Tips for Organizing the Interior of a Greenhouse

If you’re new to greenhouse gardening, you’re in for a treat. Setting up and arranging your greenhouse is an enjoyable task. Creating a workspace that is both comfortable and productive is the final step before you start growing. Even if you're an experienced greenhouse gardener, it's always a good idea to reassess your layout during your yearly spring cleaning. As long as your plants are thriving, there's no wrong way to do it. So don't hesitate to let your creativity shine with different arrangements!

Arrange benches along the walls, ensuring they are less than 3 feet wide. This ensures easy access to all parts of the bench. For ground-level plants, keep rows no deeper than 3 feet. While rows are commonly used in greenhouses, they're not mandatory. Typically, benches or plants are placed along the longer walls, with a third row in the middle if space allows. Greenhouse benches vary in size and material, but repurposing old tables can work just as well. Avoid using wood, as it may rot when exposed to moisture.

Leave at least 19 inches (48 cm) of space between rows to create walkways. When arranging your greenhouse, ensure there's ample room for movement. Maintain a minimum of 19 inches (48 cm) between rows of furniture or plants to allow for comfortable passage. If you often carry equipment or pots, leave at least 24 inches (61 cm) between rows.

Position larger benches in the center of the greenhouse if space permits. Line larger benches along the greenhouse's central axis, ensuring they don't exceed 6 feet (1.8 m) in width. This arrangement enables easy access to the middle of the table from either side of the greenhouse.

Position the potting bench near a water source or entrance. Designate distinct zones in your greenhouse for various tasks and plant growth. Start with your potting bench, placing it near a sink or water line if available. Alternatively, position it close to the entrance for stable temperatures.

Allocate a dedicated area for storing tools and supplies near the bench. Ensure easy access to tools from the potting bench by storing them nearby. Organize cutting tools, trowels, and gloves in one location, and reserve another section for storing soils, fertilizers, and insecticides.

Select a specific bench for propagating your plants. When taking cuttings or growing seedlings, designate one bench for these tasks to prevent soil dust and debris from spreading to mature plants. This also applies if you use propagation mats to nurture plants during cold weather.

Establish hot and cold zones if you utilize a heating system. Position the heater on one side of the greenhouse to create distinct temperature zones. This allows you to cater to plants that require different temperature ranges throughout the year.

Designate a quarantine area within a closed-off space for new plants. Utilize the enclosed entryway of your greenhouse as a quarantine zone to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. This area also facilitates isolation and treatment of diseased plants if needed.

Allocate 1 square foot (930 cm²) for every 6-inch (15 cm) pot. Providing adequate space ensures each plant receives sufficient light and avoids overcrowding. Additionally, it facilitates easy access for plant care without causing disruptions.

Position plants requiring ample sunlight along the sunniest side of the greenhouse. Utilize benches or floor space along this wall to accommodate light-hungry plants. Opt for benches to maximize space efficiency, although leaving plants on the ground is also acceptable.

Place more resilient and light-sensitive varieties along the shadier wall. Group plants needing indirect light on the darker side of the greenhouse. This area is also suitable for hardy plants that can tolerate variations in water and light levels.

Allocate the warm zone for seedlings on elevated benches or shelves. Utilize high-level shelving for seed trays, ensuring they receive ample sunlight and warmth for healthy growth.

Position taller plants on floor beds or lower benches to accommodate their height. Ensure adequate space above them and avoid obstructing their growth with hanging plants or shelving behind them.

Dedicate an open area for overwintering outdoor plants. Reserve a bench or portion of the floor for plants brought indoors during the winter months. This prevents overcrowding and allows for flexibility in rearranging the greenhouse.

Utilize vertical space by positioning shelves behind benches. Placing freestanding shelves behind benches maximizes space efficiency, allowing you to set plants requiring indirect light in front of the shelves. This setup facilitates organization, as each shelf can be designated for specific plants.

Move your compost pile outdoors to create more space. Keeping compost outside frees up room in the greenhouse and provides insulation during colder months. Similarly, store gravel outside if used for ground cover or insulation.

Opt for benches equipped with wheels for easier rearrangement. Choose benches with wheels to facilitate movement, even on unpaved greenhouse floors. Alternatively, retrofit existing benches with caster wheels for mobility.

Feel free to arrange your greenhouse however you like, as long as your plants are thriving. If a particular layout appeals to you for feng shui reasons, go ahead and implement it!

- Benches - Storage containers - Gardening tools - Chair