For many, gardening is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed for only a few months a year. A backyard greenhouse will expand the growing season and if properly built and equipped can be used year round. A greenhouse also makes a great place to store outdoor plants, such as ferns during cold weather.
Building a greenhouse may be easier and more affordable than you think. With the large number of designs and sizes available you can select a greenhouse that will meet your needs and budget.
Before choosing a design for a greenhouse, you need to decide where it will be located on your property and what it will be used for. The site you choose should be in an open space so that you will get the full benefit of the sun. If you are going to build a solar greenhouse where you can grow vegetables and fruit bearing plants, the greenhouse should be located on the on the east-west portion of the lot. This positioning will make it more exposed to sunlight.
The greenhouse should be as close to your house as possible; this will so that you will have a source of water and electricity, if you plan to use it. The site should also provide for good drainage. A solar greenhouse that will be used for vegetables and fruits should be situated on the east-west part of the lot to get the most exposure from the sun.
A greenhouse doesn’t have to be large for you to benefit from it. Even if you don’t have a lot of space to devote to a greenhouse you can still find a design that will maximize the space.
As you consider building a greenhouse the following points will help in your decision making.
1. Decide if your greenhouse will be a portable or permanent structure. For a permanent structure you will need some type of foundation. With regards to materials, decide if you want to use inexpensive materials that are easy to work with or if the look and style of your greenhouse is more important than the cost.
2. If you decide to use wood, select from redwood, cypress or cedar. If none of these are available the wood you use, unless pressure treated, would need to be painted to prevent possible contamination to the soil and for durability.
3. If you live in a cold climate consider an insulated greenhouse. For a warm climate a greenhouse with a shade would be recommended.
4. For a permanent structure you will need some type of foundation. One made of concrete will provide for a more secured greenhouse. You can have a less expensive and lighter weight foundation using a material such as railroad ties which can be easily attached to the ground.
5. Building a greenhouse that will maximize the space will allow you to build a smaller structure and still have the space you need for growing plants. Adding a bench will give you a place to sit in comfort when you want to relax in your greenhouse.
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