Now the greenhouse has arrived and is in place.  Here are a few do’s and don’ts for the greenhouse owner:

Do’s:

Always be willing to experiment.  You never know what you will come up with when you take the time to try something new.

Give yourself enough time every week in the greenhouse.  If you do not have enough time to work in your greenhouse you may not have time to do the preventative maintenance needed to steer clear of disease and pest infestations.

Take a class or read up on greenhouse growing. There are garden centers that offer classes as well as helpful magazines, books and videos. Purchase the Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion. It is the most comprehensive greenhouse book on the market.

Watch for plants that are diseased or infected with pests.  You need to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Make sure your greenhouse is clean, organized and in good repair.

Don’ts:

It is quite a responsibility to own a greenhouse.  Don’t leave your plants without care.

Don’t feel you need to start your greenhouse experience with the most difficult of plants. If you start by growing hard to germinate seeds, you may get discouraged. Try some easy plants like marigolds, snap dragons, lettuce, and beans.

Don’t bring diseased or infested plants into your greenhouse. Disease can spread quickly in a moist humid greenhouse environment.

Greenhouses are a wonderful way to encourage a green thumb and these few do’s and don’ts will help you on your way.