11 Essential Greenhouse Supplies to Get Started and Grow Your Plants Successfully

Are you ready to take your gardening game to the next level? Transform your gardening experience with a greenhouse, no matter the size. Whether you want to grow plants all year round or experiment with species that don’t typically survive in your local climate, a greenhouse is the way to go. But having a greenhouse is just the beginning. To ensure you can grow and maintain healthy plants, you’ll need the right equipment. In this guide, we’ll explore essential greenhouse supplies to help you thrive in your gardening journey.

Essential Greenhouse Supplies

Table of Contents

Containers, Trays, or Beds
Flooring
Garden Tools
Heating
Lighting
Miscellany

1. Containers, Trays, or Beds

Once your greenhouse structure is up, it’s time to find a home for your plants. From pots and trays to raised beds and hanging baskets, the options are endless. Don’t forget to start your seeds in a seed tray to kickstart your plant growth. Make sure to label your seeds with wooden markers to stay organized. Consider using biodegradable pots like CowPots for individual plant pots or opt for a versatile raised bed system like the one from Burpee.

2. Flooring

Protect your greenhouse from weeds, pests, and muddy patches by investing in proper flooring. Choose from a variety of options such as gravel, rubber mats, or wood slats. Rubber mats like Redbarn Interlocking Rubber Mats provide durability, drainage, and anti-fatigue properties, keeping you comfortable during long hours in the greenhouse.

3. Garden Tools

Equip yourself with essential garden tools like trowels, shovels, pruners, and pest treatment options. Consider adding seedling transplant tongs for easy transplanting and insecticidal soap and fungicide for pest and disease control.

4. Heating

Extend your growing season with heating options such as plug-in heat mats, portable heaters, or solar-powered systems. Ensure your greenhouse stays warm during colder days with a heating solution like the 1500-watt portable forced-air infrared unit by Dr. Heater.

5. Lighting

Don’t forget lighting for your greenhouse. Supplement natural light with overhead fluorescent or LED lights or invest in grow lights to provide sufficient light for your plants, especially during shorter days. LED options like the Canopia by Palram Brighton LED lights are energy-efficient and cover larger areas.

6. Miscellany

Stock up on miscellaneous supplies like cleaning cloths, blankets for heat retention, seed chutes for easy planting, and baskets for harvesting. Stay organized and comfortable with practical tools like a foldable kneeler-seat stool or a watering system like the Universal Watering System for hands-off daily watering.

7. Shade

Protect your plants from excess heat with shade cloth that can be draped over your greenhouse structure. Choose a shade cloth like the one from Coolaroo to block UV light and regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse.

8. Shelving

Maximize your growing space with shelving or benches that allow air and water to move through them. Invest in sturdy structures like the Monticello workbench system for larger greenhouses or opt for basic metal shelves for a simple solution.

9. Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

Track temperature and humidity levels in your greenhouse with digital or analog monitors. Stay informed about environmental conditions to protect your plants from extreme temperatures and humidity variations.

10. Ventilation or Fans

Ensure proper ventilation to prevent disease and maintain a healthy growing environment. Consider installing fans or vents like the Eco-Worthy Ventilator Fan for air circulation and temperature control.

11. Water

Keep your plants hydrated with a watering system that suits your needs. Choose from watering cans like the Bermuda teal watering can or invest in an overhead watering system like the Riverstone Universal Watering System for efficient watering.

Stock Your Greenhouse Supplies Toolkit

Now that you have your essential greenhouse supplies, you’re ready to embark on your gardening journey with confidence. While not all items on the list are necessary, they will undoubtedly make your gardening life more manageable and enjoyable. Do you have any favorite tools or tips for greenhouse gardening? Share them in the comments below!

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