When you think of greenhouses, you probably think that they are for professional gardeners only, but we are here to offer insight on why your garden needs a greenhouse, even if you’re not particularly green thumbed!

Greenhouses provide an ideal environment for efficient growing, longer growing seasons, are environmentally friendly, cost-efficient and more!

As the fall weather is approaching and gets colder, the humidity in the air plummets, making the environment more hostile to delicate plants during colder months. With a green house, however, the opposite is true- the humidity and warm air stays in and keeps the elements out, making it a suitable place to lengthen your growing season for seasonal plants.

Greenhouses offer a controlled climate for growing, protection against swinging temperatures – whether at the beginning or the end of planting season; and it won’t put your plants at risk. This allows you to plant weeks or even months longer than initially possible.

Harsh weather conditions are unpredictable, but you can find relief in knowing that your plants have protection in a greenhouse. As mentioned before, these structures shield plants from the effects of unseasonal temperature swings (like the exceptionally hot days we’re having in October to the late frost we had this past May.)

Strong winds and beaming sun rays can impact delicate plants negatively if left unprotected. If you use a translucent cover over your greenhouse, the sunlight is diffused and allows appropriate ventilation to flow.

Because a greenhouse offers an abundance of protection for your seedlings and plant babies, you can look forward to being able to grow plants that aren’t native to your region, making the appeal of a greenhouse even more intense!

Because greenhouses can offer a much warmer and humid environment than the outdoors during colder months, the consistency in heat and ventilation flow allow you to plant more warm-season vegetables, including exotic house-plants and flowers, as long as you understand the conditions your plants need to survive. A greenhouse allows you to adjust accordingly to the specifics of your plants, and helps to produce an ideal harvest or blooms as desired.

Another bonus of having a greenhouse is that they are extremely beneficial when it comes to protecting your plants from animals and insects. With shelter and an enclosed structure, pests and predators like moles, deer, bad bugs, and birds won’t be able to eat or attack plants. This also reduces the need for toxic pesticides/chemicals that help ward off unwanted critters- making it an environmentally friendly option!

Using a greenhouse is not only about the advantages and benefits of growing plants, but about changing the lifestyles and living a more environmentally conscious life.

There are personal health benefits to gardening in a greenhouse as well! Here are some fun facts:

- Reduces stress levels.

- Bonding with family and friends by teaching them how to garden, etc.

- Builds self-esteem and a sense of purpose.

- All the digging, weeding and planting burns calories, strengthening your heart and body.

- Getting dirt under your nails while digging in the ground can make you happy! Healthy bacteria that live in soil can increase levels of serotonin and reduce anxiety.
- Improving hand-strength.

- Gives you a boost in Vitamin-D, which increases your calcium levels, which ultimately benefits both your bones and immune system. (Just remember to wear your sunscreen!)

- Growing your own food can encourage and help you eat healthier and more mindfully!

The benefits of having a greenhouse are enormous, and worth considering, especially if you want to prolong your growing season, prevent unwanted pests without the use of harsh chemicals, and get a little more exercise outside during the cooler months, as greenhouses tend to stay warm in Fall and Winter!

For more information on the benefits of having a greenhouse, click here!