Garden Source

Even in the largest greenhouses, having sufficient room is always an issue. First, decide what you are going to grow. Only then will you be able to determine what containers you will need and where to place them.

Here are some ideas to use as you plan the layout of your plants. This can be the most important step in utilizing your space well. If you have a very small lean to green house or an elaborate Victorian green house don’t rush through this part of the process. You will be happy you took your time.

One step at a time, first decide what you will grow. Next, how much of each will work for you. Plan also for subsequent plantings if you plan to have staggered harvests. Your choice of plants will dictate what type of containers you will need.

Soil requirements vary by plant type and maturity. So do the requirements for moisture. Different size containers will enable you to cater to the needs of each type of plant.

Creative Greenhouse Containers

1. Begin by planning what you will grow directly in the ground. In an area where there is no potting bench to block the height corn, tomatoes and any other tall plant will do well. You can use a support and train vining plants upward, even as high as the roof of your greenhouse. Just be certain that you don’t block the sun. When you plant directly into the ground it’s important to know that the soil is clean. If you’re uncertain, dig it up and replace with a high quality potting soil. If drainage is an issue, make the hold larger than normal and be certain to keep the soil loose.

2. You’ll find that tub Containers will come in handy for many larger plants. You can tuck other, smaller plants in between. Tubs work well with bushy plants such as bell peppers or bush beans. If they are deep, then you can try radishes. carrots and other vegetables that grow below the soil.

3. Plant root crops such as carrots, radishes, beets and turnips in Deep Boxes. The space under your greenhouse bench is often under-utilized. This is the perfect area to place your containers that contain root vegetables.

4. Potatoes grow well in Burlap bags. You can even cut holes in the side to grow smaller plants. One idea with this type of planting is to cover the entire bag with mulch. Soil can dry out more quickly in a burlap bag. The mulch will help retain the moisture.

5. Collect small plastic or glass bottles. They are perfect for placing in odd corners and between other planters.

Slice off the top portion of the bottle and push it to the bottom, with the neck of the bottle pointing upward. This will make for better drainage.

For organic greenhouses, use small glass bottles but be certain to put pebbles in the bottom to enable drainage and air flow.

6. Small pots – Use any variety of small pots and planters. One benefit of using numerous small containers is that they can be places anywhere and everywhere and moved as frequently as necessary. Do you have any small jars or bottles around the house? Simply place a layer of gravel in the base for drainage. Glass containers will work, as will wood or any natural substance.

7. You can grow many varieties of plants from above. Hanging baskets can be used for many plants – strawberries, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes among them. Experiment with different plants but be sure to leave space below as they grow downward.

Get creative. If you check around your home you may never have to purchase a single container. Come up with as many varieties as you can think of. Your greenhouse can look like a work of art with its beautiful plants and unusual pots and bins.

For those who dream of owning their own greenhouse, look at the variety of greenhouse systems available. Review the various offerings to determine which type works best for you.

The better you have planned your greenhouse, the more time you will enjoy spending there. Add containers, move them around, discard ones that don’t work. Your greenhouse will be an ever-changing living, breathing work of art.

Tags: greenhouse containers, hobby greenhouses, home greenhouses, planning your greenhouse