How does an indoor greenhouse work, what are the advantages of the mini greenhouse and which plants can be used for cultivation?
Many indoor gardeners deal with the cultivation of plants on the windowsill. This gives them early access to well-developed vegetables and summer flowers. In addition, it is exciting to be able to observe the growth of the seedlings up close. In order to create optimal conditions, the use of an indoor greenhouse is a good idea. In the following we explain how to use this practical growing aid and name the advantages of indoor greenhouses.
How does a greenhouse work?
These small mini greenhouses have the task of stimulating the seeds to grow, even if the climatic conditions would not normally allow this. For example, indoor greenhouses are set up when winter temperatures are still prevailing outside and there are only a few hours of sunlight.
Cultivation in a greenhouse is successful because there is a special microclimate there. The propagation aid is placed in a bright window seat or can be placed in the heated conservatory.
What can be cultivated in the indoor greenhouse?
Depending on the size and condition of the mini greenhouse, a wide variety of plants can be grown there. While orchids and carnivorous plants can be cultivated in comfortably equipped indoor greenhouses, conventional mini greenhouses are mostly used for pre-cultivating the following plants:
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Pumpkins
Melons
Peppers
Aubergines
Pelargoniums
Zinnias
Phlox
Marigolds
Salvia
Cultivation in a greenhouse - step by step
- Fill the seed box with soil
- Distribute the seed on the substrate
- Cover seeds with soil
- Press the earth lightly
- Moisten substrate
- Cover seed box
- Set up the seed box bright and warm
- Wait for germination
- separate seedlings into peat pots
- For growing from seeds, about three quarters of the indoor greenhouse is covered with special growing soilfilled. The substrate contains the optimal nutrient composition and promotes germination.
- The seeds are distributed evenly over the soil. This works if the seed bag is moved over the substrate with slight shaking movements. To ensure that the seedlings do not interfere with each other during germination, it is important to distribute the seeds as evenly as possible throughout the propagation box.
- The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil. It is advantageous if the substrate is sieved over the seeds.
» Tip: If it is a question of light germinators, no soil is spread over the seed. These are only slightly pressed into the substrate.
- Press the substrate lightly with your hands, a piece of wood or a small shovel.
- The seeds must now be watered. A plant sprayer should be used to prevent the seed from being washed out of the ground. This allows the soil to be evenly moistened without changing the position of the seed.
- Once the seed has been prepared, the cover is placed on the greenhouse. Most indoor greenhouses have ventilation flaps in the lid. If these are closed, the already mentioned microclimate is created inside, which promotes germination.
» Tip: To prevent mold from forming in the propagation box, the ventilation flaps should be opened regularly.
- A bright spot must be found for the greenhouse. On the window sill above the heater, the seeds are provided with sufficient warmth and light.
- Germination starts after a few days. About two weeks later, it's time to prick out the seedlings. The seedlings are carefully removed from the substrate and placed separately in small peat pots.
- The remaining growing soil is removed from the indoor greenhouse. Now you can place the plant pots back there, spray them with water and continue cultivating until the plants move outdoors in spring.
What types of greenhouses are there?
There is a large selection of indoor greenhouses. The right growing set can be found for every space requirement and every budget. The simplest and cheapest models are made of plastic, see the bestseller on Amazon.
If the look doesn't matter and it's all about the practical purpose, these small greenhouses are quite sufficient. Anyone who places demands on aesthetics may choose a mini greenhouse made of wood, glass or metaldecide.
Indoor greenhouses in the higher price segment can be heated. A heating mat under the floor pan ensures consistently high temperatures. The temperature can be regulated via a thermostat.
Some mini greenhouses also contain a lamp. Since the cultivation takes place when there is little light, additional lighting means that the seedlings do not need it. They need at least eight hours of sun a day to thrive.
Room greenhouse XXL
Indoor greenhouses can not only be used to grow plants, but are also suitable for the long-term cultivation of exotic plants. These are special models that differ significantly from the simple grow box in terms of price, shape and equipment.
The fully automatic terrariums are also suitable for the cultivation of several plants. The light and humidification are controlled fully automatically. An activated carbon filter ensures clean air conditions.
The cultivation of orchids is particularly exciting. These come in about 30,000 species and some of the exotic beauties can only be cultivated in greenhouses in our latitudes.
» Tip: If you limit yourself to mini orchids, you can arrange several plants in a small space in the propagator.
Indoor greenhouse - advantages and disadvantages
Anyone who owns a propagator can start growing while there is still ice and snow outside the window and gardening is still a long way off.
Young plants cultivated in the propagation box are he althy and strong. They are larger and flower earlier than those sown outdoors.
Advantages
✔ optimal kimatic conditions
✔ early cultivation possible
✔ weather-independent cultivation
✔ pest infestation impossible
✔ plant observation possible at any time
✔ simple Cultivation
✔ Ventilation can be regulated
✔ Heating by heating mats possible
Cons
✘ Requires space on the windowsill
✘ Cultivation should be monitored
✘ Must be aired regularly
✘ Purchase price for comfortable models
Proper handling of the indoor greenhouse
Indoor greenhouses need a light location. The seedlings should get as much daylight as possible.
» Attention: An indoor greenhouse must not be set up in the blazing midday sun.
Intense sun exposure can cause thiscause the air in the propagation box to heat up so much that the little plants literally burn.
The regulation of the moisture balance in the culture container requires constant monitoring. The greenhouse should be ventilated daily for at least two hours. The small ventilation chambers are often not sufficient for this. Therefore, the complete cover must be lifted so that a lively exchange of air can take place.
We have already talked about the advantages of heating for the mini greenhouse. But not all plants benefit from heating mats and a consistently high temperature.
The required germination temperatures are different. While high temperatures are advantageous for cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers, Christmas roses or gentians need a low temperature.
For plants to grow, they need sufficient light, at least 1,000 lux. This is equivalent to the brightness on a dull autumn day. Far more brightness is required for the cultivation of plants. If the indoor greenhouse is also illuminated, this ensures he althy growth during the low-light season and you get strong young plants.