Sunday, December 1, 2013

Indoor Greenhouses: An Introduction

Indoor greenhousesAll year-round and in virtually any room in any home you can enjoy the benefits and beauty of an indoor greenhouse. Ready to assemble kits are available from most plant nurseries and a multitude of online sites and come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. With a little forethought and consideration, you'll be sure to find one perfectly suited to your needs. Indoor greenhouses also make excellent gifts for the aspiring chef or plant-lover in your life, especially if they haven't the space or mobility to manage an outdoor garden.Greenhouse KitsA standard greenhouse kit consists of a base, lighting system and cover. Aside from size, the greatest difference will be in the potting substance used. Most will come with potting soil or peat, but soil, in and of itself, is not necessary for growing plants. It's the nutrients held within the soil your plants need.Hydroponics and AeroponicsHydroponic greenhouses are a bit more expensive and use a specially formulated liquid nutrient instead of soil. Aeroponics is a method of growing plants by spraying the root system with a nutrient-rich water solution, but is even more expensive and not as widely available for home use.Kit TypesKits come in glass, polyurethane or fiberglass. Glass works well if you're getting a head-start on spring planting; it's the easiest to heat and lets in the most natural light. Polyurethane generally costs less but it does tend to be prone to excessive condensation. Fiberglass is the most durable, but lets in the least natural light. Window sill kits are ideal for growing herbs and spices, and are generally less complicated than the larger varieties, relying more on natural lighting and heat. Larger styles can be placed on a table, counter top or the floor and can have multiple shelves with adjustable heights. With a little more work, money and imagination you can even put a greenhouse in your basement or other area with little or no natural light.Locating your Indoor Greenhouse.Whatever size or style of kit you choose, select its location carefully. Never place a greenhouse on an unstable surface, or in a high traffic area, especially if you have children or pets. Locations near electrical outlets will be necessary if your unit requires artificial lighting and heating. Basement greenhouses will almost certainly require specialist equipment to provide sufficient and appropriate artificial light and heat.





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