Greenhouse
gardening
G
on a budget
reenhouse kits give gardeners the benefits of a greenhouse — more growing space and a longer growing season — for much less money than the cost of a permanent greenhouse. They’re also fairly easy to come by, with options available at stores such as Walmart, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s and Home Depot. “Greenhouse kits come with lots of different options,” says Jonathan Pritchett, a Home Depot store manager in Raleigh. “The demand for greenhouse kits has just exploded since COVID-19 hit. People had more time, and gardening was something they could do at home. And even a small greenhouse can give them the ability to grow a lot of their own produce.” Prices for greenhouse kits span a wide range. Home Depot, for example, offers kits from $59 to $14,000. Size, durability of materials used, and extra features included account for the variation in prices.
Perfect placement
A greenhouse kit is definitely not something to buy on impulse. Jonathan advises doing some careful planning before you place your order. First and foremost, he urges homeowners to consider any homeowners association requirements or zoning laws.
Keep your garden growing year-round with a greenhouse kit By Margaret Buranen
“Placement of the greenhouse is key,” Jonathan emphasizes. “You want an open spot that will get pretty much all-day sun. Next best would be facing the afternoon sun.” Choosing a location that is close to a source of water will make watering plants much easier. But if the greenhouse needs to be far from a faucet to get the most sun, buy an extension hose. Flooring is also an important consideration. “Most starter kits do not come with flooring. If the greenhouse will sit on dirt, it has to be absolutely level,” Jonathan says. Because dirt floors can attract insects, he also recommends applying a weed barrier around the dirt floor and outside of the greenhouse, which will also discourage rodents. Some greenhouse kits have side skirts that can be buried to stop weeds. Crushed rock spread on top of a dirt floor will add more protection against weeds and also promotes better drainage. Digging a trench around the outside of the greenhouse is another way to increase drainage.
Other considerations
To protect vulnerable plants on North Carolina’s cold winter nights, a greenhouse needs a source of heat. In western portions of the state, that source might be an
26 | June 2022
CC06_JA.indd 26
5/10/22 12:42 PM
