There are a number of different steps that are involved in the process for how to build a greenhouse, so let’s give you a very brief overview of what you should know.  From here, get your hands on a good greenhouse plans guide and then you’ll be all ready to build a greenhouse successfully.

Determine The Purpose and Size

First up, be sure that you take the time to determine where you will build a green house on your yard and think about the size you want to build. If you’re just growing a few different plant varieties a smaller greenhouse will work perfectly while if it’s a longer-term house you’re after and want to grow a number of different plants, go with a bigger one.

Build The Base

Next up for how to build a greenhouse you’ll want to start with the base. The best materials to use for this are plastic or wooden slats and they should be laid down on the ground and securely fastened with nails and plates.

Construct The Walls

Once the base is in place, the third thing that you’ll want to be doing is constructing the walls.  For this you’ll want to fix the glass, plastic, or the fibreglass, whatever you choose to build them out of tightly on all three sides. This leaves the forth side for you to place the entry wall on with the doorframe.

Fix The Roof

Last, place the roof on top of all the walls and be sure that it’s securely fastened with nails and adhesives.  Use a UV-resistant film to cover the green house and you’re all ready to go.

So there you have the basic steps in mind for building a greenhouse.  Don’t overlook any of these and make sure that you are consulting a proper guide so you can ensure yours is a success.

Cheaper To Build

The first and biggest reason why many people will turn to building a plastic greenhouse is because it’s far cheaper to build than some of the other options that are available.  Plastic is great for those who are trying to maintain a budget and while you still may have to purchase some other materials that are a little pricier, if you have the plastic forming the largest part of the greenhouse, that will automatically cut your costs.

Easy To Use

Second, the next reason to choose a plastic greenhouse is because it is easier to use.  Plastic is quite durable when it’s on the house and will make for simple and straightforward construction.

Most people who are building a greenhouse for the very first time definitely do find that plastic is what makes the process go very smoothly, so that’s something to consider if you’ve never had any experience building a greenhouse before.

Great For Sunlight

Finally, the last reason to consider a plastic greenhouse is because they are great for letting sunlight in.  Some other materials that are heavier may prevent some sunlight and hinder the ability of the plants to grow, but plastic solves this problem in a hurry.

Most plants do require higher degrees of sunlight in order to thrive properly, so this can really make or break your progress in some cases.

So be sure that you’re giving some careful thought and consideration to a plastic greenhouse.  It is the trend that more and more people are starting to turn to.

With a lean to greenhouse however, this will attach right to the wall of your house and proves to offer numerous benefits.

Let’s have a look at a few of the really nice things that a lean to greenhouse has to offer.

Convenience

The very first benefit to using a lean to greenhouse is the fact that it’s highly convenient.  Since all you really need to do is step out your door and you’re at your garden, this is going to be much nicer than if you have a five to ten minute hike to get to it.

If you’re growing things such as herbs or fresh vegetables that you always find yourself using during dinner, having it right outside your door makes this incredibly easy.

Great For Walls That Face South

Second, if you have a house that does get a lot of direct sunlight on the south side, you’ll really be taking advantage of that by using a greenhouse that faces south.  The south side wall will offer a lot of potential growing options, more so than a greenhouse located in the middle of the yard in some cases.

Stronger Build

Finally, the last reason why you may want to consider a lean to greenhouse is because since it is based right against the house of your wall, it will tend to have a much stronger build to it than a freestanding greenhouse.

For those that are looking for a longer term greenhouse that is lower maintenance, this is a really terrific option.

So keep these points in mind about building a lean to greenhouse. It may just be the perfect variety for you.

Some people jump in too fast when they try and build a garden greenhouse without doing enough thorough research first and this will really hinder them in the long run.  You must remember that since you’re going to be growing delicate garden produce, you’re going to have to have ideal conditions in order for them to grow properly.  If you don’t, you’re going to be left with little to no results.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when you build a garden greenhouse.

Locate An Area With Enough Direct Sunlight

The very first thing that you should be doing is making sure that you locate an area that has enough direct sunlight.  You would be surprised at how many people skip this step when they go to build a garden greenhouse and it’s really going to hold them back from making progress.

If you want your produce to grow to its full extent, be sure that you’re getting them into an area that gets at least seven hours of direct sunlight a day.  You can do this by avoiding any tall buildings or trees in the nearby area.

Find A Flat Piece Of Land

Second, also be sure that you find a flat piece of land for your garden greenhouse.  If you’re on an uneven piece of land, rain water will constantly be running in that direction and over time it could erode the base of the greenhouse.

