Greenhouses are the perfect way to extend your plant and vegetable growing season and enjoy those juicy, home-grown vegetables and fruits earlier and later in the season. You can find greenhouse kits if you are short on time or expertise, or you can build your own greenhouse from scratch.
When building a greenhouse, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.
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Location The greenhouse should be located where it gets maximum light. If possible, build your greenhouse on the south or southeast side of a building or shade trees. While sunlight all day is best, morning sunlight on the east side is sufficient for plants. The next best site is southwest and west of major structures, where plants receive sunlight later in the day. Harsh mid-afternoon sunlight can be damaging, and morning light is best for food production in your plants. Good drainage is also essential when choosing the right location for your greenhouse. You will want to build above surrounding ground, so rain and irrigation water will wash away. Style The style of greenhouse is the next thing you will want to consider. Greenhouses come in many designs, such as lean-to, even-span, window-mounted, and freestanding. Considering your needs and the location of the greenhouse, you will be able to find one that works as you want it to. Frame As with styles, there are many different frame styles to choose from. Look into Rigid Frame, Quonset, A-frame, Gothic, and Post-and-Rafter styles to find one that best suits your needs. |
Coverings
Greenhouses are typically made of translucent (light transparent) materials that allow sunlight in and trap it to create a warm, humid atmosphere. Glazing refers to the type of walls and ceiling you have in your greenhouse. Different types of glazing will give you different growing effects, and glazing will likely be the most expensive part of building a greenhouse. The most common types of glazing are plastic sheets and glass, and some greenhouses use a polycarbonate plastic glaze. It is best to use glazing that is UV stabilized in order to protect your plants; and use more than a single-pane glaze, as single-panes will allow the greenhouse to get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
When you have decided on the best location, materials, and frame, it is time to build your greenhouse. A quick Internet search will reap many different plans and blueprints for the construction. With a little bit of carpentry experience and the right tools and knowledge, you will have an amazing greenhouse in no time.
