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A few pots here, a grow tray there, and suddenly a small greenhouse is out of room. If yours feels like a tight squeeze, this guide is for you. You need to rethink how you’re using the space you already have, and we’ll show you a few ways to do so. Ready?
Use the Height and Go Vertical
In a small greenhouse, where the floor fills up fast, the walls and even the ceiling come in. Fit more plants by adding shelves along the walls with strong brackets. If you’re using big, heavy pots, keep those lower down. Higher shelves are better for lighter items, such as seed trays or smaller containers.
You can also use tiered plant stands or stackable racks. Just make sure the lower levels still get enough light. Too shaded and plants down there would only grow leggy, weak, or not at all.
Overall, the trick is to use vertical space without turning it into a solid wall of plants.
Group Plants by Needs
Try not to shove plants wherever there is space. That’s how they end up drying out, getting too much sun, or not growing right.
Think about what each plant needs. If it loves the sun, don’t shove it in a shady corner; instead, put it where the light hits. Needs watering often? Group it with others that do the same.
Hardy herbs or slow-growing plants can be placed in the harder-to-reach spots. Same with plants that don’t mind partial shade.
This planting technique makes it more convenient on your end. You can water, adjust vents, and check on plants by group, saving you time and the extra effort.
Get More from Your Plant Beds
Your plant beds should do more than hold soil. Raised beds with storage underneath are a good place to start. Tuck tools, watering cans, or trays under the bed instead of letting them clutter up the corners.
Bench-style planters are another way to go. They work as seating or work surfaces but still have space below for growing or storage. If you’re building it DIY, consider designing it with a lift-up lid or slide-out trays.
Alternatively, go for stacking beds. Basically, grow beds are built like bunk beds for lettuce, herbs, or radishes. These don’t need deep soil, so you can layer them without hurting growth. Give each layer enough headroom and light, or you’ll end up with sad-looking lower levels.
Tip: Combine plants with different root depths in the same bed. For instance, grow lettuce around the edges and carrots or beets in the middle where the soil is deeper. Do it this way, and you won’t waste space, and your plants will grow better.
Make Room for What’s Next
Rotate your crops by season. Once something has grown, clear it out and prepare the space for the next batch. Say, your spring greens are finished—get your summer plants in right away. Planning ahead keeps the space productive all year, even if it’s small.
Be strict about what stays in. Dead plants? Compost them. Empty pots? Stack and store them out of the way.
Don’t treat your greenhouse like a storage room. If it’s not helping something grow, remove it from the way.
Round-up
There’s a lot you can do to maximise the space in your small greenhouse. Shelves, stacking beds, crop rotation, and plant groupings start you off right. A wooden greenhouse makes it easy to customise and add fittings to the walls.
Thinking about expanding your grow space? Our greenhouses come in different sizes and styles, and one of them might be just right for you.
Get more planting tips here: How to Grow Cacti in a Greenhouse
