| Grow, Podcast
After a year of greenhouse ownership, I’ve navigated the exhilarating highs and occasional lows of this gardening adventure. Stepping into my greenhouse each day has been a masterclass in itself, and I’m excited to share the greenhouse hacks and tips I’ve learned during my first year. These are the essential lessons that have truly transformed my approach and understanding of how to effectively utilize a greenhouse. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m eager to pass on these insights to help you Learn To Greenhouses effectively and avoid some common pitfalls.
The opportunities a greenhouse presents are truly amazing. While I feel like I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of its potential, the learning curve has been steep and rewarding. I know there’s still so much more to discover, and I’m committed to continuing to learn and refine my greenhouse practices.
Celebrating my new Yoderbilt greenhouse.
My greenhouse, a spacious 12 feet by 32 feet Yoderbilt structure, is constructed from durable wood and poly, featuring wide doors and nineteen windows that provide ample ventilation and light. Equipped with ceiling fans and convenient outlets, it’s designed for both functionality and comfort. You can get a detailed look at the delivery and setup in this video, which really highlights how these greenhouses arrive fully assembled, simplifying the installation process.
Before we dive into my greenhouse hacks and tips, I want to mention a fantastic opportunity for those eager to deepen their knowledge of seed starting. Many gardeners expressed regret at missing enrollment for my Master Seed Starting course or were hesitant about the tuition commitment. In response, I’m offering a special one-time seed starting webinar on Wednesday, February 28th, at noon Eastern.
This webinar, titled “Fundamentals of Seed Starting Master Class – 10 Keys for Success,” is priced at just $30. As a bonus, attendees who sign up for the webinar will have a limited-time opportunity to enroll in the full Master Seed Starting course should they wish to continue their learning journey.
The Fundamentals of Seed Starting Master Class will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing shortly after the live session for registered participants who cannot attend in real-time.
Also, exciting news! The relaunch of Organic Vegetable Gardening is coming soon, with enrollment opening in mid-March. Stay tuned for more details on this comprehensive course.
Navigating Local Regulations: A Crucial First Step in Greenhouse Ownership
Before you even think about ordering your dream greenhouse, it’s absolutely essential to check local ordinances, zoning laws, and any homeowners association (HOA) covenants and restrictions. Ignoring this step can lead to unexpected fines, significant delays, and additional costs that you simply didn’t budget for. Learning to navigate these regulations is a critical part of learning to greenhouses the right way.
My own experience serves as a cautionary tale. Because my greenhouse arrived fully assembled, I proactively had a concrete slab poured in what I thought was an ideal location – flat, level, and with maximum sunlight exposure, considering the existing tree canopy. However, I completely overlooked the crucial aspect of property line setbacks for structures like greenhouses.
Thinking I was being diligent, I submitted a permit application. Weeks passed without any response. Then, out of the blue, the concrete company called on a Friday afternoon, announcing they would be pouring the slab the following Monday. I tried to postpone, but they explained that concrete was in short supply and rescheduling was uncertain.
Driven by the urgency to get the greenhouse ready for seed starting and seedling sales, I felt pressured to proceed. I allowed the concrete pour, hoping for the best. Just two days later, the city’s response to my permit application arrived. Greenhouses were indeed permitted, but with a minimum setback of 50 feet from the property line. My chosen location? A mere 20 feet. Suddenly, I had a major problem on my hands.
The slab was poured by the time I heard back that the location was too close to the property line. I needed to request a zoning variance to use the slab for my greenhouse.
This setback forced me to apply for a zoning variance. My city, like many others, is hesitant to grant variances unless the applicant can demonstrate genuine hardship – a subjective argument to present to a zoning board. For ten long months, I worked diligently to build my case. This included taking drone photography to illustrate that, given my property’s layout and existing structures, the chosen location was genuinely the only viable spot for the greenhouse. Despite having five acres, the zoning board naturally questioned why it couldn’t be placed elsewhere to meet the setback requirements.
Thankfully, Peter Langham, a landscape architect and a close friend, stepped in to assist. His expertise was invaluable. Peter provided professional drawings, offered strategic advice, and even helped me rehearse my presentation to the zoning board.
Ultimately, after a considerable effort, the zoning variance was unanimously approved. The key takeaway from this entire ordeal is this: if you’re considering a greenhouse, particularly if you live within an HOA or a city with strict zoning rules, ensure you have all necessary clearances before you proceed with any installation. Don’t invest your time, energy, and resources only to face potential heartbreak and regulatory hurdles.
