A greenhouse allows you to grow your garden all year. It’s a structure with regulated temperature and humidity inside growing plants and produce. A greenhouse has portions of transparent materials incorporated into it so that sun can pass through. As it’s enclosed fully, it protects your growing garden inside through all the seasons.
There are a variety of different types including wooden greenhouse options. The easiest way to start indoor growing is by purchasing backyard greenhouse kits like wooden greenhouse kits. There are also different options depending on your growing needs, like raised bed greenhouse kit options.
Benefits of greenhouse growing
Numerous benefits exist whether you opt for a wooden greenhouse or small starter greenhouses, including:
- Provides the opportunity to grow a wider variety of food and plants.
- Extends the growing season in spring and fall, yielding bigger plants and more vegetation.
- Provides a more stable and predictable growing environment for even the most sensitive plants and flowers.
- Allows gardeners to grow a wide variety of different crops that are protected from pests and diseases.
- Increases self-sufficiency with the ability to grow organic foods.
Understanding greenhouses
There are a variety of different greenhouse types that are available in different materials and models.
Common materials
The most common materials include wood, glass, plastic, and metal. A wood frame greenhouse is probably one of the most attractive options along with glass. However, a metal structure is the most durable and long lasting.
Glazing options
Glazing options include clear, diffused, and semi-diffused. The glazing type will determine how much light comes into your greenhouse. Depending on what you’re growing, you can choose the type of glaze you want. Seed sprouting would require full light while mature plants require diffused light.
Insulation
Wooden greenhouse kits along with other options will involve insulation solutions depending on how mild or harsh your winters are. Greenhouse walls can have multiple-walled polycarbonate for snowy, icy winters. Mild winters often just require tempered glass panels or single-walled polycarbonate walls.
What to consider when buying a greenhouse
Before you purchase a greenhouse, there are a few considerations depending on the space you have, sun exposure, and your growing needs. Backyard greenhouse kits need to be placed where there is 6-8 hours of sun.
You’ll also need to consider the size of the greenhouse you want based on the amount of space you have. If you have a small space or don’t want to commit to a larger greenhouse just yet, you can invest in a starter greenhouse. If you’re ready to grow more, you’ll want to invest in a grower greenhouse.
If you live in a region with harsh winters, you’ll need to heat your greenhouse. You’ll also want to choose a greenhouse with twin-walled polyethylene or other insulation options. For regions where winters are mild, consider single, tempered glass panels.
The type of design you want will affect the price. A walk-in greenhouse is great if you have the space, while smaller areas may require a smaller model or design. The quality you choose will determine how long your greenhouse lasts. The frames and glazing or covering vary in their quality and price. Steel frames and tempered glass are long lasting options for example.
Greenhouse relatives for small spaces:
- Mini greenhouses - These are a raised bed greenhouse where you access your garden from above. There’s no need to kneel on the ground and the greenhouse cover for raised bed protects plants from the elements. It’s a great option for small spaces that allow for vining plants to grow.
- Cold frames - Another small space solution, the cold frame, has a lid to protect crops year-round. The twin-wall polycarbonate lid helps to insulate the inside so plants can survive in cold weather. The lid can be propped open during warm weather months. This solution also protects plants from insects and garden pests and you can water through the screen without lifting the lid.
- Raised bed covers - A walk in raised bed greenhouse that allows you to grow organic vegetables is another option for small spaces. It’s a self-contained garden with the greenhouse cover that protects your garden from frost and the elements. You can take the cover and framing off quickly. The cover also comes with a doorway that you can zip closed.
- Sun sheds - Made from rot-resistant cedar, the sun shed is a combination of a potting shed and greenhouse. One side of the roof has translucent polycarbonate panels for light to pour in so your plants are protected while getting natural light. There’s plenty of storage capacity and it can be transformed for other uses, such as an outdoor art studio.
Conclusion
If you want to extend your growing season or grow your garden year-round, there are many different greenhouse options. All you need is some space with good sun exposure and from there, you can decide what will work best for you.