People who enjoy growing plants and flowers may continue to do so throughout the year if they have a greenhouse in their yard. Plants can safely develop even in the cold winter months from the warm shelter which greenhouses provide. Since there are many different designs and options available, before going to buy a greenhouse, the gardener needs to be aware of the features that will best fit his or her growing plans.
It's important to first select a good spot to place the greenhouse. Certain criteria must be met if it is to provide an ideal growing environment for the plants inside it. It should not be close to trees, be relatively guarded from the wind, and in a place that gets lots of sun. Leaving some space around it is wise, in case repairs are needed, and if it is closer to the house, this will make installing electricity easier if desired.
Some greenhouses have an additional heating source, while others do not, this largely depends on how they will be used and when. Gardeners who plan on growing seedlings over the winter, will definitely require heating. A high temperature can be achieved with gas, paraffin, or electric heat systems, and moderate warmth can be established with insulating bubble-wrap. Temperatures should generally not be lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
There are other details pertaining to the structure of the unit which one should take into consideration, such as the base design, type of flooring, doors, and roof shape. The greenhouse's size is mostly dictated by the nature of the plants that will be grown in it. A base helps prevent wood-rot and provides stability. Doors can be either sliding or hinged styles.
After the greenhouse is constructed, special shelving called staging and benching can be installed. This is where the plants will be placed as they grow, and depending on the type of plants, it will have either a slatted or solid design. Other shelving for tools, cuttings, fertilizer, etc., can be built underneath the staging and benching. A water storage system, which typically collects water from the roof, will also be added.
It's important to first select a good spot to place the greenhouse. Certain criteria must be met if it is to provide an ideal growing environment for the plants inside it. It should not be close to trees, be relatively guarded from the wind, and in a place that gets lots of sun. Leaving some space around it is wise, in case repairs are needed, and if it is closer to the house, this will make installing electricity easier if desired.
Some greenhouses have an additional heating source, while others do not, this largely depends on how they will be used and when. Gardeners who plan on growing seedlings over the winter, will definitely require heating. A high temperature can be achieved with gas, paraffin, or electric heat systems, and moderate warmth can be established with insulating bubble-wrap. Temperatures should generally not be lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
There are other details pertaining to the structure of the unit which one should take into consideration, such as the base design, type of flooring, doors, and roof shape. The greenhouse's size is mostly dictated by the nature of the plants that will be grown in it. A base helps prevent wood-rot and provides stability. Doors can be either sliding or hinged styles.
After the greenhouse is constructed, special shelving called staging and benching can be installed. This is where the plants will be placed as they grow, and depending on the type of plants, it will have either a slatted or solid design. Other shelving for tools, cuttings, fertilizer, etc., can be built underneath the staging and benching. A water storage system, which typically collects water from the roof, will also be added.