Wednesday, 18 February 2015

How To Buy A Greenhouse That Meets Your Gardening Needs

By Katina Brady


The arrival of winter does not have to mean the end of gardening for those with a green thumb who love to grow plants and flowers, not with a cozy greenhouse in their own backyard. Before going to buy a greenhouse, it's a good idea for gardeners to keep these guidelines in mind in order to choose a design which will best meet their needs.

Before anything else, one must be certain that there is a suitable location for the greenhouse. The ideal spot should be free of trees, exposed to adequate sunlight, and protected from strong winds. Ample space should be left around its perimeter, for easy repair access, and it should be placed in close proximity to the house if electrical wiring will be installed.

Some greenhouses have an additional heating source, while others do not, this largely depends on how they will be used and when. Gardeners who plan on growing seedlings over the winter, will definitely require heating. A high temperature can be achieved with gas, paraffin, or electric heat systems, and moderate warmth can be established with insulating bubble-wrap. Temperatures should generally not be lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Its glass walls need to permit sufficient light to enter, and should be able to stand up to years of use and exposure to the elements. These can be made from traditional glazing glass, polycarbonate safety glass, or toughened safety glass. The latter two are more resistant to shattering, however they allow less sunlight in, while the former is more readily replaced if needed and encourages maximum light entry.

Most frames are made from either aluminum or wood and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is more affordable, very strong, and can have a powdered coating in almost any color applied to it for added visual appeal. Wooden greenhouses have a charming appearance, and they can have either fully glassed walls or a glass/wood combination, however they are more expensive and can rot when in prolonged contact with dampness.

Ventilation plays a key role in creating a suitable growing environment. A combination of roof and side vents should be installed in most greenhouses, the larger they are, the more ventilation is needed. Roof vents let hot air out, and side vents let cool outside air in, to ensure balanced circulation. Manual control is not the only way to manage vents, there are also automatic openers and solar controlled designs for more convenience.

The gardener will also want to give some thought to the style of doors he or she prefers, either sliding or hinged, and the most suitable type of flooring. The roof shapes vary as well, and are a matter of personal and practical preference. A base gives the structure stability, and if it is wooden, it deters rotting.

The final touches to install, once the assembly of the greenhouse is complete, can include a water storage system, benching and staging. Plants are grown on specially designed shelves known as benching and staging, which can be either solid or slatted. Supply shelves can be installed underneath them. Water is usually collected from the greenhouse's roof and is used for watering plants.




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