Posted by Jonathan Miranda
A greenhouse is a structure designed to nurture and protect plants year round, regardless of exterior weather conditions. For many people, the image that comes to mind when the term is mentioned is a picture of a house made from glass, filled with exotic flowers and plants. While some greenhouses are made from glass, they can be constructed from other materials as well - some contain no glass at all.
Greenhouse Facts:
- You may not need to use your greenhouse year round. Depending on where you live some people only grow indoors for as little as two to three months a year
- Even if your climate is plant friendly, you may end up using a greenhouse year round. They offer more than just temperature control; you can protect your plants from predatory insects, fungi and birds. A single groundhog can wipe out a garden overnight; Growing indoors can help you protect tender plants from hungry pests as well.
- Greenhouses can be made out of many different types of materials. While most picture glass a cheaper alternative is a plastic covering with PVC pipes for the structure. In some cases wood is used but it should be treated to avoid rotting.
- A greenhouse may be a standalone structure or could be attached to, adjacent to or an extension of another building.
Which is better-a greenhouse or a garden?
As a gardener, you can only watch out for specific weather patterns and hope for the best; you have no control over the environment of an outdoor garden. You can certainly respond to weather conditions and do your best to protect your plants, but having an onsite greenhouse allows you to fully control the climate your plants grow in.
Your plants need light, water, protection from pests and an ideal temperature to grow properly. Using an outdoor garden setup allows you to plant seedlings and hope for the best; growing indoors allows you to vary the climate to exacting standards and help your plants thrive.
Growing indoors gives farmers the power of 'climate control' albeit in a relatively small space. You'll also need use less pesticide when you switch to a greenhouse growing model; some pests simply won't be able to get inside the structure, and you'll have less waste, since the area you'll need to cover with pesticide is much more compact.
While outdoor gardens are lovely, they don't play an active role in protecting and growing plants of all types. If you want to maximize your plant's health and output, then the easily controlled micro climate of a greenhouse is the place to do so.
To learn more about Greenhouses. Stop by Jonathan Miranda's site BuildaGreenhouseEasy.
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, fog system, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, greenhouse plans, lean-to greenhouse, pan-and fad system
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
The standard definition of a greenhouse is a glass (or clear-plastic) enclosed structure used for growing plants in a controlled environment. That being said, greenhouses are not the same - they come in different shapes, designs and styles.
In many cases the season in which you will use your greenhouse will determine what style or shape you ending up going with. Some styles are meant for cold weather while others are best used during very hot summers. The ability to use your greenhouse year round will be determined by the materials you use as well as the structure size and airflow allowed.
Greenhouse Shapes:
Rigid Frame: This traditional model resembles a little house, and offers plenty of air circulation and headroom so your plants will thrive. This type of greenhouse has no center support beams, the support comes from the exterior walls. Due to the way the house is constructed, a deep, strong foundation is needed. The foundation-based construction provides strength, making the rigid frame greenhouse a good choice for a year-round greenhouse.
A-Frame / Post & Rafter Style: Both of these styles are designed for use in areas with very high winds. They have very strong constructed frames which is great for year round use. The one downfall to choosing an A-frame or Post and Rafter style is that construction materials can be very expensive.
Quonset Hut: The Quonset Hut shape is probably the most distinct of the three shapes. It uses bent metal tubes for the frame and has a circular shape. This makes plastic sheets most suitable for its walls and roof since it would be expensive to fit glass walls along its round frame. The downside to the Quonset Hut is the smaller headroom and strained air circulation. Quonset Huts are therefore best suited for a seasonal greenhouse.
Classification by Support Style
Unsupported: This style is what most people picture when they think of a greenhouse. They do not rely on any other structures for support and can stand alone in a yard or garden. Unsupported styles usually allow for better sunlight since you can control where there location is and don't have to rely on a pre-existing structure for support.
Lean To: 'Half' a greenhouse is mounted against the external wall of a building or other structure. There is often no doorway from the supporting building leading directly into the greenhouse - instead, entry is from the outside.
