How To Buy A Greenhouse That Meets Your Gardening Needs

By Katina Brady


The arrival of winter does not have to mean the end of gardening for those with a green thumb who love to grow plants and flowers, not with a cozy greenhouse in their own backyard. Before going to buy a greenhouse, it's a good idea for gardeners to keep these guidelines in mind in order to choose a design which will best meet their needs.

Before anything else, one must be certain that there is a suitable location for the greenhouse. The ideal spot should be free of trees, exposed to adequate sunlight, and protected from strong winds. Ample space should be left around its perimeter, for easy repair access, and it should be placed in close proximity to the house if electrical wiring will be installed.

Some greenhouses have an additional heating source, while others do not, this largely depends on how they will be used and when. Gardeners who plan on growing seedlings over the winter, will definitely require heating. A high temperature can be achieved with gas, paraffin, or electric heat systems, and moderate warmth can be established with insulating bubble-wrap. Temperatures should generally not be lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

The glass walls of a greenhouse should be both durable and conducive to the entry of sunlight. They are most often made from polycarbonate safety glass, toughened safety glass, or standard glazing glass. The latter is superior for allowing light to enter, yet vulnerable to shattering, but is fairly simple to replace if necessary. The other types may not facilitate the passage of light as well, but they are typically shatter resistant.

The frame may be made from either wood or aluminum. The former usually has a nicer appearance, and can have either full or half-glass walls, but is also more expensive. The latter costs less and provides ultimate durability as it is not subject to rot like wood is, the aluminum may be left plain or have a colored powdered coating applied to enhance its appearance.

It will also be necessary to ensure proper ventilation. Vents can be installed in both the roof and the sides, those in the roof allow escape of excess hot air while those on the sides permit entry of fresh, cooler air from outside to create a balanced airflow. A combination of both types is recommended for ideal growing conditions. Besides manually, they can be controlled by solar power or with an automatic vent opener for convenience.

The gardener will also want to give some thought to the style of doors he or she prefers, either sliding or hinged, and the most suitable type of flooring. The roof shapes vary as well, and are a matter of personal and practical preference. A base gives the structure stability, and if it is wooden, it deters rotting.

The final touches to install, once the assembly of the greenhouse is complete, can include a water storage system, benching and staging. Plants are grown on specially designed shelves known as benching and staging, which can be either solid or slatted. Supply shelves can be installed underneath them. Water is usually collected from the greenhouse's roof and is used for watering plants.




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