by Kim Dieter

Created on: April 11, 2010   Last Updated: April 29, 2010

The greenhouse has been build.  There are four walls, the top is covered, and a secure door and climate control systems are in place. The greenhouse will be used to propagate and grow a variety of plants.  But how can the greenhouse be organized to create an ideal environment for the plants and the gardener?  There are several factors to consider when organizing a greenhouse.

Greenhouses are used to start seeds and grow plants.  The pots or flats of the growing plants are located on benches or shelves.  Benches raise the plant containers to a height that allows easy care by the gardener. Select benches wide enough to accommodate varying sizes of flats and pots but not too wide as to make reaching all plants difficult. Benches may be constructed of wood, galvanized steel, aluminum or plastic material. They must be strong enough to hold the heavy pots or flats and easy to maintain. Space the benches so the width is adequate for the gardener and any wagon or cart used in the greenhouse.

 Some greenhouse designs allow shelves to be attached to the walls. Space the shelves to allow for pots and plants of varying heights.

Plants may be grown in hanging pots and the pots suspended from overhead hooks.  A newer method is to grow plants in plastic growing bags that also hang from hooks.  The growing bags work especially well with bedding plants.

Watering is an almost everyday necessity in greenhouses.  If the watering is done manually, arrange the hoses to easily reach all plants in the greenhouse.  A water wand or spray nozzle will make the job of watering plants easier.  If the watering is done automatically, the controls must be readily accessible. A mist watering system to start seeds and cuttings gives young plants a good start. 

 If the heating, cooling and ventilation systems are attached to thermostats, climate control is easy.  However, if climate control must be achieved manually, locate the vents or louvers, and the heater or fan controls within easy reach. 

 Group plants with similar climate and care requirements.  Use flats to securely hold potted plants, 6-packs and to start seed. 

 Heating mats or soil warming cables are very useful in some greenhouses to maintain an optimal soil temperature.  Locate heating mats or cables close to electric plugs. 

 The gardener will require a work area.  Often this consists of a potting bench and a storage area for pots, tools and other supplies.  If the greenhouse space is limited, the work area may be located in a nearby shed or building.  Or if there is ample greenhouse space, the work area can be located near the greenhouse door for easy access.  A garden wagon or cart will enable the gardener to move pots, flats and supplies easily.  Do not store supplies such as seeds and fertilizers in the humid greenhouse environment.

 Clean garbage cans make excellent storage containers for potting soil, fertilizer and other soil amendments.  Locate the cans near the work area. 

And because the gardener will be in the greenhouse often, a concrete or gravel floor will eliminate mud and improve drainage.

 A well-organized greenhouse will make growing plants much easier.

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