Even Span Styles: An even span greenhouse has one end attached to another structure; the Quonset hut shape often sports even-span structure, but the other shapes can use the Even Span structure as well. .
By researching the different shapes and styles you can decide what type of greenhouse best suits your needs. Depending on how much space you have, money to spend and style you prefer there are many different greenhouses you can choose from.
For more free articles on Greenhouses, please visit Jonathan Miranda's site BuildaGreenhouseEasy.com .
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, fog system, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, greenhouse plans, lean-to greenhouse, pan-and fad system
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
Pests are one of the biggest threats to plants in a greenhouse. In fact, if left unchecked, pests in a greenhouse would be more devastating than a similar invasion in an open air garden. Because the environment is closed, the multiplying pests are concentrated in a smaller area and thus have fewer plants to attack than in an open garden where there are no physical barriers. For the greenhouse to serve its intended purpose, pest control must be at the top of your agenda.
Follow these guidelines to help keep your greenhouse pest free:
Keep it Clean: Create a cleaning schedule which you follow on a weekly basis. Quickly remove any mold or fungi if you should discover it. Mold and fungi can become a huge problem in an enclosed space and spread very quickly. Each season do a deep cleaning, removing all items and washing down every surface with hot soapy water.
Freeze them Out: An easy and cheap way to remove uninvited guests from your greenhouse is to freeze them out. Remove all your plants and store them in a warm place for a day or two. Open your greenhouse up to a cold environment and the pests are likely to move on or die. When you are sure your greenhouse is safe, bring your plants back in and return your greenhouse to the proper conditions.
Check Your Tools & Dirt: Unsanitary tools are another item that can infest your greenhouse. Be sure you wash all your tools (even the new ones) with bleach and hot water before using them. They may appear clean to the naked eye but you never know what is on there that can be harmful. In addition use sterilized potting mixtures rather than regular dirt or soil.
Observe: Regularly inspect your plants checking for any signs of pest eggs or larvae. Do not take chances. As a general rule of thumb, if you do not know what it is, get rid of it immediately. Your best defence is proactive offence by nipping any signs of pests well before they get a foothold. Any plant already infested should be quarantined and treated separately to prevent pest spread.
Insect Pest Control: Whenever possible you should avoid using pesticides, especially if your plants are meant for human consumption. Praying mantis's and lady bugs will prey on pests that are harmful to your crops while leaving them alone for you to enjoy.
Follow these five steps and your greenhouse is sure to remain pest free leaving you to enjoy the rewards.
To learn much more about Keeping a Greenhouse Pest Free. Please visit Jonathan Miranda's website where you can learn all about Greenhouses. How to build greenhouses, where to buy them and more.
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, lean-to greenhouse
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
Greenhouses present the perfect gardening environment irrespective of the time of year. But a greenhouse can only be as beneficial to you as your planning and preparation is. You need to have the right foundation for your greenhouse' success by ensuring it is fitted with all required functionality such as water, electricity, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling and heating.
The first and most important factor you need to consider is location. If you are building a permanent structure you are not going to be able to change the site selection very easily so you need to get it right the first time. There are many things you need to consider before you chose a site location; here are a few of them:
Sunlight Intake: Before deciding on a final location for your greenhouse you should examine your yard and keep track of how much sunlight each area gets per day. Ideally a it should have about five - six hours of sunlight per day. Having too much sunlight can be as harmful as not enough. In some cases too much sunlight will force you to spend extra money on a cooling system which can be avoided if planned out properly.
Accessibility: If you're going to be using your indoor garden on a regular basis you probably want to keep it as close to your main home as possible without salvaging other important factors. If you live on a large piece of land it might not be as convenient as you think if your greenhouse it located far away from your house. If you are going to tend to your crops on a regular basis it's usually more efficient and it is easier if they are near your home.
