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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment