A greenhouse is a building whose walls and roof are predominately made with transparent materials. Such materials include glass or a kind of plastic that is translucent. Read more about DIY Indoor Greenhouse.

These buildings come in different sizes ranging from little sheds also referred to as cold frames to large buildings (industrial size). They are used to cultivate vegetables and flowers or other plants that require climatic conditions that are strictly regulated.

A greenhouse magnifies the sun’s rays to heat the structure, soil, and plants and on the other hand protect the plants when the temperature is cold. You can either buy a greenhouse kit or build it from scratch. Visit https://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/best-greenhouse-kits/ if you are thinking of buying a kit. You would get a better understanding because we would only give you some basic information in this article.

Features of A Greenhouse

Greenhouses may appear very simplistic, but they are more complicated than you may think. It is important to understand the basic features that these structures must have to be able to perform optimally. So, let us check out the following features:

The Frame

This is part of the structure that would hold the panels in place. It might also include a foundation, but this depends on the size of the building. This frame can be made of a wide variety of materials but the most commonly used are aluminum, galvanized steel, strong PVC and wood.

Aluminum however takes the lead in the materials used because it lets more light into the building. Furthermore, it easily supports clip-on panels.

The Coverings

These are the glazing around the panels that determine how much radiation of the sun gets into the building. Ideally, they should insulate the space and be resistant to the effects of the ultraviolet rays from the sun, this is in addition to being shatterproof. The panels are usually made of solid glass and other synthetic materials whose design enhances the exposure to sunlight and reduction of heat loss.

Glass materials allow 90% of the radiation of the sun into the space which helps to retain the heat. Other synthetic materials on the other hand while cheaper and maybe stronger do not allow as much sun ray to get into the structure.

The Flooring

These can be as simple as dirt floor that is pressed to be compact or wooden floors; it can also be as sophisticated as finished floors. Industrial conservatories favor finished floors while smaller or hobbyist gardeners favor dirt floors with walkways made with different materials. Materials that may be used for walkways include the following: - wood, pea shingle, stone, or concrete.

Additional Features/Accessories

The above are the basics but some additional features or accessories would differ from one greenhouse to another. These accessories include automatic vents, shelving, a mist system, a fan, a heating system, a potting bench, and a tool rack. You can read this article for more information on these features and accessories.

Factors to Consider Before Buying and Setting Up A Greenhouse Kit

Building Permit

Before you set out to buy a hothouse kit, you need to find out whether you need a building permit. This is not a difficult process as all you must do is reach out to your local zoning department. They would give you all the information you need so that you can set up your hothouse without contravening the law.

Size

You need to determine what you want to use the structure for and how long you want it for. Do you want something that you would use all year round or seasonally? What quantity of plants do you want to cultivate?

When you have answered the above questions, then you look at the available space that you have. Bear in mind that it is more cost-effective to buy a large structure from the onset than to buy a small one that you may need to upgrade as time goes on.

Still, on the issue of size, consider the height of the structure. Ensure that it has enough headroom and that the peak height and sidewalls are high enough. This is because the higher the structure the easier it is to heat and ventilate.

Proximity To Water

Since your conservatory has a roof, the plants do not have access to rainwater. This, therefore, means that you must water them as required. So, to make things easier for you or whoever would do the watering, you have to ensure that you locate the structure close to a source of water.

Power

When you are thinking of where to set up whatever kit you decide to buy, factor in the source of power. Unless you would not use a heater or fans, you would surely need a constant electricity supply. It is safer for an electrician to install electricity in your building than for you to just bring in extension cord(s). With proper installation, you can rest assured that all your equipment would be properly and adequately powered.

Additional Lighting

In addition to the installation of proper electricity, you should also consider supplemental lighting. This is because some regions have shorter days during winter and do not have daylight for more than 8 hours per day. Winter clouds also inhibit the percentage of light that gets to the plants. This means that seedlings and plants that need sunlight to thrive would suffer; that is why you need supplemental lighting.

Aesthetic Appeal

It is important to consider how this structure would impact the overall ambiance of your property. Unless you do not mind having a plain structure in your yard, you should consider how this structure would make your backyard more beautiful and improve the landscape.

Conclusion

Greenhouses are great for cultivating seasonal plants all year round. However, you need to do it right to get the best out of it. In this article, we have shared some things that you need to bear in mind as you go shopping for a kit and before you install the kit. We believe this information would stand you in good stead in your endeavor. Happy gardening!

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