Owning a greenhouse is the perfect solution for avid gardeners who enjoy growing year-round. These structures provide a nurturing environment for many delicate types of plants, including those which don't fare so well outdoors. In order to buy a greenhouse which will best suit the space available and the gardener's growing plans, it is necessary to know which factors must be considered.
Before anything else, one must be certain that there is a suitable location for the greenhouse. The ideal spot should be free of trees, exposed to adequate sunlight, and protected from strong winds. Ample space should be left around its perimeter, for easy repair access, and it should be placed in close proximity to the house if electrical wiring will be installed.
Whether or not the structure will be heated depends on how it is to be used. In particular if one wishes to grow seedlings during the cold winter months, it will be necessary to supply extra heat. Means of heating greenhouses include gas, electricity, paraffin, and bubble-wrap insulation. The first three methods provide higher temperatures than the last. Generally a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained.
Walls need to allow adequate light inside and must be strong enough to endure repeat exposure to the elements. These are usually constructed from either traditional glazing glass, polycarbonate safety glass, or toughened safety glass. The former provides optimal sunlight entry and is most easily replaced if needed, but the latter two materials are less prone to shattering, and do not permit as much light to enter.
Most frames are made from either aluminum or wood and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is more affordable, very strong, and can have a powdered coating in almost any color applied to it for added visual appeal. Wooden greenhouses have a charming appearance, and they can have either fully glassed walls or a glass/wood combination, however they are more expensive and can rot when in prolonged contact with dampness.
It will also be necessary to ensure proper ventilation. Vents can be installed in both the roof and the sides, those in the roof allow escape of excess hot air while those on the sides permit entry of fresh, cooler air from outside to create a balanced airflow. A combination of both types is recommended for ideal growing conditions. Besides manually, they can be controlled by solar power or with an automatic vent opener for convenience.
Other important structural features to consider include the shape of the roof, the base, flooring, and the style of the doors. The size of the structure in terms of width and height is determined by which types of crops one intends to grow inside, as some need additional height. Doors can be hinged or sliding. Bases add stability and help prevent wood from rotting.
The final touches to install, once the assembly of the greenhouse is complete, can include a water storage system, benching and staging. Plants are grown on specially designed shelves known as benching and staging, which can be either solid or slatted. Supply shelves can be installed underneath them. Water is usually collected from the greenhouse's roof and is used for watering plants.
Before anything else, one must be certain that there is a suitable location for the greenhouse. The ideal spot should be free of trees, exposed to adequate sunlight, and protected from strong winds. Ample space should be left around its perimeter, for easy repair access, and it should be placed in close proximity to the house if electrical wiring will be installed.
Whether or not the structure will be heated depends on how it is to be used. In particular if one wishes to grow seedlings during the cold winter months, it will be necessary to supply extra heat. Means of heating greenhouses include gas, electricity, paraffin, and bubble-wrap insulation. The first three methods provide higher temperatures than the last. Generally a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained.
Walls need to allow adequate light inside and must be strong enough to endure repeat exposure to the elements. These are usually constructed from either traditional glazing glass, polycarbonate safety glass, or toughened safety glass. The former provides optimal sunlight entry and is most easily replaced if needed, but the latter two materials are less prone to shattering, and do not permit as much light to enter.
Most frames are made from either aluminum or wood and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is more affordable, very strong, and can have a powdered coating in almost any color applied to it for added visual appeal. Wooden greenhouses have a charming appearance, and they can have either fully glassed walls or a glass/wood combination, however they are more expensive and can rot when in prolonged contact with dampness.
It will also be necessary to ensure proper ventilation. Vents can be installed in both the roof and the sides, those in the roof allow escape of excess hot air while those on the sides permit entry of fresh, cooler air from outside to create a balanced airflow. A combination of both types is recommended for ideal growing conditions. Besides manually, they can be controlled by solar power or with an automatic vent opener for convenience.
Other important structural features to consider include the shape of the roof, the base, flooring, and the style of the doors. The size of the structure in terms of width and height is determined by which types of crops one intends to grow inside, as some need additional height. Doors can be hinged or sliding. Bases add stability and help prevent wood from rotting.
The final touches to install, once the assembly of the greenhouse is complete, can include a water storage system, benching and staging. Plants are grown on specially designed shelves known as benching and staging, which can be either solid or slatted. Supply shelves can be installed underneath them. Water is usually collected from the greenhouse's roof and is used for watering plants.
