When looking at greenhouse plans, you have a wide variety. Before you get lost in a nice plan, there are a few things to think about. Price is important to many people. However, the decisions you make on these important issues will directly affect the price you pay for the final structure.
Some aspects to consider
The most important aspect to consider is the size. If you just want a small space to overwinter houseplants, you don’t need a full-size sunroom attached to your house. A small greenhouse in the backyard might suffice. If you want to grow vegetables all winter long, a greenhouse attached to your home might work better than one in the backyard. You can find plans for different sizes so you can select the one that suits your needs.
Location is another important aspect of selecting greenhouse plans. Greenhouses need sun. That is something you cannot avoid. Exposure to the southern and southeastern sun is ideal. You do not want a strong shade on the structure as it will block the sun. However, it’s important to make sure there isn’t too much sun on summer afternoons, as that can make things too hot inside. Decisive trees make good cover for the afternoon sun.
When looking at greenhouse plans, you should also consider the materials. The materials will help determine the final cost and how you will build the greenhouse. You can get a beautiful permanent structure attached to your home, made of glass and steel. However, if you want a structure that costs less and isn’t as permanent, you might want to consider something made of PVC with plastic sheeting stretched over it. However, there are several options between these price points.
The price also depends on the type of base you select based on the selected greenhouse plans. A permanent foundation is essential for glass greenhouses. With a PVC frame, you can get away with posts driven into the ground. A permanent foundation generally means concrete poured along the perimeter. If you attach the greenhouse to your home, you always need a poured concrete foundation. However, the entire floor should not be concrete. A wet floor can become a security problem. You can place a central walkway made of concrete or gravel.
It is important to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse. Heat is important, but too much heat can cause problems with plants. When looking at greenhouse plans, you should see if the plan offers options for environmental regulation. For a greenhouse attached to the house, you can take advantage of your home’s heating system. For a detached building, you can use a combination of ventilation, fans, and heating elements to keep the temperature at the right level.
Air circulation and ventilation are just as important to a greenhouse as heat. Plants are living beings. They need fresh air. If you attach a greenhouse to your home, you need to be able to separate the space from the living room. This will allow you to ventilate the greenhouse without ventilating the rest of the house. The fans are part of the air circulation.
some final thoughts
Many greenhouse owners like to get up every morning and take care of their greenhouses. They may use manual systems to open and close vents, as well as turn heating elements on and off. However, most gardeners cannot spend much time in the greenhouse. They may not be home during the middle of summer to air out the greenhouse space if it gets too hot inside. The use of modern automation in a greenhouse space is one thing to consider. Some greenhouse plans consider this, while others do not. Watering is another function that some choose to automate. Automatic irrigation systems are available.
