Optimal dimensions of the greenhouse and recommendations for self-manufacturing of polycarbonate structures. How to choose the optimal greenhouse size? Dimensions of greenhouses for summer cottages

Vegetable beds attract summer residents like a magnet. There is a constant desire to grow a new variety of cucumbers or expand the planting of carrots, but not all such experiments can be carried out outdoors. Avid gardeners know that there are crops that will not withstand heavy rains, frosts or scorching sun and require shelter. That's when the issue of the need for a greenhouse becomes acute. It is worth doing only a superficial search for possible options, as it turns out that greenhouses can be of different shapes, with different frames and covering materials. The experience of numerous summer residents we have collected and useful tips will help you choose a greenhouse that is ideally suited to the given conditions and goals.

No. 1. Decide on the main tasks of the greenhouse

Surely, everyone who is looking for a greenhouse understands why he needs it and for what purposes it will be used. However, before starting to deal with the advantages and disadvantages of different materials and forms, it is necessary to very clearly outline tasks assigned to the greenhouse. For some summer residents, it will be enough for her to look pretty and look good on. Those who view the building as basics for business or help in the household, although they will pay attention to the appearance of the structure, they will not focus on it when choosing a greenhouse.

Usually greenhouses are built to grow vegetables and berries for their own consumption, but some summer residents plan to make a business out of this in the future. If in the first case the financial investments will not be so significant, then in the second case they will become a serious investment, the size of which will largely depend on maintenance costs.

Another question that needs a clear answer is the type of greenhouse model: collapsible or stationary. If you are in the country all year round and are not afraid that in your absence someone can damage or even steal the structure (and this happens), it is better to choose a stationary model - it is less of a hassle. A collapsible greenhouse is ideal for those who are in the country only in warm weather, it will have to be assembled and disassembled twice a year.

The choice of certain greenhouse parameters also depends on what plants will be grown, because each culture has its own requirements for light and humidity levels. The height of the greenhouse also depends on the characteristics of the plants. For example, for tomatoes and other tall crops, it is better to choose a rectangular structure.

No. 2. Where to put a greenhouse?

The choice of a place for a greenhouse is a matter no less important than the selection of the most suitable design. If the greenhouse is not properly located on the site, the money for its purchase and installation can be considered wasted, as well as the efforts to grow plants. When choosing the optimal location for a greenhouse, the following factors should be considered:

• light level- a key parameter when looking for a suitable place. The greenhouse during the day should receive the maximum possible amount of light not be shaded by trees or houses. Otherwise, the cost will increase, but it will not help to grow the crop in the expected volume. Experts advise positioning the greenhouse so that one end of it looks to the west and the other to the east. With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve maximum illumination. If the plants will be grown in the winter, then you can’t do without, so it will be necessary to think over the summing up in advance;
  
• winds. The greenhouse must be placed in the most peaceful and quiet place of the site, protected from winds and drafts, because they will significantly cool the structure, which will lead to serious costs for. A nearby house can be a good protection from the winds, but it will cast a shadow, so it is best to protect the greenhouse with a hedge or a blind of low height, located at a distance (for example, for a greenhouse 2-2.5 m high, a hedge can be placed at a distance of 7 -7.5 m);
  
• topography and soil type. The greenhouse must be installed only on level ground, if there is none, then you will have to artificially level the ground. Sandy and swampy soils, like lowlands, are not very suitable for placing greenhouses, and clay soil will first need to be covered with gravel, and only then with a layer of fertile soil;
  
• convenience of placement. Many summer residents place greenhouses on the outskirts of the site. This is justified if, for all other factors, this is the most suitable place. The further the greenhouse is located, the less convenient it will be to maintain it and the more expensive it will be to bring all communications.

No. 3. Greenhouse frame material

The resistance of the greenhouse to all negative environmental factors depends on the frame: winds, snow weight, mechanical damage, etc. It is better to spend money on a more reliable and durable structure once than to repair or change it every year. Manufacturers today offer frames made of wood, plastic and metal. Let's figure out which one is better.

wooden frame

Wood - the most accessible material for the construction of a greenhouse frame, therefore, in domestic open spaces, its popularity is consistently high, despite imperfections. Many craftsmen who decide to build a greenhouse with their own hands choose a tree, as it easy to process and has light weight. Among other benefits:

• high environmental friendliness;
• resistance to corrosion;
• good thermal insulation qualities;
• low cost.

Main cons:

• low strength, in this parameter wood is inferior to plastic and metal;
• the ability to absorb moisture and rot;
• the need for constant care to protect against the effects of moisture and pests;
• low durability and the need for constant repairs.

If you do not think over the system for removing water from the greenhouse, then the wooden frame will not last long. The popularity of such designs is retained only due to the low cost.

plastic frame

A PVC frame is one of the most suitable options for greenhouses, but so far it is used infrequently due to high cost, which is explained by the complexity of processing the material.

Advantages:

aluminum frame

Aluminum frames are assembled from pipes or profiles, their characteristics are almost identical, and Main advantages are as follows:

• ease;
• rust resistance;
• minimal maintenance and easy installation.

