| Having a greenhouse in one's own backyard is a | | | | sizes. |
| hobby that will provide hours of enjoyment -or | | | | If the local weather doesn't include snow then |
| work, depending on how the challenges of | | | | cheaper polyethylene film greenhouses will do just |
| gardening are viewed. For those with dreams of | | | | fine. If snow and extreme weather take place |
| spending days blissfully working in the garden or | | | | during certain times of the year then a |
| greenhouse they may be in for a rude awakening | | | | polycarbonate greenhouse will be a better choice. |
| once the greenhouse kit arrives and they realize | | | | Most of the polycarbonate greenhouse kits have |
| the amount of work that goes into maintaining a | | | | frames that allow the panels to snap right in |
| successful greenhouse. | | | | making assembly a breeze. |
| Like most hobbies there can be moments of | | | | Once the greenhouse is assembled the work is |
| sheer frustration but the reward can definitely | | | | not over yet. Those who live in climates with cold |
| outweigh the effort. Knowing the basics of owning | | | | winters will need to provide heat during those |
| a greenhouse can save the gardener multiple trips | | | | months so that the temperature inside the |
| to the garden store and save many unsuspecting | | | | greenhouse never goes below forty degrees or |
| plants' lives. Before the beginner greenhouse | | | | so- depending on the type of plants being grown. |
| owner wastes money on plants that will die if the | | | | Low cost heating systems with thermostats can |
| greenhouse is not set up properly, he or she | | | | be installed or for those looking to reduce costs |
| should take the time to learn a little about the ins | | | | even more; a good old-fashioned thermometer, |
| and outs of greenhouses. | | | | space heater and daily monitoring can also work. |
| Greenhouses create mini ecosystems. Much like | | | | Ventilation is also key to maintaining the balance |
| the larger system we know as our planet, heat | | | | of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the greenhouse. |
| from the sun becomes trapped and gives rise to | | | | Without ventilation the air can become stagnant |
| the warm temperatures needed for plants to | | | | and the temperatures can become too hot. |
| grow. The sunlight, heat, moisture, nutrient, and | | | | Those using space heaters must be extra diligent |
| gas levels must all be within certain ranges to | | | | about ventilation. Most greenhouses have vents |
| keep the plants healthy and growing. A backyard | | | | built in, but a fan will also help keep air moving. |
| greenhouse will need things like sunlight, ventilation, | | | | Irrigation is another critical component to a |
| heaters, and an irrigation system for it to be a | | | | greenhouse. It's true that a hose can be dragged |
| success. | | | | in and out every day to water the plants, but the |
| Let's start with the creation of the greenhouse | | | | ease of installing a drip system or a mini sprinkler |
| itself. The site of the greenhouse should be a | | | | system makes it seem silly to deal with a hose. |
| sunny location in the yard. The plants need the | | | | The systems can easily be setup on a timer and |
| light to grow and to keep the climate within warm | | | | the amount of water each plant receives can be |
| enough. The size of the greenhouse will depend | | | | precisely controlled. |
| on the gardener's budget. It's easy to fill up a | | | | In the warm summer months sometimes a fan |
| greenhouse so buying as large as one can afford | | | | and adequate ventilation won't do the trick. |
| would be wise- it's hard to expand or put an | | | | Greenhouse shades are available to help cool the |
| addition onto a greenhouse. | | | | structure during the hottest hours of the day. |
| For the most part no foundation is needed, but if | | | | Those who have a larger budget can always |
| the greenhouse is intended to be a permanent | | | | spring for an air conditioner, but the cost of |
| structure then a gravel floor is nice. Concrete or | | | | cooling a see-through structure can be |
| pavers can also be used, but a means for | | | | astronomical even if it's a small space. |
| drainage will be needed- so gravel is usually the | | | | After all the systems are in place the plants can |
| best bet. Also if concrete is used make sure the | | | | finally be brought in. Some greenhouse kits come |
| floor has some texture as it will often be wet and | | | | with shelving, in other kits the shelves will need to |
| slippery. | | | | be purchased separately. The gardener will quickly |
| Greenhouse kits make it easy to build the actual | | | | learn which accessories are missing. The chances |
| structure. Getting the measurements and | | | | of a successful greenhouse are much greater |
| dimensions correct when building the greenhouse | | | | when the gardener is prepared and has some |
| from scratch can make for a frustrating weekend | | | | knowledge on how the greenhouse actually works. |
| or two. The greenhouse needs to be properly | | | | Taking the time to learn the basics will make the |
| sealed and able to withstand the local weather. | | | | hobby more enjoyable and produce healthy |
| Kits can be bought online and come in several | | | | flowers and vegetables for years to come. |