Small Greenhouse Plans | Building a Backyard Greenhouse | Greenhouse Design

Pick a site likely to get the most benefit from winter sun. The site should not be in an area that could be boggy and should be level or in a place that is easy to make level. Keep in mind the position of the sun.

Greenhouses need ventilation: carbon dioxide and light are essential for plant growth. As the plants consume carbon dioxide, they need ventilation to replenish the carbon dioxide used in the greenhouse.

As much as 25 percent of the daily heat requirement may come from the sun, but a lightly insulated greenhouse structure will need a great deal of heat on a cold winter night. The heating system must be adequate to maintain the desired day or night temperature.

Do not site near overhanging trees; too much shade and falling leaves are a nuisance.

If you are building a freestanding greenhouse, ensure enough distance away from walls or fences to allow you to maintain it.

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Backyard Greenhouses can be attached to a house or garage, or it a freestanding structure. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type.

A lean-to greenhouse is a half greenhouse, attached at the ridge. Lean-tos are useful where space is limited in width and are the least expensive greenhouses to build. The ridge of the lean-to is attached to a building using one side and an existing doorway, if available. Lean-tos have the advantage of being close to sources of power and water. However, you must ensure that snow or ice will not slide off the house onto the greenhouse.

Freestanding greenhouses can be larger, easier to ventilate and less likely to accumulate large volumes of snow in winter. This is especially true of hoop greenhouses! Traditional glass greenhouses are tidier, cleaner and easier to maintain: if you do need to change a pane of glass it is usually straight forward, whereas plastic is more cumbersome to replace although cheaper.

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The Basic Greenhouse 600 is ideal for people with limited space in the garden. Often customers buy a green house and outgrow it within a few years with the basic series it is possible to add extensions to the greenhouse. All models are packed in one box only.

The Compact Greenhouse 6.5 is designed for the serious gardener that insists on the best quality. This series produces great growing results at an afforable price. The Compact greenhouse is the better way to start. Its 4-foot high side walls; 6-foot 3-inch peak and 2-foot-wide single sliding door.

Having built your greenhouse, you will want to keep it looking good and in good repair. Check it regularly for weather damage, especially after snowfall or high winds. Remove snow and leaves from the structure; ensure rubber seals are intact and flexible. Check glass greenhouses for slipped or cracked panes, and pvc greenhouses for torn plastic and missing fasteners. Check vents open correctly, and thermostats are working. Check doors can open or slide easily. Repaint or re-stain in the spring as needed.

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