Advice of installing greenhouse

So You're Thinking About Buying a Greenhouse


Eventually every gardener considers the purchase of a greenhouse. A greenhouse offers the opportunity to enjoy gardening every month of the year. It also represents a considerable commitment in money, time, and space. This guide has been developed to help you select from the variety of available greenhouses.


You will want your greenhouse to meet both your gardening needs and your pocketbook. This guide can help you decide what type of greenhouse best fits these requirements, whether it is one from us or a different greenhouse.


1. What size greenhouse?
Greenhouse size is usually dictated by factors like available space and construction costs versus need or desire. When choosing a size, consider if the greenhouse will be used year-round, seasonally, or mainly as a sunspace. If you want a greenhouse to house an extensive collection of houseplants, then it is best to plan on building or purchasing a structure that is larger than your current space requirements. Most hobby greenhouse owners find they need a larger greenhouse than they originally thought. Upgrading later on may be more costly than ordering a larger unit from the beginning. Another important size consideration often neglected is height. You want to make sure your greenhouse has adequate head room. You need to consider both peak and eave (sidewall) height. Taller houses are also easier to heat and ventilate because the air has a greater buffer area.


2. What will the greenhouse be used for?

I want to get a head start in early spring and/or a few extra growing weeks in late fall.
This is an easy task for a greenhouse. How much extra time the greenhouse will provide will vary based on your local climate and if you choose to equip the greenhouse with automatic ventilation and heating. Any of the greenhouses we offer can be used for season extension since heating and cooling requirements are very low for this purpose.

I am interested in overwintering plants that are not hardy in my area.
Overwintering, maintaining the minimum temperature needed for plants to survive, requires heating the greenhouse even if it is for a short period of time. Greenhouses suitable for overwintering can also be used for season extending. Inexpensive greenhouses like the FlowerHouse and Little Greenhouse are fine in milder climates that you don't expect needing to heat the greenhouse more than about 30° F above the outside temperature for any extended length of time.

If you are in a colder climate with temperatures that sometimes drop to 0° F or below, a greenhouse with an insulated covering is recommended. These greenhouses are not only retain heat better, but they also generally offer a tighter seal than other greenhouses making them easier to heat. The Cross Country, Grow More,Aspen, and Sunshine models would be better suited for this purpose.

I want to grow plants in a greenhouse during the winter.
This is different from overwintering plants because plants generally need higher temperatures to grow and thrive versus just staying alive. In this case, an insulated greenhouse will be worth the extra investment because of the lower heating cost. The Cross Country, Grow More, Aspen, and Sunshine models are better greenhouses for growing in the winter.

I want a greenhouse to grow plants year round.
A tightly sealed and insulated greenhouse with high light transmission is desirable for year-round vegetables and flowers (especially in northern climates). Remember, greenhouses are designed to store heat from the sun and create a warmer environment inside of them, so use in the summer in most areas would be limited at best. A greenhouse with an evaporative cooling system is recommended to keep temperatures at a minimum when it is hot outdoors.






VIEW A COMPARISON OF THE GREENHOUSES WE OFFER


3. How elaborate do you want the greenhouse to be?
If you are just starting seedlings or wintering over a few plants and are looking for the least expensive option to do so, you should consider the FlowerHouseand Little Greenhouse. If you want your greenhouse to be a focal point as well as functional, the Sunshine and Cross Country greenhouses are among our most attractive structures. The Cape Cod and Cottage series of the Cross Country are available with a combination of glass and polycarbonate providing both beauty and function.


4. Is a building permit required?
Check local ordinances for required setbacks from property lines, design requirements, and other requirements. Call your local building department. Some hobby greenhouses may not need a permit, but it is a good idea to check anyway.



Selecting a Site for Your Greenhouse


Choosing the right site for your greenhouse will not only determine how well it works as a greenhouse, but how much you will enjoy it. There are several factors to consider in choosing your site.




1. Sunlight
If the greenhouse is going to be used primarily for starting seeds and transplants or plant propagation in the summer, place it in partial shade to minimize heat buildup. You can use a shade cloth to control the amount of sunlight reaching the interior if a partially shaded site is not available. If the greenhouse will be used for growing in late fall and winter, or growing plants to maturity, it will need maximum exposure to the sun. It should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight everyday. It is best to position the greenhouse with the ends facing east and west. This will provide more heat gain from the sun during the winter and create less shadowing in the greenhouse. If the southern exposure is restricted, but open to the east, southeast, southwest, or west, turn the greenhouse to the winter sun. Remember the difference in sun angles from summer to winter (the sun is much lower in the winter).





Sometimes a shade tree can be an advantage, providing some shade for the greenhouse during the hot summer and letting the sun in after losing its leaves in the fall. The problem with overhanging trees is one of falling branches that can damage your greenhouse.


2. Accessibility
You want your greenhouse to be easily used. A good site should be sheltered from high winds and easily accessible from your home and garden. Remember the need to move soil, plants, fertilizer, and yourself to and from the greenhouse. Access to utilities such as electricity and water are important requirements to remember also when selecting your site.


3. Weather
Many regions have chronic weather problems such as heavy rain, snow, and/or strong winds. Heavy rains may cause drainage problems in and around the greenhouse. To avoid standing water, choose a spot on high well-drained ground or install a drainage system before the greenhouse is erected. Snow is usually not a problem as long as you provide adequate insulation and heating. Strong winds can be a real problem. In cold weather, winds blowing over a greenhouse can drain it of its interior heat escalating energy costs. Windbreaks are your most effective weapon. A windbreak is an obstacle that "breaks" up the force of the wind. Trees, shrubs, fences, and other structures can all be effective windbreaks. Remember that a windbreak can also obstruct light. Try to locate one where it will block the least amount of light.

4. Ease of construction and maintenance
A level, well drained site will obviously be easier to work with and maintain than a low, swampy, or sloped area. It is also a good idea to locate your greenhouse away from children's play areas.



What's the Best Material for Greenhouses?


There really is no best material for a greenhouse. It is hard to know what's best when there are so many different materials used to make greenhouses. Aluminum, galvanized steel, wood, PVC, glass, fiberglass, polycarbonate, polyethylene, etc. They all have their place in greenhouse construction. Your needs and budget will determine which is best for you.