Hot House Plant Growing Tips

Tips for Keeping Plants in Hot Houses

Many people get confused between the terms hot house and greenhouse. Essentially they are the same in all growing respects except that a hot house uses a controlled form of heating. In other words, a hot house is the equivalent of a heated greenhouse. The advantages to growing plants and vegetables in hot houses allows you to start new seedlings for outdoor planting and growing fresh vegetables like hot house tomatoes during the off growing seasons. If the thought of operating your own sounds appealing, you might be interested in these tips.

 

Step 1

Serious gardeners should look at several different models before purchasing a hot house. They come in all different sizes, prices and materials. Before purchasing, it is also a good idea to determine what type of shelves you need, brackets for mounting and where they will be constructed inside the hot house. This can save unexpected expenses later. It is a good idea to buy a larger size than you think you will need.

 

Step 2

Select a good location in your yard. Some hot houses can be attached to the exterior of your home or are free-standing. Those that are attached to a home will be sturdier and less affected by severe winds. Make sure free-standing designs are stable and well-secured so they do not topple over. Take advantage of the sun if possible to get free heat and help cut down on the amounts you will be spending for heating. Also consider a location with convenient water access.

 

Step 3

Whether you build your own or buy a ready-made model, you will need a heat source. Solar heaters, kerosene heaters or space heaters can be used to control the heat for growing plants. Check several home improvement centers to get the proper size and affordable units. Make sure it will put out sufficient amounts of heat based on the construction of the hot house and your particular climate. It is a good idea to install a cooling fan that may be needed on occasion. Wires from lighting and heaters need to be set up carefully due to excessive humidity and heating. Hanging a thermometer will allow you to monitor heat conditions. Avoid temperatures over 80 degrees for most plants in confined spaces with limited air circulation.

 

Step 4

It is especially important to monitor a new hot house. You should check the temperature in the morning and evening and if necessary you may have to run a fan. Water plants and vegetables just like you would in an outdoor garden. Take extra care to learn the proper watering techniques in an enclosed setup. Mistakes can easily be made when setting up a new hot house and you want to avoid accidents that could be costly.

 

Tips

Choose plants that are easily grown in pots and will not get too large. Make sure plants are positioned to get a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. Having a larger-sized hot house allows you to keep vegetables and plants away from cold window panes, heaters, vents and drafts.

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