Episode Details

I feel like there comes a time in every plant parent's life when we start to get really curious and excited about having a dedicated space for all of our plants. If you are an outdoor gardener, the promise of a greenhouse for seed starts and overwintering plants is even more promising! I’ve had several different moments in life where I’ve Googled greenhouse kits but never crossed the finish line due to the overwhelming and somewhat intimidating aspect of installing them properly (and the price tag). Hopefully, this episode will set you up for success if you feel like you’re ready to take the leap of installing a greenhouse - whether it's a small kit, or a large structure in your backyard - consider this episode a beginners guide to building the greenhouse of your dreams!

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In this episode we learn:

• [01:49] The inspirations behind this episode!
• [04:13] What to expect from this episode
• [06:15] How Patrick became the plant person he is today
• [10:10] Patrick shares his greenhouse setup
• [11:35] Things to consider before planning a greenhouse
• [12:28] Why do you need a license for your personal greenhouse?
• [15:00] What direction should a greenhouse face?
• [16:44] Pros and cons of different greenhouse materials
• [20:29] DIY greenhouse vs greenhouse kit
• [23:41] Patrick’s advice when exploring greenhouse kit options
• [25:07] What to consider for your greenhouse flooring
• [27:02] Where to get healthy pre-grown plants
• [28:13] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products
• [30:52] Different types of greenhouses and ventilation settings
• [33:08] How to calculate greenhouse heating and ventilation requirements
• [34:31] Different types of fans and vents for greenhouse ventilation
• [37:28] How do you run power to your greenhouse?
• [39:16] How much does a good beginner greenhouse cost?
• [42:33] Common misconceptions about greenhouses
• [43:37] How greenhouses help in pest control and management
• [45:45] Troubleshooting greenhouse ventilation and humidity issues
• [46:40] What is the ideal temperature for a greenhouse?
• [47:53] Patrick’s advice for greenhouse beginners
• [50:12] Greenhouse #1: Amy’s apartment-deck greenhouse in cold Massachusetts
• [53:27] Greenhouse #2: Tiffany’s indoor greenhouse for 200+ plants
• [59:28] Greenhouse #3: Kristin’s fully-customized permanent greenhouse from a kit
• [01:05:48] Greenhouse #4: Eric’s Instagrammable East Nash Greenhouse with recycled windows
• [01:11:56] Where to get university-level horticulture education for your greenhouse preparations!
• [01:12:41] How to pre-order Growing Joy

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Patrick's other blogs: Sublime Succulents & Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
• Domino Magazine article: How a Stylist DIY-ed Her Dream Greenhouse From a Prefab Kit

Thank you to our episo