How To Layout A Greenhouse

Having a well laid out greenhouse can make growing plants much more simple. Here is how to layout a greenhouse for efficiency and plant health.

Having your own hobby greenhouse opens the possibilities of what you can grow. I grow tropical plants in a climate that has very short growing seasons.

I also use my greenhouse to start all of my seedlings. In early spring my greenhouse is a revolving door of plants going in and out!

With the constant movement of plants, having a good layout is essential. Here is how I layout my greenhouse with efficiency and plants in mind.

Be Mindful of Sunlight

One of the most important things that all plants need is sunlight. If a plant doesn't get enough sunlight or gets too much sunlight it will suffer.

Inside my greenhouse I have my shelving located on the north side of my greenhouse. When the sun is low during winter, and spring, all the plants in my greenhouse still get the southern sun.

I also have a thinner and taller shelf that can hold plants without shading my seedlings on the bench top. Layout your greenhouse so that no plants are totally in shade.

You Will Need storage

Storage is really important in a greenhouse. Tools, pots, fertilizer, soil, all these things need to be stored somewhere.

I store some of this under my greenhouse table where plants don't grow well. This is a great spot to put soil and watering cans.

I have found that with all the sunlight in my greenhouse it is not a good idea to leave tools out. They become sun-faded and break down.

I now have a greenhouse cabinet where I store all my tools, pots, and fertilizer. I got a little cabinet at a garage sale and I love it!

Having an area out of the sun where you can store items is a must.

Have An Area For A Heater

My greenhouse stays warm during the day because of the sunlight, but I have to heat it at night. You can learn how I heat my greenhouse affordably here.

I use an oscillating electric heater, so I need a clear space for it to work. I place this heater in one corner of my greenhouse.

For safety reasons, I do not place anything close to this heater. Plants should also not have hot, dry air blowing on them.

I keep my plants about three feet from my heater and with this set up everything stays healthy. Make sure to have a plan to heat your greenhouse.

Plants Need Growing Space

If you want to grow tall plants in your greenhouse make sure to plan for enough space. This is one reason I only have a shelf on one side of my greenhouse.

The other side of my greenhouse I reserve for growing taller plants. I actually place a trellis in the back of my greenhouse for growing vines like luffa gourds.

Have A Work Flow

If you are constantly starting new plants, watering them, and then moving them out to the garden, establish a work flow in your greenhouse.

On one end of the greenhouse (far from the door) you can have your seed starting area. On the other end of the greenhouse (near the door) you can have all your seedlings that are ready to plant.

This can make it easier to keep track of all your seedlings without constant shuffling.

Conclusion

Having a well laid out greenhouse can make growing plants less stressful and more fun. This year don't forget to plan out your greenhouse before you start growing!