Building a Greenhouse Location and Type of Greenhouse
Building a Greenhouse Location and Type of Greenhouse Source: Fact Sheet 645 - University of Maryland Co-op Extension Service, David S. Ross, Extension Agric. Engineer, Dept. of Agric. Engineering © 2001 Agri. Teach. com (101801 ms)
Getting Started • Careful planning is important before getting started. • Building a greenhouse doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. • The type of greenhouse depends on: – – Growing space desired Home or school architecture Available sites Costs • The most important consideration is that the greenhouse must provide the proper environment for growing plants.
Location • Put the greenhouse where it gets the most sunlight: – The best choice: the south or southeast side of a structure. • South provides all-day sunlight. • Morning sunlight on the east side is sufficient for most plants. – An east side location captures November to February sunlight. – Second-best is southwest or west side of major structures: • Plants will receive sunlight later in the day. – North of structures is the least desirable location: • North is good only for plants that require little light.
Location • The sun is lower in the southern sky in winter causing long shadows to be cast by buildings and evergreen trees.
Other Location Considerations • Good drainage is an important requirement for the site. – Build above the surrounding ground so water will drain away. • Locations of sources of heat, water, and electricity • Shelter from winter wind. • Access should be convenient for people and utilities. • A workplace and storage area should be nearby.
Types of Greenhouses • A greenhouse may be attached to a house or garage. • Or the greenhouse can be a freestanding structure. • An attached greenhouse can be: – – A half greenhouse A full-size structure An extended window structure There advantages and disadvantages to each type.
Attached Greenhouses • Lean-to: – – – – A lean-to greenhouse is a half greenhouse. It is split along the peak of the roof, or ridge line Useful where space is limited. Least expensive structures. Lean-tos are close to available electricity, water and heat. Disadvantages include limitations on space, sun, ventilation, and temperature control. Temperature control is more difficult: • The wall on which the greenhouse is built may collect the sun's heat while the translucent cover of the greenhouse may lose heat rapidly.
Lean-to Greenhouses
Attached Greenhouses • Even Span: – – – An even-span is a full-size structure. Has a gable end attached to another building. It is usually a larger and more costly option. This option provides more usable space. The even span has a better shape for air circulation.
Attached Greenhouses • Window-mounted: – Can be attached on the south or east side of a house. – Gives space for growing a few plants at low cost. – The special window extends outward & can contain two or three shelves.
Freestanding Greenhouses • Freestanding greenhouses are separate structures: – They can be set apart from other buildings to get more sun. – Can be made as large or small as desired. – A separate heating system is needed. – Electricity and water must be installed. – The lowest cost (per square foot of growing space) is generally a freestanding greenhouse that is 17 to 18 feet wide. • Can house a central bench, two side benches, and two walkways. • The ratio of cost to the usable growing space is good.
Freestanding Greenhouses
Choosing a Type • When deciding on the type of structure, plan for: – – – Adequate bench space and storage space. Room for future expansion. Temperature regulation: • Small greenhouses - more fluctuation, greater surface area • Large greenhouses - less management • Freestanding greenhouses should be at least 6’ x 12’.
Building a Greenhouse Location and Type of Greenhouse Source: Fact Sheet 645 - University of Maryland Co-op Extension Service, David S. Ross, Extension Agric. Engineer, Dept. of Agric. Engineering © 2001 Agri. Teach. com (101801 ms)
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