How to Build a Greenhouse

A greenhouse is a structure made of plastic, glass or fiberglass meant to cultivate and exhibit plants. It allows the sunlight to penetrate into the enclosed area so that the plants blossom in a conditioned climate. You can see greenhouses of various sizes. Note that a bigger greenhouse is also called hothouse or glasshouse, while a smaller one is known as coldframe. Build a greenhouse depending on the space and budget available. Here is how you too can build one:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• PVC
• Batten tape
• Tubular steel hoops
• Plants
• Aluminum
• Polycarbonate
• Steel door hinges
• Clamps
• UV resistant film
• Handles
• Fiberglass
• Galvanized steel
• Wood
• Plant racks
• Adhesives
• Heavy-duty wire
• Glass
• Nails

1. Determine the exact purpose of building the greenhouse. It can be as a hobby or for growing plants commercially.
2. Decide the type and size of the greenhouse to be built (see link below). You can either have a freestanding or attached structure. A coldframe can be the best option for a small space. The sizes can range between 8-48 feet.
3. Plan the budget. This will also determine the type of material — aluminum, galvanized steel, wood, PVC, glass, fiberglass and polycarbonate — you will be able to use. You will also need other items such as tubular steel hoops, clamps, steel door hinges, handles UV resistant film, batten tape, heavy-duty wire and adhesives.
4. Evaluate the site where you want to build the greenhouse. Make sure it gets adequate sunlight. Choose a location that would provide partial shade so that there is no excessive heat inside. Consider the aspect of proper disposal of water.
5. Prepare a plan. List the measurements of each side of the greenhouse, the window size, the length of water pipes needed. Count the number of frames to be cut for the base, roof and sidewalls. Make the plan meticulously as it will result in a suitable greenhouse.
6. Go online and look for the material available (see link below). Buy the material either online or from local stores.
7. Level the ground well before you start erecting a greenhouse.
8. Begin from the base. Prefer to use plastic frames or wooden slats. Lay it on the ground securely of the size you have chosen. Measure it diagonally if you want a square greenhouse. Fix it by using galvanized nails and its plates. Keep space for water pipes as necessary.
9. Focus on sidewalls. Fix the glass, plastic or fiberglass frames tightly on the three sides first. Use galvanized nails and adhesives and ensure that the walls are strongly connected to the base. Make sure the material gels well.
10. Fix the roof. Cut the frames as per your plan and join with the three side walls. Use nails and adhesives to secure it.
11. Place the entrance frame and window(s) on the fourth side. Put the hinges of the door and window with adjoining frames as per your plan. Use nails and adhesives again. Ensure that the frames on the four sides, door and window(s) are strong enough to withstand pressure.
12. Use the UV-resistant film to cover the greenhouse. Cover the door and window, too. Make use of the batten tape and wire as necessary.
13. Position plant racks. Leave some free space around it for walking.
14. Make electrical fittings on the sides as necessary.
15. Lay pipes for water supply and disposal as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• A strong foundation is necessary when greenhouses are made of fiberglass, glass or double-layer plastic.
• Install heaters and fans to maintain an optimum temperature, if you are living in cold climatic condition.
• Go through local salvage stores looking for unused doors or windows. These form great frames, doors and windows for a greenhouse.
• Think of installing an automatic watering system. This will depend on the number of plants to be watered and your budget.
• You can enjoy warm seasonal vegetables in cold weather by cultivating specific varieties developed in greenhouses.
• Do not allow even a small hole in the greenhouse. It can disturb the temperature and hinder the growth of plants.
• Avoid using a heater in the greenhouse made of plastic film. It can destroy the plants and may burn down the structure.

Who Can Help:

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