Constructing a DIY backyard greenhouse can be a fun project for the whole family. It will provide the perfect place to grow plants, fruit and vegetables. Orchids, cacti and tropical fruits need the warmth and protection of a greenhouse if they are to thrive in colder climes. Before you start to build the structure, it is a good idea to research some of the common construction materials used to build greenhouses.
About three major decisions largely decide what you'll need for this DIY build. The first thing to consider is the design; you can choose from several styles just like an 'A'-frame, slant-sided, lean-to, Gothic arch or Quonset. Some bent styles will probably be best suited to flexible coverings like PE (polyethylene film), whereas squarer structures need more firm coverings like glass or plastic. In case you have opted for a style and a material for the covering, you must also select a proper matter from which to build the frame.
The substance you pick for the frame depends largely on the type of covering to be used, as well as on price and permanence. Wood is often used; always ensure that it has been correctly treated for outdoor applications. Galvanized or aluminium frames are durable and relatively maintenance-free. PVC pipes can be bent into shape for Quonset-type frames, and covered in PE.
Remember that glass is an expensive option for greenhouse covering. It can also become brittle with age and exposure to the elements, and is obviously prone to being smashed. The weightiness of glass means that framework will have to be sturdily built, again pushing up costs.
Fibreglass reinforced panels are a light alternative to glass, created from thermoplastic or acrylic. Being lighter in weight means that they need a lesser amount of structural help. They are tough and keep heat within the green house more effectively than glass. These panels are also adequately adaptable to be formed to fit a Quonset design.
The most affordable material with which to protect a green house frame is PE. It is also quite possibly the most lightweight option. One important disadvantage with PE is that it tends to have a lifespan close to two years, after which it must be substituted. If you do with this particular alternative it is worth investing in proper accessories which can be effortlessly eliminated and put back again when new PE sheeting has been fitted.
Other frequently used construction materials include slabs or mulch on the ground of the greenhouse to suppress the growth of weeds. Whatever method has been selected, secure footings (either poured concrete or concrete blocks) will be required before starting to erect the framework. Footings must always extend beyond the frost-line. Side-walls can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to a greenhouse. Most people use concrete blocks, bricks or stone for walls, but clapboard, shingles or asbestos rock can also be good. Most DIY greenhouse builds can be completed using only simple hand tools.
Size is certainly a very important consideration in the planning for a greenhouse erection. This will depend upon the quantity of garden space that's available and regional planning restrictions. The height of the gardener and the plants they plan to develop will also affect the height required. Site is equally important. A beneficial place that's accessible in winter conditions is sensible, along with making sure that tall structures and trees and shrubs won't block the daylight. In the US, a South-East to South-West alignment for the longer sides of the green house will be the positioning that offers maximum sun coverage.
Appropriate equipment can be used to adjust the climate inside the greenhouse to suit the particular needs of the specific plants that you wish to propagate or grow. Planning and purchases will be necessary to ensure that the greenhouse has a supply of power and water for such equipment. You might also want to think about drainage and the means of removing waste. As soon as all these factors have been taken into account, it is time to measure and mark out a floor plan. This can be done using string, and sticks can be used to represent the height of the structure. If all the criteria are met, the actual building can go ahead.
In these days where recycling is paramount, and money tight, it can be a good idea to use old windows, doors and even plastic bottles instead of the more common construction materials used to build greenhouses. A large greenhouse can be made out of 1,500 2-litre bottles. Four 4" by 4" supports and 2" by 2" frames can be attached to the bottles on a cane using staples. Repeat this process for the roof and you are ready to start growing.
About three major decisions largely decide what you'll need for this DIY build. The first thing to consider is the design; you can choose from several styles just like an 'A'-frame, slant-sided, lean-to, Gothic arch or Quonset. Some bent styles will probably be best suited to flexible coverings like PE (polyethylene film), whereas squarer structures need more firm coverings like glass or plastic. In case you have opted for a style and a material for the covering, you must also select a proper matter from which to build the frame.
The substance you pick for the frame depends largely on the type of covering to be used, as well as on price and permanence. Wood is often used; always ensure that it has been correctly treated for outdoor applications. Galvanized or aluminium frames are durable and relatively maintenance-free. PVC pipes can be bent into shape for Quonset-type frames, and covered in PE.
Remember that glass is an expensive option for greenhouse covering. It can also become brittle with age and exposure to the elements, and is obviously prone to being smashed. The weightiness of glass means that framework will have to be sturdily built, again pushing up costs.
Fibreglass reinforced panels are a light alternative to glass, created from thermoplastic or acrylic. Being lighter in weight means that they need a lesser amount of structural help. They are tough and keep heat within the green house more effectively than glass. These panels are also adequately adaptable to be formed to fit a Quonset design.
The most affordable material with which to protect a green house frame is PE. It is also quite possibly the most lightweight option. One important disadvantage with PE is that it tends to have a lifespan close to two years, after which it must be substituted. If you do with this particular alternative it is worth investing in proper accessories which can be effortlessly eliminated and put back again when new PE sheeting has been fitted.
Other frequently used construction materials include slabs or mulch on the ground of the greenhouse to suppress the growth of weeds. Whatever method has been selected, secure footings (either poured concrete or concrete blocks) will be required before starting to erect the framework. Footings must always extend beyond the frost-line. Side-walls can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to a greenhouse. Most people use concrete blocks, bricks or stone for walls, but clapboard, shingles or asbestos rock can also be good. Most DIY greenhouse builds can be completed using only simple hand tools.
Size is certainly a very important consideration in the planning for a greenhouse erection. This will depend upon the quantity of garden space that's available and regional planning restrictions. The height of the gardener and the plants they plan to develop will also affect the height required. Site is equally important. A beneficial place that's accessible in winter conditions is sensible, along with making sure that tall structures and trees and shrubs won't block the daylight. In the US, a South-East to South-West alignment for the longer sides of the green house will be the positioning that offers maximum sun coverage.
Appropriate equipment can be used to adjust the climate inside the greenhouse to suit the particular needs of the specific plants that you wish to propagate or grow. Planning and purchases will be necessary to ensure that the greenhouse has a supply of power and water for such equipment. You might also want to think about drainage and the means of removing waste. As soon as all these factors have been taken into account, it is time to measure and mark out a floor plan. This can be done using string, and sticks can be used to represent the height of the structure. If all the criteria are met, the actual building can go ahead.
In these days where recycling is paramount, and money tight, it can be a good idea to use old windows, doors and even plastic bottles instead of the more common construction materials used to build greenhouses. A large greenhouse can be made out of 1,500 2-litre bottles. Four 4" by 4" supports and 2" by 2" frames can be attached to the bottles on a cane using staples. Repeat this process for the roof and you are ready to start growing.
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