What to put in your Greenhouse
Recently, one of our customers asked for advice on which plants to get for a new greenhouse they were having installed in their home garden. We immediately realized that this is a picture with a very broad horizon – and it would be best to narrow the focus for them to achieve a successful outcome.
The following criteria should steer you towards the right plant selection for your greenhouse. No added stress, disappointment, or loss of investment from choosing the wrong plants for you !
Plant care takes time and patience
Plant Care
Is there a dedicated gardener to care for the plants ?
Once a week maintenance may be a minimum. The needs of the plants will actually determine the effort required to make them thrive and do well. This fact alone will influence plant selection.
Ignore plant maintenance needs at your peril !
Sansevieria is beyond tough !
Special requirements
Some plants are sturdier than others and require more attention.
Selecting only the toughest ones will reduce your risks. You need to research which of the ones you like are the toughest!
Similar Needs
Humid and warm loving tropical Medinilla
Watering, lighting and ventilation needs will vary among groups of plants.
It would be best to place only those with similar needs together - especially if they are being kept in one space.
Example: Not ferns and cacti together or cool weather plants with tropical ones.
Basil - a year round supply
End Results
What effect are you looking for ?
Is it colorful blooms, growing seedling, exotic orchids, cactus and succulents, year-round herbs for the kitchen, a collection of odd or uncommon plants, or maybe citrus and tuberose for their amazing perfume.
What tickles your fancy ?
Pests and Diseases
Spraying for bugs !
Insects and Diseases are coming - that is a fact.
How are you going to address that – organic oils and soaps or chemical synergists.
Pesticides need to be applied in a safe manner with proper protection to people, plants, and pets. In some places you may need a pesticide use license.
And just because its Organic does not mean it wont adversely affect a plant - spraying hairy leaves with a horticultural oil is risky !
The Sun and Daylength
The greenhouse is lit by the sun. This means it will be subject to seasonal changes in daylength.
Without a doubt it will affect the blooming cycle and dormancy of some plants.
The solar intensity will also vary by season - some plants may not tolerate either extreme.
Plants that evolved in the forest floor will not like the intensity of June sun. Likewise, a cactus may go to sleep or become dormant during a January winter sun, while a sunflower may not grow as well in winter than in summer.
Corpse flower requires special conditions for it to bloom
Growing Containers
LOVE Terra Cotta - always a good choice
What container will the plants be growing in - clay, wood, plastic ? They all interact differently with both time and the soil. Wood may rot, metal may rust, and clay or stone may dry out faster.
You may also want something fancy looking to impress your friends !
Automatic Controls
Automatic timers are a must
The greenhouse should also have means to address humidity, air flow, and in the north temperature too!
Automatic system controls for all these functions is the best way to go.
Not to mention the need for automatic alarms to let you know when something goes off !
One grower and a sea of Croton !
Sourcing
Finally ! – sourcing the plants.
Keep in mind that not one nursery will have everything you want. You may have to use not only local growers, but mail order, or online ordering as well. Availability may also be affected by weather and season. And receiving plants through the mail can be tricky too !
Be patient - purchasing and installation – may not be happening all at once.
Ready to take the plunge !
Call us - we can help!
PLANT SPECIALISTS
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !
Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
