I recently moved into a home with a dedicated greenhouse, and I’m looking to make the most of it. I’d love to hear from experienced greenhouse gardeners about where to start and how to optimize the space.
Greenhouse Features:
• Structure & Materials: Well-built with sturdy framing and high-quality glass/paneling. It has excellent light exposure.
• Climate Control: Includes ventilation, heating/cooling elements
• Watering & Irrigation: There’s access to water, but I may need to set up an efficient irrigation system.
• Shelving & Organization: Some existing shelving and workspaces, but I’d love ideas on how to maximize storage and workflow.
• Power & Automation: Available outlets
❓Should I focus on year-round veggies, flowers, exotic plants, or a mix?
❓ what should I plant first, based on my Durham, North Carolina climate and experience (beginner!) level.
❓ Any must-have tools, storage ideas, or watering tips?
Would love to hear about your experiences, lessons learned, and favorite setups! Photos, links, and product recommendations are welcome.
by FatFireFemale
18 Comments
https://preview.redd.it/ifh9j49vr5oe1.jpeg?width=3600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=801cdb1be610022ee0920e8d7d32ee402e7ef40a
https://preview.redd.it/uh6njwswr5oe1.jpeg?width=3600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=086584e8885bb41d9a26d530ddbf7277c39e91c6
What zone? Does it get hot in the sun?
Don’t have much to add other than it will be HOT as hell from April to October (considering it can be 90 degrees outside in April and October and all the time in between). I lived in Durham for 25 years – personally, I’d make it a winter greenhouse.
You are so amazingly lucky
you have a pretty top notch system here. Its set up with the therm control for just about anything that you want to do. If you have a garden think of this a at least 2 month head start on anything you want to seed like peppers or tomato to get an extended season or herbs and Herb if its legal there. > you could grow sub tropicals like banana or pineapple and things like strings of pearls or other not super easy to grow ornamentals..
its really up to what you like..
tools.. so many.. old ice scoop for soil is the best.. plastic is junk stay away from as much plastic as you can .. it gets super brittle after exposure in greenhouses unless it is super heavy duty. misting bottles or sprayer bottles and hose extenstion handle. a therm/ humidity reader,, I am sure i am missing so much… just green with envy
Can I move in? I’ll handle that for you!
Im jealous. Don’t know what to recommend to you as far as plants or vggies. Pretty much anything would survive in there , and it’s your own preference. Maybe ask the guys and gals working at the nursery. But I’m a bonsai guy, that setup would work like a dream for me. You’re lucky! Take good care of it.
OP really hit the jackpot
That’s a beauty! Looks like it has nice roof vents all along the roof crown. Get some automation to open them when it gets hot and force air in somewhere when it gets hotter.
Oh. Argh. Jealous.
90% sure that’s a National Greenhouse residential. If it’s in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky or Missouri and it was built in the last 30 years, I probably designed it and may have built it. If the curved lites have the engraved logo with 4 leaves, it’s a sure thing. Should have a Dayton linear actuator, single stage thermostat, and probably a Sheaffer inlet shutter. If you have questions, let me know. If isn’t that, it’s likely a Conley. Looks like one I built in Logotee Indiana. Good luck.
Por favor puedo ir a vivir a tu invernadero…???
Congratulations! I am in a similar situation myself and I’m trying to germinate the 11-17 year old Cosmos and pepper seeds I found.
I think the door is behind you! Turn around!
Super cool! I did a stint at a commercial production greenhouse in durham and have since used smaller home setups only for winters.
I’d echo the other commenter about the issue of heat. Could be a great place to overwinter potted citrus, avocado, or other fun trees. The danger will arrive in late winter when temperatures rise and you have to remember to manage the venting. Also controlled growing environments tend to have high pest pressure during growing seasons.
Does anyone know how much something like OPs greenhouse will cost in materials?
Thank you
Amazing greenhouse. Start with tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers and cosmos. All very easy and they completely embed the new life long addiction that you’re about to have. Put a comfy non fabric chair in there and enjoy the heat and greenery.