Greenhouses are becoming a popular way of nurturing and developing plants. However, growing plants in a greenhouse may require accessories that are different from what you need in a typical garden. Here is a list of the best greenhouse accessories.
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What Are Greenhouse Accessories
Greenhouse accessories are enhancements that will be useful in the greenhouse. These accessories will allow your greenhouse to work effectively and efficiently.
The purpose of a greenhouse is to allow heat from the sun to get in and warm up the plants and soil. The heat that gets in does not easily escape, thus warming everything inside the structure.
Finding the right accessories for greenhouses is not as easy as finding one for your home or workplace. Home accessories aim to enhance the design and decorations at home. However, greenhouse accessories aim at enhancing functionality rather than creating a good impression.
Types Of Greenhouse Accessories
You will need different accessories for greenhouses depending on your climate zone, your usage, and the types of crops you intend to grow. Identifying what you need for the greenhouse is therefore crucial.
Greenhouse accessories play different roles, from simplifying gardening tasks to making your greenhouse tidy. It is also easier to install some of these accessories while setting up the greenhouse. Therefore, you should list the must-have greenhouse attachments before setting up the greenhouse.
However, you can add some accessories for greenhouses later during an upgrade or when the budget allows. Greenhouse accessories can be grouped into three; essential, optional but highly desirable, and optional.
Essential Greenhouse Accessories
Starting with essential greenhouse accessories, these are considered a must-have, whether using a DIY design or a greenhouse kit. These accessories are absolutely essential for the efficient and effective operation of any greenhouse.
Optional but Highly Desirable
These accessories are optional but contribute to a successful and easy greenhouse experience. They are not essential but come in handy in simplifying gardening tasks inside the greenhouse.
Optional
These accessories add a bit of fun to the gardening experience. Gardeners also use optional greenhouses accessories, such as a greenhouse sign, to add a touch of personality.
Greenhouse Heaters
Depending on the climate zone, greenhouse heaters can be essential or optional greenhouse accessories. A greenhouse heater is an essential accessory if you live in a cold climate.
You may reside in an area where the outside temperature is too cold for extended periods. In such a case, you will need a greenhouse heater, irrespective of the plants you wish to grow. Some plants need a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive well. In addition, even winter plants need warm temperatures to germinate.
There are different types of greenhouse heaters in the market, including natural gas heaters, hot water or steam heaters, electrical heaters, and solar heaters. A solar heater for a greenhouse helps build an artificial environment by trapping solar radiation.
Greenhouse Shelving
It should come as no surprise that greenhouse benches and shelves are an effective method of maximizing the limited space inside a greenhouse. Greenhouse shelves are ideal when it comes to vertical farming.
There is a wide range of shelves and benches to meet the needs of every gardener. Some models can be placed or staged side by side, while others are placed on top of each other. Either way, gardeners can increase their growing space within the greenhouse.
As well as providing more growing space, benches and shelves improve the aesthetics of greenhouses. Gardeners can also conveniently store gardening tools, equipment, and supplies on the benches and shelves.
Covers For Greenhouse
A greenhouse shade cloth plays a crucial role by ensuring that the plants don’t overheat even during the hottest days. The greenhouse shade cloth minimizes solar radiation, and the greenhouse becomes cooler.
Shade cloths are ideal for glass greenhouses because glass glazing does not protect plants from sunlight. You can place the shade cloths on top of the greenhouse or use them as curtains inside the greenhouse. You may also require greenhouse clips to help you secure your covers in place.
There are different types of greenhouse covers suitable for different purposes. Darker and thinner greenhouse shade cloths are meant to absorb heat. On the other hand, thinner and lighter shade cloths are ideal for reflecting sunlight.
Greenhouse Temperature Control
A greenhouse thermostat is an essential accessory for ensuring optimum temperature within the greenhouse. Installing a greenhouse thermostat is like having a greenhouse manager. The greenhouse temperature control will accurately regulate heaters and fans inside the greenhouse.
In addition to regulating temperature, a greenhouse thermostat could also lead to huge savings on energy costs. Gardeners can achieve these potential energy savings by improving the accuracy of their greenhouse temperature control.
Nevertheless, greenhouse thermostats lose their accuracy with time and should be checked at least once a year. Proper maintenance ensures that the thermostat is accurate, and therefore correctly controls the temperature within the greenhouse.
Greenhouse Watering System
Plants cannot live without water, and a greenhouse irrigation system is an essential accessory. If you don’t have time to irrigate your crops frequently, you should invest in a programmable irrigation system.
Controlling the growing environment is the primary purpose of a greenhouse. Therefore, an automatic greenhouse irrigation system adds functionality by delivering the correct amount of water to the plants. In addition, the system can also be more efficient in reducing wastewater.
There are also different greenhouse watering systems, such as sprinkling and drip systems. The type of plants you grow will determine the watering system because some plants are sensitive to overhead irrigation, making drip the ideal choice.
Greenhouse Window Opener
Greenhouse vents and widows help in ensuring that there is proper ventilation within the greenhouse. The windows and vents should be open on sunny days and can be left open overnight if the temperatures are still high.
Gardeners can also install an automatic greenhouse vent opener, which will open roof and side vents even when they are not around. The greenhouse vent opener will also make it easy to open and close vents that are not easily accessible.
It is also important to provide alternative ventilation. Automatic vent openers rely on wax, which expands opening the vents. However, the wax may take longer to expand, and the heat may damage the plants.
What To Look For In Greenhouse Accessories
Size and Type of Greenhouse
Greenhouses are available in various sizes and types, which play a significant role in determining the type of accessories you need. If your greenhouse is small, you may consider only the essential greenhouses accessories you need. The material used to make your greenhouse will also determine the accessories.
Types of Crops
You can grow different types of plants in a greenhouse. Different plants need different conditions to grow and require different greenhouse accessories. An accessory that works well for one type of crop may not be ideal for another.
Budget
The amount of money you wish to spend and the cost of the greenhouse accessories will determine which accessories you purchase. However, it would be best to begin with the essential accessories, then optional but highly desirable, and finally optional.
Greenhouse accessories are essential in adding the functionality of a greenhouse and in making your greenhouse experience delightful. You should therefore ensure that you have the right accessories for your greenhouse.
FAQs – Greenhouse Accessories
As discussed in the post, there are at least six must-have greenhouse accessories. In addition to our suggestions, a solid water source, and reliable electricity are essential.
There are a few things to keep in mind when organizing a greenhouse. Keep your tools organized with shelving. Divide the floor space into manageable sections. Create a labeling system for plants and materials.