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.
The first step is to choose the most appropriate site for the greenhouse. It should ideally be placed in a sunny spot that is not surrounded by trees, and is sheltered from strong winds. Sufficient space should be left around it, as to allow easier access for repairs if needed and if electricity will be installed, it should be closer to the house.
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.
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.
Frames are typically either aluminum or wooden. The former is normally less expensive and durable and may have a colored powdered coating applied to them for added aesthetic appeal. The latter has a more finished look and comes with both half-glass and full-glass wall styles, but they cost more and are prone to rot from exposure to dampness.
In order to ensure suitable airflow in the structure, adequate ventilation is needed. This is done most effectively by installing both roof vents to eliminate hot air, and side vents to draw in fresh air from outside. Solar power vents and automatic vent openers make it easier to control their operation.
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.
Once the greenhouse is in place, details such as staging and benching, and a water storage system can be installed. Benching and staging are shelves where potted plants grow, they can be either slatted or solid according to the needs of the plants. Regular storage shelves can be placed underneath these units. Most gardeners will collect water from the roof of the structure for use.
The first step is to choose the most appropriate site for the greenhouse. It should ideally be placed in a sunny spot that is not surrounded by trees, and is sheltered from strong winds. Sufficient space should be left around it, as to allow easier access for repairs if needed and if electricity will be installed, it should be closer to the house.
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.
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.
Frames are typically either aluminum or wooden. The former is normally less expensive and durable and may have a colored powdered coating applied to them for added aesthetic appeal. The latter has a more finished look and comes with both half-glass and full-glass wall styles, but they cost more and are prone to rot from exposure to dampness.
In order to ensure suitable airflow in the structure, adequate ventilation is needed. This is done most effectively by installing both roof vents to eliminate hot air, and side vents to draw in fresh air from outside. Solar power vents and automatic vent openers make it easier to control their operation.
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.
Once the greenhouse is in place, details such as staging and benching, and a water storage system can be installed. Benching and staging are shelves where potted plants grow, they can be either slatted or solid according to the needs of the plants. Regular storage shelves can be placed underneath these units. Most gardeners will collect water from the roof of the structure for use.
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