Planning a Greenhouse

A greenhouse can make so much sense if you are an avid gardener. Greenhouses are built to maintain the right environment for growing plants, and for the comfort of the gardener or farmer. But which kind to pick?

Greenhouses can be freestanding or attached to the house or garage. The ideal location is where the greenhouse will get the most sun for natural heat. Then you provide the ways to regulate the environment within.

Supplies for your greenhouse depend on the plants being produced as well as the weather conditions in your area, type and size of the greenhouse, and whether it will be used year round.

Starting small may be the best idea if you are not familiar with greenhouses. Ultimately, I'd like to grow flowers and vegetables year round. I'll let my energy dictate just how much greenhouse I want to take on, and whether I want to consider a large conservatory.

Here are some things to consider:

The Right Heater -

Greenhouse heaters vary according to the type of heat needed for the plants you are growing. Some plants must have a hot, humid tropical environment, while other plants will do best in a dry, hot environment. Consider a heater with a control unit that will allow you to adjust the greenhouse temperatures. Then consider the type of fuel you want to use: gas, oil, electricity or wood. Outdoor wood burning furnaces are relatively new and are now being used to heat not only the home, but can also heat the barn, pool, and greenhouse as well, and more, all at the same time - see link.

Proper Ventilation -

Proper ventilation will allow you to grow fruit, vegetables and plants throughout the summer. Consider motorized shutters and automatic vent openers to provide cooling in the greenhouse. Vents for fresh air are also necessary to supply oxygen for complete combustion when heating systems are operating.

The Watering Systems -

Misting systems are beneficial and make a lot of sense if you live in are area with high temperatures. Many misting systems can be controlled by a timer. A direct hookup is a great convenience.

Lighting and Electricity -

Having an electrical system in your greenhouse will allow you to control the temperature, motorized shutters, fans, lights and other necessary systems. Using grow lights will help stimulate plant growth and is especially important for growing tropical plants.

Other Supplies -

You may want to consider a few other supplies such as shade cloths which are adjustable and can control the temperature in the greenhouse. Meters help to regularly check the temperature and humidity. In a large greenhouse, benches provide seating and shelves provide work space. Rope fasterners are useful if you want to hang plants, tools, and for tying down tarps - this also helps keep items off the floor.

And More Extra Accessories -

You can shop for a wide variety of accessorie such as staging tables (so you can arrange flowers before you bring them indoors to beautify your home). Other accessories include digital thermometers, thermostats, hygrometers, utility heaters, planting trays, seedling heat mats, and composters.

For more gardening information, including information about outdoor wood burning boilers that can be used to heat a large greenhouse and more, see links below;