This is the time of year when we all get garden itchy; what I am referring to is the hankering to get outside and get growing! Our seed catalogues are in; our lists are made, and are dreams are in place. One of the easiest ways to get a head start on growing is simply to install a small greenhouse. It can be simple, complex, plastic, or perhaps an architecturally designed glass greenhouse. Whatever you choose the benefits will be the same, the perfect place to start seeds, do cuttings, plant up baskets, or get that mescaline lettuce mix on the grow! There are also winter benefits, for example all of those geraniums, dahlias, and echeverias in you living room? Well they would do just fine in the greenhouse!

The perfect location for your greenhouse is in full sun, or at least the mid day sun, and preferably away from large trees that may drop messy leaves or needles, or damage it by dropping a large limb. You can choose to have doors, windows, or vents, or perhaps a combination of all. Good ventilation is essential, as it will help you to control temperature and will as increase airflow, reducing the growth of moulds and mildews. You may choose to grow in the ground or using containers. I find containers to work well, that way the soil is easy to replenish, and its super easy to change things around that way. The draw back is the extra watering!

Greenhouses require very little maintenance other than good cleanings. Keeping a clean greenhouse will reduce the risk of disease, growth of moulds, or infestations of pests. Make sure to remove all garbage and debris, and wash down all accessories, benches, pots, and tools a few times a year. A good cleaner is 2 parts bleach to 10 parts water. Take care of pests immediately upon recognition. For preventive care, you may want to do a regular release if ladybugs, they will eat aphids, scale, and even attack white flies!

For the exterior of the greenhouse you will need to replace the plastic every few years, and for glass you'll need to wash it down every year, a simple mix of 1:1 vinegar and water will do. The benefits of glass are that it will let in more light, looks better, and lasts longer! Plastic offers the benefit of being not breakable and will help to keep the heat in a bit more.

It won't be long and our seeds will be here, our potting soil out, and our watering cans in action! Having a greenhouse will just make that time come a little sooner. Happy growing!