How to Build That Greenhouse You've Wanted Anywhere You Please by Terry Clark - HTML preview

 

To maximize insulating properties of your greenhouse, use the best materials that your budget allows. Thicker cover insulates better and lasts longer. Pick the right spot for your greenhouse depending on the type of weather you have. And finally, do not start to build without creating a plan.

 

 

Orchids Repotting

 

Spring is a time for rejuvenation. It is a time for growth and ideal time to repot the orchids. There are times though when orchids have to be repotted spring or not. When the orchids outgrow their containers and when the mix that the orchids are planted on is deteriorating, repotting has to be done. Deteriorating potting mix will result to orchid roots that are black and mushy. The deterioration will result in bark that easily crumbles when rubbed by the fingers. The orchid has outgrown its container when the moss that it is planted on is already compact. A compact moss holds less water limiting the activity of the roots of the orchid affecting its health.

 

The following are suggestions in selecting a potting material for the orchid to thrive better and longer.

 

You can use moss or bark. Moss and bark will breakdown overtime which is fine. You can use pumice. Pumice will not break down. If you want to extend the effective use of your potting material combine moss or bark with pumice. You can use the potting material that the orchid is growing in. The important thing to observe though is that whatever the method and potting materials used, plan the repotting so that it does not become compacted easily. Loss moss or bark will hold nutrients better and longer.

 

When deciding to use bark, place the bark in a container and pour in hot water (short of boiling point) and after a while, drain the water off. This will loosen bark materials as well as its surface tension. Then the bark could hold more water for the orchid. Most growers use fir bark where it is available. For aeration, add Perlite with the bark.

 

If you decide on moss, choose sphagnum. Sphagnum is a premium moss for the orchids. It has very long thick fibers that enable it to retain water 20 times its weight.

 

Before repotting, soak the roots of the orchids in water for several minutes to soften the roots and prevent it from breaking during repotting. When that is done, take a close look at the roots of the plant and cut the rots that are not plump, firm, mushy, or shriveled. Healthy roots of orchids are normally white with green tips.

 

Finally, the container where the orchids are to be placed must be large enough to grow the plant for as long as the medium that is used will last.

 

 

Planning Your Inexpensive Greenhouse

 

It is not every day that you build a greenhouse. When you decide you wish to install a greenhouse, you will want the best and the most affordable. We say "the best you can afford" since popular knowledge teaches us that building a greenhouse is expensive. More often than not, a decent-looking greenhouse costs at least $500 to build; and that's for the materials alone. If your skill will not take you do build one and you opt to hire a contractor, the cost will definitely go higher. Still, building a greenhouse does not have to be expensive. Take note of these tips that will help you lower the cost of your construction:

 

1.  Design according to your need. Savings start in your design. Ideally, the smaller your greenhouse is, the cheaper the cost. Do not construct something that is totally beyond your need. The height, width, and length of your greenhouse should be just right to promote maximum growth for your plants and for you to walk around. More importantly, you want to build a greenhouse that will fit in your property.

 

2.  Save on the frames. You don't have to spend on industrial-strength iron for your frames; they will not support an entire building. There are cheaper alternatives such as wood, PVC pipes and other plastic tubes that are durable and rot-resistant.

 

3.  Choose your flooring. You don't have to buy bricks, tiles or lay concrete cement for your flooring. Dirt will do perfectly. Use high quality soil and lay mulch or rocks so that the water will drain right. This type of flooring is also perfect to regulate humidity.

 

4.  Glazing and covering. You have several cheap options for greenhouse covers. Polyethylene is one. Choose thicker plastic films though, as thinner ones they tend to wear over time and you'll be finding yourself replacing the panes every year.

 

5.  Heating, cooling and ventilation. The amount of heat you need depends on the weather condition of your location. Usually, greenhouse needs some heating device to keep the tropical temperature and humidity inside even if you are in the middle of winter. You can orient your greenhouse so that you can save money on heating system. If your place is very hot, put your greenhouse near a tree or a large structure so that it gets shaded in the afternoon. If you live in the northern part, cover your greenhouse with blanket or some insulation so that you keep the cold air out.

 

Finally, think of your overall design. There are several types of greenhouses. Each has its pros and cons. See what type fits to your property, weather and budget and work your way from there.

