A well-planned greenhouse can greatly improve your gardening success. It offers a protected space that helps extend your growing season and keeps pests at bay. However, success goes beyond simply setting one up—it depends heavily on how you organize and prepare your greenhouse from the ground up.
Start with the flooring. It should allow for good drainage, prevent pests and weeds, and provide a comfortable walking surface. Concrete is a solid option for durability and easy cleaning, while brick allows drainage and adds visual appeal. Lava or landscape rock retain moisture well but are harder to clean.
Next, divide your greenhouse into functional zones: a potting area, storage space, plant area, and trash section.
The potting area should be near a water source and used strictly as a workspace to avoid clutter. Keep essential tools and soil underneath or on a nearby shelf.
The storage area should hold items like pots, tools, and seeds on removable shelves that won’t block sunlight.
The plant area needs a thoughtful layout—separate edible and non-edible plants, group by growth stage, and label all seedlings.
Lastly, even though trash might be minimal, use three bins for compost, recyclables, and general waste to keep the space clean and pest-free.
Use hooks and hangers to save space and keep tools within easy reach. These can be placed on the greenhouse frame but avoid attaching anything to the greenhouse cover to prevent damage.
Leave enough room to walk—ideally a 3- to 4-foot-wide aisle. Also, keep tables and shelves away from the walls to ensure proper air circulation and access for maintenance.
Ultimately, your greenhouse plan should reflect your space, plant types, and local climate. A well-organized interior not only helps your plants thrive but also makes daily gardening tasks much easier. With good planning, your greenhouse will become a productive and enjoyable space.
Don't have a greenhouse but you are considering purchasing one? Be sure to get the May/June issue of Small Farm Canada -- arriving in mailboxes soon -- and read the article Considering a Greenhouse by Kate Ayers. Subscribe now!