Guest Author - Karen Stewart

My goal in writing this short series of articles is to give you some tips and ideas about greenhouses. While I do not personally own a greenhouse, I hope to someday, and have done a bit of research on the subject. I have used numerous online and offline resources while preparing this article. I suggest that you do the same type of research and order as many catalogs as you can to compare the available styles of greenhouses and the necessary accessories.

Your first consideration should be the size of the proposed greenhouse. Every source I consulted referred to the fact that no matter what size you choose, you will soon wish you had chosen something larger. Obviously, price is a large consideration for most people and budget realities will probably dictate the size of your greenhouse. I'd recommend getting the largest you can afford and consoling yourself with the fact that a small greenhouse is much better nothing. The size of your proposed greenhouse is also a factor in determining whether or not you will need a city building permit.

Location is the next important factor is the possible location for your greenhouse. Look for an open area that is not shaded by trees or your home. Try to situate the greenhouse in the best location to take advantage of the sun at various times of the day. Try to be aware of the fact that the sun's rays will be at varying strengths depending on the seasons of the year.

A firm foundation is the first step in building your greenhouse. Common materials include pressure-treated timbers, concrete or cinder blocks. For drainage purposes, the floor itself is usually made of packed earth, bricks or small gravel. There are many other considerations in choosing a foundation and I recommend that you do as much research as possible into the requirements for your local area, including special needs in areas that experience snow and frozen ground in the winter.

The outer covering or glazing of a greenhouse is available in a number of products including glass, polycarbonate, corrugated fiberglass panels and clear plastic sheeting. Check my page of links for Greenhouse Growers to learn more about these choices. The GardenWeb forum for Greenhouses and Garden Structures is a good place to ask questions and get opinions on the various glazing materials.

There are many other things to keep in mind when planning and maintaining a new greenhouse. Next week I'll move onto heating, cooling, ventilation and some of the greenhouse supplies you might need. Charley's Greenhouse carries a full line of greenhouses and supplies. Check the link below for an idea of some of the items that are available.