Choose Your Size Wisely

Finally, think about your size selection very wisely. You must not build something too small and try and overcrowd your plans in because the minute you do that is the minute they stop growing properly.

You need to allow enough space for them to breathe as well as grow, so don’t forget to take that into account.  Many people forget that their plants will grow considerably in width and don’t leave enough total square area for them in the garden greenhouse.

So be sure to keep these points in mind as you go about building your garden greenhouse. If you do, you can be sure that you’re going to see success.

You will need a good soil for planting seeds. Compost, potting or gardening soil and a little sand or perlite are a good start.  Read all directions in your seed packets.

Keep some of those black plastic flats that nurseries use to display their plant containers.  These are useful for starting sees and transplants.

Benches in greenhouses are essential, as they hold trays of plants that have already sprouted from seeds.

Styrofoam cups – have several of these handy.  Seeds sprout quickly and once they grow large enough to move into separate containers, they can be gently lifted and transferred into ordinary Styrofoam cups.

You can also use yogurt plastic cups, and large commercial type containers that can hold more than one plant. In fact, any container you can think of will be suitable.

Other materials you should have on hand are broken clay pots, cracked walnuts, marbles, charcoal or gravel.  These help in proper drainage.  Be sure to soak clay pots in water a few minutes before using them.  This will prevent the clay from absorbing the moisture from the potting soil.

If you want to have trellises inside your greenhouse, you can make them out of coat hangers, which you can bend to any shape your heart desires.

Herbs are perfect for keeping pests at bay.  They are what one writer calls “nature’s insecticides”.  Have a variety of them inside your greenhouse.  You can make a natural insecticide by adding onions or garlic to a jar of water.  Leave it for a week and spray on your plants.

Other garden tools that will help you run your greenhouse efficiently are air coolers for the hot summer.  This is to maintain the temperatures at desired levels.   Power vents in the roof are also a good idea to release hot air that can build up suddenly in the summer. 

In the winter, a good heater would be nice to warm the greenhouse. Other accessories you need are a humidifier, a CO2 generator, and a mister.

Greenhouse lighting system. 

A type of light called high intensity discharge lighting (HID) used to be employed by commercial growers in large greenhouses. However, the idea of artificial lighting to stimulate plant growth became increasingly popular. 

H.I.D. lighting not only adds to natural sunlight, but can actually serve as a substitute during long winters when natural sunlight is in scant supply. They are energy efficient and operational costs are low.  Here are just a few of the benefits of HID lighting: 

Increases the health and strength of plants, and stimulates growth and yield rates,

Supplements natural sunlight; by using HID lighting, you also extend “day length”,

Enables container outdoor plants on decks and patios during the summer to be moved indoors during the winter, 

Are definitely more powerful than conventional fluorescents.

Greenhouse tables, shelving and plant holders

These are indispensable, especially when you need to work inside your greenhouse and to maximise and organize your greenhouse space.  As your plant varieties grow, you will need shelves and tables and plant holders to facilitate your gardening.  One popular type of bench that greenhouse hobbyists like is the cedar double layer bench.  They are durable and efficient to use.

For shelves, you can opt for two and three section lengths made of aluminum. 

Given that watering your plants is an essential – indispensable -part of any greenhouse gardening, a good watering system is required.  You can choose either the automatic or hand held watering system to make your watering needs more efficient. 

For automatic irrigation systems, there are models that come equipped with an automatic drip irrigation and fertilizer system.  Day or night, they regularly water the plants and adjust the flow of fertilizer. Some have a tank in which the water and fertilizer are mixed and are distributed to plants via hoses, Y-connections and drip pins.

Greenhouse garden coil indoor/outdoor watering wand

This is a “self-coiling” garden hose made of rugged and durable polyurethane tubing.  It produces ultra-fine mists and sprays in soft, gentle streams.  Some wand models extend to as long as 50 feet.  No hassle storage because of self-coiling mechanism.

Greenhouses constantly evolve in style and design.  It follows then that tools and accessories will grow in number or existing ones will be considerably improved.  Manufacturers are probably inventing more tools and accessories this very moment that will make our work in greenhouses easier and quicker. 

The ones we just described are already being used by many greenhouse enthusiasts.  In a few years, new products will definitely appear in the market.

Each person will have their own preferences as to what they’ll most want out of greenhouse plans so by learning to recognize the key points to look for, you’ll quickly discover which is the best choice for you.

Here are three main points that you’ll want to think about.

