A greenhouse is a structure that produces a small climatic area that is an ideal place for plant growth. Greenhouses can be used as a place for the initial planting of a plant or for a place to plant and grow plants so on. Making a greenhouse is a huge project to undertake, however, it can be done on a good budget or with the help of a professional builder.
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Part 1 of 6: Choosing a Location
Step 1. Select an area facing south
An important element needed for a greenhouse is consistent sunlight.
- All structures should be on the north side of the greenhouse.
- One of the main structures of a greenhouse is its sloping shape. Choosing the south wall of an existing building is a good choice.
Step 2. Consider a location that gets morning sun rather than a location that gets afternoon sun
Although the best option is a location that always gets sunlight, opening the area to get morning sun will increase plant growth.
If there are trees or shrubs near the greenhouse location, make sure that they do not cast a shadow over the greenhouse in the late afternoon
Step 3. Watch for sunshine in winter and summer
If the area east of your location is open and easily exposed to the sun, then that location will get more sunlight from November to February.
- The sun's rays in winter are at a lower angle, so trees, houses, and surrounding structures may be a problem for your greenhouse.
- Do not choose a location close to cypress trees. In the fall, the trees will lose their leaves and will not be able to shade your location in winter, where the greenhouse needs more sunlight.
Step 4. Choose a location that has access to a power source
Most greenhouses require some heating and ventilation to keep the temperature at optimal temperature conditions.
- When you build a sloping greenhouse structure, you can continue to supply electricity from your home.
- A separate building may make you need an electrician.
Step 5. Choose a place with good drainage
You need to remove excess rainwater.
- If your location is uneven, it is recommended that you fill the area so that it is level to improve drainage for your greenhouse.
- You can use a water bath to catch rainwater that falls from the roof of your greenhouse. Conserving water and electricity will help keep greenhouse costs down.
Part 2 of 6: Choosing a Structure
Step 1. Measure your location
Whether you're building a greenhouse from scratch or building one with tools, it's a good idea to choose your size carefully.
- The bigger your greenhouse, the more money it will take to build it and heat the space.
- The frequently used size for greenhouses is 8 x 6 feet (2.4 x 1.8 m).
Step 2. Choose greenhouse equipment if you have little experience or few people to help you build a greenhouse
- You can get pop-up or polycarbonate greenhouses from home improvement stores and Amazon for as little as $150.
- More powerful and larger models will cost anywhere from USD 500 to USD 5000 depending on the size.
- Look at websites like Costco.com, Home Depot, or Greenhouses.com.
Step 3. Create a sloping structure
If you have chosen a location that is opposite a building, you should build a simple sloping structure using the available walls as the foundation.
- If you have a brick structure, the heat from the building can help you maintain a stable and warm temperature.
- This structure is very easy for you to build yourself. You can support it with rebar, logs, and some building supports.
Step 4. Create a Quonset-shaped outline
The framework is a framework that has a dome-shaped ceiling made of iron supports or PVC pipes.
- The dome shape means less roof area and space for rectangular storage.
- This form can be built for a small fee, however, the cheaper the materials used, the less strong your greenhouse will be.
Step 5. Choose a rigid frame
With this design, you will need a foundation and a framework. If you are not a designer, you may be interested in buying a greenhouse design or hiring someone to build a greenhouse for you.
- A rigid frame, post and rafter or A-frame greenhouse will need a foundation and a sturdy frame.
- You will need the help of a friend or worker to help you build a greenhouse using a large frame.
Part 3 of 6: Choosing a Wrapping Material
Step 1. Use UV-resistant polyethylene
Its light transmittance is the same as that of glass, although it is lighter and cheaper.
- The plastic lining should be replaced every few years.
- The material should be washed occasionally.
- It does not retain heat as well as glass, but it is sufficient for sloping greenhouses, Quonsets, and small single-frame greenhouses.
Step 2. Use a hard plastic with a double chill
- The polycarbonate material can bend slightly around the frame and it can save up to 30% energy, as it is double-walled.
- 80 percent of the incoming light will be filtered.
Step 3. Buy fiberglass
If you make a greenhouse using a frame, you can save on your expenses by choosing fiber glass over glass.
- Choose clear fiberglass.
- The material will require a new wrap made of resin every 10 to 15 years.
