Many people want to grow plants but don't have a lot of space. You can only have a balcony or a small yard. The smaller the space, the more sense it makes to use a greenhouse because it allows you to make the most of that space all year round.
A small area can produce an incredible amount of plants if approached in the right way. You may not become self-sufficient in fruits and vegetables, but you can grow a stock of fresh salads, herbs or flowers for the home even from a small greenhouse.
A greenhouse is an intensive growing system and it is what you need if you only have a small space available. Even if you have a lot of land, you might want to consider a small greenhouse near the kitchen door so you can have a handful of herbs or salad greens while you cook dinner. You may already have a large greenhouse, but you might want a small greenhouse for a few extra plants.
A mini greenhouse can be very simple and inexpensive. It may be nothing more than a tubular steel frame covered with a plastic tent. They usually have a zipper in the front so you can open the awning.
Greenhouses of this type are available in a range of sizes. It can be purchased for less than $100.
They usually have several shelves that allow you to grow a number of small plants in pots or containers. If you place it next to a south-facing wall, each shelf in a mini greenhouse like this will have enough life for the plants to thrive.
If you want to grow tall plants in your greenhouse, you can remove the shelves. But there are many types of alternative plants with a small form. Choose a bush or a tomato, for example. It will easily find its place on the shelves of your mini greenhouse.
It may be a good idea to mount your greenhouse on the wall if you live in a windy area or have children or a dog. It can easily be thrown away and your precious plants with it. If you want to use your mini greenhouse on the balcony, make sure it is well secured.
As in the case of large greenhouses, it is possible to have automatic watering systems for small greenhouses. You can set up a drip irrigation system that waters all the hanging baskets and planters as well as your mini greenhouse.
If you only want to water your mini greenhouse, a passive irrigation system using capillary mats may suffice. You will need a water reservoir at the bottom. Place black plastic on each shelf and cover with felt. Soak everything before you start, then place the flower pots on the shelves.
You can even turn a small greenhouse into a hydroponic system by placing trays on each shelf and running water through each one individually. You will need a small pump.
They cost less than $30. Simply drill a hole in one end of each tray and tilt it slightly to allow water to drain. Install a tube along the side of your mini greenhouse to bring water up and turn on the pump.
One of the great advantages of mini greenhouses is that the plants can be lifted by slugs. Slugs can eat an entire tray of basil plants before getting out of bed in the morning. If you wrap copper tape around the legs of your greenhouse, slugs will be reluctant to climb up and grab your new plants.
Small plastic-covered greenhouses tend to be less permanent than larger greenhouses that are more robustly constructed. But you can use it for many years. You should be prepared to change your mini greenhouse cover every year or so. The frame will last longer and can be reused over and over again.
If you have very little space, the entire mini greenhouse can be removed in summer and stored away until winter. Another alternative is to remove the lid and use the shelves to display your plants. Your mini greenhouse will provide a green wall on your balcony or terrace. Grab a few indoor plants for ventilation and place them on the shelves of your mini greenhouse.
What would otherwise look utilitarian will start to look quite decorative.
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