Greenhouse is a place where we can grow group of plants in a controlled environment. Unlike outdoor plants greenhouse plants are protected from extreme weather conditions. Indoor greenhouse is also build to grow certain type of plants which need protection.
Indoor greenhouse can provide longer growing season and give us a chance to grow vegetable, fruits, and flower for a longer period in an environment where we can minimize the effect of climate, insect, and pest. We can enjoy fruits and vegetables for longer seasons and there will be no shortage of healthy and tasty vegetables and fruits throughout the year.
Difficulty level: Easy
Time required: 48 hours
Resources required
1. Materials for framework like wood, galvanized pipes etc.
2. Covering materials.
3. Galvanized nails.
4. Poly channel locks for polyethylene covers.
5. Cushioning sand.
6. Lighting materials.
You can make an indoor greenhouse by yourself with the tips provided here.
1. Site selection
The most important work which should be done is to select a site where there is enough light to start your indoor greenhouse. Make all necessary measurements for your required structure like ventilators, length of sides, doors, windows etc. whichever you plan to use. Cut out frames accordingly.
2. Choose a framework
The easiest way to set up an indoor greenhouse is to buy a kit and assemble it yourself or make it by using different materials which are easily available. The framework can be made with wood or with GI square pipes or you can use an old table as a framework of your indoor greenhouse. You can make the required shape according to your needs.
3. Covering the framework
Materials like glass, fiberglass, polyethylene films etc are used for covering indoor greenhouse. Glass indoor greenhouse are easy to heat and can capture maximum light. A ventilation system is installed to regulate temperature and humidity to avoid overexposure to extreme conditions like heat and cold. Glass indoor greenhouse is effective for short growing season and you can start growing plants in late winter and early spring. Glass greenhouse are easily breakable and so should be placed in such a way to avoid breaking.
Polyethylene indoor greenhouse are easiest and cheapest covering available which can be easily maintained. It allows less light and so not suitable for planting early. This type of indoor greenhouse is secured by poly channel lock around base of your indoor greenhouse. Such types needed to change cover after every three to five years. Fiberglass greenhouse is the most stable indoor greenhouse than polyethylene ones. Light efficiency is less than fiberglass greenhouse and glass greenhouse.
4. Sand bed at base
A bed of cushioning sand is made at the base of the structure for proper drainage and weed control. The soil in the base of your greenhouse should not be soggy and should be well drained.
5. Lighting system
For greenhouse lighting, High Intensity lights available are used by growers. Energy efficiency is high making it ideal to grow plants anytime. The 400 watt is suitable for indoor greenhouse.
Three types of light are available
a. High Pressure Sodium (HPS) – This type of light is used to increase output of flowers due to the emission of yellow, orange and red spectrum. It is the best choice for greenhouse.
b. Metal Halide (MH) – Such lights are used in indoor greenhouse with limited sunlight.
c. Florescence light – These are suitable for growing seedlings and cuttings. They are ideal for growing low light plants. Since they have low intensity, they are needed to be nearer to the plants.
Frequently asked questions
Where to put indoor greenhouse?
Indoor greenhouse should be placed where there is ample sunlight for plants to grow.
How to make suitable ventilation?
Ventilation is a must for heating, cooling, and air flow. It should be placed on the roof to allow heated air to pass through. Make place for cool air to pass from sides. Heated air should be regularly let off whenever needed.
Tips
1. Indoor greenhouse may need additional conditioning of climate with installation of coolers for warm climate regions and heaters in cold climate regions.
2. Installation of automatic watering system can save time and energy for you.
Things to watch out for
1. Site where your greenhouse is should get sufficient light for growing plants.
2. If you are using wood than, pick wood that does not rot easily and withstand severe conditions.
3. Avoid any type of hole in your greenhouse to maintain the required temperature inside.
