Garden Greenhouses - Key Factors in Plant Growth

Garden Greenhouses - Key Factors in Plant Growth

Gardeners without a greenhouse are like cooks without a stove; they can improvise and manage, but the magic of a greenhouse is that it allows them to nurture plants under just the right conditions. Greenhouses provide the ideal environment for seedlings and tender young plants to thrive before transplanting into a garden or raised bed. They also give gardeners the ability to extend their growing season even when the weather outside is nippy or frosty.

One of the key factors in plant growth is light, and a greenhouse's clear plastic or glass offers an abundance of sunlight for photosynthesis to take place. The light spectrum used by plants is mainly composed of red and blue wavelengths that are easily captured by the leaves. Greenhouses allow these wavelengths to penetrate deep into the foliage of a plant, helping it to grow lush and healthy.

Another key factor in greenhouse plant growth is humidity, and this is important because plants need a steady supply of water to grow and survive. High levels of humidity help reduce the amount of water lost through transpiration, which happens when moisture is drawn from the leaves back up into the air. When the humidity is low, this process is more rapid, and the plants will require a greater amount of water to remain hydrated.

The warmth of a greenhouse also provides a great environment for tropical plants that would otherwise not survive in the climate outdoors, such as ferns and orchids. Some cold-tolerant plants can also benefit from a greenhouse, such as citrus trees (like kumquats or loquats) and figs. These plants can tolerate temperatures as cool as 18°F, but may need a little extra heat to reach full maturity.

A greenhouse is a great space for using companion planting, a technique that helps to prevent pests and diseases from attacking plants. To do this, mix plants that have similar temperature and humidity needs together. For example, a fig tree can be grown in a warm, humid greenhouse alongside tropical plants such as orchids. These plants will help keep the fig tree moist and cool, and their roots will absorb the water and nutrients from each other.

Another way to reduce the risk of plant disease is through proper soil management. Keep the greenhouse clean by removing any dead plants or weeds and checking the soil often for nutrient deficiencies. A soil test kit can help you determine if your soil is rich enough in primary and secondary macronutrients. If you find that your soil is deficient, organic fertilizers can be a great way to add them.
WG-Hexagonal 140x140x302cm Roof Vent Aluminium Wooden Glass Greenhouse