 

 

Portable Greenhouses

 

A portable greenhouse is often a miniature greenhouse for hobbyists and plants enthusiasts. All it requires is a level ground and a drain to keep it dry where you grow and culture plants the whole year round if you like.

 

The one thing that is great with portable greenhouses is that it could be moved around to get the best sun any season of the year. It is plant growing mobility at best. You could even transport small portable greenhouses to a relative's house if you are going out of town for a period of time. All you do is pick it up and move.

 

While it is true that there are many portable greenhouses that are not really very portable as far as portability goes, there are small portable greenhouse kits designed for locations where space is an issue. It comes in all range and sizes. Apartments with terraces for example or a house with green roof designs benefits much from having portable greenhouses where flowers could be cultured and grown.

 

When choosing a small portable greenhouse, it is best to gather all your plants to better estimate the size of the greenhouse that is needed. It is also a good idea to measure the space where the portable greenhouse is intended to be placed to pick the right design and size as there are so many varieties that are not only practical but are good addition to prettify and add interest to a particular area. To add to this, many garden stores prefer particular designs and suppliers that each design across the country differ in detail and specifications. The good thing is you will never run out of idea when choosing. The only thing to prepare for is the choosing of the right feature that you would want to enhance a particular space whether inside the house or outside of it.

 

Greenhouses are not only used and designed because of some space issue. It is a good tool to augment a space in preparation for bigger projects. Small portable greenhouses are good for experimental plants but as mentioned a while back there are portable greenhouses that are designed to provide a sufficient space similar to a permanent greenhouse. The difference sometimes is that portable greenhouses are easier to assemble and disassemble depending on the current requirement of the greenhouse grower.

 

 

Selecting a Greenhouse Design

 

Before you start spending on rare plants and other materials for your first greenhouse, you should first consider your needs and current situation. Do you even need a greenhouse in the first place? You will start creating the best design that is most suitable for your needs and goals as you define your specific needs and interests. You should also include your budget to prevent creating a setup that you cannot afford. Here are some expert tips.

 

Considering Your Place

 

First of all, consider your current location and place. You should consider whether or not you want to build the greenhouse close or away from the house. Some structures are harder to wield together. You need sunshine to the fullest degree. The roof should also face south if you find the location very sunny. Choose a site that has good elevation and soil. The angle of the sunlight during noontime should around 22 degrees during the shortest day of the year. The greenhouse should also be kept over the distance of the angle from anything on the south part. Select a well-drained area and a high one, to avoid the risk of mildew. If you plant to run trellises, these should go north and south. The house should also run north and south if it is part of the structure.

 

About the Shape and Frame

 

The kind of frame used frequently today is the modified curve eave, regardless of whether the structure is independent or lean-to. This gives you very aesthetic rooflines, sufficient side ventilation over the benches and lot of light to plants. The lean-to design may be the only one that suits certain restricted locations. Plants growing in a connected design are usually drawn or lean strongly in a single direction due to the uneven distribution of light and the limit of proper ventilation.

 

The most expensive one to build is usually made of aluminum frame. However, you can save more over time since you almost spend nothing on maintenance cost and repairs. Greenhouse glass should be double thick, which is usually the same as the one used in modern houses. Ground glass can also be used for exotic plants, although it is generally better to use clear glass, and rely on shade when it is needed.

 

How to Keep Things Warm

 

The heating system is considered as the most important part of the greenhouse. The heating system of the greenhouse should give maximum capacity compared to the figures given or needed. It is important that you provide the right heat during certain times of the year. The design of the greenhouse should care for each and every plant housed inside. Therefore, some plants may be positioned at certain areas, while others may be given extra shade, based on their specific needs.

 

The Different Styles

 

The lean-to design is known as the half-greenhouse, since these appear like the greenhouse has been cut into two, cut straight right at the middle. Lean-tos can be attached to houses and other existing buildings. The support and greenhouse have a common wall. The structures are generally simple, lightweight and efficient. These are attached to the house because the structure is close or has access to water and electricity.

 

 

Decorative Designs

 

Decorative greenhouses or conservatories are known for their long and romantic histories. These were very widespread during the 19th century and stand for wealth and sophistication. Decorative designs are excellent for individuals and hobby gardeners who have already collected and grown a number of uncommon and rare plants and flowers. These are also good for conservatories and laboratories who wish to present and show to students for educational purposes. They are very popular in public buildings and private houses.

