Following the completion of my greenhouse construction, I had a new task at hand. Moving in!
I had been dreaming about making my greenhouse a greenhome since I put down the deposit on my Cottage model.
The process ended up taking up a bit more execution and planning than I had initially envisioned. There were many factors to consider and it helped to see the completed, enclosed space before starting the process.
Most importantly, I needed a potting station. I built my own potting bench from upcycled pallets and this is the centerpiece of the interior space. Below the work surface, I store my fertilizers, potting/seeding mixes and my seed organizer. To keep the space looking clean and clutter-free, I wrapped the bench with an apron.
Another consideration is cleanliness. I was concerned about soil and organic debris accumulating on the pea gravel flooring. I have four measures to help prevent this:
(Don't giggle at this one!) I wear slippers inside the greenhouse! This means I am not tracking dirt around the greenhouse as I am working in there. Right now its cold, so this also keeps my feet warm.
Dealing with the power supply ended up being more complicated than I anticipated! I didn't really appreciate how many things would require an electrical source. I think that it would be helpful to make a list in advance of all of the thing that you are planning to plug in.
Here's an example of what I need to plug in:
As you can see, this is a BIG list! Keep in mind that if you are using a standard outdoor house outlet, that you may not be able to use all of these items simultaneously. You'll also want to ensure that cords, outlets and splitter are rated for outdoor use.
My greenhouse is 8'x10' so I knew that I needed to maximize the space with proper shelving. I had previously been using two tall Hyllis indoor/outdoor shelving from IKEA, and I was incredibly impressed with how well they stood the test of time. I decided to move my two units into the greenhouse and add three more! These five shelves are used to store:
How I have organized my shelves is also very intentional. I have placed items on the shelves depending on their light requirements. I have a foundation wall, so the things that require the least amount of light are placed lower on the units.
I have two different heaters, and it is important to distinguish their purpose:
This heater must be rated for greenhouse use; I purchased mine through BC Greenhouse directly. In my greenhouse, this heater is used to maintain a constant temperature above freezing when used in conjunction with an adjustable thermostat. Right now, I have my thermostat set to 5C (41 F). At this setting, it will dip as low as 3C (37 F) in a sudden cold snap. This still provides a small buffer against freezing temperatures.
I have a mini space heater in my greenhouse for aesthetics and comfort. It is designed to look like a small fireplace (which is adorable!) and it provides me with enough heat so that I can sit in the greenhouse comfortably on a cold day. When I am not in the greenhouse, this heater remains off.
I did not initially realize the critical nature of a 24/7 fan. It circulates the air, which reduces the risk of mildew and plant disease. It also helps to regulate temperature. Once I realized my crucial error, I was able to head down the street to BC Greenhouse Builder's facilities and purchase a fan through them. Don't skip the fan!
Having a seating space in a greenhouse is a luxury! I knew that I wanted to use the space for reading, working and lounging. After all, it is a GORGEOUS structure! I wanted to be able to enjoy it year-round. I added two outdoor armchairs, a folding TV table, and a small side table to help give me a small living space.
Now that we have covered the main factors, let's talk about accessorizing! I wanted to make sure that anything that I added inside the greenhouse would not damage the glazing, foundation or frame. I have made use of six things to avoid damage:
Spring clamps to heavier items. I have a spring clamp holding my small chandelier to the peak, although BC Greenhouse does have an option for a chandelier mount to be built into your roof ridge bar.
Factory nuts and bolts for fastening items to the frame.
I am fully moved in, and I now have a fully functional greenhouse which also feels like another room of house! I spend as much time in there as possible and I'm enjoying it even more than I imagined. I not only bring my laptop out there to work, but I will also bundle up and read my latest paperbacks well into the evening.
My next job? The landscaping around the exterior. I will have lots of work ahead of me this spring, but right now, I am ready for a long winter's nap... in my greenhouse!