Easy Grow Shelf For Winter

So, you’re a new plant parent, and during the sunny summer days your collection exploded! Now as days get colder and shorter, dim north windows won’t cut it.  As winter approaches I move some plants onto a shelf with supplemental lighting. This has three benefits:

1. Beautifully displays plant collection
2. Improved growing conditions
3. Efficient use of space

This is a great way to display my collection and give it the most ideal growing conditions. Below are my recommendations on what you need to build an easy, affordable, and effective plant shelf setup. You cooouuullld build a super aesthetic Ikea Greenhouse Cabinet, but those beautiful cabinets require significantly more investment.

Lighting:

This is the most important part to consider. Light is energy for plants, and most tropical plants can’t tolerate the lack of sunlight during winter. You need to give these plants supplemental light to mimic their natural environment. You will  want a full-spectrum light; this means that it emits all of the wavelengths of light. I use this one It gives my plants plenty of energy, yet it isn’t too bright to display in my living room.  Also, you need to get an automatic timer for your lights. Unless you’re responsible, and can turn the light off and on every day. That’s too much commitment for me though. The plants will appreciate having a regular schedule, and the best part, you don’t have to worry about it. I use the one shown below. It hooks up to a free app where I can easily set up on/off schedules for multiple outlets. I also think it’s kind of cool that you can check the electric usage of the outlet.

Shelving:

In order to make the best use of space, you will need to have some shelving unit to vertically store your plant collection. The shelves need to be transparent or have space for light to pass through. This is so that your grow light will be able to provide for the different levels. This shelf is great if you’re looking for something basic and functional. No tools required, leveling feet, and adjustable shelving.    You could also get a cover to go over the setup. This would increase humidity inside the enclosure. However, I don’t like to do this because I feel like it takes away from the plant’s display.

Humidity:

One easy way to help your plants have a more authentic experience is by using a humidifier to create a more tropical environment. The winter air is much more dry, and this can cause humidity loving plants to get crispy leaves. This humidifier is good. And you can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity and temperature near your plants.

Care Tools:

Finally, you want to make sure that your plants stay healthy and beautiful all winter. Be proactive with pest prevention in order to stop any breakouts. With your plants densely packed, and bugs moving inside for the winter; you’ll need to make sure you stop pests sooner rather than later. I will usually add a drop of Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew to my watering can every other watering. This treats spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats, and other common pests, and stops an infestation before it begins.  Also, a beautiful watering can with a thin spout for easy watering will keep you motivated to care for your plants all winter. I like having a pretty watering can because I can display it right along with my plants. And I like the thin spout on watering cans like this because it makes it easy to bob and weave in between stems on a densely packed shelf. 

In summary, this is how you get your winter plant shelf ready:

1. Light (full-spectrum) and timer
2. Shelving with clear levels
3. Humidifier and hygrometer
4. Proactive pest treatment
5. Pretty watering can (optional)

Happy planting! Disclosure: PlantyFriend.com may get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. Don’t worry though, we only post links to items we love!