Few personal joys can match the feeling of owning a home, and tending your
little piece of the world. Most homes have a yard in the front, back, or
both. Many have flowerbeds and landscaping plants in place, and homeowners
are free to make changes to enhance the beauty of his or her property.
Gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, and greenhouse gardening
offers a new dimension to this favorite pastime.
Take a good look
at your property. If you really want to build a greenhouse but you're not
sure if you have the space to commit to a freestanding structure, consider
attaching a greenhouse as an addition to your home.
The first thing
to do when planning your greenhouse is to measure the area. Be sure that
the location you choose is exposed to enough sunlight, and also have an
adequate amount of shade. Observe your property at different times of the
day to determine the best location for your greenhouse.
Ventilation
systems are essential for greenhouses, as they provide not only warmth and
air circulation, but also carbon dioxide for the plants and sufficient
oxygen for the gardener. Further, a heating system is an absolute must for
greenhouses located in cold climates. Find out exactly what sort of
heating and ventilation systems will be required before you proceed with
the construction of your greenhouse. If you are installing a heater, you
have a choice of gas, oil or electricity as the fuel. Choose the fuel
that's most accessible and cost-efficient for your needs. Electric heaters
can easily provide enough warmth for a relatively small greenhouse, but
remember that water and electricity don't mix. Be very careful when
choosing where to place your electric heaters.
While artificial
elements can meet some of your plants' needs, nothing can compare to the
benefits of natural sunlight. Plants need the sun to grow, so you have to
be careful in choosing the material for your greenhouse panels. Ask an
expert or research to find out what materials are best to create the roof
and windows of your greenhouse. Glass has long been the traditional choice
of material for greenhouse panels, but research has shown that glass can
allow harmful rays, which may actually damage or kill the plants. Panels
made of plastic film or Plexiglas are better options for filtering
sunlight.
Think about the types of plants you'll be growing, as
that will have a factor in your greenhouse gardening requirements. Annual
flowers, orchids, fruits, vegetables and cacti may all have unique
temperature, moisture or irrigation needs. Ideally, your greenhouse will
be designed to provide optimal conditions for a variety of plants. Just
because you love cacti today doesn't mean that you won't want to grow
tomatoes next year. Visit your garden center to read the requirements
posted on individual plant tags, or seek advice from trusted sources.
When
you've done your research and you know all of the requirements, you have
two options available to you. Draw the design, visit a supplier and build
the greenhouse yourself, or hire a landscape architect or contractor to
draw up the plans and take care of the construction. Paying a professional
is not an option for many homeowners, but it's hard to know where to start
with such a huge project. Look at gardening magazines for ideas and
inspiration, or drive around the neighbourhood and speak directly with
someone who has a greenhouse on their property.
Before you begin
construction, be sure to first prepare the soil. This is to enclose the
area in case there are established plants in place. Purchase all of the
essential equipment and supplies for your greenhouse. Equipment can be
purchased at most gardening centers. Stock up on supplies, and make sure
that you have a storage area handy for them.
Budget greenhouse
gardeners can begin by erecting the basic structure, then improving it
over time. For example, once you have a secure greenhouse with proper
heat, ventilation, lighting and soil, you might want to add a hydroponics
system. When you have the time and money available, the soil used in your
greenhouse gardening can be removed and replaced by channels. Water mixed
with nutrients runs through the channels to feed the plants.
Many
farmers are now increasing crop production by using hydroponics.
Finally,
buy a lock for your greenhouse and keep it secure at all times, to keep
children from wandering in to a potentially dangerous situation.
The
potential to enhance your property and increase its value are practically
limitless. Manicured lawns and landscaped gardens can beautify your
grounds, but adding a greenhouse really makes your home stand out. Learn
more about greenhouse gardening and you'll find it's an affordable way to
hone your gardening skills, while incorporating a sunny new addition to
your home.
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