The arrival of winter does not have to mean the end of gardening for those with a green thumb who love to grow plants and flowers, not with a cozy greenhouse in their own backyard. Before going to buy a greenhouse, it's a good idea for gardeners to keep these guidelines in mind in order to choose a design which will best meet their needs.
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.
The need for heating in the structure primarily depends on the types of plants that will be grown inside it and when it will be used. Extra heat is a must if growing seedlings during the winter for instance. Greenhouses can be heated with electricity, gas, or paraffin, which all provide higher temperatures. Bubble-wrap insulation can work too, but results in less heat. A constant minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or more is recommended.
Its glass walls need to permit sufficient light to enter, and should be able to stand up to years of use and exposure to the elements. These can be made from traditional glazing glass, polycarbonate safety glass, or toughened safety glass. The latter two are more resistant to shattering, however they allow less sunlight in, while the former is more readily replaced if needed and encourages maximum light entry.
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.
Ventilation plays a key role in creating a suitable growing environment. A combination of roof and side vents should be installed in most greenhouses, the larger they are, the more ventilation is needed. Roof vents let hot air out, and side vents let cool outside air in, to ensure balanced circulation. Manual control is not the only way to manage vents, there are also automatic openers and solar controlled designs for more convenience.
The gardener will also want to give some thought to the style of doors he or she prefers, either sliding or hinged, and the most suitable type of flooring. The roof shapes vary as well, and are a matter of personal and practical preference. A base gives the structure stability, and if it is wooden, it deters rotting.
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.
The need for heating in the structure primarily depends on the types of plants that will be grown inside it and when it will be used. Extra heat is a must if growing seedlings during the winter for instance. Greenhouses can be heated with electricity, gas, or paraffin, which all provide higher temperatures. Bubble-wrap insulation can work too, but results in less heat. A constant minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or more is recommended.
Its glass walls need to permit sufficient light to enter, and should be able to stand up to years of use and exposure to the elements. These can be made from traditional glazing glass, polycarbonate safety glass, or toughened safety glass. The latter two are more resistant to shattering, however they allow less sunlight in, while the former is more readily replaced if needed and encourages maximum light entry.
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.
Ventilation plays a key role in creating a suitable growing environment. A combination of roof and side vents should be installed in most greenhouses, the larger they are, the more ventilation is needed. Roof vents let hot air out, and side vents let cool outside air in, to ensure balanced circulation. Manual control is not the only way to manage vents, there are also automatic openers and solar controlled designs for more convenience.
The gardener will also want to give some thought to the style of doors he or she prefers, either sliding or hinged, and the most suitable type of flooring. The roof shapes vary as well, and are a matter of personal and practical preference. A base gives the structure stability, and if it is wooden, it deters rotting.
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.
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