Anticipate every possible question that a zoning board or HOA might raise. Develop robust, irrefutable responses to preemptively address their concerns. Thorough preparation is your best defense.
Once a greenhouse is put in place, it is a chore to move it, and if you had a concrete slab poured already, that adds another complication.
Selecting the Right Greenhouse: Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics
I’ve lived on my current property for twelve years, and a greenhouse has been a long-term aspiration, a perfect complement to my garden. However, several factors contributed to the delay in making it a reality. Aesthetics played a significant role. Given that my property is frequently featured in my television shows and YouTube videos, I wanted a greenhouse that harmonized beautifully with my house and garden’s overall aesthetic. Some greenhouse designs achieve this integration more effectively than others. I felt the right one was out there, I just hadn’t discovered it yet.
Then, one day, while watching a video featuring Jill McSheehy from “The Beginner’s Garden Podcast” and her greenhouse, it clicked. “That’s it,” I thought, “That’s the greenhouse I’ve been searching for.” I contacted Jill and learned about the manufacturer – Yoderbilt.
I had a direct Zoom conversation with Travis and Angela Yoder, the company’s founders and owners. Initially, I was considering a 12-foot-by-24-foot greenhouse, but Travis wisely advised against it. He recommended going bigger, explaining that the largest Yoderbilt could deliver within my region (between Arkansas and Georgia) was a 12-foot-by-32-foot model. He was absolutely right. I would have undoubtedly regretted opting for a smaller size.
Master Gardener and hobby greenhouse owner, Sheri George, whom I interviewed in my podcast, astutely pointed out that no greenhouse owner has ever wished for a smaller greenhouse. Regardless of size, greenhouse enthusiasts invariably find themselves desiring more space.
My 12-foot-by-32-foot greenhouse initially seemed enormous when empty. However, it rapidly filled to capacity, leaving no room for even a single additional seed starting tray. The desire for even more space quickly resurfaced, but practicality dictates drawing a line somewhere. And realistically, the logistics and Department of Transportation regulations for transporting an assembled greenhouse make upsizing a significant undertaking.
My Yoderbilt greenhouse is wood-based, featuring a wooden floor and wood siding up to about waist height, topped with durable polycarbonate windows and roofing. It’s visually appealing and integrates seamlessly with the GardenFarm’s overall aesthetics. However, quality is as crucial as appearance. My research and reviews consistently highlighted Yoderbilt owners’ exceptional satisfaction with their purchases, reinforcing my confidence in their product.
I needed a greenhouse that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I found it with Yoderbilt.
Greenhouse Options and Essential Upgrades for Enhanced Functionality
Yoderbilt greenhouses offer a range of options to customize beyond their already well-featured base models. I opted to add tables and benches specifically designed for seed trays and pots. This ensured that everything was ready for immediate use upon delivery, eliminating any post-installation setup concerns. While handy individuals might consider DIYing these elements, for others, factory-built options offer convenience and guaranteed fit.
An essential upgrade to consider is an electrical package, which isn’t included in the base model. Without it, powering essential greenhouse equipment like germination mats, fans, and heaters requires running extension cords – a practice that’s generally not recommended for safety reasons – or hiring an electrician to wire the greenhouse after delivery. Choosing Yoderbilt’s electrical package gave me confidence, knowing it was designed and installed by experts familiar with greenhouse requirements.
To optimize airflow, I also added ceiling fans and extra windows beyond the base model’s inclusions. Enhanced ventilation is crucial for plant health within a greenhouse environment. The additional windows and fans create excellent airflow from front to back and side to side, making a significant difference in temperature regulation and air circulation.
While these add-ons increase the initial investment, it’s important to view a quality greenhouse as a potentially lifelong investment. Skipping essential options to save initially can lead to regrets and potentially higher costs for retrofitting later.
Looking back after a year, I’m incredibly pleased with my decision to include the electrical package, extra windows, ceiling fans, and fitted tables and benches. I also planned to run a water line to the greenhouse and had a stub-out included in the concrete slab for future plumbing. However, when I received a $5,000 quote to tap into the main water source and run a line under the driveway, I reconsidered. While the convenience of on-demand water in the greenhouse would be nice, a hose or watering cans are perfectly manageable and far more cost-effective.
Because the greenhouse is constructed with pressure-treated wood that remains largely dry, I’m not concerned about sealing or staining. As long as I’m mindful when watering plants inside, the wood construction should provide lasting durability.
