Cheap Greenhouse Styles

A greenhouse works by simply taking in sunlight (solar energy) and converting it to heat (thermal energy). The solar radiation is absorbed by the plants and ground inside the greenhouse. The plants and ground convert the solar energy into thermal energy, and because thermal energy has a much longer wavelength than solar energy it is trapped inside the greenhouse. With no wind inside the greenhouse to blow the heat away it is stored and accumulates.

The traditional greenhouse is typically shaped like a house. It is a free standing structure with a roof that gently slopes down from the ridge to the eaves. In Victorian times they were mostly made from cast iron and glass and at times were very elaborate. The modern day equivalent tends to be made from light aluminium or wood. All sides, including the roof, were traditionally made from glass which was held in place by complicated structuring. Nowadays builders of greenhouses have a variety of coverings to choose from. Various types of plastics can be used, as well as fibreglass, which has become very common.

A lean to is basically a greenhouse that is supported by, or added to an existing structure i.e. a wall or building. The main benefit of the lean to is the size, it doesn't require as much space as a traditional greenhouse and can be built to almost any specification. When added to the wall of a house it is much easier to access services such as water and electricity. This makes the lean to very popular. However it does have its disadvantages, mainly limited space and sunlight.

The hoop greenhouse has become very popular due mainly to its versatility and flexibility. They are very simple structures made from a row of PVC or metal ribs covered by a poly sheet. Both cheap and simple to build, these types of greenhouses are ideal for just about any purpose. The hoop greenhouse can easily be relocated or extended with the minimum of fuss. Ideal for growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants.

A cold frame is a smaller type of greenhouse. It is general unheated, hence the name, and is built close to the ground. The cold frame is ideal for planting seedlings that can be transferred to open ground once they reach a more mature state. It is not unusual to see several cold frames in one garden, each containing different plants or vegetables. Basically a box with a transparent slanted roof, cold frames are inexpensive and simple to build.

Mini greenhouses are great! Why? Because they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Almost anything that is transparent can be used as a mini greenhouse, from old plastic drinks bottles to goldfish bowls. Depending on what you intend to grow a mini greenhouse can be built to accommodate most small to medium plants. A larger "wardrobe" style like the one shown to the right can easily be made from some old timber with a poly sheet thrown over the top. Add a few shelves and your ready to go.

Greenhouses don't have to be expensive and you don't have to buy one either! The good news is that you can actually build your own cheap greenhouse. With the minimal skill anyone can build any of the styles shown above. Plans for almost any style of greenhouse can be found here. You will be taken by the hand and walked through every step of the building process, from the materials needed, where to locate, what style to choose, right through to the completion of the build. These plans are highly recommended if you have never planned or built a greenhouse before. Don't be held back thinking that greenhouses are expensive, build your own and see a whole new side of gardening.