Make the most of every inch of available space in your greenhouse – the more organised and prepared you are, the more productive you will be. Clever storage is vital. Here are some practical tips to transform your greenhouse into a functional space that is a pleasure to spend time in. Happy Summer gardening!
Zoning
Organising your greenhouse into “zones” will help you to use the space most efficiently. Consider a potting area, a storage area, and separate areas for edible and non-edible plants. Keep things you use regularly in one place, and you won’t waste precious time hunting for them.
Your greenhouse is for plants, so decide how you would like to organise the space to help them thrive. Many people set their greenhouse staging up in neat rows, but you might prefer to group your plants by type, harvest time or watering requirements.
While you’re thinking about what zones to include in your greenhouse, be ruthless and get rid of all the clutter. Good ventilation is important for plant health. Also, the more junk you have, the easier it is for unwanted insects and pests to hide.
Shelving
Shelving is a great way to make full use of the height of your greenhouse. Whether you choose freestanding shelves or wall-mounted (in a lean-to greenhouse), they’re the simplest way to store all your tools and equipment. There’s no restriction on materials, but a slatted design allows light to permeate, air to circulate and excess water to drain away easily.
If you choose a freestanding shelving unit, go for one with height adjustable shelves so that you can store things more efficiently. A selection of clear plastic boxes will keep everything dry and easy to see, as well as keeping your surfaces free of clutter. Label each box clearly, but remember to store seeds in a cool, dry and dark place – preferably in an airtight container.
Potting Bench
If you have space, create a potting table in your greenhouse with all your tools and equipment close to hand. More than just a work surface that will allow you to garden in all weather, indoor potting benches also provide useful storage.
Customise your bench by adding hooks and hanging buckets for small tools, dibbers, labels, string, ties and scissors – all the things that you’ll need when tending delicate seedlings or taking cuttings. Store your pots and compost underneath.