Wind Protection: Choose a spot that is not exposed to direct winds. Not only can high winds damage your structure, they can make your house lose heat. A single constant draft can kill your plants, or cost you when the heating bill comes in.
Soil Strength: If you plan on planting in the ground directly you need to examine your soil and make sure there aren't many large rocks or roots. Soil that is not high in nutrients could be a problem that is not easily dealt with. In some cases if the soil is really bad the entire area will need to be excavated bringing the bottom soil to the top.
Utilities: In order for you to be successful you need access to water, electricity, air conditioning and a good drainage system. When choosing a site opt for locations that already have these or where there are no physical barriers to getting these utilities to the greenhouse.
While many factors of your greenhouse can be maintained or altered your greenhouse location is something you need to get right the first time. Breaking down and moving a permanent greenhouse can be a very costly process that you will not want to be hassled with.
To find out more about Greenhouse Site Selection. Stop by Jonathan Miranda's site where you can learn all about Greenhouses. How to build greenhouses, where to buy them and more.
Tags: controlling a greenhouse environment, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, lean-to greenhouse
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
When most people think of a greenhouse they usually have a particular image that comes to mind. The fact is there are many different types of greenhouse and some may suit your needs better than others.
Design Types:
Freestanding greenhouses are unsupported and stand alone in a yard or garden, while Even-Span and Lean-to models are partially supported by another building. Window mounted mini greenhouses can be installed directly into a window of your home, though space many be limited. Choose the type of greenhouse that is best for you by examining your existing lawn and garden area to determine the ideal placement. You should also consider the cost of running electricity or water to a freestanding greenhouse; this is an often overlooked budget item that needs to be included to get an accurate idea of cost.
Location:
Deciding where to put your greenhouse can be a very important factor in its productivity. If you are building an even-span or lean to greenhouse you need to carefully exam the wall that the greenhouse will be attached too.
For instance, you might prefer a Lean-To greenhouse but the presence of trees nearby may result in so much shade that you will have to rely more on artificial lighting than sunlight to get the plants to grow. Or the constraint could be the absence of a drainage system close to your preferred site. Such factors may inadvertently force you to switch to the Even Span or Free Standing designs.
Factoring the Seasons:
Are you putting up a seasonal greenhouse or an all-seasons one? This has to count when choosing your preferred design. While most greenhouses can be used all year round, there are particular shapes that are not as efficient in temperature control and therefore not suitable for all seasons. Such greenhouses may damage plants during the warmer months unless extra steps are taken to keep the greenhouse cool.
The impact of the seasons must be a factor. In any case, setting up the greenhouse involves planning flooring, floor cover, air circulation, cooling, heating, water supply and drainage all of which come into play when determining cooling costs. If you pick a design with inefficient air circulation, the ease of access and installation of these 'accessories' can determine the overall cost of setting up and maintaining your greenhouse. Ignoring how all these factors will play out during periods of temperature peaks and dips may lead to disastrous results.
Materials and Shape
The type of material you use to build your greenhouse might be influenced by the frame type and shape. Glass, plastic and fiberglass are the most commonly used materials. Each one gives a different look to your greenhouse and can have different results when dealing with light penetration and cooling or heating.
Whether your choice of frame is Post-and-Rafter, A-Frame, Quonset Hut or Gothic, it is important to be clear on this from the onset so you can know how well your building material will sit with your chosen design. A seasonal and an all-season greenhouse may each require the use of different building material types.
There are a lot of different factors that need to be considered when choosing your greenhouses material, shape and design. Take your time and make sure you carefully plan out when you will greenhouse before rushing into it and being sorry later.
To find out more about Greenhouse Design. Please visit Jonathan Miranda's site where you can learn all about Greenhouses. How to build greenhouses, where to buy them and more.
