Greenhouse for beginners: Get started in your greenhouse

Are you new to greenhouses and not sure where to start? Euro-Serre to the rescue! We spoke with Paul, who manages the greenhouses on our showground, and asked him for his top tips for beginners.

Preparation: A garden plan for your greenhouse

The golden – or green – rule in a greenhouse is this: make a garden plan. By planning smartly, you can seamlessly rotate between early spring seedlings, summer flavor bombs, and nutritious autumn crops. Did you know that not all plants get along well together? Cucumbers and tomatoes, for example, are “bad neighbors.” You can find inspiration for a good layout for a summer or winter greenhouse in our recipe booklet.

Build your confidence in your greenhouse

With a greenhouse, you have total freedom to decide which vegetables end up on your plate. As a beginner, it’s best to start with vegetables and herbs that are easy to grow, such as lettuce, radishes, bell peppers, zucchini, basil, and parsley. These crops grow quickly, require little maintenance, and you can soon – literally – reap the fruits of your labor! During the autumn months, you can grow nutritious leafy greens like winter spinach and lamb’s lettuce, or hardy crops like cabbages, leeks, and turnips.

Just starting out? Avoid these 3 common beginner mistakes

Learning from your mistakes is an option, but wouldn't it be better to avoid them altogether? Here are three common mistakes that greenhouse beginners often make.

1. Insufficient ventilation

Good ventilation is just as important as warmth in your greenhouse. By installing an additional roof vent, you allow fresh air to circulate and keep humidity levels balanced. This also reduces the risk of mold growth.

2. No protection against heat or cold

A greenhouse needs a little extra help to cope with extreme temperatures. In winter, bubble wrap is ideal for protecting your plants from the cold. In summer, a shading screen helps shield your plants from the intense summer sun.

3. Working without structure

Growing plants requires structure. A seedbed or potting table is essential for sowing vegetables, herbs, or flowers. You’ll also quickly accumulate gardening tools like pots, trowels, and trays. With handy shelves, you can keep everything neatly stored and within reach. Finally, make sure to use every inch of available space in your greenhouse efficiently.

With Paul’s tips, you’ll go from beginner to expert in no time. Year after year, you’ll learn how to get the most out of your greenhouse. Who knows – you might even consider upgrading from a beginner's greenhouse to a larger model, like the Euro-Maxi or the Euro-Plus, to fulfill your gardening dreams.

Want even more tips? Download our magazine with a sowing calendar and get started!