Greenhouses:
Planning and Building
Index:
Types
Locations
Materials
Miscellaneous
Types of Greenhouses:
I. Attached
1. half-size
a. Lean-to Structure
2. Full Size
a. Evan Span Structure
3. Extended Window
A. Window Mounted
II. Free-Standing
Locations
 Greenhouses should be located in order to receive
maximum sunlight. A greenhouse should be located on any
side of a major structure except the North side.
 Deciduous trees should be placed strategically around the
greenhouse to shade from the intense afternoon sun, but do
not shade the house in the morning.
 Access to greenhouse should be convenient for utilities as
well as people.
 A separate storage area should be set aside for supplies, as
well as a workplace for potting plants, etc…
Materials
 The key in any greenhouse is the frame. Frames can be built
with aluminum, wood, or galvanized steel. Plastic pipe materials
are only appropriate in some climates, due to the fact that this
material does not meet some wind and snow load requirements.
Below are some basic frames:
Coverings
 Glass: A traditional covering for greenhouses, glass is
functional and nice looking. It is easily maintained and also
keeps a high level of humidity in. Tempered glass is often
stronger than regular glass and is frequently used as well.
 Fiberglass: A good grade of fiberglass will not weather or
discolor and is also hail-proof. If treated with a Tedlar coating,
fiberglass will last 15-20 years without heavy maintenance. While
fiberglass initially has the same light penetration as regular glass, it
usually tends to drop off as time goes on.
 Double-wall plastic: Made of double layers of acrylic or
polycarbonate sheets of plastic, double-wall plastic retains more
heat than conventional coverings, bringing savings of 30% on
energy costs. However, only 80% of light if filtered through this
thicker covering as opposed to a 90% filtration of the regular
glass.
Key things to remember when building a
greenhouse
 Greenhouses do not have to be expensive! If you don’t want
to spend the money, don’t!
 The idea is to get as much light into the greenhouse as
possible. Avoid covering the house with excess trees, coverings,
etc…
 Don’t be afraid to break the mold! Each greenhouse should
be unique.
 The sun can’t do it alone! Even though the sun provides most
of the energy, you must regulate the environment of your
greenhouse with fans, thermometers, heating and cooling, etc…
 Don’t forget the H2O! If the keeper will be gone frequently
or the greenhouse is too vast to water by hand, a watering system
will be necessary to maintain the plants.