The benefits of greenhouses make them popular for gardening pros and homesteads. Since your plants are shielded from the elements, you can grow all different types of seeds year-round without having to worry about the weather. A greenhouse is its own controlled ecosystem on your property. It allows you to feel more confident in your food supply and ensures you always have fresh flowers to place around your home. Trying these gardening space-saving ideas for your greenhouse that will hopefully help to minimize the frustration that comes with confined spaces!

1. Make a game plan early. Start simple, and read up on each veggie you think you want to grow, including varieties, temperature zones, how much space the plant needs, and especially time from sprout to fruit.

2. Be prepared. Gather your nursery pots and soil early. For our operation, I use 600 3.5 inch square black pots, and 100 six pack containers, planting big seeds like four o’clock directly into individual pots. We learned this year to broadcast plant all small flower seeds in 1 foot by 1 foot boxes with good drainage, then transplant them into individual containers as they sprout. If you are not catching rainwater, you should be.

3. Don’t be afraid to transplant. As your greenhouse gets tight, use more broadcast boxes to start your fall crop or summer flowers. Most plants transplant well, only losing a few days as they re-root. Transplanting can be a real space saver.

4. Kick your plants out. If plants can handle cooler temps, find a place outside for them. You can always bring them in at night. We split up hostas this spring, and planted them in groups of 3 plants per ½ gallon container, and they took up every corner in the greenhouse. So we kicked them out, putting them in a cool spot shaded by the north side of the dairy barn.

5. Temporary tables give extra room. As your babies grow up, set up temporary shelves in corners and along outside walls. We use buckets and old doors, putting them away as they are no longer needed.

Have you been able to utilize any of these methods to increase greenhouse space? Let us know if you have other advice!

Article Source: Off The Grid News