Greenhouse Tips


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Helpful Greenhouse Tips

Choosing A Site For Your Greenhouse

Choose a level, clean site in a low-traffic area. Your greenhouse should receive the maximum amount of winter sunlight available. Be sure to consider the following:

the change in angle of the sun between summer and winter
shadows cast by existing structures and/or trees
growing trees: will they shade the greenhouse in the future?
existing deciduous trees will allow winter sun; evergreens will not

If possible, align your greenhouse with the long side facing south, for two reasons:

the angle of the roof is engineered for catching the maximum amount of the sun's rays in the winter with the least amount of loss by reflection.
if you end up using shadecloth during the warm days in spring and summer, you will need to shade only one side, instead of both sides

Tips On Installation

Install on a firm, strong base, and firmly attach to the ground.
Make sure the base is both level and square.
Crushed rock (like 3/4 minus) is ideal for flooring, but it should have a good weed barrier under it.
Have the roof vents on the north side to prevent interference with the shadecloth.

Permits

In most areas of the United States, building permits are not required for any freestanding structure, including greenhouses, under 120 square feet. Permits are required for lean-to models, and are the homeowner's responsibility to obtain. A phone call to your local city, or county building department will give you the information you need.

Heating Your Greenhouse

We recommend using a fan-forced electric heater with a grounded (3-prong) plug. For the 6x8 models, use a heater with an output of approximately 1750 watts (about 5000 BTU); the 8x12 models will need a larger heater of about 15,000-20,000 BTU. If you're in a colder area, or are having a hard cold-snap, or have extremely tender plants, you may need a larger heater, or more than one. Your heater needs to have a thermostat and you do need a GFI (ground-fault interrupter) circuit installed on the outlet in the greenhouse.

Cooling Your Greenhouse

Even when the day is cool, but the sun is out, the inside of a greenhouse can get quite hot. During the early part of the season, you want to trap as much of th warm air inside to last into the night, to save on heating costs. It's a fine balance and can be best achieved by the use of automatic openers for the vents. As temperature inside the greenhouse increases, the vent automatically begins to open. The warmer it gets, the more the vent opens. As it cools, the vent automatically closes in the same manner. These openers are solar powered and require no electricity or batteries. Shadecloth will be needed to prevent damage to tender plants during warm weather. Usually 55% shade is enough, though 70% may be preferred for sensitive plants.