The Citizen, 2019-05-09, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019. PAGE 23.
Greenhouses require maintenance to be effective
MS –Avid gardeners may be
enticed by the idea of a greenhouse
that allows them to explore their
passion for plants year-round. While
it’s true that greenhouses afford this
luxury, there are important things to
consider before erecting a
greenhouse in your yard.
Greenhouses require ample time
to maintain. Greenhouses are not
self-managing; they require heat,
water, venting, electricity and
maintenance on the part of
gardeners. Individuals need to
determine how much time they have
to devote to a greenhouse and then
consider their options.
Start by choosing the size of the
greenhouse. Many experts, like
those at the home and garden
information site The Spruce, suggest
getting the largest one you can
afford and fit into the yard. It is
much easier to fill a large
greenhouse than try to expand on a
small one later on.
Next, consider whether you want
to build the greenhouse from scratch
or utilize a prefabricated kit that can
make easier work of the job. Kits
typically contain all of the materials
needed, and are easiest for someone
who is a construction novice. Look
for “grower greenhouses”, which are
all-purpose options with adjustable
shelving and space for growing
plants full-term.
The next step is deciding where
the greenhouse will be located. The
goal is to have a consistent amount
of sunlight year-round. A south-
facing locale is ideal, and structures
should remain north of the
greenhouse so they do not cast a
shadow on it. The building, cars and
technology resource Popular
Mechanics advises gardening
enthusiasts to take into consideration
the angle of the sun during all
seasons before choosing a location.
Doing so ensures that the sun is not
obscured in the winter or fall.
Select a spot that also has ample
drainage, as you will not want water
pooling up along the sides of or
underneath the greenhouse. Raise
the greenhouse on footings to
alleviate flooding concerns.
Consult with a gardening or
agriculture expert about the best way
to heat the greenhouse. Options
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Greenery
Greenhouses do offer an opportunity to flex a greenthumb throughout the year, however the
structures do require a commitment. From picking the right space to heating, ventilation and
regular maintenance for the plants within, greenhouses can take a significant amount of time
to operate successfully. (MS photo)
Home and Garden 2019
Continued from page 21
around homes and at the edges of the
lawn. Mow regularly to keep the
lawn short.
• Create a barrier between wooded
areas and the yard if it abuts a
forested area. According to
Consumer Reports, a three-foot-
wide path of wood chips or gravel
can prevent tick migration by
creating a physical barrier that’s dry
and sometimes too hot for ticks to
tolerate. Such a barrier also serves as
a visual reminder to anyone in your
household to be especially careful if
they step beyond the perimeter.
• Bag grass clippings, which can
serve as habitats for ticks.
• Remove old furniture, trash and
other debris that can give ticks
places to hide.
• Remember to use a tick-repellent
product when venturing into wooded
areas. Flea and tick products also are
available for pets; consult with a vet.
Ticks are problematic, but various
measures can help control tick
populations in a yard.
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PHONE/FAX 519-523-9781
LOCATED 500 YARDS WEST OF
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A clean yard can deter ticks
Continued on page 25