Greenhouse 101

Freshly picked homegrown tomatoes are unbeatable, as anyone who has tasted them will tell you. If you are unlucky enough to only have tried tomatoes from your local market, sooner or later you will realise how great it is to have your own greenhouse. Before you buy a greenhouse, let’s review everything you should know.

Backyard greenhouse with tomato growing. Ripening tomatoes

What is a greenhouse? 

Greenhouses are constructed from glass or plastic, and are designed to protect plants against harsh conditions, such as frost, heat, or heavy rain. The frame must be minimalistic for the maximum of natural light. The transparent plastic or glass allows the plants to photosynthesise, and the temperature inside is higher than outside. That makes the plants grow, away from the direct contact with sun rays or heavy rain.

What greenhouse to choose?

When choosing a greenhouse, consider a few factors first to simplify your decision. Check the wide selection of greenhouses on a website like this.

  1. Location. Find the perfect spot for the greenhouse in your garden. A mini greenhouse is a mobile option, but for larger units choose the permanent place. It should be located in a place with full sun, or at least partial sun. The greenhouse should not be exposed to strong wind, so find a semi-sheltered place. And finally, remember you have to walk inside the greenhouse, so find a comfortable location, close to the water supply, and easily accessible for you.   
  2. Size. Once you’ve chosen the perfect location for your greenhouse, think about the size of it. Determine how much space you have for the greenhouse, and make sure it fits within your budget, and is the most spacious you can fit in your garden. As soon as you start sewing, you will surely regret the lack of space. 
  3. Use of space. What plants are you going to grow in the greenhouse? Are you going to use garden beds, shelves, or large containers on the floor for growing your plants? The size of a greenhouse should be determined by the items you intend to store inside it before purchasing one. You can also buy greenhouses large enough to combine growing with relaxation. Don’t you wish you could ignore autumn’s temperature and spend your free time outdoors?
  4. Materials. The materials for the greenhouse frame may be aluminium or galvanised steel, but plastic and wood will do their job too. As for the walls, glass is the most popular and better for long term use. Polycarbonate is an option too, with even 20 years of useful life. The material is much cheaper and lighter than glass. Remember to prepare solid foundation for the greenhouse, with concrete considered to be the best option.

1 comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *