Greenhouse Gardening is Easier than You Think
When select what type of greenhouse you want to start with you’ll want to stay within your budget whether you build it or purchase a home greenhouse kit and just assemble it in your yard. Be cognizant of the space and make sure it will fit where you want it to fit.
There are also firms that will build custom greenhouses that can either attach to your home or stand alone. These can be pricey but many families consider this a modern day necessity and are more than willing to go this route. Some prefer to build their own greenhouse and utilize custom panels that are available.
Space can sometimes be an issue and keep you from enjoying a greenhouse. However, there are several mini greenhouses that are designed to be placed in very small spaces like a balcony or patio. You may not be able to grow everything you want but it gives you a way to continue to grow plants year round.
Most home built greenhouses have frames made of either wood or aluminum. You will want to decide if the look is more important than the overall strength as aluminum is stronger than wood but wood looks really good. Of course a good foundation is the most important thing to consider.
You will want to decide what type of foundation you need for the type of greenhouse you are building or buying. The greenhouse will need to be attached in some way to the foundation be it wood, concrete slab, brick or block. For some bought kits you can attach them directly to the ground with tie-down anchor kits. Floors can be left alone or covered with pavers, gravel or greenhouse flooring mats.
When you are deciding on the covering material you will want to know the snow load requirements in your area so the covering can withstand the elements in your environment. The UV rating is also important whether you decide on glass, double walled paneling or rolls or the old fashioned sheet of plastic.
The only consideration to building or buying a greenhouse that is left is whether you would like the freedom to move it from place to place or keep it in a permanent location. Having a greenhouse that is light and easy to move will limit you to an easy assembled kit that can be tied down and pulled up at will. The decision is yours to make.
Hi,
I enjoyed your post having recently bought a greenhouse myself. Actually it’s quite a small one for my balcony and I am slightly dubious as to its quality! On casual observation, it doesn’t seem any warmer in the greenhouse than outside, but perhaps this isn’t necessary if the goal is just to avoid frost.
It also came with a mesh style keep-warm jacket thing but it doesn’t instinctively seem that it would make much difference. Any ideas? I am currently growing some lettuce and salad leaves inside which I was hoping to transplant out. I also have some kale but hoping that that will be ok out in the elements.