Greenhouse Building

It's difficult to know where to begin, right? It is in the planning! In the previous blog I talked about some of the things to consider when beginning your planning for your new greenhouse.

There are four areas in building a greenhouse which you need to plan very carefully. These are:

1) Frame The frame is often made from lumber, pvc, aluminum, galvanized steel or fiberglass. Each comes with different costs associated. Galvanized steel's best feature is that it is strong. Aluminum is usually available in building supply stores, doesn't rust, and is strong. PVC is a material that is easy to work with, cheap, and available. Wood can be used if it is treated to prevent deterioration. Fiberglass won't conduct heat or cold which helps to keep the heat in and the cold out of your greenhouse.

2) Base/Flooring When choosing what you will use for your flooring, you must first know what you will use for the frame. If the greenhouse is intended to be a permanent structure then a gravel floor is nice. Concrete or pavers can also be used, but a means for drainage will be needed- so gravel is usually the best bet. Also if concrete is used make sure the floor has some texture as it will often be wet and slippery

3) Windows Will your greenhouse have windows? These are often made from glass or poly materials and used in permanent structures made of wood or steel frames. Glass is more durable but also breakable. The windows should be able to open to provide adequate ventilation.

4) Covering The greenhouse covering should be made up of polythene which is resistant to ultra-violet rays. The covering is to be placed using thin battens which will hold the polythene to the greenhouse. One must be cautious about the kind of polythene used. Most suppliers only have polythene which is not ultra-violet-resistant.