Here Are 7 Ways You Can Build A Greenhouse!

A greenhouse is a great addition to any real estate. It increases the value of the property, and also serves some very practical purposes. With a greenhouse, one can grow exotic plants, have pesticide-free vegetables and fulfill their gardening passion. Moreover, a greenhouse generally looks quite nice and makes for an interesting tour.



However, building a greenhouse by yourself could be quite a challenging task. It is doable but would take a decent amount of preparation and knowledge. Still, it’s always better to know how to do things yourself, so that you can make sure you’re getting the best result. Read on for some tips on building a greenhouse:

1. Choosing The Frame
The greenhouse structure would be nothing without its supporting frame. It is hence no surprise that this is one of the most important initial decisions you would make. The right frame would optimize the function of your greenhouse, and could also be instrumental in determining its value.

There are several structures and frames to choose from. Think first about what you want to use the greenhouse for, and then decide. For instance, a lean-to is usually preferred for most greenhouses. However, it would have to be to the south wall of your main building.

While a lean-to is generally smaller than other structures, it has several advantages. One is that you can use the wall of the main building as both a support and a heating method for your greenhouse. However, you do have to decide how large you want your greenhouse to be. Keep in mind, though, that larger structures would take more time, energy, and money. It may also be difficult to find a very large patch of properly drained land to start your project.

2. Entry And Exit
A greenhouse needs very few openings, so one must pay special attention to the doors there. You need to make sure that both entry and exit doors are well-fitted and match the rest of the greenhouse. If the smallest opening is left unsealed, the greenhouse conditions would be compromised.

It is best to go for insulated doors in order to keep the heat trapped inside. One should also make sure that the equipment holding the doors together is of the highest quality and would not wear out soon.

3. Location
As expected, the location is of prime importance for a greenhouse. You should choose, if possible, a place that has more morning sun rather than afternoon sun. Of course, a place that gets sun all day is highly preferable.

There shouldn’t be much foliage near the greenhouse. If there are some trees or bushes, they should not have a shadow directed at the greenhouse unless it is late in the afternoon.

One also has to see whether the area gets more winter sun or summer sun. If the east of the greenhouse is sunny and wide open, it would get more winter sun. In such a case, the low-angled sun in winter would make nearby buildings and growing things a problem. As a rule, evergreen trees should not be near the greenhouse at all.

4. Materials
There are now several greenhouse kits available in the market. This could make greenhouse construction very easy for novices. There are even pop-up greenhouses available for around $150 or a little more. One can find them at home improvement stores or the popular site Amazon.

5. Covering
There are several tarp options you can use to cover the frame of your greenhouse. As with all other materials, the cheaper kinds are convenient but less sturdy. In addition to this, UV-stabilized polyethylene may contain BPA’s which is harmful to humans and the environment. LDPE, on the other hand, is a material that costs a bit more but is not toxic and is more lasting.

Thinner plastic needs to be washed and replaced more frequency than the thicker kind. However, plastic in itself would not hold in the heat like glass would. Still, if you are using a lean-to, quonset, or small frame, plastic would be sufficient. Acrylic and polycarbonate are two other good options that are stronger than glass. For light construction, fiberglass may also come under consideration.

6. Constructing
For constructing the frame, you should first map out the area with string, then put stakes in the ground. Once you start building, be sure to reinforce your structure with rebar or PVC pipes. Use this reinforcement every four feet.

Once you have your setting, make your frame by looping the tubing over your rebar. Then you can cover the frame with your choice of material. This should be firmly affixed to the frame so as to keep the heat in properly.

7. Foundation
Once you get your covering fixed, put gravel around your supports. This would make for better drainage. If you need a firmer foundation, go for concrete. You may have to bring in the professionals for this though. Be sure to get the concrete poured before you start framing your greenhouse.

Wrap-Up…
Before you start building, determine your greenhouse budget, location, span, and any specific design you want. This way, you would have a better idea of the measurements and how long the work would take.


Author Bio
Abdul aziz is a Pro Writer and a Blogging Expert. Apart from being a professional blogger, he is also known for providing A-rated assignment help to students in every part of the world. In his blogs, he writes articles about healthy living, green world, and hygienic lifestyle. He is also an amateur artist and photographer and loves to capture the best moments of nature. You can connect with him on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.

Posted in: Greenhouse