Building a greenhouse for the first time is an extremely rewarding and exciting journey, from choosing the right location and materials to figuring out the setup and maintenance.

 

Why Build or Buy a Greenhouse?

 

A greenhouse acts as a safe haven that protects plants from pests and insects and other potential outdoor elements, such as torrential rain, cold winters, and extreme heat.

You can grow anything from a vegetable garden to an array of delicate flowers, a tropical oasis, or a collection of cacti and succulents.

However, not every greenhouse is built the same way.

When building or buying a greenhouse, one critical factor is that your setup satisfies your gardening objectives and budget. You should also consider what type of plants you plan to grow, as this will make it easier later on to regulate the amount of light and heat in the greenhouse. For example, ferns and orchids will require lower light conditions than vegetable gardens or succulent collections.

In this guide to buying and building a greenhouse, we will discuss the key considerations for creating a perfect greenhouse to nurture your plants year-round.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location and Size before buying or building a greenhouse.

 

Selecting the Right Location While Building Your Green House

 

Location is often crucial. Find a space in your garden that is convenient for daily plant maintenance and has easy access to water and electricity.

Garden Space Fit: Your greenhouse should not encroach on your walkway or other outdoor plants. Ensure that the ground is level where you want it to go. That way, it's easier to build a solid, uniform foundation.

 

Outdoor Green House and Indoor Green House

 

Outdoor Greenhouse: Designed to capture natural sunshine and shield plants from harsh weather conditions, an outdoor greenhouse is a standalone building that may be placed in a garden or yard. It offers a regulated atmosphere with temperature, humidity, and ventilation controls, making it perfect for growing a range of plants all year round.

Indoor Greenhouse: Usually located in places with enough sunlight, an indoor greenhouse is a small, frequently portable arrangement intended for indoor use. It is ideal for tiny plants, herbs, or seedlings because it provides a regulated microclimate that keeps things warm and humid even in small spaces.

 

2. Why Size Matters

 

 

Start a Little Bigger: As your plant collection expands, first-time greenhouse owners frequently discover that they need more room. Consider a slightly bigger size to account for potential future growth if possible.

 

 

Improved Air Circulation: Good airflow is crucial for healthy plants, particularly in smaller greenhouses. Ensure that you have options to close and open doors and windows to create natural airflow. You may need to use fans during summer, so allowing for a power point inside the greenhouse will be very handy. Generally, it is easier to maintain stable conditions in a larger greenhouse than in a smaller one.

 

Step 2: Optimize for Sun and Shade

 

1. Balancing Sunlight and Shade

 

Sunlight Requirements: Although greenhouses require sunlight and shade, it's essential to strike the correct balance between the two, particularly in the spring and fall. A greenhouse that doesn't overheat while capturing enough light for warming is necessary throughout these seasons.

Place your greenhouse so its length extends east to west to get the most sunlight. This alignment captures more sunlight throughout the day, which is advantageous in cooler months and can save winter heating expenses, particularly in colder climates.

 

2. Seasonal Sun Protection

 

Protection in Summer: Use shading materials or retractable shade cloth to keep plants safe from the hot summer sun, which can quickly cause the greenhouse to overheat.

To determine the correct size, measure the length and width of your greenhouse. When measuring a greenhouse, avoid excessive length to prevent overhangs on the end walls. The shade cloth should cover only the top, extending to the hip board. Secure it using shade cloth clips with a loop for tying off with rope.

 

Step 3: Setting Up Your Greenhouse at the Right Time

 

Early spring or autumn are ideal for setting up plants in your new greenhouse. Although constructing a greenhouse can be done at any time of the year, it is best to do so during spring or autumn. This will allow your plants to gradually adjust to the new conditions. Plants will be better prepared to flourish when the weather changes, helping you avoid the intense summer heat or cold winter.

Installing a greenhouse before winter can also give plants a place to stay throughout the colder months.

 

Step 4: Consider Your Budget and Greenhouse Types

 

1. Having a Realistic Budget

 

Invest in Quality: Purchasing high-quality greenhouse materials upfront might reduce the need for replacements and repairs. Under Australian weather conditions, inexpensive materials may deteriorate rapidly.

 

2. Types of Greenhouses

 

 

Glass Greenhouses: Distinguished by their exceptional light transmission and longevity, they are aesthetically pleasing and efficient insulators. Because they are heavier, they require a sturdier structure and a firm foundation.

 

Polycarbonate Greenhouses: Lighter and better insulated than glass, polycarbonate greenhouses are a common substitute. Although single-layer walls can make temperature regulation more difficult, thicker polycarbonate (8mm or more) gives better durability.

 

 

Other Materials: Although inexpensive, temporary constructions like hoop homes might not last as long as alternatives made of glass or polycarbonate. They're a nice temporary fix if you're experimenting with greenhouse gardening.

 

Step 5: Build on a Strong Foundation

 

A strong foundation is essential for the greenhouse to be stable and long-lasting. The foundation shields the greenhouse from the outdoors, stops water seepage, and keeps it from shifting.  Two well-liked foundation choices are as follows:

Concrete Slab: incredibly resilient to weather and long-lasting, however more expensive

Gravel or Decomposed Granite Base: A less expensive option than concrete also easier and quicker to install.  

Building a sturdy foundation will guarantee that your greenhouse can endure seasonal fluctuations without experiencing significant structural problems.

 

Step 6: Plan for Climate Control and Automation

 

1. Ventilation

 

Vents help circulate air to ensure the greenhouse remains at a constant temperature. By opening and closing in response to the interior temperature, vents help to regulate the greenhouse's inside temperature.

As hot air rises, you will need to install vents close to the ground level, and some need to be located close to the roof. This will allow fresh air to be drawn inside the greenhouse while the hot hair will be pushed out through the upper vents.

The bottom vents can usually be operated manually as needed, according to the season. However, the roof vents should be set so they open and close automatically depending on the inside temperature. The most widely used method is to use an automatic window opener. These openers can automatically open and close the greenhouse windows to control the greenhouse temperature when the temperature changes. They don't consume energy, batteries, or electricity and are generally inexpensive.