Things you must know while Building a Greenhouse in Backyard

Greenhouses have gained much popularity because of their number of benefits. People are now inclined towards building their own greenhouses! In the past, only the privileged had the luxury of lush green gardens, but now due to the eye-opening functions of the greenhouse, it has become a statement among the people.

Things you must know while Building a Greenhouse in Backyard Blog

The greenhouse is actually a botanical garden made up of transparent walls, these walls can be built with glass, polycarbonate sheets, or Lexan sheets. The basic function of a greenhouse is to convert light energy into heat energy. Plants and other flora are kept grown inside these greenhouses. They help to regulate the temperature and allow you to enjoy lush green vegetables and home-grown juicy & fresh fruits!

Why is building your own greenhouse beneficial?

Having your own greenhouse is really amazing as it saves the daily expense of fruits and veggies. If you are planning to build a greenhouse in your own backyard, you should consider all the possibilities and plan accordingly. Converting your backyard into a Greenhouse is a huge investment. Therefore, you need to make sure that everything is sorted precisely. Some of the major beneficial properties of a Greenhouse are:

  • You can grow lush green, fresh vegetables and fruits in your own home!
  • It will regulate the temperature and prevent water loss from plants.
  • As it converts light energy into heat energy, it will be a warm and suitable place for plants to grow, during the cold weather.

Things you need to build a greenhouse in the backyard

Make sure to choose all the things carefully, must go for affordable things as well as Do Not compromise on quality! Because such things like a greenhouse are built for once only, you can’t afford to repair it from time to time. Below are some essentials you should consider while building a greenhouse in your backyard.

  1. Greenhouse hardware- choose the stronger one!

While building a greenhouse, the hardware should be chosen carefully. It’s a huge investment and you can’t change it frequently. Hardware is actually a backbone of a greenhouse; it changes the shape and keeps your greenhouse’s shape in a manner as you want. Must go for good quality hardware because if you haven’t picked the right hardware, it can damage your plants as well.

  • Choose the frame and style

This is the most crucial step in building a greenhouse. Each style and frame can largely affect the functionality of the greenhouse. The style and designs are made to obtain specific functions from the greenhouse. So, before building a greenhouse you should be clear about the style you need for your plants. The hardware you choose for your greenhouse should be able to undergo harsh weather. The nuts, bolts, and screw should be strong enough to give shape to the entire structure.

  • Use strong and sturdy doors

Doors of a greenhouse should be able to hold the structure altogether. These doors should be strong, stern, and firm enough to compete with the harsh weather and outer forces.

  • Polycarbonate or Lexan sheet- best option!

As far as the whole outlook is concerned, you can choose a polycarbonate or Lexan sheet. Lexan sheets are way more inexpensive than the other materials used to build a greenhouse. The polycarbonate or Lexan sheets are easy-to-cut and you can create any shape from these glass sheets easily. Plexiglass and Lexan both can be used to build a greenhouse, though plexiglass is 17 time and Lexan glass is 250 times stronger than glass. Here you can find the best quality colored plexiglass and Lexan sheets with great deals.

Due to its unbreakable characteristic, you can easily install it in your greenhouse, in order to protect your plants and veggies. One more plus point is, these Lexan sheets are strongly resistant to harmful ultraviolet rays. Keeping in view its great properties, you should make a wise choice by choosing an affordable Lexan sheet for your greenhouse.

  1. Flooring for the greenhouse!

Create a homeostatic environment for a greenhouse

The flooring of the greenhouse should be done very carefully. It should provide drainage for plants, thorough insulation within the greenhouse, and prevent the intrusion of insects and pests. To ensure, that you can grow your plants in a safe environment, the following materials or elements can be used in greenhouse flooring:

  • Go for Soil beds!

Soil is a natural and important element where plants grow. You can choose the soil beds and add fertilizers to ensure the healthy growth of your plants! This way you don’t have to spend much money on the finishing. You can choose the soil beds and mixes of your own preference. It will positively affect the growth of your plants. In addition to that, the use of insecticides and pesticides will largely benefit the safety of plants!

  • Stone, Gravel, and Pavers

If you are planning on ornamenting your greenhouse with potted plants, stone and gravel flooring would be a perfect option for you. Most commercially built greenhouses have stone flooring. You can also make beds for your plants and place them on the stone flooring. This way you will have raised beds, they will ensure the safety of plants and allow them to root deeply!

  1. Create a homeostatic environment for a greenhouse

It is important that you keep the temperature maintained and under-controlled in the greenhouse. The fluctuation in temperature can harm the plants. These greenhouses are a sanctuary for plants. They shelter them by providing them enough sunlight and water to maintain their functions and respiration. Any climatic change may destroy these plants.

  • Proper heating system for a warm environment 

Greenhouse traps the sunlight and converts it into heat energy. This creates a warm environment for plants. During the night time, this temperature should be maintained artificially. The lamps suspended in the greenhouse and the wires installed under the plants give them a warm feeling. And it maintains the warmth of the greenhouse.

  • Cooling system to save plants from dehydration

During the extreme sunny days, dehydration can harm the plants. In humid and dry areas, shading and fans are used to prevent dehydration. The evaporation method is also used by damping the warm surfaces.

How much sun does a greenhouse need?

Getting ample sunlight in the greenhouse is necessary. It allows the plants and trees to grow that are cultivated inside the greenhouse. Make sure that your greenhouse gets a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Try to avoid shady places to build a greenhouse, because it will be a hindrance for direct sunlight to reach inside the greenhouse.

If you live in an area that is dominated by high altitude or cold temperature, you need to make sure that your greenhouse gets ample sunlight. However, if you are resided in a sunny area, partial shady areas would not cause any trouble. Because on a hot sunny day, these shady areas will prevent dehydration.

Why is it important to have a perfect location while building?

The purpose of building a greenhouse is that it gets enough sunlight to support photosynthesis for plants. Without, photosynthesis plants won’t be able to bear fruits or live. The photosynthesis of plants takes place during the daytime. Sunlight is the main source of respiration for plants.

Therefore, you need to locate your greenhouse with much care. You can build your greenhouse in the garden, or in the backyard. Wherever you build it, the sunlight should be able to trespass the greenhouse.

The best orientation of greenhouse to maximize the sunlight

The orientation of the greenhouse depends on the season you want to grow fruits and vegetables in.

  • East-west facing orientation

As we all know that the sun rises from the east and sets in the west, so, this orientation is ideal for a greenhouse. It will get maximum sunlight throughout the day, without any hindrance. It is also a good orientation if you are planning to grow vegetables from November to January!

  • South-east or south-west facing orientation

If you live in the northern hemisphere, east-west orientation can be a little difficult to achieve. You can always choose between south-east and south-west orientation. Both of these orientations will give you a rising sun and ample sunlight for the next 6 hours.

Pro Tip: The north direction should not be used to build a greenhouse because it may get a little to no light.

The Final Note!
Building a greenhouse in your house is a smart decision. It is a big investment so make sure to think ahead and plan accordingly. Choose the hardware and flooring carefully. Also, for optimal temperature provide proper cooling and heating systems for your plants!

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