- Designing the Greenhouse
We can’t get everything finished fast enough to start designing a greenhouse! We are on the hunt for great ideas, but can’t wait to begin the process! To grow year round and propagate your own seeds will be a game changer for the homestead. Currently, we are looking at the best products to use. The best way to begin the design process is comparing the options for price, durability, look and function.
There are so many things to consider when starting a greenhouse build project. You will need ventilation. Possibly a heat source. Drainage for the water is something to consider. What type of floor will you use? Some use pea gravel with walking stones. Others use tile or simply concrete. Although all is functional, deciding what fits your needs the best is key. Some have large tiles with pea gravel in-between. So many choices!
Wall Options
Then, there is the glass and walls to consider. Many people are using old refurbished wood framed windows. Do you love the antique look? Or, cottage feel? They can really be personalized with these styles. Some even put all different sized and shaped windows for a more eclectic appeal. I used to really love that look. These days, I am more into a stream-lined modern look with balance and function. Perhaps, it’s my older age telling me to keep it simple. Easy to clean and most functional feels better. Although, we really want to have windows we can open.
Others have been building with sheets of polycarbonate. These are possibly less costly than glass windows and can be installed in large sections. Most of the large hardware stores carry this product. It may be the sturdiest of all products due to its plastic made nature of chemical compounds. It definitely would dodge the ability to break as easily from storm damage, something to consider.
Fiberglass is another option for the greenhouse. It should be the cheapest material and can serve the purpose of letting the light through, which is the main goal really. The con is it is not as sturdy as glass or polycarbonate. Also, it is not easy to see through as the other materials are.
Metal, Wood or Plastic Frames
The other main building material to decide on is the frame itself. Metal or wood are the most common materials used in greenhouse construction for durability. Plastic, such as PVC piping, is often used for a cost efficient way to get a greenhouse started quickly and easily. These can be covered in plastic sheets and work well for insulating heat in a greenhouse. The downside to these are the sturdiness and long lasting factor. Also, they often are smaller and there are less ways to install things like shelving, hang lighting etc. They will serve well to grow your plants.
There are a lot of options to buy a greenhouse kit. These you could assemble yourself, or have it pre-assembled and delivered. Some are kits made of metals such as aluminum. Aluminum can be powder coated usually giving it durability and a nice painted finish. So much is made with aluminum because it is less expensive than other metals like Stainless Steel, for example. Aluminum is good for its rust free characteristic. With all the watering in a greenhouse, that is something to really consider. It would last a long time as well as be very sturdy. Maintenance free is also important in the long run.
Wood frames are very popular for greenhouse constructions. Wood is easily found for purchase locally for DIY projects and construction. Weather treated wood would be a must for outside exposure and moisture. You have to dry treated wood for several months in order to stain it properly. That is one downside as you would have to wait to finish it and added moisture in the greenhouse could hinder this drying process.
Wood resembles home construction and gives greenhouses a very homey feel. Cottage looks are also popular in wood constructed greenhouses with window boxes and such. Wood frames are easily built, especially if the builder has previous construction experience. Wood also makes designing it more flexible as you can make your window sizes per your own specs. If you want a unique style, wood is a great option and also lasts a long time!
Ventilation
More important than the material is the ventilation in the greenhouse. Greenhouses reach super high temperatures and releasing the heat is most important to keep your greenhouse at the right temp. 24 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ample high temperature. Anything above 90 degrees F would be too hot for a proper growing environment. You don’t want to kill off all of your hard work! Finding the right way a way to release the heat is crucial. Especially if you live in the hotter regions such as we do. We are in the south and temperatures can reach 100 degree F on occasion.
I have seen some very creative and innovative methods people have used to ventalate. Seems to be a trial and error situation for these methods. I do love a creative solution, especially ones that save the bank! Starting a new greenhouse from scratch gives you the option to plan ahead for whichever ventilation system you choose. Knowing how you are setting up your ventilation is a major part of the greenhouse design process.
There are many shutter style fans you can adjust and install for ventilation. Also, automatic vent openers as the ceiling can be tall. You want a way to not have to climb a ladder if possible. Then, you have to consider having panels that will open on the roof to use these. There are shutter exhaust fans and many styles to consider. Either way you go, having the ventilation ability, with air in and out is crucial in your greenhouse construction.
Knowing Your Greenhouse Needs
Deciding what your greenhouse needs are will tremendously help your design. Are you growing seedlings? Growing to sell product? (Don’t forget a permit if thats the case). Do you want to grow through the colder seasons as we do? Propagate perhaps. Thinking about the space you need is important. I have seen people build a greenhouse that does not have enough space for what they want to grow. Seedlings do not take as much room as full grown plants, for instance.
Shelving is a great way to extend your space upwards. If you have the option to install shelving, this can open up much needed room for plants and supplies. Some greenhouses utilize one wall to wall counter and this works well for them. Used countertops often are on sale for cheaper, something to consider. Since we tend to hang a lot in a greenhouse, having open space above could be a good thing. There are many things to think about and what your goals are for your greenhouse.
Just as the purpose of what you are growing is important, the style of your greenhouse can also mean a lot to you. Maybe you want to match existing buildings on your property. Possibly location of the greenhouse is most important to you. Being near a watercourse, garden etc. may be a major goal in your greenhouse design. Whatever your needs are, these have to be addressed as you go through the planning process.
Other Greenhouse Alternatives
Interestingly enough, there are people using up-cycled shipping containers as greenhouses. These are urban or modern ways to grow in a greenhouse. Setting up a hydroponic watering system to water and fertilize the plants create an environment that is sustainable. You could grow vegetables in any environment with this system. Some use a drip system with hanging plants and no soil necessary.
You could grow on top of the container or construct the greenhouse environment on top as well with stairs leading up to it. Some have added a side greenhouse, such as the many who attach to their existing homes. Recycling used materials for your build project is best for the environment. Many have also made houses out of these shipping containers. Would it be less expensive? Probably not, but the footprint is better and the creative factor in design is attractive here. We need a guest room! Wonder if you could design with a guest house/greenhouse. Hmm…
Lastly the entire size of the greenhouse will help determine your budget. 10X20′ could be an affordable option while 20X30′ may break the bank. The materials you chose may be determined based on the size you need for your greenhouse. You may want to cut cost on one material to have an extra five feet of growing space. Five square feet is indeed 25 ft. of growing space. That could hold a lot more plants, just a thought.
For placement, South facing sun seems to be a trend for greenhouses. You definitely don’t want to build in a shady spot, although some have and if you grow shade plants that could work for you just fine. Having enough direct sunlight will make an optimal greenhouse environment.
We are getting started now on our placement and which materials to use. We will update later as to the materials we decide on based on our specific needs and budget. We will compare and price out to the best extent we can before we pull the trigger! I do know one thing, we could get these vegetable seeds started before the ground garden is ready with a greenhouse. How exciting is it to be able to grow year round! Planning can be just as rewarding as the possibilities are endless. What does your dream greenhouse look like? I have opened up comments for this page, as knowledge is key. What other things have you considered for your greenhouse? Have you built one you love or wish you had built different? What advice would you give to somebody looking to construct their own greenhouse?
Check back soon! Thanks for stopping by, Forever Country Home.
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