By: Bill Rowe
Wednesday, 8:14 pm
You finally have the greenhouse you have always wanted. However, you do not really have a clear idea of exactly what greenhouse supplies you are going to need. To some extent the supplies for greenhouse gardening are dependent on your intent for your greenhouse; do you intend to raise vegetables only, or flowers or even small trees? Will the greenhouse be used year round or only for starting plants for later transplant into a garden spot?
Supplies for greenhouse gardening are easy to find online commonly at prices less than local nurseries or supply stores offer. There is a huge amount of information online explaining greenhouse gardening and helping you select which type is right for you.
Winter & Summer Greenhouse Supplies
If you intend to winter plants over, you will need a heat system for the cold winter months. You can choose from electric or gas heaters, whichever is most suitable for your project.
For the summertime you will need to purchase shade cloth to protect the plants in the greenhouse from the intense heat of the sun through the glass (or plastic) of the greenhouse roof and walls. You need to preplan a water system or count on dragging a hose in and watering by hand or by sprinkler.
Once you have the winter heat source, summer shade and water addressed, you can concentrate on what supplies you need to get your plants growing.
Basic Supplies
The easiest, most logical place to start is at the floor level. The simplest way to keep weeds from intruding inside your greenhouse is to lay durable polypropylene flooring. This flooring material not only prevents weeds from coming up but allows water to drain. It is easy to install, you simply unroll it and stake it down.
Potting Benches: Once the flooring is complete, you can start moving in the benches where your plants will be placed. Various types of benches are available; bookshelf style benches, simple benches and stands. Benches and stands come in many materials including aluminum, wood and molded polymer. Most greenhouse gardeners prefer to have a potting bench inside the greenhouse for the sake of convenience. A potting bench provides a workspace for potting and transplanting your plants.
Planting Trays: You will need planting trays for starting your seeds. Planting beds can be purchased, made or salvaged; some innovative gardeners like to use egg cartons to start their seeds. Once the seedlings are large enough to transplant, you will need prepared growing beds. Growing beds are best built by hand to fit your greenhouse perfectly according to your design. They need to be deep enough to accommodate the deepest root system of the various plants you intend to grow. They should be filled with potting soil and fertilized when you plant your seedlings.
Thermometers: You need at least a couple of thermometers to hang inside the greenhouse so you can monitor the temperature. Hand tools you need include a trowel, hand rake, shovel, scissors, clippers, small rake and small hoe. Be sure to stock up on hand gloves to save your hands from cuts, scrapes and other injuries.
Seeds: Last but certainly not of least importance of the supplies for greenhouse gardening, are the seeds. Don’t forget the seeds!
These are the basic greenhouse supplies that any successful gardener will be sure to have on hand.
