Naturally, where you find positives, you will also find negatives. Greenhouses are no exception, and while no one wants to think about the downsides, they can help you with such an enormous investment.
- They’re costly:
Greenhouses aren’t cheap by any means. There are some options that will give you a bit of a greenhouse, but it will not be what you really want if you have your heart set on year-round gardening. You also have to factor in the cost of upkeep. Would you be using electric heaters and grow lights? What about fans? Are you going to invest in automated vents? While this shouldn’t be discouraging, it’s good to know ahead of time to avoid “sticker shock.”
- They do need maintenance:
These are buildings, and just like any other building, they are going to need maintenance in order to keep their effectiveness. There is the obvious maintenance, like sweeping your floors and getting rid of dead leaves and plants, but you also have to keep up the structure itself. Everything should be sealed to keep air from escaping. Your glazing should be free of dirt and debris. That also means frequent checks to your ventilation and heating systems. You will also need to inspect the framing and foundation to prevent your greenhouse from collapsing.
- They don’t transfer:
Once you choose a spot for your greenhouse, that is going to be where it stays. This isn’t really a concern for those small hobby kits or if you are living in your “forever home.” However, if you plan on moving, you need to plan on parting with your greenhouse.
Again, knowing the downsides of having a greenhouse will keep you from making an unwise investment.
NOW YOU KNOW
Greenhouses can supply your home with organic produce year round, but they can also be a great hobby if you want something to get away from the stresses of modern life. That’s the beauty of a greenhouse: it can be tailored to whatever you want it to be. From flowers to a full veggie garden, your greenhouse will be uniquely yours.
While it is a costly venture and needs its fair share of upkeep, the benefits from this structure will be worth it. Since the first idea of a greenhouse sprouted up in Roman times, greenhouses have been a way to bring plants to locations they wouldn’t have otherwise grown in. They have also become a way to provide edible produce for regions that might struggle to grow them on their own.
What were once large commercial structures can now fit nicely in your backyard, providing you with whatever you want to grow. Now that you know the basics, it is time to explore the various categories and types of greenhouses that you can use for whatever your gardening purposes are.
