The Benefits of a Plastic Greenhouse

Once decided to buy a greenhouse, you will undoubtedly reach a crossroad, where you must decide whether you want a plastic or a glass greenhouse. Whilst a glass greenhouse may be something from your childhood memories, and you may even think that any greenhouse that is not made of glass isn't "the real thing", you should not overlook the wonderful world and selection of plastic greenhouses.

You should remember that the sole function of a greenhouse is to let the sun's warming rays in and to isolate the plants growing inside from the potential cold weather, rain or wind outside. When it comes to greenhouses, however, both glass and plastic serve this purpose more or less the same. In fact, there are no conclusive scientific studies that suggest that either one works better as a greenhouse cladding material. Most greenhouses are structurally very similar, the only variable being the cladding material. Therefore, let's observe some benefits that plastic cladding has over glass.

Firstly, plastic greenhouses are far more cheaper than glass greenhouses. Once you realize that there is no big difference between plastic and glass in practice, the price should become the decisive factor in anyone's eyes. In fact, glass greenhouses can be up to 40 percent more expensive than their glass counterparts.

Also, a study suggests, that a properly sealed and constructed plastic greenhouse offers less uncontrolled energy loss. The study claims that a plastic greenhouse is up to 30% more energy efficient compared to a glass greenhouse. In terms of expenses on the integrated energy system, you can find massive savings here when using a plastic greenhouse.

Plastic cladding is also much more easier to fit, saving you time and frustration once you start setting your greenhouse up. Setting up a glass greenhouse can be tedious work, as every glass panel needs to be carefully attached individually.

Finally, consider the physical properties of glass versus plastic. Glass is brittle and can break under strain. For example, glass is likely to shatter when hit by falling trees, dangerously large hail or other projectiles, whilst plastic is likely to cushion the impact or bend. Glass is also quite sensitive to temperature changes. For example, if it is very cold outside and very warm inside, glass can shatter because of the temperature differences (This is why it is not recommended to drink tea or coffee from a glass).

All in all, both plastic and glass greenhouses have their ups and downs, however the significantly lower cost of plastic greenhouses should be enough of an argument for anyone on a budget.

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How to Build a Homemade Greenhouse Kit

Are you thinking about having a greenhouse and want to build it yourself? Many people are getting into greenhouse gardening these days. It is cheaper to construct a greenhouse yourself than to have one built for you. If you are a do-it-yourself person it is not that difficult. You can get plans and even kits for them. We will cover what you need to generally do to build a greenhouse below.

Figure out what size of greenhouse your space will be good for. Buy your plans or kit accordingly.

Make sure you have all the tools and supplies that you need to construct your greenhouse. Whether you are using metal or wood in your construction process make sure all the pieces are cut to the right size.

Now you start with the foundation of the structure. After the ground has been leveled lay out your foundation pieces. Attach these to each other at all four corners. This is the same process no matter what material you are making your greenhouse from. Make sure the foundation is square from measuring for corner to corner diagonally. If you are planning a poured-concrete floor this is the time to do it. Any other type floor is easier installed at this time too before the sides and doors are in that may make it difficult to transport the materials inside.

Now you need to build the sides. Most of the time constructing the sides are easier constructed flat on the ground and then raised into place.

This may vary between plans though. Some plans have open sides and some have glass panels. The finishing is different on each of these which we will cover later.

After all the sides are constructed and connected properly. It is time for the roof to be installed. You can do the roof the same as the sides in some instances and this raise it into the correct position on each side. However, your plans may call for it to be constructed in place for the get go.

Now it is time to put any doors in that are called for.

Make sure they fit properly too. Now if any sealants are called for to make sure things are well sealed and insulated this is when you do that process. Check the plans you have.

If your plans are just for an open-sided greenhouse with an open roof structure these are then cover with plastic sheeting. These types of greenhouses are very economical to build. You will have to attach the plastic sheeting to the structure as planned.

Now you can set up your tables or hydroponics up.