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, flowers, fog system, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, lean-to greenhouse, pan-and fad system, Plants
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
If you are a gardener then building a greenhouse may be something you should consider. A Greenhouse can extend your gardening seasons without worrying about harmful weather, and all right in your own backyard. Sometimes the pressures of everyday life can be to much to handle and a greenhouse can be a perfect escape from them. Building your own greenhouse is easy and fun and the best part is since you are designing it yourself it will be unique to your taste.
These five key factors should be considered when building a backyard greenhouse:
a. Type - There are four types of greenhouses that are most common a lean to, mini, hoop and Victorian. A mini greenhouse is best for those who don't have much space. It can be ideal for those living a small apartment or that don't have much room on their deck. A lean to greenhouse is usually used by people with small yards. It gets it's name because one side is usually leaning against the side of a house or other structure. A Hoop greenhouse is the most inexpensive greenhouse and is very easily constructed. Lastly, the Victorian is a large, energy efficient greenhouse usually with great ambiance.
b. Space - If you do not have a large backyard, the space you have will determine the greenhouse design that will be most practical. The type of plants you intend to grow will also play a part in determining your choice of greenhouse. If the plants are expected to be tall, then the structure must have a high enough roof to accommodate them.
c. Building Material - You are going to want to consider the building material you use when constructing your greenhouse. If you are in a place with low temperatures in the winter you shouldn't use PVC Pipe. Instead use aluminum or wood which will have better insulation and be cheaper to maintain your heat levels.
d. Weather - What happens outside the greenhouse is just as important (and somewhat determines) what happens within the greenhouse. Length and severity of seasons, frequency of rain and snow, peak and floor temperatures etc. Your decision should be based on an aggregated score of each design in the context of the local weather patterns.
e. Budget - A good greenhouse will cost you so preparing a budget well in advance is crucial. That does not mean you have to break the bank. It is not impossible to have a functional greenhouse at a reasonable cost. When preparing your budget, start by outlining how much you have to spare for the project in initial construction and subsequent maintenance costs. Compare this with the cost of maintaining an equal sized/design greenhouse kit. If the cost of the kit is less than the cost of putting up a greenhouse yourself, then building the backyard greenhouse yourself is not feasible.
As you can see there is a lot to consider when building your own backyard greenhouse. Don't worry it's not as hard as it seems take your time and enjoy the process I promise it will be fulfilling
Want to find out more about Building a Backyard Greenhouse, then visit Jonathan Miranda's site on how to choose the best Greenhouse Design for your needs.
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, flowers, fog system, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, lean-to greenhouse, pan-and fad system, Plants
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
In order for your greenhouse to thrive you will need to maintain the temperature, humidity, moisture and of course keep your greenhouse free of harmful pests. Using accessories can make your life a lot easier and benefit your greenhouse in a tremendous way. Below are 8 greenhouse accessories that everyone should have.
Irrigation System - A good irrigation system will consist of overhead sprinklers, adjustable nozzles and ground drip feeders. This will help to evenly distribute water to all of your plants which is a must in order to assure they thrive.
Watering and Irrigation - No matter what plants you choose to grow in your greenhouse, you need to provide them with an on-going water supply. Install an irrigation system and you'll be able to provide as much water as your plants need without hauling in hoses or watering cans. A good system will provide a variety of ways to get water to the plants, from drip feeders to overhead sprinklers and adjustable water nozzles.
Greenhouse Shelving - If you are putting up a greenhouse in your backyard, space is likely to be a major constraint. Greenhouse shelves ensure you make the most use of the vertical space. Shelving comes in different heights, number of shelves and building material.
Growing Racks - Growing racks ensure the efficient use and ease of operation of a mini greenhouse. The racks protect plants from the effects of extreme weather while the zippers make access to the seedlings easier.
Heating Unit - Installing a centralized heating system can be expensive and would probably not make financial sense for a small greenhouse. In such instances, a compact heating unit may be more practical. Compact heating units are of varying capacities depending on the size of the greenhouse that needs to be heated. Take measurements of your greenhouse before you buy one just to be certain that you buy the right size.