I opted for the electrical package as well as tables and benches that are the perfect fit.
Winter Greenhouse Management: Maintaining Warmth and Stability
Once my greenhouse was set up and fully installed, stepping inside for the first time felt surreal. It was a moment I had long envisioned, and it was finally a reality. Becoming a greenhouse owner, especially after years of anticipation, is like being thrown into the deep end. There’s a vast amount of knowledge to absorb, and it can feel overwhelming, like trying to drink from a firehose. While research and online communities can be helpful, nothing truly substitutes for hands-on experience. Observing and adapting to the greenhouse’s rhythms through all four seasons has been the most profound learning experience.
Since my greenhouse arrived in late December, my first season of ownership was winter. A key lesson I quickly learned is that overnight, the temperature inside an unheated greenhouse closely mirrors the outside temperature. Even on sunny winter days, the greenhouse warms up considerably, sometimes even becoming hot. However, this warmth dissipates rapidly after sunset.
Maintaining overnight warmth in a greenhouse during winter necessitates supplemental heat and/or effective insulation. While some all-poly greenhouses are difficult to insulate, my Yoderbilt, with its wood walls, offered opportunities to improve heat retention by sealing gaps with insulation. The space between the greenhouse’s skid foundation and the concrete pad was a significant source of heat loss and needed skirting to retain warmth overnight. Adding insulating boards along the base made a noticeable difference. To further address heat loss through the wooden floor, I installed interlocking 2-foot-square rubber puzzle-piece mats. Around the base of the shiplap walls, I used eight custom-cut foam boards for additional insulation.
Insulation boards help to keep warmth inside the greenhouse overnight.
These insulation efforts raised the overnight temperature inside the greenhouse by approximately 7 degrees. While not a dramatic increase, it was a noticeable improvement. It’s important to acknowledge that greenhouses, by their nature, will always have some air gaps where heat can escape and cold air can infiltrate. This is where supplemental heating becomes essential, especially if you plan to overwinter non-hardy plants.
For overwintering tender plants, heaters are indispensable. Options include electric, propane, kerosene, and other fuel sources.
In my 32-foot greenhouse, I utilize two electric oil-filled radiator heaters. These heaters, ranging from $50 to $100, offer three settings (low, medium, high) and perform effectively. I also employ a Palma greenhouse heater, a popular choice among greenhouse owners. Equipped with a thermostat, it activates only when the greenhouse temperature drops below 50°F, conserving energy.
My Palma greenhouse heater has a thermostat, so it only turns on when the temperature in the greenhouse falls below 50°F.
Embracing redundancy, a principle I learned when obtaining my private pilot’s license, I also maintain propane heaters as backup. These ensure heating capability even during power outages, using the same propane tanks as standard grills. While I haven’t yet needed to use the propane heaters, having them provides significant peace of mind, especially during unpredictable weather events.
To monitor temperature fluctuations, I use greenhouse temperature sensors that send push alerts to my phone if the temperature falls below a set threshold. I utilize both a Govee and a SensorPush – again, redundancy in action. Beyond alerts, these sensors also track historical data, including temperature highs and lows, which can be downloaded into spreadsheets for analysis.
I have two propane heaters as a backup in case the power goes out or there is an arctic blast.
Preventing Greenhouse Overheating: Ventilation and Shade Strategies
Just as critical as monitoring for low temperatures is preventing overheating. Excessive heat can quickly damage or even kill plants in a greenhouse. I learned this firsthand when I received a temperature alert of 103°F in my greenhouse while I was away. Thankfully, my daughter, who lives nearby, was able to quickly open the windows and door, averting a potential disaster.
Sensor placement is crucial for accurate temperature readings. Initially, I mistakenly mounted a sensor 9 feet high, while the greenhouse’s peak is 12 feet. Since hot air rises, this placement was too high to reflect the temperature at plant level. Relocating the sensor to plant height revealed a 15°F difference in readings, highlighting the importance of measuring temperature where it matters most for your plants.
A ventilation fan moves hot air out of the greenhouse.
Before moving on from the topic of heat, a cautionary tale from my friend Peter Langham: his greenhouse once became so hot that his plastic seed trays melted. This underscores the intense heat greenhouses can trap. Now, I diligently store plastic materials on the side of the greenhouse that receives the least direct UV exposure.
