Building a greenhouse gives you the opportunity to grow your favorite plants year-round.
The warm stable environment inside a greenhouse allows you to grow plants that might not otherwise be able to be grown.
Greenhouses are usually freestanding structures, however, they can be attached to a home for easy access. Building a greenhouse attached to the wall of the home is often the least expensive option.
However, there is always the problem of the sunlight may be compromised by the house wall.
On the other hand, freestanding greenhouses can be placed anywhere on the property allowing all four sides to receive the right amount of sunlight.
Why should you build a greenhouse?
There are a variety of reasons for building a greenhouse. The obvious reason is to protect your plants from all kinds of things such as cold weather, pests, and animals.
You don’t have to be an avid gardener to enjoy the use of a greenhouse.
You love fresh flowers
It relaxes you to potter in the greenhouse
It expands the growing season for you.
You are able to plant seedlings to give them a good start in life.
Being surrounded by plants soothes the soul and are wonderful retreat to allow you to escape the cares of the world.
How big should you go?
How big to build the greenhouse will depend on the space you have. If there is only limited space in your back yard then a small one is the answer.
The bigger the area the bigger you can build. Of course that too depends on your enthusiasm for growing all things.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
Year-round gardening
for those who love to garden. Depending on where you live the winter months may limit your garden time by several months.
However, for those living in tropical areas, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Exotic Plants
Having a greenhouse gives you the ability to grow species of plants that wouldn’t normally grow in your region. That prospect should excite the avid gardener.
Pests
Having a greenhouse for your plants helps control pests that might otherwise attack vegetables and flowers in an outside garden.
Cons:
Building costs
Building a greenhouse may be expensive. Of course that will depend on the size of the one you want to build.
Naturally, there are cheap options but if you’re going to go to the trouble to build one then you may as well build a decent greenhouse.
Heating Costs
Heating a greenhouse will naturally depend on your location. If you are living in a very cold climate then the costs will be reasonably high. Of course in tropical climates, they don’t usually require heating.
Maintenance
Greenhouses require regular maintenance and attention. It’s important not to neglect this as the house will deteriorate quickly if not looked after.
Types of materials for the greenhouses
Consideration should be given to just what material you are going to build your greenhouse from. Glass is the most common material however it is the most expensive to use.
Another option is plastic sheeting. Naturally, it is a cheaper product, but it is also more likely to deteriorate quickly. It won’t stand up to time like glass.
A third option is polycarbonate, it is more durable than plastic sheeting and is less expensive than glass but a little more costly than plastic.
One other thing to consider is the frame of the structure.
The 3 most common products are used.
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Galvanized steel.
Galvanized steel is the sturdiest of the three products as it will withstand weights of 100 pounds and won’t rust.
It is also wind-resistant and can withstand a variety of environmental conditions.
Wood is less expensive but is quite sturdy and is suitable for medium-sized greenhouses.
If you live in a cold climate that experiences cold weather for months on end, a high tunnel type might be the way to go for you.
High tunnels are made from PVC for the ribs and are covered with plastic sheeting. They are usually around 30 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9-12 feet long.
Of course, they can be made smaller if required. Â One thing that you will notice with a high tunnel is that you can grow many more vegetables and a large selection of flowers.
These structures are often used in very cold climates so that fresh fruit and vegetables are available for the people who live there.
Water
Obviously, you will require water to grow your plants. So when constructing the greenhouse consider if you need to install a hose and spigot or install an automatic watering system.
This is controlled by a timer.
Wrap Up
In reality, the building of a greenhouse will depend on the homeowner and how passionate they are about growing all kinds of plants.
Growing fruit and vegetables will save money and growing all types of flowers will give so much pleasure.