Winter Gardening: How To Utilize Your Greenhouse Year-Round
By utilizing a greenhouse year-round, you can extend your gardening season and reap numerous rewards. We’ll discuss the benefits, how to prepare your greenhouse, recommend plants to grow, and finish with our top tips. With a little effort and patience, you can yield abundant produce even in the chillier months.
Winter Gardening Can Save Money & Boost Your Mood.
Growing food in a greenhouse does more than just help your wallet—it can significantly improve your mental well-being. Studies have shown that gardening can lower stress levels and boost your mood, as gardening encourages you to slow down and appreciate the sensory experience.
Get Your Greenhouse Winter-Ready With Insulation, Heat, Light, & Humidity.
Before you begin playing in the dirt, you must cultivate a space where your plants can thrive. Here are four steps to create the ideal winter gardening environment:
- The first step is insulating your greenhouse to keep heat inside and prevent cold air from entering. You can do this by using bubble wrap or insulation material.
- Next, install a heating source. Gardeners often use electric or propane heaters paired with heat lamps on individual plants when needed.
- Adjust the lighting. During the winter, there are fewer hours of sunlight, so adding grow lights will ensure your plants receive enough light to thrive.
- Lastly, maintain proper humidity. Plants require a specific amount of moisture to survive, and the air is drier during winter. Place a humidifier in your greenhouse to keep the humidity levels in check.
Note: These preparations require power. If your greenhouse doesn’t have a power source, there are three ways you can add one: run wire or cable from your home, use a stand-alone generator, or install a solar kit.
Select Cold-Tolerant Herbs & Vegetables.
Once you’ve properly prepared your greenhouse, it’s time to visit your local nurseries and gardening centers to pick your plants! We recommend seeking advice from knowledgeable staff to choose varieties that thrive in colder temperatures:
Fruits:
- Strawberries
- Citrus Fruits: Lemons, Oranges
Vegetables:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, Spinach, Lettuce
- Root Vegetables: Radishes, Carrots
- Brussels Sprouts
- Swiss Chard
Herbs:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Thyme
- Oregano
Care Tips For Successful Greenhouse Gardening.
Like traditional gardening, greenhouse gardening requires patience, watering schedules, good ventilation, and pest control. Here are our top tips for a successful season:
- Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting your winter crops. Plants grow more slowly in the colder months, so be patient and allow them to reach full maturity for the best flavor.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, yet ensure your plants receive adequate hydration to avoid drying out. Ensure ventilation and airflow to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Employ organic pest control methods to shield your plants from potential pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy and thriving winter garden.
Cultivate Your Green Thumb All Year With A Greenhouse From Valley Structures.
Choose one that’s right for your needs and the size of your property, and then get in touch with our installation professionals. We serve Richmond, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Winchester and beyond. If you’re ready to look into a new greenhouse, browse our extensive inventory today!