Greenhouse Calamities: 5 Lessons from a Novice Gardener

Greenhouses are wonderful—but they come with a steep learning curve. Five hard-won lessons:

1. Don't assume seeds failed. I dumped "failed" tomato seed trays, planted starts, then got 30+ volunteers from the dumped soil. Label everything.
2. Insects still find you. Slugs, bees, aphids—greenhouses aren't pest-free. Screen vents, monitor daily.
3. Watering cans aren't enough. Heat + glass = thirsty plants. Install drip irrigation or at least a hose reach. Plan water access before placing the greenhouse.
4. Know mature plant sizes. My zucchini leaves doubled my head size; garlic got shaded out. Dill hit 15 feet. Research before you plant.
5. Never leave it unattended. Two weeks away = door left open, animal rampage, under-watering, temperature swings, pinching neglected, cat pee. Hire a reliable caretaker with a checklist.

Greenhouse gardening is 90% trial and error. Ask experienced growers, read manuals, and start small.