| Greenhouses are simple constructions and building one | | | | buildings. This allows getting more sunlight but normally |
| yourself is a project suitable both for experienced and | | | | they need their own electricity and water supply. |
| for newbie gardeners and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. | | | | The Materials |
| Before you start actual building, you need to perform | | | | The most important part of a greenhouse is its frame. |
| some planning. | | | | The frames can be made of wood, aluminum or steel, |
| The Location | | | | recently even plastic. |
| The most important thing for a greenhouse is that it | | | | There are several types of frames you need to |
| should allow growing plants inside. Because of this | | | | chose between: Quonset, Gothic, Rigid-frame, |
| getting maximum sunlight is very important. Plants | | | | A-frame. All of them have their advantages and |
| prefer morning sunlight so choosing south or southeast | | | | disadvantages so you may want to research further |
| side of the garden or building is a good idea. Of course | | | | before choosing build-it yourself plans. |
| if possible you should prefer places which get sunlight | | | | The Coverings |
| all the day. | | | | The type of covering often depends on the type of |
| Try to keep the greenhouse away of trees, especially | | | | frame. The most traditional covering is glass but it's not |
| evergreen trees, and other things that can throw | | | | as good for build-it-yourself fans because it's very |
| shadow over it as much as possible. The place where | | | | breakable. Now very popular are the Film-plastic |
| you'll put the greenhouse needs also to be well drained | | | | coverings because of the very low cost and simplicity |
| and protected from being flooded when it rains. | | | | of installation. Other types of coverings are Fiberglass |
| The Type Of Greenhouse | | | | and Double-wall plastic. |
| There are several types you need to chose from so | | | | Heating, Cooling and Ventilation |
| you can get or draw your building plans. Many | | | | Finally, before start you need to plan the heating and |
| greenhouses are attached to the house or other | | | | cooling systems, and the ventilation. The type and |
| building which often helps to save some money from | | | | amount of heating your greenhouse should get |
| building materials. | | | | depends on the type of plants you are going to grow |
| The attached structures can be one of the following | | | | and the climate in your area. You can install a solar |
| sub-types: | | | | heater, electricity, gas, oil, or wood. |
| 1. Window-mounted. They are attached to the side of | | | | Your greenhouse needs good air circulation so a |
| the house. | | | | ventilation system can be a good investment. In some |
| 2. Even-span. These are full-size structures which | | | | cases that can be just natural ventilation with vents or |
| allow more space for growing plans but are more | | | | mechanical ventilation using fan. When you are ready |
| expensive. | | | | with all this, consider also the kind of watering supply |
| 3. Lean-to. This is probably the most popular type - it's | | | | for your plants. While many gardeners just use hand |
| a half-greenhouse, very inexpensive and easy to build. | | | | watering, you may prefer some kind of automated |
| Other greenhouses are freestanding structures and | | | | system that will allow you to know your plants are |
| they are usually placed in the garden away of any | | | | safe even when you are not around. |