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.
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.
The frame may be made from either wood or aluminum. The former usually has a nicer appearance, and can have either full or half-glass walls, but is also more expensive. The latter costs less and provides ultimate durability as it is not subject to rot like wood is, the aluminum may be left plain or have a colored powdered coating applied to enhance its appearance.
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.
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.
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.
The frame may be made from either wood or aluminum. The former usually has a nicer appearance, and can have either full or half-glass walls, but is also more expensive. The latter costs less and provides ultimate durability as it is not subject to rot like wood is, the aluminum may be left plain or have a colored powdered coating applied to enhance its appearance.
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.
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.
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