Monday, June 24, 2013

How to Build a Greenhouse in 5 Steps


Having decided on the style and purpose, the following pointers on how to build a greenhouse would set you off in the right direction…

1. Put down a good foundation. Get any legal permits and clearances you might need from concerned authorities to stay on the right side of the law. Lay a foundation that will allow your greenhouse to stay on the ground during strong winds! Allow for good insulation around the perimeter and cater for proper drainage. You should have access to the drain so that it may be cleaned out in case it gets clogged with debris or potting mix from the greenhouse. For a permanent structure, remember that your greenhouse has to face cyclic environmental stresses such as freezing and thawing soils. Concrete block, concrete slab or lumber are the choices you can pick from for the foundation. Insulation boards should be placed up to a depth of 1 to 2 feet depending on the severity of the weather in your region.

Level the ground, clear away the clods and rocks, mark the boundary and then begin work.

2. Put up a sturdy frame. Your frame should be put up in a well-planned way. Put up vertical pipes first, then follow it up with the central ridge or horizontal supports, ensure that the structure is straight and then put in the cross-beams for additional support and strength.

3. Fit the glazing material snugly. When you are planning on how to build a greenhouse, foundation and framework are not the only two concerns you have to focus on. Other equally important areas include glazing and utilities. The glazing or covering material should not have any gaps or spaces between the frame and the glazing or between the frame and the foundation. Seal all gaps and spaces using caulking, sealing tape or other suitable material. This would not only keep out pests, but also keep heat inside during winters. You don’t want a draughty greenhouse to inflate your heating bills.

4. Maximize available space. Use benches and shelves that allow you to use all of the space available for growing. Arrange the furnishings imaginatively so that all plants get enough sunlight. Use hanging baskets to accommodate more plants. Provide support to all climbers so that they free up space on the floor.

5. Do not compromise on heating and ventilation systems. You must install heating and ventilation systems according to the size of your greenhouse. Inadequate heating will put a strain on the heating system which might malfunction leaving you in a lurch at the wrong time. Inadequate heating would ultimately end up inflating your heating bills. Bad ventilation can cause your greenhouse to overheat causing damage to your plants.

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