A Room Full of Life: Creating Your Own Green House

It’s time to start exercising that green thumb. Spring is here and with it comes your garden. If you really want to take your plants to the next level, and maybe even continue growing year round it might be fun to think about designing your own greenhouse. These small rooms are great sources of light and energy and will fill you and your plants with new life any time of the year.

Planning

Select the location carefully and note where the shade occurs in both winter and summer. The best placement for plants is South or Southeast because the greenhouse will receive maximum sunlight. Morning sunlight is best because it will start the growing process early. If placing the greenhouse underneath or near a tree, make sure it is deciduous because those types of trees shed their leaves in the winter and allow sunlight. North side greenhouses should not be considered because of the lack of sunlight. Place the greenhouse above ground so rainwater and irrigation water will drain away from the structure. Accessibility to utilities and ease of entrance is an important factor in a greenhouse location.

Types of Greenhouses

Lean-to’s are the most economical because they utilize one side of a building or house. They are half size of greenhouse, and should be placed for maximum sunlight exposure. The disadvantage to a lean-to is temperatures fluctuate easily making it harder to manage heat. Freestanding greenhouses have versatility in size and accommodate many budgets. However, they need separate heating systems and electricity and water must be installed. The most popular size greenhouse is 8ft x 6ft. When deciding on the structure of your greenhouse, bench space, storage space, and room for future expansion should be considered. Greenhouse kits are ideal for budgets and construction.

Frames

A Quonset frame is a reasonable alternative to a rigid frame using either steel supports or PVC tubing. However, the dome shape has less storage space and head room. Inexpensive materials make it less sturdy. A rigid frame will be sturdier but will take a little more attention because it will require stronger materials and a foundation. You will need to consider different types of floor plans. Rigid frames will require a builder, or perhaps friends you have bribed with fresh produce from your greenhouse. Have a RetroTeck Window Mfg. Ltd. professional measure and install windows from Vancouver for any kind of frame you choose.

Materials

Modern technology has given some options in building materials other than glass, such as UV Stabilized Polyethylene which is similar to glass in light transmission, though it is light and inexpensive and will need to be replaced every few years. Another option is hard, double walled plastic that filters in 80% of the light. High-grade fiberglass will allow more sunlight than low grade fiberglass, and the required maintenance on fiberglass will be a coat of resin every ten to fifteen years. Tempered glass is the best option overall, because it is stronger than regular glass and turns your greenhouse into a beautiful room full of plant life. Installing a window will help with ventilation. However, it is more expensive, and you will need to take bids from construction companies for a durable frame and foundation.

Well thought out planning and consideration of frame and materials in your greenhouse will provide a room full of life, and peace to your soul.