FEATURESTORY
by Tammy Wylie
The Differences in Temporary
and Permanent Greenhouses
Temporary Greenhouse
A temporary greenhouse is typically one con-
structed during your winter months for protection of
tender plants, with little to no ground preparation
being needed. Some units may have a steel frame or
a pole frame, but the covering is usually some type
of film. These may be built and taken down in a rea-
sonable amount of time. There are even some low-
end pop up models. They typically have no snow
loads or wind loads. In fact, most manufacturers
recommend that the covers be removed prior to high
wind conditions.
These structures usually have a short warranty of
no more than one year. The best thing about these
temporary greenhouses is they are very affordable,
with many models costing less than $1,000 and some
even under $100.00. But there is a reason they have
such low prices – this type of greenhouse is not de-
signed to be functional in harsh weather (or even
mildly bad weather) and many times have a very
short life span. They have a purpose but the buyer
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also needs to remember that you almost always get
what you pay for.
Permanent Greenhouse
A permanent greenhouse is much different.
They generally have a higher quality frame that is
bolted together, although some of the better quality
temporary greenhouses also have this. Permanent
structures usually glazed with a more rigid material
like polycarbonate or glass. Good quality permanent
greenhouses are rated for snow load and wind load
and some may require a building permit before they
can be installed.
Their prices vary, but most of them cost at least
$1,000 and sometimes much more. They will either
require a foundation or an optional base which can
be purchased from the manufacturer. It is important
to prepare the ground before installing a permanent
greenhouse and many times it makes sense to have a
professional complete the installation. The warranties
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
August 2018