Portable Greenhouse Plans

The very first thing that you may want to consider is using portable greenhouse plans.  These will allow you to build a greenhouse that can be transported wherever you may need it so that you can easily take care of your growing plants from various spots in your yard.

This is especially helpful for those who do have large farms or acreages since getting to where your greenhouse is located can become quite an issue over time.

Greenhouse Plans Size

The next thing that you’ll want to think about as you look for greenhouse plans is the size that you want to build.  Those who are seeking a more permanent greenhouse option should aim for a larger size as this will easily accommodate whatever you are hoping to build.

Take caution with building a greenhouse that’s on the smaller size because as your plans grow you may quickly find this to be a bit too small.

Overall Structure Base

Finally, the last thing that you’ll want to check for as you go about looking at the various greenhouse plans is the building material that they are using. Ideally you should try and find one that has a firm structure to it and is made out of metal or a strong wood.

These will stand the test of time and you won’t experience near the degree of having to rebuild shortly after.

If it is just a short-term solution you’re looking for than that does use cheaper building supplies may be more appropriate, so you’ll have to weigh your needs here and create a pros and cons list.

So keep these tips in mind as you assess greenhouse plans. If you do you can feel confident that you’re making the right decision with your purchase.

• What will my greenhouse be principally used for?
• Do I want a large or small greenhouse?
• Will the greenhouse be the main attraction of my garden?
• Is my garden exposed to strong winds?
• Are there young children or wild animals in the area?

Factors such as cost and space will determine the type of greenhouse you build.  If you do live in a windy area, it may be worth to spend the extra money for a solid and sturdy greenhouse.  If you live near a large hardware store or a nursery, or even a do-it-yourself home center, go and visit some models.  The customer service representative should be able to provide you with valuable information before you make a final decision.

So as not to mislead you, while there may be different types of greenhouse designs, we’re talking about the same greenhouse.  You get to decide which type you want it to be. 

For example, if temperature is the main factor, because of the plant varieties you want to grow, then there are three types in terms of temperature control.  There are also different types of greenhouses based on structural design.  We’ll start with temperature control factors.

For temperature control purposes, three types of greenhouses exist: 

• a hot greenhouse
•  a warm greenhouse
•  a cool greenhouse.

Hot Greenhouse

 A hot greenhouse’s inside temperature is maintained at a minimum of sixty five degrees. You can at some future date increase the temperature, but a hot greenhouse is intended for growing tropical and exotic plants. If you live in a very cold region, you will need to install heating and lighting equipment to satisfy the requirements of tropical and exotic plant species.

Warm Greenhouse

The temperature inside a warm greenhouse, on the other hand, is at about fifty-five degrees F.  At this temperature, a larger variety of plants can be grown, perhaps as many as you would in your outdoor garden.  You may still need to resort to the use of additional heat and light during the winter months.

Cool Greenhouse

A cool greenhouse (frost-free greenhouse) is maintained at a temperature ranging from forty to forty five degrees F.  This temperature is ideal for growing seedlings or any plants that do not need warmer temperatures to survive.  A cool greenhouse is perfect for starting your plants and vegetables in anticipation of the summer months.  Generally, the use of heat or lights isn’t required for a cool greenhouse.

As for structure, there are generally three types: 

lean-to

detached

ridge and furrow or gutter connected.

Lean-To

The lean-to type of greenhouse is rarely used for commercial purposes because of size restrictions, but is the most popular among hobbyists.[6]

Detached

Detached greenhouses – as the name suggests – are independent and are stand alone structures.  However, they may still be attached to a work area or else provide access to another greenhouse via a passageway.

The Quonset is the most common type of detached greenhouse used for commercial production.  They are built from arched rafters and have solid walls for support. Quonset greenhouses are ideal for producing most crops, although the growing area is limited to the areas around the side walls, which diminishes efficiency and productivity.

Ridge/Furrow

Ridge and furrow greenhouses are attached at the lower edges of the roof by a gutter.  The absence of an inside wall below the gutter allows for increased efficiency. Ridge and furrow greenhouses may be built with gabled or curved arches. Gabled houses are appropriate for heavy coverings (i.e. glass, fiberglass) while curved arch houses are covered with lighter materials (i.e. polyethylene, polycarbonates).

You may encounter different classifications in your readings on greenhouses.  For example, another classification, which is similar to the ones just mentioned are:

Cold frame type

Roof cover may be poly or shade, end wall covering is either poly or rigid, available lengths come in 12 feet increments, and no gutter connections or vents.

Ground-to-ground

Roof covering is either poly or shade, wall covering may be poly or rigid, lengths available in 12 feet increments, no gutters, roof vents are available.

