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.
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.
Whether or not the structure will be heated depends on how it is to be used. In particular if one wishes to grow seedlings during the cold winter months, it will be necessary to supply extra heat. Means of heating greenhouses include gas, electricity, paraffin, and bubble-wrap insulation. The first three methods provide higher temperatures than the last. Generally a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained.
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.
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.
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.
Whether or not the structure will be heated depends on how it is to be used. In particular if one wishes to grow seedlings during the cold winter months, it will be necessary to supply extra heat. Means of heating greenhouses include gas, electricity, paraffin, and bubble-wrap insulation. The first three methods provide higher temperatures than the last. Generally a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained.
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.
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.
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.
