Solexx provides many accessory options...

You can expand and adapt as greenhouse needs change.

Working with Solexx is so easy that adding base vents and/or exhaust fans can happen at any time. However, there are some basic recommendations which should be made with every greenhouse sale. Units 8’ or less can get by without adding power exhaust fans or intakes depending upon year-round use and climate.

Please see Greenhouse Accessories Kit for complete accessory options.

For most greenhouses it is a good idea to always include the following items:

The tie down kit is essential!
The automatic louver opener is a great upgrade to suggest.
Each kit comes with a nice louver for venting.
For those who are not home during the day, the automatic opener means the greenhouse will still be properly vented.
Just set the desired opening temperature one time and it will take care of itself from then on!
Base vents really help for proper cross ventilation. We recommend one for every eight feet on either side of the greenhouse.

These things should be considered with every greenhouse.

Each greenhouse includes built-in bench frames.

To cover them, we offer wire racks with a UV inhibitor included and custom cut to fit the bench frames properly.

These are an optional upgrade, however, and some customers prefer to find another source locally as the wire racks do include an over-size shipping charge.

Other options to consider are shade cloths and flooring. When you get into greenhouses that are 12’ or more, it’s definitely time to consider the exhaust, circulation and intake fans.

1. Light
As one might expect, light is very important in greenhouses. However, too much light can be harmful as well because it can produce excess heat and burn your plants. If you notice any heat-related problems, try adding a shade cloth for extra protection. For those living in very hot climates, it may be a good idea to position your greenhouse in an area where it will get some shade during hot afternoons.

2. Temperature
Regulating temperature is an important part of maintaining a healthy greenhouse. Adding a simple Min/Max thermometer is a great way to monitor the situation. This will record daily high and low temperatures within your greenhouse, allowing you to make adjustments. Temperature requirements vary by plant, but generally you want to keep plants above freezing and below 90° F. The hotter the greenhouse, the more important it is that your plants receive adequate water. To aid in water absorption, you may want to try giving your plants a quick drink and then following up with a more thorough watering. Some plants (herbs and succulents), however, tend to drying out a bit between watering. In cooler weather, you will not need to water your plants nearly as often. Avoid a humid greenhouse in cooler temperatures because it will contribute to disease.

3. Ventilation
As temperatures climb within a greenhouse, the need for ventilation increases as well. It is crucial that you open your extraction vents and door during hot weather. A circulation fan is a nice addition that will help to provide your plants with a fresh supply of carbon dioxide while reducing the heat that collects in your greenhouse.

4. Heating
For many, adding some sort of heating system to their greenhouse is a great way of extending their growing seasons and enabling them to enjoy a wider variety of plants. The insulation in this paneling will keep the temperature 10° warmer than the outside air. You can also use ten-gallon buckets painted black on one side (facing the wall of the greenhouse) and white on the other side (facing the middle of the greenhouse). Fill them with water and put on a lid. The water will absorb the heat during the day and release it at night. This will keep your greenhouse a few degrees warmer. If you want to use your greenhouse during the coldest season, we have several models of heaters available.

5. Soil
One of the great parts of having a greenhouse is watching the unbeatable plant growth that is possible. Most plants will grow much more rapidly than they would outside and will likely be contained in pots. It is important to compensate for this with your soil. Use high-quality soil that will provide good aeration and be sure to add plenty of organic material. One simple way to do this is to mix vegetable scraps, grass clippings, leaves, coffee grounds and manure in a bin for compost. If you keep the compost moist and turn it regularly, within a few months you'll have plenty of nature's finest fertilizer. It is also a good idea to fertilize periodically in order to replace the nutrients that are being used and to encourage further growth. Some plants have special soil and nutrient needs, so you may want to do a little research before planting.

6. Pests
Bugs enjoy greenhouses for the same reasons your plants do: it's a warm and protected environment. Although this problem seems inevitable, it can certainly be treated and prevention is the key. Make sure that your greenhouse drains well so that there is minimal standing water and monitor your greenhouse closely for any sign of pests. Plants that are stressed due to inconsistent or over-watering, or extreme temperatures tend to be most susceptible to pests. Plan ahead when considering your greenhouse crops. For example, tomatoes attract many bugs, but other plants such as basil, rosemary and lavender help deter bugs (and besides, basil and tomatoes go great together anyway!). Keep in mind that having some bugs are normal and that some are even beneficial (spiders and lady bugs, for example, actually feed on the damaging insects in the greenhouse.) A gentle stream of water can be used to wash away some pests as well as their eggs, but if the numbers seem to be getting out of control, you may want to look into treatment options. There are many completely natural pesticides as well as beneficial insects available on the market today.

7. Cleaning
Performing some basic maintenance regularly will help to keep your greenhouse looking like new and performing at its best. We recommend washing the outside of the greenhouse about once a year with a mild soap. You can use a mild bleach solution inside the greenhouse if you have a disease problem.

Planting
Greenhouse gardening enables you to watch the amazing process of seeing plants go from seeds to mature plants. In order to have the healthiest plants possible, give the seeds a strong start by using heat mats. Once the seedlings have established stable root systems, it is a good idea to transplant them into four-inch pots. Different plants will develop at different rates, so check regularly to see if the plants are becoming pot-bound. You may notice that roots are coming out of the bottom of the container, or that the plant is not staying well hydrated. These are signs that the plant needs a new, larger container. Before transplanting, all pots should be sanitized. This can be done by soaking the pot in a bleach solution and then allowing it to dry. Sanitizing pots prevents disease from being passed from one generation of plants to the next.

9. Region
Although your greenhouse may enable you to grow plants that you could not grow normally in your area, this greenhouse is designed primarily to extend your growing seasons. It's a good idea to look into local seed and plant companies, which will likely have the plants best-suited for your area. For some variety, try one of the larger national seed catalog companies who offer a wide array of seeds that can add some excitement and variety to your greenhouse.

10. Resources
Owning a greenhouse is a learning process, especially during the first year. Be adventuresome and try new things, but keep realistic expectations while you are perfecting your skills. There are many great books that offer helpful advice to both novice and professional gardeners. Also, many areas offer services to local gardeners, such as County Extension Services or Master Gardener programs. By taking advantage of all of the information services available to you, you'll be amazed at how easily you can grow wonderful things in your greenhouse. Of course, don't forget that we're here to help as well!