The joy of being able to garden year round is the reason why most of us choose to build a greenhouse. The ability to partake in fresh fruit and vegetables in the dead of winter is another reason why so many gardeners set up greenhouse. No matter why you choose to build a green house, there are three main areas to focus on for your greenhouse design. Those areas are structure placement, style and materials.

When you consider where your greenhouse is to be located you are thinking structure placement. Do you prefer to have your greenhouse as a separate structure that stands freely by itself? This would allow it to be a building you can walk to from your home. Your other option is to have your greenhouse attached to your home. This would allow you to walk from say your kitchen out into the greenhouse. This can be a great option that keeps you from walking out into poor weather. Both choices are available in several different styles.

When it comes to greenhouses most of think of a little hoop house type greenhouse with poly film covering. If you take the time to flip through a greenhouse catalog or search a greenhouse website you will be surprised at the available styles. You can choose a more low key or simple style greenhouse. This is often the affordable solution, great for beginners. The other options can be quite elegant or you can choose a high performance greenhouse.

You will be in awe of the brick foundations and wrought iron decorations available. They look simply exquisite, like miniature glass houses. These structures can be more costly but you want a greenhouse more for looks then for function, this is the way to go. If you want a greenhouse that is built to produce lots of plants and provide lots of workspace, you might consider the Solexx Conservatory.

Once you decide the placement of your structure and it’s style you will now want to look into materials. There are numerous choices available including metals such as aluminum and steel. Natural materials of wood, such as redwood are the natural materials available. If you are leaning towards synthetic materials you can choose from PVC, resin, plastic and polycarbonate. It’s a matter of personal preference and cost.

Though there are so many choices and considerations to be made that’s actually the beauty of choosing your greenhouse. You can create a standing piece of yourself. So do some research and prepare to enjoy your greenhouse and all of its bounty.

There are many great reasons to own a greenhouse. When you have a greenhouse, your gardening hobby grows into a full-time passion! A greenhouse is great for everyone who loves plants whether you have hours and hours to devote to gardening or just a few minutes a week. Here are just some of the wonderful things you can do with your own greenhouse.

1. Over winter your plants!

In just about any area in the country, no matter what your growing zone, there is a plant that sometimes lasts through mild winters, but unfortunately does not make it through a cold snap. With a greenhouse, you can easily save your favourite plants and reuse them the following year. Often it takes very little heat to overwinter these tender perennials. Just add a small electric heater to add heat anytime the temperature dips below freezing. TIP: To save money on heating, be sure to choose a greenhouse with good insulating qualities, like Solexx.

2. Have fresh vegetables all year!

Instead of harvesting your last tomato in the fall, you can extend your harvest through the year. Depending on how hot you heat your greenhouse you can grow anything from easy, cool greenhouse crops to warm-weather tomatoes. You will save money over the grocery store produce prices and know that your food is free of harmful pesticides.

3. Grow exotic plants!

With a greenhouse, you can grow tropical plants that normally are not found in your area. It’s fun to expand the types of plants you can grow.

4. You can enjoy your gardening hobby more months of the year!

If you love to garden, it doesn’t have to stop once the cold weather blows in. With a greenhouse you can be an active gardener all year!

5. Save money on plants!

It’s easy to spend hundreds of pounds on plants every spring and even after spending all that money, you still may wish you had more flowers to fill in your garden. With a greenhouse, you can grow just about as many seeds as you want. Often you have more than enough extra greenhouse plants to give away to friends and family. It feels good to be able to share something you made yourself with the people you love!

6. Start a greenhouse business!

Do a little market research and see what is in demand in your area. Create a business plan and start growing! You can sell your products to local grocery stores, farmers markets and roadside stands. Try herbs for tea, wheat grass for health stores, or hothouse tomatoes - find the perfect product to kick off your greenhouse business.

7. Greenhouses are good for your health!

Being outdoors with nature is a great way to get away from all the stresses of the world. In fact, the diffused light in Solexx greenhouses helps to alleviate SAD (seasonal affective disorder). A greenhouse is just the right thing to lift your spirits and warm your heart!

8. Make friends with other people who love gardening.

A green house makes a great conversation piece. Share greenhouse growing space with friends. Throw a greenhouse seed starting party. Share your harvest and flowers with others. Your greenhouse is a wonderful way to connect with people around you.