When considering how to build a green house, you must, above all things, plan. You cannot simply pick a spot in the yard and start constructing; this sort of project requires you to think about the specific aspects of your area: what is the best location for your greenhouse? Which of the multiple kinds of greenhouses are right for you? What kinds of materials will you need? All these things must be taken into account. If you don’t, you may just find yourself in over your head. It is also important to learn how NOT to build a green house. This will come naturally if you follow the tips given in this article.

Location, Location, Location

Before any building can begin, you must find the perfect spot. It is recommended that your greenhouse be located in a south or southeast position of a building or tree; this captures the most light and allows your plants the best chance for growth. If those positions are impossible, then you may try the east to attract light during the November to February months or a southwestern or western area to receive light during the latter part of the day. A northern position is not recommended unless your plants require little light. Plants cannot survive in a northern area if they need maximum exposure. Keep this in mind when deciding how to build a greenhouse.

There are other factors to consider before picking a location: you must make sure to see what kind of drainage the area gets. If possible, build your greenhouse above the ground so that excess water can escape. Also, the area must be easily reached by you and others--you want it to be accessible to everything, power, water, heat and, most importantly, you.

Before Deciding How To Build A Greenhouse, You Need To Choose The Right One

There are many different kinds of greenhouses: attached with lean-to, even span or window-mounted frames and freestanding. Depending on your location, you can choose from one of these for the perfect greenhouse. But, no matter, what style of house you select, you have to understand what you intend to use it for. There are three types, if you will, of greenhouses: the frost-free, the warm and the hothouse. Before you can decide how to build a greenhouse, you need to know what sort of greenhouse you want:

  • Frost-free: often referred to as the ‘cool greenhouse’, this house is best for growing seedlings or plants that don’t require warm temperatures to survive. The typical temperature for a frost-free house is between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Warm: with temperatures at roughly 55 degrees, this house is ideal for growing almost any kind of plant. Often, the plants that you would keep outside are grown here to protect them from the elements.
  • Hothouse: if you intend to grow more exotic breeds, the hothouse is best. Temperatures must be kept at, at least, 65 degrees and you can grow rarer types.
    Armed with this information, let's get on with our course on how to build a green house.

Materials Determine How To Build A Greenhouse

Without the proper materials, no project can be completed; the same goes for a greenhouse. Once you have decided what kind you want, you’ll have to get the best materials. With so many selections available, you will have to decide what your vision is and how to build a greenhouse that best fits it. Miss this and you won't be able to build your green house

Structure

There are multiple ways to build a greenhouse, because there are multiple framing techniques. The most common are:

  • Quonset: A simple, circular frame. Easy to construct but often limited in space.
  • Gothic: Similar to the Quonset in style but the taller arches allow for more headroom.
  • Rigid-frame: Has vertical walls, which allow for maximum room; however, a solid foundation is required to keep the extra weight steady.
  • Post and Rafter: It is a simple construction that allows for great room but requires more wood than other designs, which could be costly, and a strong foundation.

Covering Your House Correctly

Once a frame is selected, you must cover it correctly; otherwise, your plants will suffer. The kind of house you want will determine what sort of covering you choose:

  • Glass: this is the typical covering and is easy to clean and lasts a long time; however, it can also be broken rather easily.
  • Fiberglass: can withstand most weather conditions and is quite strong; however, it needs a new coat of resin every 10 years or dirt will become attached to it.
  • Double-wall plastic: can last a long time and saves heat; however, it also loses about 10% of light.

Getting Started

A greenhouse is not a difficult thing to build; it simply takes planning and an understanding of what you want. If you follow these simple, but necessary, tips, the question of ‘how to build a greenhouse’ will be solved.

Author's Bio: 

Misty Jhones