Gutter-connected, Gothic arch

Load rating may be either 10, 15 or 20 pounds, roof covering is poly, sidewall and endwall either poly or rigid, lengths available in 12 feet increments while heights available in 8, 10 or 12 feet, gutter connection and roof vents both available.

Gutter-connected Cable 

Load rating 10, 20 or 30 pounds, roof covering either poly or rigid, endwall and sidewall covering may be either poly or rigid, lengths in 12 feet increments, gutter connection and roof vents available.

Gutter-connected Arch

Load rating may be 10, 20 or 30 pounds, roof covering and sidewall/endwall is rigid, lengths come in 12 feet increments, gutter connection and roof vents available.

Another way of looking at greenhouse types is the material they are made of; that is, glass, fiberglass, or plastic. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.  Whatever you choose, make sure you leave the installation and irrigation systems to professionals.

Glass

Glass type greenhouses are the most traditional covering used.  They may be constructed with slanted sides, straight sides and eaves.  Aluminum, glass buildings provide low maintenance and have aesthetic lines, as well as ensuring that you get a weather-tight structure.  Pre-fabricated glass kits are available for easy installation by hobbyists and amateur gardeners.  They come in different models to meet budget and space restrictions. 

The disadvantages of glass are its fragile condition (glass breaks easily) and high costs.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass greenhouses – they are light, strong and hail-proof.  Be careful, though.  Low quality fiberglass will discolor, thus reducing penetration of light. Using a good quality fiberglass will however make it as expensive as building a glass one.  If you decide to go for fiberglass, go for the most expensive grade, and do not buy colored fiberglass.

Plastic

Plastic greenhouses are becoming very popular for the following reasons:

Low cost (about 1/6 the cost of glass)

Absorbs sufficient heat

Fruits and vegetables and other plants under plastic are comparable in quality to that of glass-grown varieties

Lower tax liabilities

Choice of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers of these materials, and other readily available clear films.

Polythylene

Polyethylene:  lightweight and inexpensive.  It stands up well during the seasons of fall, winter and spring, but tends to deteriorate during the summer when it gets constant exposure to the sun.  It breaks down due to ultraviolet rays and the deterioration begins along the rafters and along the creases. This problem can be avoided by using UV-inhibited polyethylene, which is available in two and six ml thickness and is up to 40 feet wide and 100 feet long.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl) – like polyethylene, PVCs are soft and flexible.  You can have transparent ones.  Vinyl costs two to five times more than polyethylene. When properly installed, they can last as long as five years.  Because it attracts dust and dirt from the air, it has to be washed from time to time.

In layman’s terms, a spectral frequency can be defined in terms of the following principle:  any object in the universe emits, radiates or transmits light.  The distribution of this light along an electromagnetic spectrum is determined by the object’s composition.

Therefore, the glass of a greenhouse traps energy within the greenhouse and the heat in turn provides heat for the plants and the ground inside the greenhouse.  It warms the air near the ground, preventing it from rising and leaving the confines of the structure. 

For example, if you open a small window near the roof of a greenhouse, the temperature drops significantly.  This is because of the autovent automatic cooling system.  An autovent is simply a device used by greenhouses that maintains a range of temperatures inside.  This is how greenhouses trap electromagnetic radiation and prevents convection (transference of heat by currents within a fluid).

Curious about how the idea of a greenhouse came about?  It goes back to the days of the Romans, who – as history annals show – were the first people to create a structure to protect plants.  Using heated pits, they put up slabs of rock to form primitive greenhouses.  The term “glasshouse” which is the correct name of this structure, was adopted sometime in the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

At that time, however, the error was in believing that heat was more important than light for plants to thrive.  Structures were being built to exclude the entry of light, but by the time the glass tax of 1845 was abolished, the design of greenhouses started to change. 

Builders realized then that a curved roof instead of a flat one allowed higher concentrations of the sun’s rays, and that by using iron instead of wood, the greenhouse could be structurally reinforced and made capable of absorbing more light.

A man named Joseph Paxton, a horticulturist, appeared on the scene and introduced changes to the greenhouse design concept.  He was famous for the Palmhouse at Kew Gardens which he built in 1842.  It measured 110 meters long, 30 meters wide and over 20 meters high.  Nine years later, he built the Crystal Palace.

It has been forty years now since major improvements in materials and design have been integrated into the greenhouse, and it is now very much a feature of any home garden.

