Increasing the growing area for Maximum space

For Maximum Space

The first year the greenhouse was a two-bench type with 3-foot wide wooden benches running the length on either side of the center aisle. As orders increased, we needed more growing space. Accordingly, we installed a double-deck bench system. This provided a larger growing area and also helped with the shading problem.

A full length bench about 2 feet wide, with legs 2 feet high, was placed on top of each of the two original benches. Three-inch deep galvanized metal trays were set into each of these top benches to prevent dripping. While these top-level benches greatly increased plant space, they also cut off some of the light from the first-level benches. However, this turned into the traditional blessing in disguise, for the partly shaded area of the lower-level benches proved ideal for African violets. And the plant space close to the glass along the south side on the first-level benches, and all of the space on the top decks, still received full sun. The increased bench space also reduced crowding. Plants must not be crowded if they are to be healthy and grow symmetrically. A free circulation of air is always necessary to prevent fungus and other troubles.

In your greenhouse, you may work out the use of space a little or a lot differently. It always depends on what you want to grow and also on the limitations your particular site may have as to light. It’s usually a good idea to solve some of the space problems gradually as experience indicates.

On the south-side, top-deck bench, I place potted seedlings of gloxineras (hybrids from crosses involving gloxinias and rechsteinerias). Here, too, I place starting tubers as well as plants which have finished flowering and are ripening seeds. On the north-side top deck, I set flats of episcias and rooted glox-inera cuttings. Trailers such as aeschynanthus, columnea, cissus, ceropegia (rosary vine), and plectranthus take up little space and do a good job of covering the sides of the galvanized tray.

On the lowest bench, close to the windows on the south side, I have slipper gloxinias and their South American relatives, the red- and orange-flowered rechsteinerias, as well as more gloxineras, a few species amaryllis and pink polka-dot plants. The rest of the first-level bench area, shaded by the top deck, is devoted to African violets. Additional space is gained by hanging baskets from the ceiling. I plant kohleria, columnea, and some orchids in these. I think hanging baskets always make a greenhouse more attractive.

5. I use this off-the-floor cabinet to store insecticides and other chemicals, fragile containers for arrangements, and so on. Note fluorescent lighting beneath cabinet. (Photograph by Roger Groff)

6. The top of this cabinet in the utility room, adjacent to my greenhouse, serves as a potting bench. The shelves hold many greenhouse supplies and shipping materials, arranged for easy access. (Photograph by Roger Groff)

Tags: home greenhouse

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