March 24, 2017

Your Garage Is the Perfect Place for a Garden This Spring

Gardening

Have you ever thought about having your own garden? While most people grow their plants solely in an outdoor garden, using your garage for this purpose is far more effective, as you’re about to find out.

In this article, we’re going to show you how you can sow your own seeds in the same section of your house where you also park you cars. It’s simple to do and the results will amaze you.

Why you want to grow in your garage

Why would you possibly want to grow plants in your garage?

Well, first of all, we’re not suggesting you do this year‑round.

The idea is to begin the planting process early in your garage because this way your plants won’t fall victim to frost and other forms of adversarial weather. This will greatly increase the size of your harvest.

Here’s a list of common vegetables you can do this for:

  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes

If you like herbs, the following are options for this method

  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme

This isn’t an exhaustive list, though, by any means. Check to see if any plants you have in mind will qualify. Most decorative annual flowers and other plants will.

Before you begin

Before you get started on this project, some preplanning is definitely in order.

No matter what kinds of plants you have in mind for your garden, whether those that grow vegetables or ones that simply look nice, you’re going to need to find out when the best possible time is to put their seeds in the ground.

Fortunately, there is all kinds of information about this online and in gardening reference books.

Don’t simply make assumptions here. Even similar plants can need much different amounts of time to hit their peaks. If you simply make an assumption, you’ll end up with plants that don’t mature in time or do so far too early.

Furthermore, not all plants are started the same way. Most people think that you simply buy the seeds you need, put them into soil, water them and then wait.

However, while some really do entail traditional seeds, others involve bulbs, which are planted a bit differently. Cuttings are another method that is different. Some plants, like those that grow tomatoes, should generally be started in one pot and then transplanted to another.

Begin researching this right away to give yourself enough time to purchase the seeds, bulbs, cuttings, etc., prepare the soil and get started.

Preparing for your garage

Obviously, you’re going to need to do some work to prepare your garage for growing plants. Wait until you’ve had the final snowfall of the season and then remove your vehicle.

Unless you’re using big pots for bulbs, you’ll be using trays to get your plants started. Your plants will grow a lot better if you have an insulated, heated garage. Otherwise, you need to make sure your trays aren’t directly touching the concrete floor or the cold temperature when the sun goes down will negatively impact your results.

At the very least, use a light source that can provide heat, too. Even if you don’t need a heat source, you still, obviously, need light. Locate your trays near a window in your garage if you have one. Otherwise, artificial light for growing plants is fine.

How to set up your garage

Planting your garden

As we mentioned, you need trays. You could also use small plastic pots for this purpose. Many people also use small pots or even yogurt containers they recycle from around their homes.Use potting soil to get your plants started. Again, doing your research will tell you if you need a specific kind. You’ll also want a thermometer to check your soil temperature.

A spray bottle is required for watering your plants. You don’t want to try to use a hose in your garage.

If you’re going to start the same type of plant in different varieties, use wood or plastic markers that will make it easy to identify them.

As far as your lighting is concerned, as we mentioned above, use a fluorescent light. Halogen or incandescent options are fine, too. Just make sure the bulbs are large enough to cover your garden. This may mean T‑8 bulbs, which are 48 inches by 7 or 12. You may also want to use plastic sheeting to control the temperature.

Garden Lightning
Garden Lightning

Get started

With all your research done and your materials gathered, it’s time to get started. Take your time and, at first, check on your plants at least twice a day to make sure they’re headed in the right direction.

If you plant tomatoes, as many people do, we’d also suggest you use basil. This herb keeps insects away that would otherwise harm your tomatoes.

On the other hand, fennels and many types of cabbage can make it difficult for your tomatoes to grow.

Garage door not working properly

While we’re talking about your garage, if it’s not working properly, go ahead and contact us at 416-239-7777. We will even provide you with a free quotation. If it’s time to change your garage door out, check out our design center and image gallery.

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