Things To Consider When Choosing A Greenhouse
If you are thinking of buying a greenhouse, there are a number of decisions you need to make before you do so. You have probably decided where you want to site your greenhouse and this should be within reach of the house in order to connect any needed services, and should be in a sunny position.Whether you are buying a greenhouse or are going to build your own greenhouse, the following information still applies.
The site for your greenhouse will dictate to some extent the shape of it. There is now available a huge choice of greenhouse shapes and styles. Even without going to the expense of having one created especially for you, you still have a choice. The tradition box with a pitched roof is probably still the most common. Then there are the range of circular greenhouses. These are usually multi-sided, rather than actually circular. They are often constructed with six or eight sides with a pyramid type roof and although they are the most attractive in design, they do not make as efficient use of space as the traditional style does.
Greenhouses no longer need to made of glass, and are increasingly now being made of plastics. But, You may need to replace some of these more frequently since some older plastics may become brittle with time.Then there is the choice of Aluminium or Wood for the frame. Sice wood is naturally an insulator, the wooden framed greenhouse can be cheaper to heat. They certainly look nicer. However, wood needs regular maintenance such as painting with preservative to prevent it rotting. When you do this, don’t use creasote, it gives off fumes toxic to plants.
The next decision you will need to make is the flooring. This is especially important if you are buying a ready made greenhouse. You need to decide whether you want to grow plants in the ground in your greenhouse or whether you will use pots and growbags. Although pots and growbags can restrict roots systems, they do prevent a build up of any infections.
You can gain an advantage in reducing your heating bills by using concrete floors. If you don’t have a concrete slab and are growing directly in the ground, you can still gain this advantage by using concrete slabs or blocks along the cntre of the greenhouse, or under the benches.
Don’t forget the ventilation. You should aim to keep a consistent temperature in order to get the very best growing conditions. To help prevent mould type disease, you need to provide plenty of air circulation. The conventional way of doing this is by vents in the roof. A 2 x 2,5m (6 x 8ft) greenhouse should have trw vents and other sizes need the number of vents adjusted to match the size. Providing ventilation in polythene type greenhouses can be problematic. The polythene generates a great deal of condensation which makes it impractical to install adjustable ventilation panels.Putting mesh panels in the doors and along the base of the greenhouse Will provide some ventilation, and reduce the condensation.
Whether you are going to be building your own greenhouse or buying a greenhouse ready built, the above decisions will need to be made. You will lose a great deal of the potential enjoyment from your new greenhouse if you fail to consider these factors.
Greenhouse gardening gives you a whole new aspect to your gardening. It can be one of the most satisfying things you do, so think carefully about it before you commit – and get it right.
