Greenhouses Buying Guide
There are tons of different ways to build your own greenhouse, from purchasing the material to build something small and tent 
-like, to opting for a large, ready-made kit that can withstand the weather of any season. They can cost as little as £50 and as much as £16,000, so assess what your needs are, as well as your practical constraints, before making any commitments. If you're only worried about a few potted plants , a small portable structure may suffice, while growing an entire vegetable garden may require something more substantial. Think about how much space you have in your yard and where you might place your new greenhouse so that it can function at an optimal level.
Steps to Building
- After figuring out your needs, it's time to lay the foundation. Use a level area and lay down cushioning sand or pour concrete to secure the structure. But if you don't want to do all the work, you can forgo the foundation and pick a site for your greenhouse that is level, will not get soggy and drains well after stormy weather. This is more of a risk, but will save you some time.
- Construct your greenhouse. There are many free plans online that provide readers with instructions on how to build greenhouses with various materials. Check out some of the options below:
Frame and Covering Materials
The most common covering materials are glass, fibreglass and plastic, as they all are fair conductors of heat. The following are possibilities for the greenhouse frame. Depending on how large and how long you intend to have you greenhouse set up, some materials may work better than others.
- Aluminium
- Lightweight and rustproof.
- Steel
- Very strong, thus requiring less framework to support the greenhouse.
- Make sure to get a weather-resistant steel that will not rust.
- Plastic
- Inexpensive and portable.
- Not as strong as metal or wood, so usually reserved for smaller, temporary greenhouses.
- Wood
- Humidity and heat can speed up decomposition of wood, so get it treated.
Greenhouse Equipment
You might want to consider these other accessories to keep your greenhouse looking great and working well.
- Thermometer
- Monitoring the temperature will help you ensure that the plants don't get too cold or too warm.
- Hygrometer
- This device can measure the relative humidity in the greenhouse, which will help you to determine if your plants are getting enough moisture.
- Benches and Tables
- Why not take full advantage of your greenhouse by adding places to sit and admire your hard work?
- Misting/Sprinkler System
- Misting the air will keep your greenhouse humid and cool the air on hot days, giving your plants a much needed drink.
- Shade Covers
- These will keep your plants from being scorched during hot summer months.
- Lighting
- Grow lights help plants during the early part of the season, when ample natural light may not be available.
- Varieties include:
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