10 Useful Accessories For Your Greenhouse

10 Useful Accessories For Your Greenhouse

Greenhouses are wonderful structures that provide gardeners with the ideal environment to grow and nurture plants all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, having the right accessories can make all the difference when it comes to cultivating healthy and thriving plants. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 10 must-have accessories for any greenhouse.

1. Heating & Insulation
If you plan on using your greenhouse during the colder months – which isn’t as uncommon as you might first think (see my ‘what crops to grow during winter’ blog here) then you’ll need to think about getting a good heater in order to keep your greenhouse warm and cosy. Whether you opt for an electric heating system, a simple and portable gas-powered heater, or a small and compact paraffin heater, just make sure it provides an even distribution of heat throughout the greenhouse so that all of your growing plants inside feel the benefit. Additionally, insulating parts of your glazing with old bubble wrap that you can recycle from packaging materials can act as ideal, and free insulation.

2. Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to maintaining a healthy and thriving environment inside your greenhouse. Installing automatic openers on the roof vents or adding an extra window in the way of a louvre window, can help to automate your greenhouse ventilation whilst keeping the air fresh, preventing mold and mildew from taking hold.

3. Automatic Watering
Automated watering systems can be a game-changer when it comes to caring for your plants. With a system in place such as a gravity-fed or even a solar-powered irrigation system, you can autonomously ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water, at the right time, without having to be there in person.

4. Grow Lights
If your greenhouse is situated in a spot in the garden that doesn’t receive much natural sunlight throughout the day, then investing in a good set of grow lights is essential. From fluorescent lights to LED lights, there are plenty of options available to choose from, increasing the growth and yield rate of your growing flowers and crops.

5. Potting Benches
Potting benches provide a convenient and sturdy workspace for planting, potting, and repotting your plants. Choose one that’s made from sturdy materials and has a flat top surface with bumpers on the side, which catch any compost debris from falling to the floor in your greenhouse.

6. Shelving
Shelf space is a precious commodity in any greenhouse as it makes use of vertical space, so it’s important to make the most of what you have. Consider installing adjustable shelving that can be moved and reconfigured as needed depending on the season and what you currently have growing.

7. Propagation Trays
For those looking to propagate their own plants from seed, propagation trays are an essential accessory. Choose a tray that’s large enough to accommodate plenty of seeds, and make sure it has a lid to keep the moisture in.

8. Humidity Meter
Temperature is one thing, but by also measuring the humidity inside your greenhouse, you’ll be able to keep a closer eye on the health and growth of your plants. Installing a good-quality humidity meter can help you keep an eye on the levels and adjust accordingly.

9. Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are another great way to make the most of vertical space inside your greenhouse (and not just for decorating the outside of your home with flowers!). Fill them with trailing plants, such as ivy or ferns, and enjoy the lush greenery they bring, or for growing your own, both strawberries and cherry tomato plants do very well in hanging baskets, and can eventually be moved outside the greenhouse once matured enough.

10. Tools
Last but not least, having the right tools is essential when it comes to caring for your plants in a greenhouse. Make sure you have the right tools for the job, and for making the task at hand a pleasure and not a chore. Some gardening tools to have on hand in the greenhouse could include:

In conclusion, having the right accessories for your greenhouse can make a big difference when it comes to nurturing and caring for your plants. From proper ventilation and heating systems to potting benches and garden tools, make sure you have everything you need to create the ideal growing environment for your plants.