Types of Greenhouses
There are two main types of greenhouses: lean-to and freestanding.
Lean-to greenhouses attach to the side of another building,
while freestanding greenhouses
are a completely independent
structure. There are advantages and
disadvantages to each.
While lean-to greenhouses have easy
access to electricity, water, and heat,
they also offer limited space, light,
ventilation, and temperature control.
Freestanding greenhouses provide
more light, however, they will need
their own separate heating system
which can be costly.
Make sure you have access to water and electricity. Your
life will be much easier if you can automate watering,
temperature control, and ventilation.
“THE IDEAL LOCATION
FOR YOUR
GREENHOUSE IS A
SPOT THAT GETS A LOT
OF SUN ON THE SOUTH
OR SOUTHEAST SIDE
OF YOUR
Greenhouse Size
There are many things to consider when
deciding on the size of your greenhouse.
You’ll want to include enough space for
future expansions, bench space, walkways,
and storage space.
It is easier to control temperature in a
larger greenhouse. Temperatures in smaller
greenhouses can change quickly if someone
opens a door or forgets to open a vent. If you
build as wide as possible, it will be easier to
expand the length in the future.
Consider what you will need to use your walkways for. Will
you need just enough space to walk between rows and work at
the benches, or will you need enough room for a wheelbarrow?
Typically, 24 to 30 inches should give you a walkway wide
enough to push your wheelbarrow.
Will your benches be off to the side or down the middle of your
greenhouse? Side benches can be as narrow as two to three feet
wide, while center benches could be as wide as six feet.
How many plants do you intend to grow? A six-inch pot needs
about one square foot of space, so if you grow 100 plants, you’ll
need 100 square feet of bench space. A good rule of thumb is
that two-thirds of your greenhouse
will be bench space, and one-third
will be walkways.
How tall are the plants you’ll be
growing? If you are just starting
plants, then an eave height of five feet
will work fine. However, if you plan on
growing taller plants or trees, you will
want to increase the height.
home.”
Choosing the Right Location
The ideal location for your greenhouse is a spot that gets a lot
of sun on the south or southeast side of your home. If you plan
on using your greenhouse during the hot summer months,
placing it on the north side of a deciduous tree will provide
shade during the hottest part of the day. In the winter, the
tree’s leaves will fall and allow more light to get through.
Choose a level, well-drained area for your greenhouse. Lay it
so the length runs north and south. This way, it will receive as
much sun as possible during the winter months.
"You’ll want to include enough space
for future expansions, bench space,
walkways, and storage space."
Materials
There are many building materials
to consider when constructing your
greenhouse, each with advantages
and disadvantages. Frames can be
made from wood, aluminum, plastic,
or iron. Coverings can be made from
glass, fiberglass, acrylic, double-wall
plastic, and film plastic.
Although glass can be costly, it
will last a lifetime if there are no
accidents that break it. Glass is
strong, transparent, retains heat and
humidity well, and provides a weather-tight structure.
Fiberglass is less expensive, strong, lightweight, and takes
harsh weather well. However, as it ages and degrades, it will
turn yellow and allow much less light to get through.
Acrylic is UV- and weather-resistant, lightweight, and
won’t yellow, however, it is expensive, easily scratched,
and gets brittle with age.
Plastic has become a popular choice with gardeners because
it is inexpensive and yields results similar to expensive glass
greenhouses. An added benefit to homeowners is plastic
greenhouses are viewed as temporary structures and will most
likely not raise the value of your property for tax purposes.
You can choose from double-wall plastic or plastic film.
Double-wall plastic is rigid, durable, and usually coated
with a UV-inhibitor to make it last longer.
30
Maximum Yield