An indoor greenhouse is a structure or space within your home designed for growing plants. It typically consists of shelves, containers, grow lights, and a controlled environment for maintaining ideal growing conditions.
They are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons, including the ability to grow plants year-round, no matter the climate or weather conditions outside. They also offer numerous health benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing stress levels, and providing a source of fresh produce.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, an indoor greenhouse can be a fun and rewarding way to cultivate your green thumb and bring a touch of nature into your home.
10 Benefits of an Indoor Greenhouse
1] Year-Round Growing… With an indoor greenhouse, you can grow plants all year round, regardless of the weather outside. This means you can enjoy fresh produce, flowers, and herbs no matter the season.
2] Protection from Pests and Diseases… They provide a controlled environment that can protect plants from pests, diseases, and harsh weather conditions that could damage or kill them.
3] Control over Temperature, Humidity, and Light… You’ll get full control of the temperature, humidity, and light conditions to ensure that your plants grow optimally. This means you can adjust these factors based on the needs of each plant.
4] Extended Growing Seasons… You can extend the growing season for your plants, allowing you to get more harvests and a wider variety of produce.
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5] Reduced Water Usage… An indoor greenhouse require less water than outdoor gardens because they lose less water to evaporation. This means you can save water and reduce your overall water bill.
6] Space-Saving… Are ideal for small spaces as they take up minimal space and can be set up in any room in your home.
7] Improved Air Quality… Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, which can help improve the air quality in your home.
8] Reduced Food Costs… Growing your own produce in an indoor greenhouse can help you save money on groceries, as you can grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables.
9] Stress Relief… Studies have shown that interacting with plants can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
10] Aesthetically Pleasing…Having an indoor greenhouse can enhance the beauty of your home with the addition of lush green plants and colorful flowers. They can also add a natural and calming ambiance to your living space.
Are Indoor Greenhouses Worth It?
Indoor greenhouses can be worth it depending on your goals and needs.
Here are some factors to consider:
Space… If you live in a small apartment or house, an indoor greenhouse might not be practical. However, if you have enough space, an indoor greenhouse can be a great addition to your home.
Climate… Depending on where you live, it might be difficult to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels for your plants. An indoor greenhouse can help you create the perfect environment for your plants regardless of the weather outside.
Type of Plants… If you’re interested in growing plants that require a lot of care and attention, or that are difficult to grow in your climate, an indoor greenhouse can be worth it. You’ll have more control over the environment, which can lead to healthier and more productive plants.
Cost… Indoor greenhouses can be expensive to set up and maintain. You’ll need to consider the cost of lighting, heating, ventilation, and other equipment needed to maintain the right environment for your plants.
Overall, if you have the space, time, and resources to create and maintain an indoor greenhouse, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and a greener home environment. If you have room outside check out my article How to Choose a Lean-to Greenhouse Kit to see what your options are.
Does an Indoor Greenhouse Need Sun?
While it can benefit from natural sunlight, it is not absolutely necessary. You can use grow lights instead of natural sunlight to provide the plants with the light they need for photosynthesis.
Grow lights are specially designed to provide the appropriate light spectrum for plants and can be adjusted in terms of intensity and duration to meet the needs of different types of plants.
If your place yours near a window that receives ample sunlight, it can help supplement the artificial light and provide some natural light for your plants. Just be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your indoor greenhouse, as sunlight can increase the temperature and cause fluctuations in humidity levels. Check out my article Will an Indoor Greenhouse Work Inside a Shed? if you are considering placing a small greenhouse in a shed or closed in deck.
What House Plants Do Best in an Indoor Greenhouse?
An indoor greenhouse can provide an excellent environment for many types of house plants, as it can offer them protection from outdoor elements while still providing plenty of natural light and controlled temperature and humidity.
Here are some house plants that are well-suited for indoor greenhouses:
Orchids… These tropical plants love humidity and bright, indirect light, making them a great choice for an indoor greenhouse.
Ferns… These plants thrive in the moist, warm environment provided by an indoor greenhouse. They prefer indirect light, making them ideal for a spot near a window.
Begonias… These flowering plants come in many different varieties and colors, and they prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Succulents… These plants are known for their ability to thrive in dry environments, making them a good choice for an indoor greenhouse that may have lower humidity levels. They prefer bright, direct light and infrequent watering.
Spider Plants… These hardy plants are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them a good choice for beginners. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Peace Lilies… These plants are known for their attractive foliage and white flowers. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Rubber Plants… These plants have thick, glossy leaves that make them a popular choice for indoor greenhouses. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
What Vegetables Do Best in a Indoor Greenhouse?
An indoor greenhouse can provide an ideal environment for growing certain vegetables, especially those that require warm temperatures and plenty of light.
Here are some vegetables that tend to do well in indoor greenhouses:
Tomatoes… These warm-season vegetables love the warmth and humidity that indoor greenhouses provide. They require plenty of light and consistent watering.
Peppers… Like tomatoes, peppers thrive in warm, humid conditions. They prefer bright, direct light and well-draining soil.
Cucumbers… These fast-growing vegetables are great for indoor greenhouses. They require plenty of light, warm temperatures, and consistent watering.
Leafy Greens… Many types of leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and kale, can do well. They prefer cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light.
Microgreens… These tiny greens are packed with nutrients and can be grown easily in an indoor greenhouse. They require bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
Herbs… Many herbs, such as basil, parsley, and thyme, can thrive. They require bright, direct light and consistent watering.
It’s important to note that while these vegetables can do well in an indoor greenhouse, they still require proper care and attention, such as regular watering, fertilizing, and monitoring for pests and diseases.
How to Choose an Indoor Greenhouse?
When choosing an indoor greenhouse, there are several factors to consider:
Size… Consider how much space you have available for the greenhouse and choose a size that fits within that space.
Type of Plants… Consider the type of plants you plan to grow in the greenhouse and choose a greenhouse that can accommodate their needs. For example, some plants require more vertical space while others require more horizontal space.
Material… Choose a greenhouse made of durable, high-quality materials that can withstand the conditions of your indoor environment. Common materials for indoor greenhouses include glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate.
Lighting… Consider the lighting requirements of your plants and choose a greenhouse that provides enough natural light or has built-in grow lights.
Ventilation… Good ventilation is essential for healthy plant growth. Choose a greenhouse that has adjustable vents or fans to regulate temperature and humidity.
Budget… Set a budget and choose a greenhouse that fits within that budget. Prices for indoor greenhouses can vary widely depending on size, material, and features.
Ease of Assembly… Consider the ease of assembly and choose a greenhouse that you can assemble and maintain easily on your own. Check out my article How to Build Your Own Indoor Greenhouse Cabinet for help building an indoor greenhouse cabinet.
How To Build A DIY Indoor Greenhouse
Building a DIY indoor greenhouse is a great way to grow plants all year round, regardless of the weather outside.
Here are the basic steps to build an indoor greenhouse:
Materials Needed:
PVC pipes (1/2 inch diameter)
Connectors for PVC pipes (elbows, T-joints, cross-joints)
Clear plastic sheeting or greenhouse plastic
Zip ties or wire to attach plastic to the frame.
Shelving units (metal or wood)
Grow lights (if necessary)
Seeds or plants
Check out my article How to Choose the Right Greenhouse Heater if your considering a greenhouse heater.
1] Build the Frame… Cut the PVC pipes to the desired lengths for the frame, using a saw or PVC cutter. Connect the pipes using the PVC connectors to form the frame. You can build a simple A-frame design or a more complex design depending on the space and materials available.
2] Cover the Frame… Once the frame is built, cover it with the clear plastic sheeting or greenhouse plastic. Secure the plastic to the frame using zip ties or wire.
3] Add Shelving… Add shelves inside the greenhouse using metal or wood shelving units. You can also use PVC pipes and connectors to create a custom shelving unit that fits your space.
4] Install Grow Lights (Optional)… If your indoor greenhouse does not receive enough natural light, you can install grow lights to provide the necessary light for your plants.
5] Add Plants… Once your indoor greenhouse is complete, it’s time to add plants! Start with seeds or small plants and place them on the shelves. Be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Here’s a good video on building an indoor greenhouse.
Conclusion
Building an indoor greenhouse can be a fun and rewarding project that allows you to enjoy fresh produce and beautiful plants all year round. You can also saves $100,s on the high cost of vegetables and have them right there in your home to enjoy.