Greenhouses—we all know their purpose. They protect sensitive and out-of-season plants against factors that can cause harm, such as weather and pests. But usually, a greenhouse is built outside, in the backyard, most commonly. Well, did you know you can put a greenhouse inside your home? Just imagining the concept of an indoor greenhouse may seem impossible. How does it work?
First, let’s talk about some of the benefits of an indoor greenhouse.
Benefits Of An Indoor Greenhouse
Below is a partial list of the benefits on indoor greenhouses:
Small And Portable
There are plenty of small, potted plants that can benefit from an indoor greenhouse. In fact, they’re perfect for growing herbs used for cooking, like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and more.
Since they are portable, you can place a greenhouse anywhere inside your house. Then you can quickly relocate them if needed. It’s also easy to monitor your plants’ progress and status when you want to check on them.
Perfect For Property Limitations
If you want to garden but don’t have a lot of space, an indoor greenhouse is a perfect solution. You can grow herbs, vegetables, or flowers in a controlled environment right inside your home. Indoor greenhouses are great for people who live in apartments or condos without backyard access, or for those who have bad soil in their yard. They allow you to take care of plants while staying inside your own home.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
Air quality benefits are real for most indoor plants, as plants are known to produce oxygen with air-purifying properties. With a greenhouse in your home, you’ll get to enjoy these benefits, just as you would without the greenhouse.
Protects Your Plants
Not even snow, rain, thunderstorms, or pests can penetrate an indoor greenhouse.
However, make sure you put it in a place where plants can still get enough sunlight. In short, the best site for an indoor greenhouse is near a window.
There may come a time when plentiful sunlight is no longer available (cloudy months), or your greenhouse has limited access to it. During those times, you can use grow lights to ensure your plants can still get the light required for photosynthesis.
Here are some types of growing bulbs or lamps available:
Where To Place An Indoor Greenhouse
Due to its compact size compared to a traditional greenhouse, you can place an indoor greenhouse anywhere. But be sure to consider all factors before you settle into that one space.
As mentioned above, find a place where there is access to sunlight. Natural sun rays will always be the best for growing plants, but growing bulbs are a good substitute.
Also, consider the humidity levels inside your house. The best spot for many indoor plants will be humid. Get a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, and consider a humidifier for dry seasons.
Additionally, temperature and air circulation inside your house are factors. Most plants need a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F to grow correctly. Always keep your heating or air conditioning in check for optimal conditions. As for air circulation, it’s a good idea to keep a small fan close-by.
Suitable Plants For Indoor Greenhouses
Small potted plants like herbs are perfect for an indoor greenhouse. Below is a list of some herbs that do well:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Mint
- Chives
- Oregano
- Parsley
Vegetables are an option as well. Growing your veggies can save you money and ensures that your produce will be fresh. Some of the best vegetable choices are:
- Chili peppers
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Lemons
- Onions
If you’re into flowers, they are also perfect for growing inside. Many grow well indoors, and they will make your house more beautiful and fresh-smelling. Here are some flowering plants that are great for an indoor greenhouse:
- Pansies
- Petunias
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
- Roses
- Hostas
- Fuchsias
The Right Sized Indoor Greenhouse
Of course, the size of your indoor greenhouse will depend on your available space. If you have plenty of room in your home, you can get a large one. By having a large greenhouse, you can grow many different plants.
However, if there is limited space, you will have to consider having a smaller greenhouse with a smaller batch of plants. In that case, a vertical style greenhouse or one small enough to fit your coffee table is perfect for limited spaces.
Materials Needed For Building A Greenhouse
While there are plenty of indoor greenhouses available for sale, you can also build one. There are many ways to build an indoor greenhouse, and there are plenty of material choices too.
First, you’ll need a frame to act as support for the covering. You can use materials such as PVC pipes, wood, or galvanized steel. Many materials are suitable, so choose a frame material that will look great with your home’s aesthetic.
Once you have a frame, you’ll need to choose a covering. Some use plastic wrappings, which is the cheapest choice. However, this option can be easily damaged. Meanwhile, others choose glass, especially for smaller greenhouses that can also act as a decoration. Glass is not a kid and pet-friendly option, though. Alternatively, fiberglass is durable and a lot lighter than glass, so this may be your best option, depending on your needs.
Indoor Greenhouse Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need materials for your greenhouse’s frame and cover. For the frame, use a material like wood, PVC, or steel. Glass, fiberglass, or film wrap are good choices for the cover.
It depends on the size of your space. If you have a much bigger house, consider building a large greenhouse that can hold many plants.
You can grow just about anything. Small potted plants like herbs, vegetables, and flowers do very well in a greenhouse environment.
Place your greenhouse in a space that has adequate sunlight and stable temperature and humidity levels.
For starters, they are small and portable. They can be placed or moved anywhere and can fit perfectly into your space.
It is also a perfect option for those who want to plant but have no access to a traditional garden. It also improves air circulation inside the house and completely protects the plants from the weather and pests.
