At some point, most active gardeners contemplate buying or building a greenhouse to extend the growing season, or just to get a head start on the next year’s crops. If thoroughly researched, choosing and building your own greenhouse does not have to be a difficult or expensive project.
One of the first things prospective greenhouse owners should do is decide their needs as a gardener. Decide whether the greenhouse will be for over wintering and yea-round plants or a starter house for seedlings. Both will require extra heating and lighting depending on your climate and the type of plants you intend to house. If your needs are less or you live in a mild climate a smaller hobby greenhouse might be more suitable for you.
Budget is another thing to keep in mind when planning a greenhouse. There are many affordable greenhouse kits in available that might well save you money in the long run. These kits come in a large variety of sizes and materials and vary in their difficulty to build.
Whether you buy a greenhouse kit or build one from scratch, the first thing you will need to do is decide on a site. The place you build your greenhouse will have a dramatic impact on your plants. You will want to choose a place where your plants will receive the most light. At least six hours of direct sunlight is recommended and should be sufficient for anything you decide to grow. It is especially important for your plants to have adequate sunlight in the winter months.
After choosing your site, you’ll need to prepare the ground and build a good foundation for your greenhouse. You will want to make sure you have a level surface that is free of weeds and debris, before you begin construction on the flooring. Good drainage should also be considered when preparing your foundation.
A sod or natural foundation is popular with many gardeners. It is easy, less expensive and makes the greenhouse easier to move if another location is chosen. If you choose this type of floor, you may still want to build a walkway in the center made wood, brick or concrete.
Wood is another type of flooring that is a natural alternative to a sod floor. After squaring off your foundation, gravel should be put down to help with drainage and help anchor the wood floor. It can be costly, depending on the type of lumber you choose and whether you decide to tackle the job yourself or have a professional carpenter build it for you. I have seen wooden floors made with less cost and little or no carpentry skill with things such as wooden pallets. One industries and creative gardener I know anchored surplus wooden railroad tracks on the floor of his greenhouse.
Concrete is one of the most popular and permanent foundations you may choose. You can choose to have it professionally poured or do it yourself by squaring off the foundation with 2 x 4’s and following the instructions for the concrete you buy. This usually involves a base of gravel and sand before pouring the concrete. Doing this yourself can be time consuming and messy, but might be the right choice for those with a tighter budget.
The shape and design of greenhouse you choose is entirely up to you and your needs. It may be a freestanding building or attached to the side of your house or garage. You should keep in mind that an attached greenhouse will most likely be easier to heat and will have easier access to electricity for both the heating and lighting.
There are several different materials to choose from when building a greenhouse. The most common frame choices are aluminum, steel, wood or plastic. The most popular choice being aluminum for its durability and lightweight quality. The walls and window choices are just as plentiful. Plastic, fiberglass, glass, polyethylene and polycarbonate all have their benefits. Glass use to be the most widely used, but its inability to block UV rays and the fact that it breaks quite easily have contributed to its decline in use. Polyethylene is a good choice for a first greenhouse as it is inexpensive and pliable material the can form to any frame. Polycarbonate is a stronger alternative that would be a good choice in more windy locations. Polycarbonate comes in durable plates much like glass; unlike glass, it is nearly unbreakable under normal use.
Heating important part of a successful greenhouse. Electric, gas and wood heaters can all work well. When heating your greenhouse, do not neglect proper ventilation for gasses to escape. Ventilation will also be important in the warmer months when your greenhouse can get too hot for sensitive plants.
Whether you choose to build a greenhouse from scratch or with the help of a greenhouse kit, a greenhouse are fast becoming a popular addition to the home for experienced and novice gardeners alike. With proper research and a little work, a greenhouse can be a year-round place to enjoy all your horticultural efforts.
