If you’re interested in building your own greenhouse, there are several things you should consider before you begin. Taking the time to do the necessary research can save you time, money, and headaches later on.
The first thing you need to think about is the location. It’s important to choose a good spot that takes advantage of natural resources and is well sheltered from prevailing wind.
Choose a Good Location
The location of your greenhouse will have a big impact on its ability to protect your plants and produce healthy harvests. It also determines how much light the structure receives.
Ideally, you should choose an area that will receive at least six hours of sunlight every day. This is particularly important for growing winter crops.
To help with this, you may want to consider a grow light kit. This can help provide additional lighting for your plants and increase the number of harvests per year.
Another important consideration when choosing a spot for your greenhouse is its proximity to water and electricity. You’ll need these if you plan on running fans, heaters, or a timer.
Consider Irrigation
The watering system you choose for your greenhouse will have a direct impact on your plants and the quality of your crops. Choosing the right system can help to increase yields and improve the overall growing process.
Drip irrigation is a common system that can be installed on the surface or beneath the soil. It is suitable for a variety of greenhouse vegetable crops and works well in raised beds.
You can also use a misting system in your greenhouse. These systems work great for tropical crops and can help to decrease the temperature in your greenhouse.
An ebb-and-flow system is another option for irrigating your plants. This method requires large storage tanks that hold either plain water or a concentrated fertilizer solution. Then a pump forces the solution into the trays in the greenhouse.
Think About Storage Space
Storage is a big part of any home or business. The right amount of storage can keep your plants happy, healthy and on the right track to a bountiful harvest. The best storage solutions are scalable, easy to access and relocatable when needed. Keeping your grow room a tidy and organized place can also make your job as a horticulturist a little easier.
The best storage solutions aren’t always easy to come by, which is why it is important to shop around for the best. In addition to choosing the most efficient solutions, you’ll want to consider things like location, material, cost and scalability. For example, if you’re in a tight space or need to maximize your growing area, a movable shelf might be the best fit for your needs. This solution also has the best chance of getting your crop off to a good start in a variety of weather conditions. The most obvious option might be a simple wooden shelf hung from the ceiling or a mobile rack affixed to your greenhouse.
Think About Ventilation
Greenhouses need to be properly ventilated to promote the growth of plants. They also need air flow to help with carbon dioxide replenishment and for humidity management.
There are two types of ventilation systems: natural and mechanical. In natural or passive systems, ridge and sidewall vents draw in cool air and dissipate heat.
This is an effective and inexpensive method of cooling a greenhouse in warm weather. However, it is less efficient in cold climates because the system relies on wind to draw cool air in.
In a mechanical system, fans are installed in the greenhouse to exhaust rising hot air and draw cooler air into the building through louvers on the sides of the structure. When properly designed and installed, mechanical ventilation can maintain ideal internal greenhouse temperatures even when operating in a variety of locations and weather conditions.
Whether you choose to use a natural or mechanical system, make sure your greenhouse vents open and close at the right times. This is especially important in warm weather when you want to take advantage of the solar openers that come with most greenhouses.