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.
