If you love gardening, you may have considered adding a greenhouse to your backyard. You’ve probably given thought to how you could start your seeds earlier, and maybe even enjoy some produce out of season.
You have a lot to think about when you’re getting serious about buying a greenhouse. There are a lot of features to consider, and they can add up quickly. You have to balance the expense of buying and installing a greenhouse with the benefits.
Features to Consider
There are many kinds of greenhouses, from simple models designed primarily as a place to start seeds early in the season, to basic models for the gardeners who are getting more serious, to fully equipped, large greenhouses that allow you to grow many different kinds of produce year round.
Size is the first feature to consider. You want to think about how much space you want for growing in your greenhouse and how much space you have for installing your greenhouse. These two goals don’t always work well together.
Ventilation is another important feature to consider. Smaller greenhouses may be easy to open up to let the air flow through when the weather is right, but larger models require automatic openers to make your life easier.
If you’re growing plants in winter, it is possible that you will need to install a heating system for your plants. Winter sunlight is not always enough to heat them even in a greenhouse.
Location, Location, Location
If you don’t have a great spot for a greenhouse, it’s not going to be worth the trouble. You want your greenhouse to get as much sunlight as possible. A southern to southeast exposure is best.
A little shade in the afternoon isn’t a complete problem, so long as you get enough sunlight in the morning.
You will also want a spot with good drainage. Rain water and other moisture need to flow away from your greenhouse, not into it.
You will want easy access to electricity and water in your greenhouse. If it’s a permanent structure, you may want to run electricity to it. This has advantages if you’re going to be heating during the winter.
Starting Your Plants
You can start many kinds of plants in your greenhouse. Which types and how many will be a big part of the size of greenhouse you select.
If you’re just starting seeds, you won’t need a large greenhouse. If your goal is to have fresh produce all winter, you’re going to need a lot more space.
A greenhouse is an investment. They aren’t particularly cheap, especially if you want it to last for many years. Think carefully and balance the cost with how you believe you will use it.
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