One greenhouse principle is the ability to extend the growing season.  Early vegetables can be planted indoors and then transplanted when they mature.  A greenhouse owner also gains several weeks to the growing and sowing period especially if there is a form of heating installed. 

Controlling temperature, light and moisture is one of the things that greenhouse owners can do; this way they obtain the guaranteed results they want.  Our science classes taught us that many plant varieties enjoy a warm, moist temperature.

In addition to extending the growing season and being able to control temperature and moisture inside a greenhouse, a gardener learns to hone his gardening skills by getting acquainted with as many varieties as he can in the greenhouse. 

He may choose to specialize on one species of fruit or vegetable or flowering plant.  Many have built greenhouses for the purpose of growing and preserving their orchids. 

Whatever the intent is, a greenhouse will deliver hours of emotional satisfaction to owners.  Imagine being able to grow juicy tomatoes or producing new kinds of plants by the simple act of propagation.

Don’t be discouraged by the fact that you have limited space in your garden or that is completely paved or concreted.  You can still make use of limited space. 

If space is a problem, there are what people call “free standing” greenhouses that take just a few square feet of space, and some can be installed on balconies or roof tops.

Today, you can choose any greenhouse frame you want, including color.  If you’re not into aluminum, you can build one with a dark frame color or go for earth colors instead. 

• Let’s mention a few of the numerous benefits of greenhouses:
• Control of growing conditions for plants to obtain desired results,
• Protection from the elements and from birds and animals,
• Facility in controlling pests and diseases,
• Easy access by the elderly and disabled, given that greenhouses are less physically demanding than wide open crop spaces and fields,
• Possibility of reducing gardening costs because the owner or gardener grows his own plants,
• Possibility of widening the variety of plants for general gardening purposes.
• A greenhouse serves as an escape or refuge after a trying day.

The idea of growing food at controlled temperatures all year round and extending the growing season have set fire to people’s imaginations.  No wonder the greenhouse building industry has recorded phenomenal growth. 

From construction plans to tools and accessories for greenhouses, individuals are working on all fours to satisfy the increasing demands of consumers who have made building their own greenhouses top priority.  This trend, which started humbly in the 70’s, is now a full-fledged endeavor on the part of greenhouse entrepreneurs and “homesteaders.”

One greenhouse story told by a woman was particularly moving.  Months before the spring, her husband bought the materials required for building a greenhouse.  His plan was to attach it to the house. 

 The woman had protested because he was at the same time going through radiation and chemotherapy treatments for his cancer.  His wife said he should be resting instead of puttering about with shelves and glass and plastic. 

 What he said broke her heart.  He wanted to build and finish the greenhouse while he still had some strength left, because he knew for a long time that she had always wanted one in their backyard.  He said he wanted to see the joy in her face when she started planting her tomatoes or gardenias or whatever else she wanted to put there.

 Greenhouses are an extension of our personalities.  Most especially, it mirrors our soul and what we want from life.

 And what we want is a steady supply of home-grown healthy food.  During these precarious times when terrorist attacks and life-threatening calamities can cast us in the dark indefinitely, we have one thing we can be sure of – the tomatoes and cucumbers that are in the food basket in the kitchen will tide us over should the country go on emergency mode. 

 The sweet potatoes and carrots will be around, and there will be more from the greenhouse to feed our families for a few weeks before things return to normal. 

 Not that we believe that a shortage will ever happen, the country has become much more prepared for any kind of emergency, but just on the off chance…

 If greenhouses can save our lives, we may, at some point in time, consider the idea of building one soon, a first step towards self-sufficiency. 

 It’s not just a constant supply of healthy food that concerns individuals, but a greenhouse – and building it – can be sources of pure enjoyment and clean fun for everyone in the family. Most greenhouse owners are familiar with the advantages of growing their own plants and flowers, prolonging the growing season and the possibility of heating their home.  And who knows?  They could be selling fresh produce in the communities they live in.

 There are many greenhouse models to choose from.  You can go from affordable to very expensive.  You can build a greenhouse by using junk or a plastic film stretched over a rudimentary structure, or purchase elaborate metal and glass pre-manufactured sun-rooms. 

Each of them serves the fundamental function of extending the growing season.  Even the question of irrigation can be simple or complex, depending on your preferences.

 Just want to make it a hobby?  Why not?  Homeowners attach theirs to their homes.  Even schools have greenhouses built by elementary and high school students. 

 Finally, the wholesome taste of a home-grown tomato!  Everyone knows there is a difference.  But really, between you and I, it goes beyond just tomatoes. 

Perseverance, labor of love and the sweet anticipation of “harvest time” are what truly matter.