After this you are ready to start moving in the plants and other supplies. This will be the exciting part of building your own greenhouse along with watching your plants thrive. Your growing season will be longer and you will be able to control the environment of you plants better.

So check out if your backyard is good for a greenhouse today. You can save a chunk of change, by building one yourself, but you can call the professionals in if need be to construct one for you. Enjoy your greenhouse experience.

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Different Types of Greenhouse Structures

Whether you are planning to build a greenhouse or having someone come in and build it for you, there are a few different types of structures you should be aware of before you begin.

The type of structure you choose is obviously a personal choice, as is the size of the greenhouse.

Attached Types of Greenhouses

The attached greenhouse or what is referred to as a lean-to greenhouse is actually just a half of a greenhouse because it may be attached to your home, so it is using your home's structure in order to fully support itself. These are very useful when you have limited space or limited funds since they are one of the least expensive types of greenhouses.

One of the main disadvantages to the attached greenhouse is smaller space, ventilation issues, and sunlight. Temperature control is also another drawback to these types of greenhouses because one half of the structure is the home or whatever building you have it attached to, makes it more difficult to regulate temperature.

Full-Size Even-Span Greenhouse

The even-span greenhouse is actually a full-size unit, but the end of the greenhouse is attached to another building, such as your home. It is a larger option and therefore costs more because more materials are needed. The nice aspect to the even span is it can be lengthened, which in turn gives you additional space.

Window Mounted Greenhouse

The window mounted greenhouse is normally attached to the east or south end of the home, and is enclosed by glass making it convenient for growing various plants. While these are not very large, they are very popular with many homes that are only looking for a small greenhouse for a smaller collection of plants.

Freestanding Greenhouse Structures

The freestanding greenhouse means it is a structure that is capable of standing alone and is not attached to another building. These can be large or small units depending on your needs and budget.

The freestanding units require a heating unit, and water as well electricity must be installed in order for the plants to survive. Obviously, the freestanding units are also the most costly to have installed or to make yourself.

Frames

Greenhouses come in all different kinds of framing and many times it is just a matter of personal taste on the framing your choose. Frame types include:

• Quonset - simple construction
• Gothic - It is also a simple design and less expensive
• Rigid Frame
• Post and Rafter
• A-Frame

Finally, the coverings for a greenhouse come in different materials including glass, plastic, film plastic, and fiberglass. The flooring you have in your greenhouse will depend on the type of structure you have. Obviously, a freestanding greenhouse will need a solid flooring that is more permanent can be laid. By implementing all of the tips above, you should be able to create a really decent greenhouse kit for your home and backyard. Good luck, and remember to have fun!

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Growing In A Greenhouse

Once you’ve got your greenhouse ready, it can be difficult to know exactly what to grow. All sorts of things will grow in a greenhouse, and most will grow at least a little better than they would outside, but there isn’t much point doing so much work just to end up with a slightly bigger crop.

The two things that most people grow in greenhouses are tomatoes and cucumbers, as they grow quite badly outside but very well inside. They are also easy to grow, as the seeds available are of such high quality: often you will be able to grow quite good tomatoes and cucumbers even if you’re too useless at gardening to even follow the instructions on the seed packet properly.

After a while, though, this gets dull. So what should you do next? The answer is that you should get a little more adventurous with what you grow in your greenhouse. Strawberries are a good start, as they are very nice, expensive in shops, but not too difficult to grow yourself. Other bush fruits such as raspberries and blackcurrants also work well in a greenhouse.

Once you’re a greenhouse pro, though, the hardest thing to try is a melon. There’s a reason why farmers have competitions to see who can grow the biggest melon: melon-growing is more of an art than a science, and it’s very difficult to master. Generally, the key is to give your melons as much support as you can: as soon as the plant starts growing, support it with a length of string tied to the roof of your greenhouse, and once melons start to appear, support them with string nets. One other thing to be aware of is that it is easy to accidentally drown melons if you water them normally, so you should set up an alternative system, such as a pipe leading directly to the plant’s roots.