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Have you ever dreamt of having a green house as part of your home? Green houses are a great addition, providing you with a space within your home that is relaxing and healthy as well as provide you a spot where you can even grow your own vegetable and flowers. It doesn\’t take a rocket scientist to plan and build a green house. There just a few simple pointers that you will have to take into account when planning for that new and exciting addition to your home.
When begin planning of the green house of your dream, you may want to consider using salvaged materials in its construction. Not only does this practice save you cost, it also consolidates the purpose of having a green house in the first place, to help keep our environment sustainable by re-using construction materials. Doing this will also help you save on construction and transfer more resources into the heating and irrigation systems within the green house.
Location, location, location!
Plants need sunlight. So it\’s really a no-brainer that the location of the greenhouse should be a spot where plants will receive plenty of sunlight. A south eastern position works best as it provides your plants with the longest time for sunlight. This rings true especially for vegetable and fruit plants.
The site should also not be in a boggy area and should be level. If it isn\’t then you\’ll have to level the area. Consider also constructing drainage to re-direct any water flow away from the greenhouse site.
Climate Control
The temperature and climate where you live is a factor in deciding what kind of green house you should build. For example, an insulated greenhouse will be required if you live in a temperate or cold climate. For warmer climates you need shade control. Both shade an insulation will be needed if you live in a desert. Ventilation, air circulation, heat and humidity control are also important factors to be taken account when planning your greenhouse. You need to design a \’climate control\’ system that fits with the type of plants you want to plant.
The type of construction materials also determines plays a role in climate control in your green house. Plastic sheeting is the least expensive, but need to be replace every three years or so. Glass or fiberglass are materials that offer durability in a sense that they do not break down as quickly as plastic siding and will offer a warmer, more humid greenhouse. There is also the option for polycarbonate panels, which are shatter proof, and can withstand the abuse of natural elements. Polycarbonate panels last longer than plastic sidings but can yellow over time.
Construction of the Greenhouse
There are many online resources that can provide you with plans for a green house. From simple units to elaborate structures, choose a plan that fits your level of capability, your budget and of course, the amount of physical space you have in your home to fit the green house.
Foundation
You can use either concrete or wood base foundation for your greenhouse. A good foundation is critical for the construction of your greenhouse. When deciding on concrete footing, make sure that you extend the footing 4 inch below ground and 4 inch above and use bolts to secure the base plate of the greenhouse to the foundation. Flooring should be made from mulch that covers a single sheet of landscape fabric.
Side panels and Roof
Begin constructing the side panels of the greenhouse. Once you\’ve got the footing and side panels of the greenhouse in place, start building the rood structure. You can built the roof away from the main structure first then lift it piece by piece (or in one whole piece – make sure you have help doing this) onto the main structure of the greenhouse. Incorporate the ventilation shafts on the roof and the windows.
Doors and Other Features
The next step is to fit in the door(s) of the structure. Then seal all panels and complete any additional features inside the greenhouse like benches, side panel lourves and such. You can use either wood or plastic benches within the greenhouse. Note that wood benches may deteriorate over time faster than plastic. Also use benches of different heights. Line benches at the sides of your greenhouse, designating one a potting bench of counter height.
Building a greenhouse is not only a rewarding experience when you complete it. It offers you a place where you can plant sustainable food sources that you would have to otherwise purchase at a supermarket. You will know what you eat, because you\’re growing it! Not only is it environmentally friendly, healthy and relaxing, its also save you money on purchasing one, and in the long run in the food resources it provides you with.
More Reading:
http://www.buildeazy.com/greenhouse.html
http://homeideas.howstuffworks.com/greenhouses/how-to-erect-a-greenhouse.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?9-Steps-How-to-Build-a-DIY-Greenhouse&id=2042992
