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Small or big, a greenhouse has a lot of potential when you know how to use every inch. These greenhouse ideas show how one small change in height or position can free up space above and below. Read on.
Smart Greenhouse Ideas for Better Use of Space
There’s no way you’d miss a corner again with all these tricks:
Stack your plants on shelves
Open shelving at waist or eye level lets you fit more plants, like herbs, seedlings, and small flowers. You can shuffle pots around as the season changes for a seasonal display. And yes, it makes watering a lot easier too, with all the pots on the same shelf – not to mention the less bending and lifting.
For best results, use slatted/solid wide shelves that feature gaps for water to drain away. Solid boards are less ideal as water can be left to pool and become stagnant.
Tip: If you’re going for wall shelves, angle them near the side windows to catch sunlight. For freestanding, don’t put tall ones in the middle unless it’s low enough that light still reaches behind.
Hang the pots along the roof line
Trailing strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and compact ferns love this spot. Clip lightweight pots along the inner beams and enjoy the extra space on the benches and floor. Or stagger the heights. Let shorter pots hang lower, and longer vines flow to create natural layering.
Make sure your hanging pots aren’t too heavy, and don’t overwhelm your roof beams with too many of them.
Add a narrow shelf at the back
Instead of crowding your bench or the floor, go vertical with a slim shelf. Mount it at eye level, and there, line up your plants from smallest to tallest at the ends. Alternatively, use the space for tools and containers, but avoid putting anything heavy.
When arranging plants, group those that like the same light and watering together. Put trailing pots near the edges so they drape without shading anything else.
Avoid packing plants too tightly together, as this can obstruct their airflow, inviting mildew and pests.
Use the corner for taller plants
The corners are often ignored, but we’ll make sure they’re not this time, especially for plants that need height. Place taller pots there, like citrus or upright ornamentals. Cluster a few together for a natural look, leaving enough space between each. Remember, you wouldn’t want them to look jammed in.
This idea is also useful to stop tall plants from shading smaller ones and hogging all the sunlight.
Raise floor plants in crates
Grab a few wooden crates and line them up near the floor for plants that like it cooler or shaded. Leave a bit of space between them so air can move. What we like about this is that one can be moved here and there when needed. Also, you can use it as a storage container, particularly the crate below.
Tip: Since the crates are wooden, put them on small bricks or tiles to keep them off damp floors. Treated wood will last longer; untreated wood can rot.
Over-door rack for extra space
A slim rack above the doorways can carry cuttings or small succulents. Keep the plants toward the front of the rack to let them enjoy the sun without getting in the way. Make sure anything heavy stays off it, though! And check whether the glazing in the door is an important light source.
Opt for a pot ladder for a layered display
If a wide bench or freestanding shelf won’t fit in your greenhouse, a pot ladder is a perfect alternative. It gives you multiple levels for plants without taking up much floor space.
Arrange the heavier pots on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Trailing plants can spill over the sides while upright ones stay tidy behind. Leave gaps between pots so water doesn’t drip onto the lower steps.
Pull-out tray beneath the bench
You can DIY one with a piece of plywood and some drawer runners. Cheap, quick, and perfect for sliding seedlings and small pots in and out. Pull it out when you’re potting or checking plants, then tuck it back when you’re done. Just don’t overload it and keep it light so it slides smoothly.
Clip-on side rails for micro plants
Side rails are perfect if you want to squeeze in extra plants – after all, the more, the merrier! Clip small pots onto the sides; this is where you can place a row of seedlings or drought-tolerant plants.
Use lightweight pots with secure clips to avoid anything slipping when watering. You can then adjust the height depending on the plant’s size or light needs, and it keeps everything visible.
Go up with a ceiling mesh
This greenhouse idea will open up a whole new layer of space. Hang lightweight pots, small tools, or sprayers above head height. The heaviest items should be at the centre of the mesh for balance. Feel free to mix and match items, depending on what you need close at hand.
Tip: Leave a bit of room between hooks so everything’s easy to grab and won’t tangle.
That’s a wrap! Little changes can make a big difference. Mix, match, and make it work for you with these greenhouse ideas.
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