The construction is finally done, now the greenhouse can begin to be set up, for which there are endless possibilities. The temperature and humidity must be right and the soil must also be optimally prepared in order to recreate the habitat of the plants as naturally as possible.

A greenhouse can be furnished comfortably or simply functionally

Whether you built it yourself or bought it as a ready-made self-assembly kit: When setting up a greenhouse, you should not act haphazardly and be very clear about which fruits and vegetables or ornamental plants are to be cultivated or bred. Knowledge of the natural crop rotations is just as important here as knowledge of the basic compatibility of the different types of individual plants and crops with each other. This planning is dependent on the size and height of the house, but also the type of construction, i.e. whether the walls and roof are made of foil or glass, is not insignificant when it comes to setting up your new greenhouse.

Technical Equipment

From a certain size it makes sense to think about a water connection. Professionals who breed particularly demanding plants often even use automatically controlled irrigation systems. However, if you are setting up a greenhouse with a usable area of less than 10 m2, the traditional watering can will probably be sufficient to create a regular watering of your plants ensure. However, you will probably not be able to avoid a heater. Whether it is permanently installed or only runs in "emergency mode" via a fan heater, which is otherwise in the house, is first and foremost a question of cost. However, one should be prepared that even with our temperate European climate conditions until the end of April night frosts cannot be ruled out in general.

Setting up a greenhouse also includes good soil

Whether the plants are to thrive on level ground or in raised beds, optimal soil conditions are the be-all and end-all when growing them. The young plants in particular need one in the first few days and weeks nutrient-rich soil, which should ideally consist of a high proportion of compost or humus. The compost should be ripe and in any case free from pests and not too wet to prevent fungal infestation, to which tomatoes, peppers and courgettes are particularly susceptible.

Equipment and tools for setting up the greenhouse

  • shading fabric against direct sunlight;
  • Plant lamps for particularly light-hungry plants;
  • thermometers, frost monitors and hygrometers;
  • Hanging shelves for seed trays and plant pots;
  • Suitable work tables or tubs;
  • Power connection, cable drum, lighting equipment;
  • Planting tools, containers, window cleaners.

tips

It's not necessarily part of setting up a greenhouse, but think about it if possible use of protective plants (Basil against powdery mildew; yarrow against lice, nasturtium against snails and caterpillars). With these simple means, you not only avoid crop failures, they are also better for the environment than resorting to chemicals!

Category:

Garden design