Points To Consider Before You Buy A Greenhouse
People who enjoy growing plants and flowers may continue to do so throughout the year if they have a greenhouse in their yard. Plants can safely develop even in the cold winter months from the warm shelter which greenhouses provide. Since there are many different designs and options available, before going to buy a greenhouse, the gardener needs to be aware of the features that will best fit his or her growing plans.
Before anything else, one must be certain that there is a suitable location for the greenhouse. The ideal spot should be free of trees, exposed to adequate sunlight, and protected from strong winds. Ample space should be left around its perimeter, for easy repair access, and it should be placed in close proximity to the house if electrical wiring will be installed.
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.
Most frames are made from either aluminum or wood and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is more affordable, very strong, and can have a powdered coating in almost any color applied to it for added visual appeal. Wooden greenhouses have a charming appearance, and they can have either fully glassed walls or a glass/wood combination, however they are more expensive and can rot when in prolonged contact with dampness.
It will also be necessary to ensure proper ventilation. Vents can be installed in both the roof and the sides, those in the roof allow escape of excess hot air while those on the sides permit entry of fresh, cooler air from outside to create a balanced airflow. A combination of both types is recommended for ideal growing conditions. Besides manually, they can be controlled by solar power or with an automatic vent opener for convenience.
There are other details pertaining to the structure of the unit which one should take into consideration, such as the base design, type of flooring, doors, and roof shape. The greenhouse's size is mostly dictated by the nature of the plants that will be grown in it. A base helps prevent wood-rot and provides stability. Doors can be either sliding or hinged styles.
The final touches to install, once the assembly of the greenhouse is complete, can include a water storage system, benching and staging. Plants are grown on specially designed shelves known as benching and staging, which can be either solid or slatted. Supply shelves can be installed underneath them. Water is usually collected from the greenhouse's roof and is used for watering plants.
Before anything else, one must be certain that there is a suitable location for the greenhouse. The ideal spot should be free of trees, exposed to adequate sunlight, and protected from strong winds. Ample space should be left around its perimeter, for easy repair access, and it should be placed in close proximity to the house if electrical wiring will be installed.
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.
Most frames are made from either aluminum or wood and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is more affordable, very strong, and can have a powdered coating in almost any color applied to it for added visual appeal. Wooden greenhouses have a charming appearance, and they can have either fully glassed walls or a glass/wood combination, however they are more expensive and can rot when in prolonged contact with dampness.
It will also be necessary to ensure proper ventilation. Vents can be installed in both the roof and the sides, those in the roof allow escape of excess hot air while those on the sides permit entry of fresh, cooler air from outside to create a balanced airflow. A combination of both types is recommended for ideal growing conditions. Besides manually, they can be controlled by solar power or with an automatic vent opener for convenience.
There are other details pertaining to the structure of the unit which one should take into consideration, such as the base design, type of flooring, doors, and roof shape. The greenhouse's size is mostly dictated by the nature of the plants that will be grown in it. A base helps prevent wood-rot and provides stability. Doors can be either sliding or hinged styles.
The final touches to install, once the assembly of the greenhouse is complete, can include a water storage system, benching and staging. Plants are grown on specially designed shelves known as benching and staging, which can be either solid or slatted. Supply shelves can be installed underneath them. Water is usually collected from the greenhouse's roof and is used for watering plants.
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