Optimize Your Garden: Adding a Greenhouse

After years of longing for and planning and saving for a greenhouse last year we set this one up. Aluminum frame, with polycarbonate double walled panels. And through the summer it was wonderful, a blessing to add to preparation for planting.

Ah but about a month ago we had those super high 85-95 mph winds and that tested the greenhouse. More than half of the panels blew in. While we lost only one panel, we gathered what was blown off and after much research and a phone call to the source of our greenhouse we ended up with a solution. Self tapping screws drilled in to the aluminum frame hold the polycarbonate panels in place.

So we spent 2 days installing the panels, tapping in the screws and now I have to do some cleaning and preparing the greenhouse to receive all of my baby tomato plants and peppers.

The greenhouse holds a goodly amount of space to hold all of the plants i am starting.

Why add a greenhouse to your garden?

A small hobby greenhouse in Ohio provides a controlled environment that extends the growing season by months, protecting plants from Ohio’s harsh winters, late frosts, and unpredictable spring weather. It enables early seed starting, allows for overwintering delicate perennials, and offers a protected space to grow vegetables, herbs, and tropical plants that otherwise struggle in the region. 

Key Benefits for Ohio Gardeners:

• Extended Season & Year-Round Growing: You can start seeds 6–8 weeks earlier in the spring and keep plants growing late into the fall or through winter, overcoming Ohio’s limited, temperate growing season.
• Protection from Ohio Weather: A greenhouse protects plants from frost, snow, heavy rain, and harsh winds.
• Improved Plant Protection (Pest Control): The enclosed structure prevents pests such as deer, rabbits, voles, and insects from ruining plants.
• Overwintering Plants: A small greenhouse allows you to save expensive perennials, potted tropicals, and herbs from dying in harsh Ohio winters.
• Optimized Growing Conditions: It provides a warm, humid environment for stronger, faster growth and enables you to propagate plants efficiently.
• Increased Variety: You can grow plants that are not native to Ohio, including tropicals, citrus plants, or specific vegetables.
• Mental Health & Lifestyle: Provides a serene, warm, and therapeutic space to garden during cold, dreary Ohio winter days. 

A small greenhouse can also add aesthetic value and a unique, functional feature to a residential backyard. And a fulfilment of my hope and dream!!!