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Clear Hypothesis
Before embarking on a greenhouse experiment, clearly define what you're testing and how you'll test it. Don't immediately set out to the greenhouse. Instead, take time to research your idea and try to come up with something new rather than repeat an experiment. If that isn't possible at your stage of education, try to lay a foundation of understanding that will lead to more advanced research. Consider a purpose for the results of your experiment that can be used to the benefit all society or farmers. Start on your experiment after completing your research and coming up with a clear hypothesis.
Soil and Moisture
When implementing your greenhouse experiment, remember that you must keep the plants alive to provide you with the answers you seek. Plants need moisture. If you pack your pots with dry soil, even after you add water, pockets of dryness can result in damage to seedlings. It is better to wet your soil, mixing it thoroughly in a large bin, before placing it into the pots. Soil should be moist, but not soaking wet.
Watering Plants
Water your plants with the drench setting on your nozzle for each pot, filling the pot with water until water drains out of the bottom of the pot (rather than using the spray nozzle). The surface of the soil can appear to be moist while it is dry underneath. Further, small pots dry out faster than large pots. It is usually better to use large pots that hold more moisture, so that plants have adequate water during hot weekends, when no one may be available to water the plants. On the other hand, don't overwater already wet soil, which can lead to root rot, fungus and algae growth.
Fertilizer
Consider the length of time for your experiment. If the experiment extends for several months, your plants will need more fertilizer than if the experiment is only days or weeks long. For longer experiments, Swarthmore College Department of Biology recommends adding a fixed amount of slow-release fertilizer to the soil or other media.
Environment
There are a number of different greenhouse environments in which you conduct your experiment. Choose an environment that is appropriate to your experiment suitable for the level of control that your research mandates. For instance, experiments on insects and plants will need an insecticide-free environment.