With all the modern aids for growing plants under glass, there is little excuse for failure in the winter garden, especially if good housekeeping principles are applied.
For the owner of a small home greenhouse, these principles govern not only the greenhouse itself but also, if a potting shed is not available, the cellar, tool shed, or other place where the supplies are stored.
Whether you grow a relatively few plants or a large collection in a sizable house, the same general equipment is needed.
Therefore, the whole project must be organized so that all tools and materials are stored outside the greenhouse, where they are ready without wasting time or energy.
Confusion and frustration result if tools are left lying around because they have no special place or have been misplaced somewhere.
Proper Storage in a Small Greenhouse
Only plants should be kept in the small greenhouse. Avoid keeping piles of soil, stacks of pots, boxes of broken crocks, or other materials under the benches.
These, however, must be kept where they can easily be transported to the greenhouse when needed. Careful planning for this is the answer.
Even if a potting shed is attached to the greenhouse, it may be too small. Yet the satisfactory solution to this problem can be the difference between success and mediocre results in the winter garden.
Equipment and Accessories
Always stack pots according to diameter in easily accessible spots. Five-quart oil cans are convenient for small quantities of broken crocks, old plaster, sphagnum moss, crushed charcoal, and other materials used in potting.
Large glass jars with screw tops are ideal for small amounts of vermiculite, perlite, hoofs and horns meal, superphosphate, and other plant fertilizers.
Metal ash barrels with covers will keep soil, leaf mold, rotted manure, and compost from drying out in storage. Proper amounts of these can be carried to the greenhouse in pails.
Proper Labeling
In addition, roomy baskets for hand tools, soil testing kits, root-forming substances, polyethylene plastic bags, tin cans, notebooks, and other accessories complete the equipment required for even a simple routine operation.
Although all these may not be needed for every task, experience has shown, time and time again, that a job may be inferior if any are missing.
Container Considerations
All containers for leftover mixtures, fertilizers, and other materials should be clearly labeled to avoid confusion.
Plastic flats for seeds or cuttings, light in weight, can be “nested” when not in use so that they take up little room, unlike wooden ones.
They are not completely rigid. However, it is a disadvantage because anything planted in them will be displaced if lifted without supporting boards.
Inspecting Greenhouse Carefully
It is important to inspect the greenhouse daily with a critical eye. Allow no sodden areas to develop around plants, and if flower pots stand where water tends to collect, the soil will not dry out sufficiently between waterings.
The wet areas will quickly dry out by raising the pots on inverted flower pot saucers. Potted bulbs such as Amaryllis, vallota, and tulbaghia should always be raised a little above the bench to ensure good drainage and prevent overwatering during winter.
Much time and thought are needed to make complete and efficient use of every part of a small greenhouse, but wonders can be accomplished after a little experimenting.
Vantage points from which every part of the house, from floor to rafters, can be reached for inspection or watering will prevent wasted time in doctoring unhappy specimens. One neglected plant can bring trouble to an entire collection.
Remember the Floor
The greenhouse floor requires regular attention, too. Wet it down daily to keep the humidity high. As a result, plants will require less water.
Sweep walks and remove faded flowers and fallen leaves immediately. Any trash container kept for this should be emptied frequently as it may be a source of infection.
During very cold weather, a little ventilation is necessary. If ventilators are left open just a crack during the day, they can be closed before sundown since fresh air leaks in. Some manual ventilation control will be helpful, even when thermostatic control is available.
Good housekeeping in the greenhouse concerning insect control is a simpler proposition than formerly.
Spraying monthly with liquid malathion will control most insect pests, though red spiders may be more bothersome after. However, moderate temperatures, sufficient humidity, and fresh air all help to check this pest.
Avoid feeding plants during dark winter when the weather is very cold. However, occasionally, on a bright, sunny morning, foliar feeding with a high-analysis fertilizer immediately results in greener leaves and sturdier growth.
44659 by Kathryn S. Taylor