Minuses:

steel frame

steel frame - the best choice for today in terms of price and quality ratio. Main dignity: strength, durability, ability to withstand heavy loads, and all this at a fairly low price. Main limitations– low properties and susceptibility to corrosion.

The steel frame can be made from:

• pipes;
• profile.

The difference is significant, each material has its own advantages, and the debate over which option is better is reminiscent of what came first, the chicken or the egg.

steel tube frame- the ideal of strength and durability. He is not afraid of snow and wind loads, he will not bend or deform in winter, but you will have to pay for all this: a pipe frame costs much more than a similar one from a profile. Moreover, it is worth considering the heavy weight of the structure and the difficulties in transportation and sometimes in installation.

Profile frame it costs less, it is easier to install, it is not a problem to install it with your own hands, but it is inferior in strength to an analogue from a pipe, so it may require reinforcement.

Steel is susceptible to corrosion and for protection, the frame is galvanized or painted. The second option is cheaper, but involves periodic tinting to avoid corrosion on the metal and rust spots on the covering material. A galvanized frame will cost a little more, but it is considered a more preferable option, since it will not need additional protection for the next 10 years at least.

In order for the metal frame to last more than one season, pay attention to the following parameters:

• the fewer elements were used to produce arches and gables, the better. Ideal - one-piece arcs and welded gables;
• profile section - 20 * 40 mm, it is impossible to find more;
• metal thickness - not less than 1.2 mm;
• distance between arcs - not less than 0.67 m, otherwise, with the first light snow, the covering material, together with the frame, will bend.

No. 4. Does a greenhouse need a foundation?

Experienced gardeners prefer to equip a future greenhouse. He helps solve a lot of problems:

• preservation of heat and protection of plants from frost;
• protection of soil and greenhouses from rain streams;
• ensuring reliable fastening of the frame;
• protection of the frame material from destruction.

And if in some cases you can still do without it, then it you will definitely need to equip if:

No. 5. What is the best foundation for a greenhouse?

Depending on the objectives pursued, one of the following foundation options is chosen:

No. 6. Types of coating for the greenhouse

It is easy to see that the covering material occupies the largest area of ​​the greenhouse, so summer residents pay maximum attention to its choice. At the moment the following materials are actively used:

• plain and reinforced;
• glass;

Each of these materials copes with its direct functions in different ways.

Glass coating

Previously, glass was almost the only suitable material for arranging a greenhouse. Today everything has changed, but it continues to be used due to such benefits:

• good light transmission ability;
• high thermal insulation characteristics;
• resistance to temperature extremes, chemicals;
• durability;
• aesthetics.

Minuses:

• heavy weight, requiring a very good frame;
• fragility. Hail can damage the material, and using laminated or tempered glass is too expensive;
• long and laborious installation process;
• lack of a filter against infrared radiation, which can be harmful to some plants.

Glass choose not less than 4 mm thick. The larger the sheets, the higher the light transmission (the frame area decreases), but the higher their fragility.

Polyethylene cover

It is worth taking a look at any dacha cooperative to notice that plastic film is used most often for arranging greenhouses.

Advantages:

• good light transmission and the ability to gently scatter light;
• low price;
• ease of use and low weight;
• protection of plants from light frosts (up to -3 0 С);
• suitable for greenhouses of any shape.

disadvantages:

• quick wear, especially in places, so you will have to change the film every year;
• accumulation of condensate on the surface of the film, which can lead to a number of diseases in plants.

For a low price and ease of use, summer residents forgive polyethylene for fragility.

If you look, the material is on the market several varieties:

Polycarbonate cover

The most modern and balanced in terms of price and quality material for covering greenhouses is cellular polycarbonate. Please note that there is also monolithic polycarbonate on the market, but it is not suitable for arranging greenhouses. Cellular polycarbonate It has a special structure: it has partitions (honeycombs) filled with air inside it. Such a structure provides many advantages:

• high strength, 200 times higher than that of glass. Rain, strong wind and even hail will not harm polycarbonate;
• excellent light transmission and much better than glass, the ability to retain heat;
• ease of work, since the material bends well, is easy to cut and drill, has a small weight;
• relative durability (up to 15 years);
• great look.

Other materials for covering greenhouses

The following materials can also be used to cover the greenhouse:

No. 7. Greenhouse shape

To ensure a good harvest, it is not enough to choose a suitable frame and covering material, it is also necessary to find the optimal shape. The most common options:

No. 8. Greenhouse dimensions

Everyone decides for himself whether to purchase a finished greenhouse or build it on his own, what type and size it should be, but when choosing, consider some useful recommendations. The optimal width of the greenhouse is 3-3.5 m, if it is already, then the required number of beds will not fit, and you will have to save on the aisles. The length can be any, a common option is 4-6 m. Making a greenhouse longer than 6 m is not recommended Plants will be more difficult to take care of. It is better to make two greenhouses of 6 m each than one of 10-12 m. The optimal height to the ridge is 2.5 m, the height of the low wall is 1.5 m. The doors should be wide enough (about 1 m) so that you can easily I had to drive into the greenhouse with a garden cart.