 

Building the Structure

 

Cold frames and the same structures can be built as long as you have light and air to circulate. This can be convenient because seeds can be started even before the last frost and then be replaced until the next spring. Greenhouses can be large or small, and can include jars, deep windows and tubs, depending on the objectives and goals. The floors, walls and roof can be altered and changed over time as well, depending on the current materials and the availability of space. Always consider your budget before finalizing the design. You should consult the experts first before starting the project.

 

 

Should You Build or Buy Your Greenhouse?

 

Not all greenhouses are expensive so the option of building your own is always available. It is important that you understand the requirements first and determine your current situation to know if you should create your own or just buy a ready-made model. Greenhouses can be made from different materials and can have different styles, depending on your personal preference and budget. Here is some more helpful information.

 

Building Your Own

 

There are many benefits that come with building your own greenhouse. You can cut costs by sourcing out the cheapest materials. Later on, you get added financial advantages by not having to buy fruits, herbs and vegetables from the market. You can grow your own food right in the greenhouse and even sell some of the extra for profit. The idea of building your own greenhouse is based on controlling the environment, humidity, wind and temperature for plants to grow very well, regardless of the time of year.

 

Things to Consider

 

You can definitely save more money if you build your own model. You can expect to shell out around $1,000 to $3,000 if you build your own, compared to buying a model for $5,000 to $10,000. The opportunity to build your own greenhouse may be based on several things. Having an outbuilding can provide you with added benefits such as having more space and storage area.

 

The design should be realistic and practical enough for regular homeowners to handle. You can also create stronger greenhouses that last longer compared to ready-made ones. There are no specialized materials, so you can easily find materials right at your local hardware store. You can choose the glazing materials for extra durability and strength. The fans, vents and other accessories can freely be added to the design. You can grow vegetables and other plants better all-year long.

 

When Building Your Own

 

You should do a lot of reading and research if you are to build your own greenhouse. Study a number of books and web sites that help the weekend warrior. You can get quick tips on how to install the materials properly. There are several tips that let you treat the materials properly for added durability. Take all the needed measurements so that you build the right greenhouse that best suits your available space. Build the greenhouse according to your specific needs and space. You can choose to make a lean-to design, so that your own house can provide other factors that will ultimately help you grow the garden.

 

Buying Tips

 

There are cold, temperate, warm and cool greenhouses, each with its own range of temperature depending on what you need. The cool ones provide less moisture to crops. High temperatures usually need more moisture as well. The water and heat level needed by your plants will determine the perfect design for you. Lean-to greenhouses are made to share the same wall with another existing structure. This usually involves your own house. You can get the advantages of being closer to heat and water.

 

 

Some of the kits you can expect to find include the Three Quarter Span, the Traditional Span and the Mansod design. The Three Quarter Span is a lean-to greenhouse having a traditional look. These very much look the same as solariums and conservatories. You should locate this greenhouse style somewhere away from direct sunlight. The Traditional Span is described as a stand-alone greenhouse that costs less and is more practical compared to other designs. This can be a cold greenhouse, in terms of design, with the presence of irrigation and electricity to become a temperate or warm greenhouse.

 

The Mansod

 

The Mansod design is described as curvilinear. The roof and side panels are slanted to provide optimal light exposure. The designs are ideally positioned in an open setting to boost exposure to reducing winter light. Other kits available may take the form of geodesic domes and alpine houses.

 

Searching and Price

 

You can look for different greenhouse kits on the internet. You can talk to expert gardeners and ask them for the best sources. You should consider maintenance costs together with the price. Aluminum and wood are usually the easiest to maintain. Steel frames have to be treated each year to avoid rusting. Glass is an ideal insulator and allows more light to enter. You should consider all the materials included and determine why kits are priced as such.

 

 

Solar Greenhouse - The Active And The Passive Solar Greenhouse

 

The principle of a solar greenhouse design is to collect solar energy and trap it within the greenhouse and the other storage system that the greenhouse is equipped with. The heat that it is collected is stored for use during evenings and periods when the temperature is colder. Solar green houses could be adapted for most greenhouse designs like the pit, the hoop, the shed type etc. It could also be used in attached greenhouses.

 

There are two kinds of solar greenhouses, the active greenhouse, and the passive greenhouse design.

 

The Active Solar Greenhouse

Generally, active solar greenhouses are freestanding greenhouses aimed at commercial production wher