Greenhouse
basics
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There are several designs available, from
traditional lean-to or full span greenhouse with pitched roof and glazed sides,
to modular types. A level, firm, well-drained base is essential and foundations
- or a paved base - should be laid before erecting the structure.
• A lean-to usually
consists of a slanting roof supported by a high wall, preferably facing south,
with a much lower glazed front side. The back wall can be used for climbing
plants or can carry shelving.
• Inexpensive, but less sightly,
'poly tunnels' consist of a plastic skin stretched overmetal hoops and buried
in the ground along the length of the structure.
• A full span
house provides the greatest number of options and will admit sunshine from all
sides; but a lean-to is more heat-efficient, using solar heat stored in the
back wall.
When siting your greenhouse, choose as open and sunny a spot as
you can, as maximum light is very important.
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Most greenhouses are made of
wood or aluminium and the traditional glazing material is glass, which has good
light transmission and at least 20 years normal life.
Alternative glazing materials
include rigid plastics, such as Polycarbonate, which have the advantage of
being lighter than glass and better heat insulators. Some are also available in
moulded curves.
Certain plastics are prone to
heavy condensation, reducing light penetration, and increasing the risk of
winter disease among your plants.
If you can, make the most of the sun. Arrange for the roof ridge
to run east-west, presenting the longest side to the south.
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Internal design
The internal layout of your greenhouse will depend on its intended use. Pots
and containers are most convenient on raised staging but larger plants,
especially those that bear crops, are better planted directly into the soil, or
into growing bags or containers on the floor. You'll need a protected space,
too, for propagating your infant plants. Most people opt for a multipurpose
design where a little of everything can be carried out, from seed raising to
tomato cropping.
The most common complaint about greenhouses is that they are too
small - whatever your choice of design, go for the biggest you can
afford.
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