As you research greenhouse options, you may ask yourself is a greenhouse worth it? A long-lasting, functional greenhouse can be an high-cost investment. The good news is if you invest in a quality greenhouse, you will quickly chip away at the initial cost with the savings that you gain each year. Greenhouses offer a multitude of benefits that funnel money back to your pocketbook. Plus working in a greenhouse will increase your overall happiness. You can’t put a price on that!
A greenhouse gives you year-round access to fresh produce and a cozy refuge for yourself and for delicate plants during the winter. They also provide space to grow vibrant tropical plants and expand your plant collection.
Moreover, greenhouses provide economical advantages.
Some budget-saving reasons a greenhouse is worth the cost:
High-Quality Food at Affordable Prices
With a greenhouse, you can cultivate a diverse range of nutrient-rich produce year-round. This eliminates the need to settle for expensive and lackluster supermarket vegetables. Likewise, herbs that typically thrive outdoors in warm weather can be nurtured indoors. You’ll have access to fresh greens without the extra cost and hassles of travel.
Collect and Sow Seeds
Growing plants from seeds is a highly popular and immensely rewarding aspect of gardening. It not only saves you money but can also lead to even greater savings when you harvest seeds from your mature plants. Here’s a simple process:
- Ensure that the seeds you collect are not infertile hybrids that won’t germinate.
- Store the seeds in airtight, waterproof containers. Label them with the month and year of collection (they can remain viable for 2-3 years).
- Consider participating in a seed swap with friends, neighbors, or online communities. This offers an economical way to experiment with various plants.
Cultivating Exotic Plant Varieties
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy magnificent tropical plants. Your greenhouse can provide the perfect environment for their growth. By providing the necessary conditions, these plants will reward you endlessly, transporting you to exotic landscapes with their vibrant colors and textures, brightening even the dreariest of winter days.
Multiplying Perennials through Division
The cost of purchasing seedlings or mature plants can quickly add up, but there are alternative methods. For instance, dividing established plants is a straightforward and cost-effective way to generate new ones. At the same time this method fosters healthier plants with larger flowers.
Certain plants, like African violets and gloxinias, can be propagated from entire leaves, which can be rooted in water or planted in rooting compost. You can plant them in soil once they’ve reached sufficient size. Others, such as canna lilies, can be divided using their rootstock. Refer to a comprehensive guide on dividing perennials for valuable tips.
A Safe Haven for Aquatic Plants
Replacing water garden plants lost during cold weather can be a costly endeavor. However, with a greenhouse, you can offer a winter sanctuary for your aquatic treasures, allowing them to rejuvenate and return to the garden in spring. Overwintering your water lilies, hyacinths, and other aquatic plants grants you more time to relish their beauty while protecting them from harsh frosts.
Increasing Joy, Reducing Expenses
The joys of greenhouse gardening are multifaceted. Whether you’re growing produce, nurturing herbs, creating a tropical oasis, raising young plants, safeguarding water plants from frost, or establishing a winter retreat, these are compelling reasons to embrace greenhouse gardening. As you expand your greenhouse endeavors, you not only trim your expenses for food and plants but also elevate your sense of satisfaction and self-sufficiency.