The therapeutic nature of gardening seems to be the catalyst for many of us experimenting with our green fingers. Adding a greenhouse to your garden could just be the game changer that turns a mere interest into a burning passion.
Strangely enough, the number of people who own greenhouses has dropped significantly in recent years, according to a study by the Telegraph. The reason is down to constricted living space. We are all aware that houses in Briton seem to be lacking in the space department and our tiny gardens just feel too cramped, even without the addition of a greenhouse. However, a variety of space-saving greenhouse options exist, including small or even portable greenhouses. Cold frames and small lean-to glasshouses are also good space-saving options.
Whether you do the majority of your gardening in your own garden or in an allotment, a greenhouse could mean the difference between you getting a bumper yield of crops rather than all your plants being killed by a late frost. A greenhouse creates the ultimate healthy environment for seeds to germinate and for plants that need high levels of humidity to grow. Giving them an early start will also mean you get bigger plants and a larger crop of fruit or vegetables by the season’s end. If you add heating and ventilation systems to your greenhouse then you can harvest some produce nearly all year around but you’ll need to look at one of the higher quality greenhouse manufacturers in the UK, like Cultivar.
At the end of the day, nothing is more rewarding than glancing into your greenhouse and seeing your lovingly cared for plants thrive. Just be sure to ask yourself a few questions so that you can make an informed decision before you buy.
Does bad weather scare you away from your garden?
Living in the UK means that you are bound to face a variety of weather conditions which often act as a deterrent for venturing outside. When you invest in a greenhouse, your gardening time will no longer be subject to the temperamental sun. Due to the fact that your greenhouse is an enclosed structure you will be able to practice your green-thumbed hobby in comfort even when the weather is downright rotten. Your greenhouse will not only offer you protection from the elements but it will also keep your beloved plants in an optimum environment.
Are you tired of pests but do not want to exterminate them?
In addition to offering your plants protection from the elements, there is a far lower risk of an infestation of pests that might love to feast on your prized cabbages and tomatoes.
According to RHS Gardening, the most common pests in an English garden includes aphids, flatworms, cats, foxes, and rabbits. These pests can often cause a significant amount of damage to your crops in an incredibly short period of time. If your plants are not adequately protected you may have to resort to drastic measures to remove these pests from your yard.
Extreme options include spraying pesticides, setting traps or having a professional come to your home to eliminate the problem. However, this is problematic for a number of reasons. When you spray poisons on your plants they will be left with a chemical residue that may be dangerous to your health when you consume the produce while traps are a cruel option for eliminating pests.
A greenhouse created a physical barrier that will eliminate larger pests and make controlling insects easier.
Do you like saving money?
The idea of a greenhouse being an item only purchased by seasoned gardeners is an archaic one. Another misconception is that greenhouses are super expensive. Neither is true. A basic greenhouse is useful even for beginners and they are plenty of cheap options in DIY shops and online.
Once you have your greenhouse installed you won’t have to rely on the greengrocer or supermarket to get fresh local and organic produce. When spring comes along, it is easy to spend large amounts of money on new plants to transform your garden into a sea of colour. A greenhouse allows you to have the option of germinating hundreds of seeds for next to nothing. Once they have germinated, you will be able to tend to them in the safety of their glass home until your seedlings are strong enough to be transferred to your garden.
One of the most surprising benefits associated with owning your own greenhouse is the effect it can have on your health. Not only will you be consuming produce grown by your own hands, that is free from chemicals and pesticides, but the very act of gardening is beneficial for your health. Furthermore, a greenhouse is a perfect environment for growing a large number of fruits and vegetables that are not usually suited to the UK climate.
Before you know it your greenhouse will be producing such an astounding number of plants, fruits and vegetables that you will be able to begin your own side business. Grow a wide variety of plants and sell them to your neighbours and friends for a little extra income that can be spent on your gardening addiction.
Are you passionate about your health?
A recent study by Soga, Gaston and Yamaura found that gardening not only helps to increase your sense of community, improve your quality of life and provides you with greater life satisfaction and sense of achievement. It also helps to decrease your BMI, levels of anxiety and helps to treat depression. Spending time in your greenhouse will also expose you to diffused sunlight which is helpful for alleviating Seasonal Affective Disorder.
I’ve laid out my argument as to why you may need a greenhouse, but you call the shots. However, chances are, you will be glad you made the investment and might just invite me over for some roasted spuds – homegrown of course!
