How To Build A Greenhouse

There are some factors to consider before you commit to building a greenhouse. The first thing to think about is having a course of action or plan, you'll save both time and money by planning ahead. Also, keep in mind whatever your plans, a great deal of them will be dependent on the types of plant materials you choose to grow.

There are many different types of greenhouses and with this the wide array of choices there is one out there that will fit into almost any budget. The cost can vary because of size, design, and materials used. You can purchase pre-assembled greenhouses that are made up of things such as polycarbonate, plastic, glass or partial wood or aluminum. Another option is to built one for yourself out of materials you choose.

No matter what you decide on, pre-assembled or build it yourself, you will be confronted with some of the same problems.

Consider the foundation material (floor), you can have none, wood, gravel, brick or cement. That choice could also depend on if you will be covering the floor with some other material such a tile, linoleum or carpet. You may also want to think about whether you will have a heating system installed in the flooring. With any decision made take the time to estimate how much effort and time it will take for upkeep of the floor, because that too is an investment.

Another thing to consider during the planning phase is where your greenhouse will be located. Elements such as trees and which direction the greenhouse faces are important because it effects the amount of heat and sunlight the greenhouse will have access to. Another big consideration during planning is to take into account the climate, wind, hail, snow and other weather dependent variables that will effect the greenhouse.

Geography of the region you live in is an important factor when you plan your greenhouse. In the northern areas during the warmer months you are able to get many hours of sunshine, but during the winter that number decreases dramatically. You need to know the amount of sunshine that you can reasonably expect your greenhouse to be exposed to. It is a key factor when planning, but keep in mind you can supplement sunlight with lights and heating systems.

The light isn't the only factor when planning your indoor environment. Heat that is generated and the amount of moisture in the air are affected by the surrounding climate. Different parts of the country have swings in temperature and moisture, of example, take Northern Idaho, the summers are dry so there would be a greater need to plan for an adequate water supply. This is in contrast to New Hampshire where the summers are more humid and thereby the need for water is diminished.

A big consideration is the size and location of the greenhouse as well as the elements that relate to these factors.

Elements like trees that may be in close proximity to the greenhouse on one side but too far on the other side. Your property may be hilly, so you would have to consider excavating it to get a more level base to build on. Other environmental factors to consider are rain, wind and hail, the greenhouse can be more protected from these elements in one area of the property than another.

Of course the overall rain and wind is about the same on the property, but the exact amount that effect the structure is dependent on the location of the greenhouse. For example, trees can block the rain and wind. Having a high fence is another alternative that will supply similar benefits.

An element such as rain can be controlled in some respect by the drainage system that is used in your greenhouse. The wind speed can effect how easy it will be to open and close the doors to your structure. The orientation of the windows and doors should be thought of when you are thinking of what direction the greenhouse should face. Mud and sand may have a tendency to accumulate on one side versus the other if there is no barriers like trees to protect the structure.

You don't need a degree in architecture to plan, build or install a greenhouse. You should adapt some of their thinking processes however when researching plans and locations. This may seem like a big chore for people that just want to garden and not have to deal with the construction part of the project. But, keep in mind that a little time spent up front in the planning phase will provide more time to garden in the long run.

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