How to Choose a Greenhouse?
How Big a Greenhouse Do You Need?
This is a tricky question that doesn't always have a simple answer. It depends on many circumstances. First of all, clarify what you expect from the greenhouse and what it will be used for. For growing tomatoes and peppers for two people, a smaller greenhouse with a floor area of 5 - 8 m² is usually sufficient. However, if you plan to supply vegetables for a large family, even a twice as large greenhouse may not be fully adequate in the end. If you want a garden greenhouse only for growing heat-loving flowers, you can easily calculate the required size according to the scope of your plan. For several plants, one of the smallest greenhouses with a floor area of around 1 m² might be enough for you. Smaller greenhouses can also be a suitable compromise for very small gardens where every centimetre needs to be used efficiently.
Where to Place a Greenhouse?
For a greenhouse, you need to choose a sunny location without shading from trees or buildings. At the same time, there should be no risk of anything falling on the greenhouse from above - fruit from a nearby tree, snow from the roof, etc. It is very advantageous to place the greenhouse against a wall of the house or a brick fence. When cooling down, the heat accumulated in the wall warms the interior space of the greenhouse. The placement of the greenhouse according to cardinal directions also plays a role. Experience shows that it is most suitable to orient the greenhouse axis in a north-south direction. When planning a greenhouse, don't forget about the availability of water supply and you can also consider installing electrical wiring. You can then turn on the lights in the greenhouse after dark, and electricity can also be useful for overall heating or powering heating mats used when growing seedlings.
Polycarbonate or Glass?
Glass panels are a proven classic, however, the disadvantage of glass is its relatively high weight and fragility. Diffused greenhouse glass is usually used, which prevents plants from being burned by the sun, so it is not necessary to paint it with white paint or shade it otherwise as is often necessary with regular clear glass. A glass greenhouse is resistant to UV radiation and chemical influences.
In recent years, an increasingly popular alternative has become greenhouses with cellular polycarbonate panels, which are very lightweight and durable, making assembly much easier. A quality product should be equipped with a UV filter. Thanks to its low weight, a polycarbonate greenhouse can be easily relocated if needed. Polycarbonate greenhouses are gaining popularity also due to their excellent thermal insulation properties.
However, a greenhouse consists of more than just panels – pay attention to the construction materials as well. Polycarbonate greenhouses most commonly use practical, low-maintenance aluminum. Glass greenhouses typically have a steel frame. Most greenhouses sold today come as DIY assembly kits.
Hail: Every Greenhouse Owner's Nightmare
Quality glass panels at least 4 mm thick should withstand normal hailstorms. However, if an exceptional storm occurs with extremely heavy hail, things might not end well for your greenhouse. Polycarbonate is significantly more resistant in this regard, though it may not survive absolutely everything without damage either. When choosing, look for a hail damage warranty. Quality polycarbonate greenhouses with 4 to 6 mm wall thickness offer a 10-year warranty against hail damage.
Enjoy Your New Greenhouse Even More with the Right Accessories
You can ensure comfort while working in your greenhouse with practical accessories. Ventilation is crucial when growing crops in a greenhouse, and manually opening and closing greenhouse windows is really only suitable for someone who practically never leaves the greenhouse during the entire season. An automatic greenhouse window opener will quickly become your indispensable helper.
In addition to various shelves, holders, heaters, thermometers, and other clever gadgets, it's worth considering your watering method. A drip irrigation system for the greenhouse will easily turn manual watering with a can or hose into a complete relic of the past. Water reaches the plant roots directly, which primarily minimizes unnecessary water waste.
Greenhouse Without a Garden? Well, Maybe a Mini Greenhouse...
You can enjoy the benefits of a greenhouse even without a garden. Narrow lean-to greenhouses can be placed on a larger balcony or terrace, or you can get an indoor mini greenhouse that simply fits on a windowsill. Mini greenhouses or propagators are ideal for pre-growing seedlings. Some types are also equipped with ventilation openings with adjustable controls.