilation. Lastly, the temperature you choose to grow at will determine your success with a wide range of crops, so consider all of the options carefully.
3. Budget – once you determine your available space and desired crop mix it’s important to identify a budget for the greenhouse. In general, a greater investment will provide you with a structure that is larger and more advanced in terms of climatic control. Prices for mini greenhouses can vary greatly depending on the size and options desired. The average cost for a lean-to or 4 tier mini greenhouse structure is between $100 and $300, while a walk in structure can cost in excess of $1,000. Additional features like climate control and active heating will add a substantial amount to the total cost.
A mini greenhouse can be a great investment for those that are interested in gardening, but limited by available space. There are many different options to choose from depending on your budget and the types of crops you wish to grow including standalone structures, Quonset structures and even a lean to greenhouse. By utilizing the features found in a mini greenhouse you will be able to grow healthier and happier plant material while reconnecting with nature and the outdoors.
Anyone that’s familiar with a mini greenhouse knows that there are several advantages to growing within a contained (and controlled) structure. Not only are greenhouses a great way to insulate your plants from the outside environment, but they are also very effective at raising the daily average temperature, which is what helps the plants that are contained within thrive. Although there are many different types of small greenhouses including the 3 and 4 tier mini greenhouse, there is one type in particular that has gained a steady amount of interest of the past few years – the hydroponic mini greenhouse. So, what is hydroponics and why should you even care about it?
For those that aren’t quite sure what hydroponic growing is, it is essentially the practice of growing plants in the absence of soil. Instead, the plants are grown over a thin film of water that contains fertilizer for the plants to feed off of. Not only is the water loaded with nutrients that plants need for proper growth and development, but it’s also aerated to provide plants with oxygen to the root zone. There are several advantages to growing hydroponically including the following:
• A constant supply of nutrients and oxygen to the roots
• Increased rate of growth and higher yields
• Clean and efficient means of production
• Reduction of root pests and pathogens
• Hydroponic gardening is fun!
Hydroponic mini greenhouses are a great way to garden without having to worry about plotting out and preparing the traditional garden. Plus, by taking advantage of the optimal growing conditions that greenhouses provide, you will be able to realize yields that you never thought possible. Of course, vegetable plants aren’t the only items that can be grown hydroponically; fruits and even ornamental plants can also benefit greatly by being grown this way.
If you’re interested in setting up a hydroponic greenhouse at home, it probably first makes sense to locate some suppliers for the equipment you will need. Fortunately, there are a variety of suppliers online that carry mini greenhouse kits and accessories. It’s also possible to build a structure of your own if you feel ambitious enough to tackle a DIY project. Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to understand that the benefits of growing plants in a hydroponic mini greenhouse far outweigh any upfront costs that you might incur. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planning your mini greenhouse today.
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