Greenhouse Equipment

After acquiring a greenhouse it is likely that the first piece of equipment that you will consider is staging. Even if you intend to grow crops straight into soil beds inside the greenhouse,  you will need some staging on which to rear young seedlings. If the staging is easy to take apart then it can be removed later in the season. Some staging is limited to a single tier of shelving whereas others have up to three tiers. When using tiered staging you should consider whether plants on the lower shelves will have sufficient light. Once seeds have germinated it may be necessary to move them to higher positions.

Another piece of essential equipment is a long reach watering can. This will enable you to easily reach plants toward the back of the shelving. Consider the weight of the can when full as you will need to be able to water plants on the higher shelving. If regular watering is likely to be a problem you may wish to consider an irrigation system.

You may wish to invest in a thermometer so that you can monitor the conditions in the greenhouse. A maximum and minimum thermometer will allow you to assess how well the  heating and ventilation systems are working.

If you wish to use your greenhouse through colder months or in which to grow tender plants you will need to consider a heating system. Electric heaters can also help circulate air and cut down on fungal disease. Electric heaters are generally do not produce fumes. However  on an allotment  plot, you are likely to have to choose between gas and paraffin. Unfortunately these types of heaters can cause the greenhouse to become damp. If you don’t wish to heat your greenhouse you may wish to line the inside of the glass with bubblewrap.

If you are unable to open and close windows and door s throughout the day you may wish to invest in automatic window openers or louvres.

During the heat of summer (wishful thinking) you will need to consider shading. Some shading materials can also fulfil a double role and act as insulation during colder periods. It will only be necessary to shade the greenhouse on the south facing side or you may cut down too much light and your plants will consequently suffer.

You will obviously also require a supply of seed trays, plant labels. plant pots, dibbers, sieves and other sundries too.