On intensely hot days, a greenhouse can rapidly become an oven, detrimental to plant health. Effective ventilation is therefore paramount. Various methods can release trapped heat: opening windows and doors, utilizing thermostatically controlled roof vents that automatically open at set temperatures, activating ceiling fans to circulate air, and employing an exhaust fan on the greenhouse’s backside to draw air through and out.
These windows right near the ridge line of the greenhouse pop open to let out heat.
Another significant heat management strategy is shade cloth. While some install shade cloth inside the greenhouse, I opted to secure it over the exterior. Based on recommendations from other greenhouse owners, I chose Aluminet shade cloth, a woven aluminum fabric. This effectively reduced the internal temperature by 15-20°F. I typically apply the shade cloth after the peak growing season in April and leave it in place until I begin moving seeds in for winter seed starting in January.
In summer, a shade cloth can keep a greenhouse from overheating.
Pest Prevention: De-bugging Plants Before Greenhouse Entry
A crucial preventative measure is to thoroughly de-bug plants before bringing them into your greenhouse. Use a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids and any other potential pests lurking on your plants. Introducing pests into the protected greenhouse environment can quickly escalate into a major infestation. They thrive in the controlled conditions, and what starts as a minor issue can rapidly become a significant problem. I learned this lesson the hard way, having to remove plants and perform the de-bugging process outdoors, which should have been done initially.
Accidentally bring just a few aphids into a greenhouse and soon they will multiply exponentially.
Managing Dormancy: Overwintering Plants in a Greenhouse
The daytime warmth within a greenhouse, even in winter, can disrupt the natural dormancy cycles of some plants. Plants brought into the greenhouse may either fail to enter dormancy or prematurely break dormancy. I’m currently experiencing this with some bare-root roses potted in the greenhouse. They have leafed out and even started to flower, which means they are no longer suitable for planting outdoors in mid-winter. Understanding and managing these dormancy disruptions is key when learning to greenhouses effectively for overwintering.
Greenhouses and Pets: Balancing Access and Plant Protection
I share my garden with a couple of cats and a dog, all of whom enjoy spending time with me outdoors. One cat, Larrie, is particularly fond of the greenhouse. I even considered installing a cat door for easy access. However, experienced greenhouse owners cautioned against this. A cat door also becomes an open invitation for raccoons and other unwanted critters seeking warmth and shelter in the greenhouse, especially during winter.
Additionally, greenhouses often store bags of soil and potting mixes, which, unfortunately, cats may view as oversized litter boxes. Furthermore, cats can be tempted to nibble on tender seedlings, sometimes even pulling them out of their pots. While Larrie enjoys greenhouse visits, unsupervised access is generally not advisable.
Larrie enjoys spending time in the greenhouse with me, but it’s a bad idea to let her come and go unsupervised.
Greenhouse Organization: Creating Dedicated Spaces for Efficiency
Recently, I spoke with Tobi, my farm manager, to get her perspective on our first year with the greenhouse. She echoed many of my own observations and also highlighted my tendency to frequently rearrange items, making it difficult to locate things when needed. Her suggestion was to establish designated, organized locations within the greenhouse for tools and materials. This includes everything from large items like brooms to small essentials like plant tags and scissors. Tobi’s idea is excellent, and creating a dedicated storage area for miscellaneous items is on my greenhouse to-do list for 2024.
A dedicated space for tools and materials is on my list of things to add to the greenhouse in 2024.
Understanding DIF: Day and Night Temperature Influence on Plant Growth
Because I sell seedlings, their visual appeal in April is crucial. Last year, my seedlings looked perfect in March but continued to grow taller, almost tree-like, by April. While not spindly, the internodal spacing between branches was elongated, not compact as desired.
Initially, I attributed this to overcrowding and competition for light. However, a conversation with Dr. Charles Bethke, a previous podcast guest and research director for PittMoss, provided a different explanation: DIF, or the difference between day and night temperatures.
“If the night temperature is cold and the day temperature is high, you have a high DIF,” Charles explained. “That difference between night and day then stimulates the plant to do hormonal things. And among the hormonal things, it recognizes the high temperature and it releases a lot more auxins and gibberellins.” Gibberellins, in particular, become more active after a cool night.
“It is wise to reduce that DIF by having warmer nights and cooler days,” Charles advised. By providing warmth at night, starting when the first true leaves fully expand, and reducing daytime temperatures for a few hours in the morning (beginning at or before daylight), you can influence plant growth. This morning cooling period hampers “hormonal translocation,” effectively slowing the movement of hormones from roots to shoots.
