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Setting up a greenhouse can be a big task, especially when moving into a new home. She has been working to transform a simple cabinet into a functional greenhouse. After getting settled and dealing with some procrastination, she is ready to clean, organize, and customize the space for her plants.
She plans to share her entire process, including tips on cleaning and addressing any concerns about rust. Along the way, she will discuss various aspects of light preferences and how to make the greenhouse work best for different types of plants. It will be an exciting journey as she gets all the details right for her new gardening project.
Key Takeaways
- Setting up a greenhouse involves cleaning and organizing the space.
- Different types of grow lights can affect plant growth.
- Customization makes a greenhouse more functional for specific plants.
Moving into the New House and Setting Up the Greenhouse
After moving into the new house about a month ago, the speaker still hadn’t set up the greenhouse. The plants were stuck in containers, leading to a bit of procrastination. The inside of the greenhouse was also quite dirty and needed a thorough cleaning.
The greenhouse cabinet, which cost $39, was ready for a makeover. To start, they unplugged the grow light to clean the area thoroughly. As the speaker cleaned out various items, they noticed a lot of spilled soil and dirt buildup. They highlighted that despite having high humidity in the greenhouse, there was no issue with rusting, thanks to maintenance.
The speaker planned to share their experience in setting up the greenhouse to address requests from viewers for a detailed guide. They mentioned they’ve improved their editing skills since their initial cabinet video and wanted to be clearer this time. Cleaning the acrylic pieces was the next step, as they would be using pegboards and acrylic shelves to create a functional space.
When choosing accessories for the greenhouse, the speaker considered vital factors: light, temperature, and humidity. They explained that grow lights could replace natural sunlight, and though the lights might look similar, they emitted different colors. They preferred not to use pink lights due to misunderstandings with neighbors.
Next, the speaker demonstrated the various light colors and their effects. They tested the lights on a bookshelf since the greenhouse setup was still in progress. The speaker shared their personal preference for white and yellow lights, noting that they often mixed up the different colors.
Finally, they discussed the process of attaching the grow lights to the shelves. With clamps and screws, the lights could be securely installed in the cabinet. The speaker also showcased how to set up the lights at different levels and expressed a preference for certain combinations of light colors for the greenhouse.
Cleaning and Preparing the Greenhouse for Setup
To start setting up the greenhouse, she first needs to clean it thoroughly. The space is quite dirty, with spilled soil and grime in every corner. She plans to remove everything from the greenhouse cabinet so she can scrub it clean.
She suggests unplugging any grow lights first to make the cleaning process easier. Once the shelves are clear, it is important to check for any rust on the metal parts. Keeping humidity high hasn’t caused any rust issues in her experience, but applying a clear enamel spray before assembly can help protect these parts.
Cleaning the shelves is the next step. She has acrylic shelves that replace old glass ones, which not only look better but are also easier to maintain. After cleaning, she will rearrange the cabinet to enhance its functionality as a greenhouse. She ensures to customize the setup for plant needs, focusing on light, temperature, and humidity, making sure everything works together smoothly.
When setting up lights, she notes that different types emit various colors, which can affect the look of the space. For her, the preference is usually towards the white light for a brighter atmosphere. Each light can be attached in specific ways to ensure they fit well within the structure.
This whole process reformats the cabinet into a functional greenhouse, allowing her to create the perfect environment for her plants.
Tackling Issues with Metal Rust
In a greenhouse with high humidity, rust can be a worry for many. Yet, this greenhouse owner has had no rust issues over the years. To prevent rust, he suggests coating all metal parts with a clear enamel spray before assembly. This simple step can help protect the metal surfaces and keep the greenhouse in good shape.
Here are some tips to prevent rust:
- Use a Sealant: Spray a clear enamel on metal parts.
- Keep it Dry: Try to reduce moisture build-up around metal areas.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the greenhouse regularly to avoid dirt and grime accumulation.
By applying these methods, anyone can maintain their greenhouse and reduce the chances of rust appearing.
Enhancing Skills Through Skillshare
She recognized the importance of continuous learning and found Skillshare a valuable resource. It is an online platform where many creative professionals teach various courses, covering everything from video editing to design.
Skillshare offers a range of classes tailored to different interests. Some popular topics include:
- Film and Animation
- Graphic Design
- Entrepreneurship
- Crafting and DIY Projects
For those looking to master a skill, Skillshare provides structured learning paths. These are series of classes designed to help individuals progress from beginner to advanced levels in a subject.
Recently, she explored stained glass crafting through a Skillshare class. This class sparked ideas for future projects, allowing her to combine her love for plants and creative hobbies.
To make learning more accessible, the first 500 users to subscribe via her link will enjoy a month of premium membership for free. This is a great chance to dive into new skills and explore various creative avenues.
Customizing the Greenhouse
Swapping Glass Shelves for Acrylic Shelves
She took out the old glass shelves and replaced them with acrylic ones. The new acrylic pieces are easier to clean and won’t shatter. She found some shelves with cute designs and pre-drilled holes for grow lights. This change makes the space not only look good but also improves functionality.
Selecting the Best Grow Lights
Choosing the right grow lights is important for plant health. Different grow lights come in various colors, such as white, yellow, and pink. While all lights can support plant growth, the look and feel change based on the color. The white lights give a bright, natural feel, while yellow lights resemble sunlight.
Showcasing Various Light Colors
She demonstrated how each light color looks on her shelf. The pink light has a warm glow that stands out, while the yellow and white lights create a more subtle ambiance. Mixing and matching these colors allowed her to find what suited her space best, giving her options for different moods and effects.
Setting Up Grow Lights
Installing Lights on Shelves
To set up the grow lights, it’s important to first clear out the shelves. The user lifted all the items to clean the area thoroughly underneath. They started with a clean slate, removing any spilled soil and dust. This step ensures the lights will be mounted properly and that the space remains functional.
The lights can be attached easily because the shelves have pre-drilled holes. Using a clamp that comes with the grow light, the user fits a screw through the hole to securely attach it. This method gives a neat look as the light fits well into the shelf.
Attaching Grow Lights to the Roof
For the roof, the process is slightly different. The user mentioned to use the same kind of clamp as for the shelves. They prepared a magnet that can hold the grow light in place. By screwing the magnet onto the clamp and then sticking it onto the roof, they created a strong hold for the light. This setup allows easy access to the cord, keeping everything tidy above.
Adding Lights to the Middle Shelf
The middle shelf presented some challenges since there weren’t any pre-drilled holes for the grow light. The user had to think outside the box for this one. They decided to use the same clamps and some disc magnets to hold the light securely. By doing so, they managed to add the grow light while keeping the shelf intact. The result was different colors of grow lights placed at various levels, giving a clear distinction in brightness and hue.
Thoughts on Light Choices
Setting up the greenhouse involves important choices about lighting. Different grow lights can impact how plants thrive. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Types of Grow Lights: There are various colors of grow lights, including pink, white, and yellow. Each color looks similar, but they can give off different effects.
- No Need for Sunlight: A greenhouse doesn’t have to be in a sunny area. Grow lights can provide the necessary light.
- Personal Preference: It doesn’t matter which color light to use; it’s based on personal taste. While pink lights are available, they can create a colorful glow that might not be what everyone wants.
When setting up, they can try different lights to see how they look. For example, yellow lights can offer a natural sunlight feel, while white lights are brighter and might be more appealing in some spaces.
Light placement is also essential. Using specific hardware, like clamps and magnets, allows for easy installation and adjustments. By arranging grow lights at different levels, it’s easy to experiment with the best arrangement to support plant growth.