A greenhouse is an ideal place to grow plants.It can be used to start plants.It is possible to build a greenhouse on a budget or by professional builders.
Step 1: Depending on the location, choose a south or north facing area.
Good consistent sunlight is required for a greenhouse.The structures should be to the north of the greenhouse.A lean-to is one of the main greenhouse structures.A south wall of a building is a good choice.
Step 2: You can give preferences to locations that have morning and afternoon sun.
Although all-day sun is the best option, opening up the area to morning light will increase the growth of the plants.If there are trees near the greenhouse location, make sure they don't give a shadow until late afternoon.
Step 3: There is a difference between summer and winter sun.
The area to the east will get more sun in the winter.Trees, houses and other structures are more likely to pose a problem if the winter sun has a lower angle.Don't choose a location near evergreen trees.Deciduous trees don't shade the location in the winter when the greenhouse requires more sun.
Step 4: You can choose a location that has electricity.
The temperature in most greenhouses can be kept optimal with some heat and ventilating.It is possible to extend power from the house if you build a lean-to.An electrician may be required for a separate building.
Step 5: There is a well-drained area.
You will have to syphon it away.You may need to fill in the area if your location is not evenly distributed.If you have a greenhouse, you may be able to use cisterns to catch rain.Reducing water and electricity use will help keep greenhouse costs low.
Step 6: Take a measurement of your location.
Whether you build the greenhouse from scratch or use a kit, you should choose the size carefully.The bigger the greenhouse, the more money it will cost to heat it.8 by 6 feet is the most popular greenhouse size.
Step 7: If you only have a few people to help you build the greenhouse, choose a kit.
You can get a pop-up greenhouse from home improvement stores and Amazon for less than $150.The models range from $500 to $5,000.There are websites like Home Depot and Greenhouses.com.
Step 8: It's a good idea to make a lean-to.
A simple lean-structure that uses the remaining wall as support could be built if you chose an area against a building.The heat from the building can help keep the temperature steady.This is an easy structure to make yourself.Rebar, wooden beams and fewer supports can be used to support it.
Step 9: A Quonset frame is needed.
There is a domed ceiling that can be made with steel supports or ldpe tubing, both of which are more expensive but a saver alternative.There is less head and storage space with the domed shape.The less expensive the material, the less sturdy the shape is.
Step 10: Pick a frame that is rigid.
You will need a frame and a foundation with this design.Unless you are a designer, you won't want to build a greenhouse yourself.A sturdy frame is needed for a rigid frame, post and rafter.You will need the help of friends or employees to build a greenhouse.
Step 11: The more expensive but non toxic LDPE grow tarps can last for longer than UV-stabilized polyethylene.
It is protected from harmful UV rays.The plastic film has to be replaced every few years.It needs to be washed frequently.It is adequate for lean-tos, quonsets and small stand-alone framed greenhouses because it does not hold heat as well as glass.
Step 12: Use hard, double-walled plastic, such as multi wall polycarbonate or corrugated polycarbonate, which has a higher light transparency.
It has an energy savings of up to 30 percent, because it is double-walled, and it can be curved slightly around the frame.Polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than glass so it won't chip or crack during construction.80% of light filters through polycarbonate, which is not as strong as glass, but has more light transparency.The filters are true to the material.
Step 13: If you are building a framed greenhouse, you can save money by choosing fiberglass over glass because the roof construction can be lighter.
The transparency of fiberglass will be lost in a few years.It stays clear up to 10 years, but is more expensive.Clear fiberglass or better is the choice.It will need a new coat of paint every 10 to 15 years.It's a good idea to invest in higher-grade fiberglass.Light transmission is reduced on low-grade fiberglass.It is easier to work with this and will save you 25% in cost.
Step 14: Go for glass.
If you are building a greenhouse that accentuates your house or garden, this is the most attractive material.Glass is very fragile and expensive to replace when it breaks, but on the other side fiberglass and polycarbonate need to be replaced over time.Settlement can cause damage to a framed greenhouse if it is not built with a foundation.Consider using hardened glass for the roof because it is stronger than regular glass.If you live in an area prone to hail, a 4mm thickness of float glass is recommended.The foundation and frame of a glass greenhouse should be bid by construction companies to ensure they can handle the weight.A source of cheap glass can be found in greenhouse deconstruction companies.
Step 15: Measure where you want the supports to be by using strings along the ground.
There are pound stakes in the ground.
Step 16: Rebar is used to reinforce.
If you're building a lean-to or Quonset, you can reinforce your frame with a variety of materials.Rebar is pound into the ground every 4 feet.48 inches (121.9 cm) protrude from the ground.You can create your frame by looping 20-foot sections of tubing over the rebar.Attach your plastic film to the beams at the bottom by stretching it over the frame.
Step 17: After your supports are driven into the ground, pour gravel on it.
Extra drainage can be found in a greenhouse environment with small, loose gravel.If you need a foundation, hire builders.They will need to pour the floor of your greenhouse before it can be framed.
Step 18: Before using wood, be aware of what you use for treatment, not every treatment is suitable to be in contact with food products.
The wood can degrade in 3 years.Carefully choose your wood treatment.Some wood treatments don't allow the food to be labeled "organic" or "safe for consumption" because of the use of chemicals.Consider a treatment that doesn't have a lot of properties.If possible, use metal supports instead of wood supports.
Step 19: As closely as you can, seal the covering to the frame.
It is possible to bolt film to wood.The more expensive the covering, such as glass, fiberglass, or double walled plastic, the more time you should take to seal it to the foundation and frame.You should research the best procedure for the job.
Step 20: The greenhouse has fans in the corners.
To create a airflow, set up fans that are diagonal.They should run a lot during the winter to make sure the greenhouse is warm.
Step 21: Vents should be installed in the ceiling of your greenhouse.
They can be found near the top of the supports.It's important that carbon dioxide is fed into the air.The vents should be adjusted.In the summer months, you will need to open them wider.
Step 22: Consider installing an electric heating appliance.
25 percent of the heat in your greenhouse comes from solar heat, so a backup heater is important.Carbon dioxide poising is a real danger to be looked out for in such a close space, and you can use a wood or oil-based heater, but it must be vented to the outside to ensure good air quality.To find out what heating options are available in your area, check with your town or council.
Step 23: If you are using a glass-frame greenhouse, you should install a forced-air system.
You can grow almost anything if you can afford to outfit your greenhouse with a temperature control system.An electrician and a contractor are needed to install your system.In the winter, it may need regular maintenance.
Step 24: It's a good idea to install thermometers or thermostats.
If 1 breaks, you should install several thermometers.You can observe the temperature in your greenhouse at all times if you place them at different levels.If you want to keep an eye on the temperature in your house and greenhouse during the winter months, you can purchase a thermometer.
Step 25: You should study planting conditions for the plants you want to grow.
The more sensitive the plant is to heat, the less likely you will be able to grow other plants in the same section.A greenhouse is designed to keep plants warm.It's ideal for temporary greenhouses.A hot house is a place to keep plants warm.You will need to keep the temperature steady.There is no way to make different zones in an open greenhouse.
Step 26: You should have a steady water supply.
It needs to be supplied by hose water and cisterns.
Step 27: There are raised beds inside the greenhouse.
Slatted tables allow water to drain through them and into the gravel.The beds should be built to the height of the primary gardener.