These conditions promote stockier, thicker, and huskier plant growth, offering a natural alternative to hormone applications. DIF management is why commercial greenhouses can produce Easter lilies of perfectly controlled height, Charles noted.
He also referenced a Japanese study where watering tomato plants with cool water every morning at 9 a.m. produced similar growth responses, a technique that also proved effective with other crops.
Greenhouse owners can achieve morning cooling by opening vents at daybreak, allowing temperatures to drop, even into the 30s or 40s°F. After sufficient daylight exposure, hormone movement resumes normally. Combining warmer nights with cooler mornings, or implementing either strategy alone, can contribute to producing stockier, more robust seedlings.
The difference between the nighttime and daytime temperature influences how stocky plants will grow.
If you’re interested in hearing more greenhouse insights, you can listen to my full podcast episode on greenhouse hacks and tips by scrolling to the top of this page and clicking the play button in the green bar beneath the title.
Do you have your own greenhouse hacks and tips to share? Please share them in the comments below!
Links & Resources
Note: Some product links are affiliate links. See full disclosure below.
Episode 049: When Good Bugs Eat Bad Bugs: The Business of Beneficial Insects
Episode 093: Hobby Greenhouse Considerations: What to Know Before You Buy (and After You Do)
Episode 259: Getting to Know PittMoss, a Peat-free Growing Medium Alternative, with Dr. Charles Bethke
Episode 295: Looking Back on 2022’s Garden Lessons
Episode 345: The Lean Micro Farm: Raise Crops with Maximum Efficiency
Episode 350: What to Know About Buying and Owning a Hobby Greenhouse
joegardener Online Gardening Academy™: Explore popular courses covering gardening fundamentals, pest and disease management, seed starting, and more.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Organic Vegetable Gardening: My comprehensive online course designed to guide you through starting, growing, nurturing, and harvesting your favorite vegetables, regardless of your location or gardening experience level.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Master Seed Starting: Everything you need to master seed starting, both indoors and outdoors.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Beginning Gardener Fundamentals: Essential principles for creating a thriving garden.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Growing Epic Tomatoes: Learn the secrets to growing exceptional tomatoes with Joe Lamp’l and Craig LeHoullier.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Master Pests, Diseases & Weeds: Gain proactive strategies to manage pests, diseases, and weeds for a more successful and less frustrating gardening experience. Available for just $47 for lifetime access!
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Perfect Soil Recipe Master Class: Discover how to create the ideal soil environment for thriving plants.
Earthbound Expeditions: Discover South Africa with Joe Lamp’l
joegardenerTV YouTube: Seed Starting in the New Greenhouse | Getting Warmed Up
Electric oil-filled radiator heaters
SensorPush greenhouse temperature sensor
Govee greenhouse temperature sensor
Proven Winners ColorChoice – Podcast episode sponsor and Brand Partner of joegardener.com
Territorial Seed Company – Podcast episode sponsor and Brand Partner of joegardener.com
Greenhouse Megastore – Podcast episode sponsor and Brand Partner of joegardener.com – Enter code JG10 for 10% off your order
Disclosure: Some product links are affiliate links, which means we get a commission if you purchase. However, none of the prices of these resources have been increased to compensate us, and compensation is not an influencing factor on their inclusion here. The selection of all items featured in this post and podcast was based solely on merit and in no way influenced by any affiliate or financial incentive, or contractual relationship. At the time of this writing, Joe Lamp’l has professional relationships with the following companies who may have products included in this post and podcast: Corona Tools, Milorganite, Soil3, Greenhouse Megastore, Territorial Seed Company, Earth’s Ally, Proven Winners ColorChoice and Dramm. These companies are either Brand Partners of joegardener.com and/or advertise on our website. However, we receive no additional compensation from the sales or promotion of their product through this guide. The inclusion of any products mentioned within this post is entirely independent and exclusive of any relationship.
About Joe Lamp’l
Joe Lamp’l is the creator and “joe” behind joe gardener®. His lifetime passion and devotion to all things horticulture has led him to a long-time career as one of the country’s most recognized and trusted personalities in organic gardening and sustainability. That is most evident in his role as host and creator of Emmy Award-winning Growing a Greener World®, a national green-living lifestyle series on PBS currently broadcasting in its tenth season. When he’s not working in his large, raised bed vegetable garden, he’s likely planting or digging something up, or spending time with his family on their organic farm just north of Atlanta, GA.
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