Posted on Dec 5, 2023 at 8:04 am by James T
The winter season is approaching, but that doesn’t mean the gardener is resting. On the contrary, greenhouse owners can take advantage of this time to maintain their green space, grow vegetables even in the heart of winter, and add a touch of color to their winter garden by planting flowers, taking care of their Christmas cacti, and engaging in many other floral activities.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that the greenhouse provides a protected environment, ideal for a variety of gardening tasks in December.
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The advantage of acquiring a greenhouse
Acquiring a greenhouse can revolutionize your gardening experience. With a greenhouse, you have the opportunity to extend your growing season, create an ideal microclimate for a variety of plants, and protect your crops from inclement weather and pests.
Not only can you grow tropical plants in a temperate environment, but you can also start your seedlings earlier in the spring and keep them warm during the winter. Additionally, a greenhouse provides a protected gardening space that can be used for gardening activities throughout the year, which means you can grow a greater variety of plants and increase your vegetable and flower production.
Maximizing the use of your existing greenhouse
If you already own a greenhouse, you are well aware of its benefits. However, to make the most of it, it is essential to regularly maintain your structure, monitor the conditions inside, and adjust your crops accordingly.
By optimizing the use of your greenhouse, you can not only grow plants out of season but also create a refuge for fragile or rare plants, giving you the opportunity to develop a unique collection.
Activities to do in your greenhouse in the month of December
- Regularly monitor temperature and humidity to ensure an optimal environment for plants: Make sure to use thermometers and hygrometers to constantly monitor the conditions in your greenhouse or garden. Adjust heating and humidification devices accordingly to maintain appropriate levels for plant growth.
- Water overwintering plants in the morning, avoiding excessive watering: When watering in the morning, make sure to use room temperature water to avoid thermal shocks to the plants. Use proper drainage systems to remove excess water and prevent stagnation.
- Combat pests that may develop on your plants to prevent damage: Implement a preventive pest control plan using biological methods or natural pesticides. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation.
- Perform a thorough greenhouse cleaning, including replacing old soil in pots and trays, to maintain a healthy environment: Renew the soil in pots and trays to provide fresh nutrients to the plants. Also, clean the surfaces of the greenhouse to eliminate mold and bacteria.
- Disinfect pots and tools with a bleach and water solution to prevent diseases and pests: Before replanting or reusing tools, carefully disinfect them to eliminate any pathogenic residue. This reduces the risk of disease spread.
- Ensure that the soil in pots is well aerated to promote plant growth: Improve the soil structure by incorporating compost or perlite to enhance drainage and aeration. This will promote root development.
- Take cuttings of certain shrubs to root them in a protected environment from the cold: Take cuttings from your favorite shrubs and place them in a suitable propagation medium inside the greenhouse to promote root growth before replanting them outside.
- Prune climbing plants to strengthen them for spring: Trim dead or damaged branches and remove excessive foliage to encourage healthy and vigorous growth in spring.
- Force bulb plants such as tulips, daffodils, and lilies of the valley to enjoy their blooming: Place the bulbs in a controlled environment inside the greenhouse to accelerate their growth and enjoy their flowers earlier than in an outdoor garden.
- Care for Christmas roses to enjoy their blooming: Provide special attention to Christmas roses by protecting them from frost, watering them regularly, and feeding them with suitable fertilizer for abundant blooming during the winter season.
- Sow sweet peas, lettuces, leeks, etc., according to the specific needs of your garden: Plan your sowings according to the needs of your garden, taking into account the climatic conditions and the growing period of each crop. Make sure to follow appropriate planting recommendations.
In conclusion, having a greenhouse is not only a gardener’s dream; it is also a fantastic way to extend the gardening season through this protected space that facilitates the cultivation of many vegetables even during the coldest months. With the advice and tips provided in this article, you will now know how to make the most of your greenhouse even during winter.
