Do you want to have a full and beautiful outdoor space with bright flowers and annuals? Do you want your garden to provide you with a bounty of fresh vegetables? If you love to garden, you know just how difficult it can be to get those plants started and to keep them healthy. However, there is a fantastic way to help improve your garden’s potential. You can start to sow your own seeds, and best of all, you can do it right in your garage. It is a fantastic way to make sure you have healthy plants that you are putting in the soil.
Planning properly
Whether you are choosing plants for décor, such as flowers, or you want to have a garden that can provide you with food, it is important that you have a head start. Since you can’t plant when the ground is frozen, the garage makes a perfect place to begin. You also need to know the right time to plant different types of items, so make sure you check out some gardening books to make sure you are planting and then moving them to the garden at the right times. For example, you can start your tomato plants indoors and then replant them outside in June. Just make sure you get started right away, and learn the grow times.
You will only be keeping the plants in your garage until they are ready to be transplanted outside. Many different types of plants can do quite well when you start them in the garage, provided you have the right setup. Some of the types of plants that can do well include decorative annuals, flowers, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, beets, peppers, cauliflower, and onions.
The right setup in the garage
Once the last snow has passed, you can move your vehicle out of the garage. This will provide you with all the space that you need for your plants. Having proper lighting and heating is always important. Ideally, you will have an insulated and heated garage. You will not want to place your seedling trays on the floor, as it can be too cold. Building or buying a shelving you will serve you better. However, if you have some bulbs that are in big pots, they can sit on the floor if needed. Let’s look at the items your garage will need for your plants.
Items you need
Make sure you have the following elements so you can set up your garage and start your seedlings.
Basics:
- Pots/Trays – You will use these for planting your seeds. Potting trays and peat pots work well for this.
- Soil – You want to have potting soil that is suited for the types of plants you are growing.
- Thermometer – This will let you keep tabs on the temperature for your plants and make changes if they are needed.
- Spray Bottle – Using a spray bottle for water helps to moisten the seeds.
- Identification Markers – Use these to note the name of the plant and the date. They can be made from wood or from plastic.
Lighting:
- Light Fixtures – The fixtures can be fluorescent, halogen, or incandescent. They should be 48” long and 7” to 12” wide, and you should use T‑8 bulbs.
- Timer – The timer will allow you to determine when the lighting system is turned on and shut off.
- Plastic Sheeting – Use the sheeting to help you keep control of the temperature.
The garage is ready
Once you have the materials you need, the garage should be ready to go so you can start your seedlings. Always make sure you take the time to learn as much as possible about the different types of plants you will be growing. This gives you a better idea of what plants work well together, the conditions they need to thrive, proper care, when to put them in the garden, and more. When you know exactly what you want to grow, it is time to get the seeds and get started.
Do you have garage problems?
If you have an issue with your garage door, it will not be easy to use the space for your seedlings. Perhaps the door does not open and close properly, or it does not have insulation. It might be time to start thinking about getting a new door. If you need maintenance, repairs, or even a new door, contact us at 724-834-8450.
We can provide you with a free quotation by email, or a service call. We can come right to your place to see what’s wrong and to help. If you need a new garage door, use our Design Centre or check out our image gallery.
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