Guide to Building a Greenhouse at Home

Many gardeners daydream about building their own greenhouse, whether it's because they want to grow their favorite flower during every season or because they are interested in a more sustainable lifestyle that will let them grow vegetables year-round. Knowing how you plan on using the greenhouse is an important first step in deciding what sort of greenhouse you should have, as different greenhouses are suitable for different things: a greenhouse that's perfect for orchids might not be right for tomatoes. There are also a variety of styles, so it's possible to build a greenhouse that compliments the style of the home or other surrounding buildings.

Plan Your Budget

It's possible to spend an absolute fortune building a greenhouse, but it's also possible to build one very inexpensively. The complexity of the design, the materials chosen, and the location all factor into how much money will be spent building a greenhouse. Landowners who already have water and electricity hookups close to where the greenhouse will be located will spend less than someone who has to run utilities out to their new greenhouse. And some municipalities will require permits and inspections, which also come at a cost. All of these things should be considered when working out a budget for your project.

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• Greenhouse Cost Guide: Cost to Build, Own, and Operate
• How to Build a Greenhouse on a Budget

Determining the Optimal Location

The location of the greenhouse is the most important decision to make. It's vital to build it in a location that gets lots of sun. At least six hours a day of full sun are needed, but more is better. Greenhouses should face the south or southeast to maximize the amount of sun they get each day. Other things to consider are how easy it will be to walk to the greenhouse and the availability of water and power.

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Deciding on Greenhouse Size

You should always build a greenhouse that's the correct size for what it will be used for. A gardener who will use the space to nurture seedlings, for example, needs much less space than a gardener who plans on using their greenhouse to grow fruits and vegetables. Along with size, it's important to choose the right shape. The shape depends somewhat on what will be grown in the greenhouse but also depends on the climate. A greenhouse in a snowy region needs a pitched or gabled roof with many roof supports that can bear the weight of the snow, but greenhouses in warmer regions can use the less costly option of a rounded hoop roof with fewer supports.

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Gathering Materials

Many DIYers choose to buy a kit that comes with everything needed to build a functioning greenhouse. However, building one from scratch allows you to customize your greenhouse for your specific needs. But when you're choosing the materials you use, you'll have plenty of decisions to make. For example, will the frame be made of galvanized steel, PVC pipe, or wood? And what material will be used to make the covering? This decision depends on what types of plants will be grown in the space and how much sun the greenhouse will get. Some plants need more protection than others. It's also a good idea to put in a floor for added insulation and to protect the plants in the greenhouse from fungi infections. Concrete is easy to maintain and insulates well, vinyl tiles are also easy to clean and inexpensive, and crushed gravel over weed cloth is very inexpensive and comfortable to stand on for long periods.

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• Build Your Own Greenhouse: Materials
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Tools You Will Need

The tools needed to build a greenhouse depend on the type being built and the materials being used. For example, if a concrete floor is being laid, then you'll need boards, duplex nails, hammers, concrete forms, buckets, a concrete mixer, and concrete sealer. People building a wood frame will need different tools from those building a frame out of galvanized steel. But everyone should have safety gloves, safety glasses, and masks to keep them safe as they work.

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The Building Process

The first step in the process is preparing the site. Remove any debris or plant growth from the area and prep it for the kind of foundation that will be laid. People using a foundation of crushed gravel will want to lay down weed cloth to prevent unwanted growth through the floor. Once the foundation is in place, you can frame out and erect the rest of the greenhouse. No matter what type of design you're using, you're likely to need at least one extra set of hands when you're putting up the structure and anchoring it to the ground. Once the frame is up, it's a good idea to add extra trusses and support beams for added stability. The next step is putting on the cover of the greenhouse. If you're using large plastic sheets, be sure to pick a day that isn't windy. Remember to check local ordinances to see if permits or building inspections are needed.

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Repair and Maintenance

The two most important regular maintenance tasks are maintaining the correct humidity level inside the greenhouse and preventing insect infestations. Remove any debris that lands on the roof of the greenhouse to keep it in good shape, and check over your greenhouse from time to time to make sure it's in good condition, especially if you've covered your structure in plastic. If you find any holes or tears, mend them as soon as possible to keep your flowers and plants safe.

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The article was created by Chad Kremp