- Buy fiberglass with a high level. Light transmittance will be greatly reduced in low grade fiberglass.
Step 4. Choose the glass material
These are the most attractive materials, especially for those of you who are building a greenhouse that accentuates your home or garden.
- Glass is very fragile and it costs a lot to replace it if it breaks.
- You have to build a greenhouse using a frame with a foundation.
- Tempered glass is preferred because the material is stronger than ordinary glass.
- If you decide to build a greenhouse with glass cladding, you should talk to a construction company to make sure that the foundation and frame can withstand the weight of the glass material.
Part 4 of 6: Building the Framework
Step 1. Use thread along the ground to mark where you want to place the supports
Mark with the help of a peg that is tapped in the ground.
Step 2. Reinforce with rebar
When you build a sloping or Quonset structure, you can strengthen your frame with rebar and PVC.
- Knock rebar into the ground every 4 feet (1.2 m). Allow 48 inches (121.9 cm) of rebar to protrude from ground level.
- Once the rebar has been installed, you can attach the PVC to create your frame. Stretch the plastic layer on your frame and attach it to the beams at the base.
Step 3. Place the pebbles on the ground at the same level, after your supports are buried in the ground
Small pebbles placed slightly apart from each other will give you additional drainage for your greenhouse.
Call a handyman to build the castings, if you need a foundation. You will need a handyman to build the castings and lay out the floor of your greenhouse before you can frame it
Step 4. Treat any of your wood before you use it
- Untreated wood will degrade for about 3 years.
- Choose treatments on your wood carefully. Some wood treatments will make your wood less “organic”, due to the use of chemicals.
- Consider treatments such as Erdalith, which do the least amount of damage to the wood element.
- Use metal supports instead of wood whenever possible.
Step 5. Place the wrapping material with the frame as close as possible
You can simply lock the coating onto the wood.
- The more expensive the wrapping material, such as glass, fiberglass, or double-walled plastic, the more difficult it will be to lay it down with a foundation or framework.
- Review the best procedures for your chosen wrapping material.
Part 5 of 6: Controlling the temperature
Step 1. Place the fan in the corner of the greenhouse
Adjust the fan so that it is installed diagonally.
The fan must be continuously running during the winter months, to ensure that all parts of the greenhouse feel the effects of the heating
Step 2. Install ventilation on the ceiling of your greenhouse
The vent should be installed close to the end of the support.
- Some ventilation for carbon dioxide is essential.
- We recommend choosing ventilation that can be adjusted by yourself. You will need to open it wider in the summer months.
Step 3. Consider installing an electric space heater
The heat generated from the sun can only contribute about 25% of the heat in your greenhouse, so backup heating is essential for your greenhouse.
- You can also use wood or oil heating, but the heat generated must be expelled outside through the vents to ensure good air quality.
- You should check with your city or city council to find out what heating options are available in your area.
Step 4. Install space heating with an air system when you use a glass frame for your greenhouse
If you are able to install a system of equipment to control the temperature in your greenhouse, you will be able to grow any plant in your greenhouse.
- Hire an electrician and contractor to install your fixtures.
- There needs to be a regular check to see if your greenhouse is still properly ventilated and heated in winter.
Step 5. Install the thermometer and thermostat
You should install several thermometers at once to anticipate if one is damaged.
- Place the thermometer at different heights in your greenhouse so you can monitor the temperature in your greenhouse at all times.
- You can buy a thermometer that can measure the temperature in your home and in your greenhouse, so you can pay more attention to it during the winter months.
Part 6 of 6: Additional Planning for the Greenhouse
Step 1. Learn the growing conditions for the crop you want to grow
The more sensitive the plant is to changes in heat, the less likely you are to grow other plants in the same section.
- A good house is a greenhouse designed to keep plants from getting cold. It is ideal as a temporary greenhouse.
- A hot house is a greenhouse designed to keep plants in tropical temperatures.
- You should first determine the temperature you want for your greenhouse and keep it stable. You can't possibly zone out multiple zones in your open greenhouse.
Step 2. Make sure you have an adequate water supply
Ideally, your greenhouse should be supported with sufficient water pipes and tendons.
Step 3. Set up a plant elevation system in your greenhouse
Thin and long boards can be used in its manufacture, with this material water will be able to drain through the boards and out into the gravel outside.