Cloth Shades - Plants need sunlight, but they can easily get too much of a good thing. Monitor the temperature of your greenhouse by using cloth shades. Depending on where you live and how frequently the temperatures change, you can choose shades that go up and down automatically, or you can manually adjust them as needed.
Vent Openers - Lower the cost of heating and air conditioning by installing vents at appropriate locations. You can choose from natural and automatic ventilation - the latter is expensive but is more effective and can be integrated into a central heating or air conditioning system.
Watering Wands - A long arm watering wand allows you to reach different spots of the greenhouse without climbing. You can also provide an extra burst of water to the plants that need it without drowning their neighbors, allowing you to selectively water specific areas of the greenhouse.
To Learn more about great Greenhouse Accessories. Please visit Jonathan Miranda's site where you will find out everything you want to know about Greenhouses.
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, flowers, fog system, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, lean-to greenhouse, pan-and fad system, Plants
Posted by Jonathan Miranda
Once you have put up your greenhouse, it is time to make it do what it was intended to do - foster the rapid and healthy growth of the plants inside it. The strength of a greenhouse lies in the ability to control the climactic conditions inside.
One of the most important factors to control in your greenhouse is the temperature. Monitoring the temperature and keeping it at a healthy level will allow you to get the most growth from the plant life the greenhouse holds. Your greenhouse's internal climate can be impacted by several different factors, including the weather outside and the amount of sunlight that comes into the greenhouse via windows and glass panels.
While you can't control the weather, you can make adjustments to your greenhouse to fine tune the internal environment and make a stable climate for your plants, regardless of the weather outside.
a. Controlling Ventilation - There are two types of ventilation that greenhouses most commonly use - natural and artificial. Natural ventilation is controlled by strategically placing a number of outlets and inlets to allow natural air flow in and out of the greenhouse. This method can be a great money savor but is time consuming to monitor and can be hard to maintain ideal temperature in extreme conditions. Automatic ventilation is more expensive than natural ventilation and requires electricity to control the opening and closing of the air vents. Most of them have sensors which read the indoor temperature and control the levers accordingly. This requires far less work on your part and could be worth the money depending on your situation.
b. Additional Cooling - There are other ways to control the cooling of your greenhouse if ventilation alone is not working. The two most common types are pad-and-fan systems and fog systems. A fog system consists of a series of sprinkler heads which evenly distribute a cool mist over the plants. The only drawback of this is that the nozzles tend to get clogged from time to time so need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Pad-and-fan systems work along with ventilation systems. By placing cooling (evaporative) pads at the entrance of the air valves the air is cooled upon entry and circulates lowering the overall temperature inside your greenhouse.
c. Humidity - Humidity must be kept in check to prevent plants from succumbing to disease. High moisture content in greenhouse air increases the amount of condensation on plants thus hampering respiration. High humidity is also a breeding ground for pests and fungal plant diseases. To better manage humidity, the vapour pressure deficit (VPD) must be measured regularly and maintained at the optimum level of 0 to 1 psi. VPD is a calculation of atmospheric humidity versus the humidity at which water condensation will start.
d. Shading - Shading is another great way of controlling your greenhouse conditions. Automatic shades come with a sensor and will automatically open or draw a shade depending on if the greenhouse needs more or less sunlight at that time. This is something that is well worth the money. Trying to control shading manually is a never ending process that is almost impossible unless you are spending most of your days inside your greenhouse.
Controlling your greenhouse environment may seem like it can be an overwhelming process. If you take your time and practice I promise it will be a breeze in no time. The end result will be a thriving indoor garden which you will be sure to enjoy all year round.
To find out more on Controlling a Greenhouse Environment. Please visit my website where you will find lots of great resources for everything you need to know on Greenhouses.
Tags: backyard greenhouse, controlling a greenhouse environment, flowers, fog system, Gardening, Greenhouse, greenhouse accessories, greenhouse conditions, greenhouse effect, greenhouse environment, lean-to greenhouse, pan-and fad system, Plants
