Guide to Greenhouses
Whether you are already a keen gardener or have discovered a new love for gardening, a greenhouse can be a worthwhile investment. Before rushing into any decisions however it is important to ensure that you have explored all possibilities before buying a greenhouse. The following guide aims to give you advice on the most important points to remember.
Think about what you will want to grow as this will influence the type of greenhouse you buy. If you just want a space to germinate seeds in the winter then a simple plastic frame covered with polythene will be sufficient. For year-round flowers and vegetables however, a more tightly sealed greenhouse will be needed.
The type of covering that you choose for your greenhouse is probably one of the most important factors in choosing your greenhouse. The following are the most common types:
- Glass Panes: This is the most common type of covering but it does require a good strong frame to support it. It allows more light than most other materials though one disadvantage is that it can be hard to keep warm in the winter as it is a conductor. Glass panes can also be prone to easy breakage so if you live near a park or have children be aware of footballs that might be kicked around.
- Polycarbonate: This is a good alternative to glass as it is much lighter whilst being double or even sometimes triple the thickness meaning that it traps heat a lot better. It doesn’t however let as much sunlight in as glass panes and so if you are hoping to grow things that require a lot of light it might not be the best option.
- Fibreglass: Although a light alternative to glass, fibreglass is not the most popular of choices simply because it tends to attract mould and be quite susceptible to staining over time.
- Polythene Plastic Sheets: This is the best material to use if you are on a low budget though it is certainly not the best quality. It is not as attractive as glass panes and often needs replacing from anything between one and five years. It is not a strong material and will not keep the greenhouse as well insulated as other materials.
The cost of a greenhouse can often turn out to be much more than the actual structure and this is something to bear in mind. Once built, your greenhouse might need extra light or heat and so these are things that will all add to the extra cost. Through making the right choice initially you can hopefully save money on the final cost as there will not be the necessity for additional extras. To cut back on cost, think about the best position for your greenhouse. Somewhere where there is a lot of light is generally best. A conservatory is an ideal way to create not only more space in the home but also more light. There are however, many things to think about before buying a conservatory. The following list is a guide to helping you think about all aspects of conservatories before making a final decision.
More Resources:
BBC Gardening - Information on greenhouse maintanence to help you to take care of your greenhouse.
The Royal Horticultural Society - Advice from the experts on greenhouses and greenhouse cleaning.