No. 9. Attention to packaging

If you, like many summer residents, have opted for finished greenhouse, then when buying, pay attention to what is included in the kit. In addition to the frame and covering material, there must also be seals, as well. The location of the latter is of great importance: in the summer heat, without proper ventilation, the plants in the greenhouse will burn out, so ideally the doors should be on both sides, the presence of vents is also necessary. Prefix "economy" in the name of the greenhouse model means that the greenhouse can only be used in warm weather or its design can be significantly modified, since the step between the arcs is often too large. The responsible manufacturer will always supply the assembly with assembly instructions.

No. 10. The best greenhouse manufacturers

The secret of choosing a quality greenhouse is simple: do not buy into too low prices (often these are Chinese-made products and of very low quality) and trust large manufacturers, moreover it is advisable to contact the company store or to the company's website, and not to an intermediary. Little-known one-day firms are not the best option - they may close soon, you won’t make a complaint to them, and you won’t buy a new greenhouse for a couple of thousand rubles saved.

Among the products presented on the domestic market, the products of such companies show themselves best:

The choice of ready-made greenhouses is impressive, and gardeners "with their hands" can try to build a greenhouse on their own. Be that as it may, when choosing and building a greenhouse, consider the nuances described above.

As you know, most summer residents currently prefer newer and more advanced polymer structures to old and uncomfortable polyethylene and glass greenhouses. This is not surprising, because thermoplastic is an excellent heat-insulating material. But how to choose the most suitable and optimal size of a polycarbonate greenhouse - so that, on the one hand, there is enough space for planting crops, and on the other hand, not to spend too much money on heating and lighting the room?

In fact, this question does not have a clear answer, because it all depends on the preferences of the owner - on the desired amount of crop, the time that the summer resident can spend on caring for and arranging the building, and much more.

Greenhouse size

There are several basic sizes of polycarbonate greenhouses, most commonly used for growing vegetables or herbs. These include mini-greenhouses, which are mainly intended for growing seedlings or a small number of plants, standard designs that prevail in the summer cottages of ordinary people (length 3.3-4 m) and the last - large farm buildings designed for industrial crops.

1. Mini-greenhouses made of polycarbonate.

Such buildings are traditionally considered to be greenhouses - due to their small size they are used for growing the very first seedlings - for further seating in a summer cottage. Such structures can be of any shape - a square, a rectangle or a dome, and also be located in a place that the summer resident likes - in a semi-dug state directly on the garden, in a residential building (in a sunny place) or on a small hill right in the middle of the garden.

Advantages of mini greenhouses

The advantages of such mini-greenhouses are their small size - the height is not more than 100–120 cm and an area of ​​​​about 2 square meters. It is precisely due to the fact that the building is of such small size that it can be freely moved to another place you like. Plus, the construction will take the summer resident no more than two days and he will spend on this meager amount of building materials.

Since it is important to constantly look after this small greenhouse, as well as its larger “relatives” - water, loosen the ground, ventilate the interior and wipe the cellular polycarbonate itself, it must be equipped with opening elements.

Varieties of mini-greenhouses by access method:

• "Butterfly" is a greenhouse, one half of the cover of which is attached to ordinary door hinges and, when opened, is fixed in a predetermined position with a special support;

• "Dragonfly" - such a building opens similarly to the first, with the only difference being that it can be done from two sides;

• "Swallow" with double-sided opening is a greenhouse, which, when opened, allows the most convenient and simple maintenance of the interior of the greenhouse;

• Removable covers are not the most convenient, but a simple and easy method of opening a small structure; if desired, the top cover can be “planted” on auxiliary fixing elements for more convenient ventilation.

Skillful and savvy gardeners can freely grow in such small "boxes" not only seedlings and other "roots", but also a fairly large number of the earliest vegetables. You just need to equip the greenhouse with a small heater - electric or mechanical. It is clear that for such a small design it is simply silly to build a separate heating system, but the option with a portable stove or an electric blower is quite acceptable.

Small greenhouses are quite easy to make - for the smallest models, it will be enough to buy one standard polycarbonate sheet, several boards or metal pipes, as well as fasteners. An important factor when choosing a place is the presence of constant illumination and the location of the building on a small hill - so that melt water does not flood the building.

1. Standard greenhouses made of polycarbonate.

Of course, the presence of small structures in a summer cottage gives the owner certain advantages, but a truly rich and year-round harvest can be ensured only by building a normal medium-sized greenhouse.

• in order to choose the size of a purchased or home-made greenhouse, it is important to focus on the required amount of crop that is planned to be grown in such a building, as well as on the availability of sufficient space on the site. For example, it is better to purchase a more compact greenhouse 3 by 6 meters, and place it on a sunny hill, than a larger one - 3 by 8 meters, and install it in a dark "pit". After all, even a small building, in the presence of all favorable conditions, will “give” the consumer a much larger amount of crop than the largest building located in a cold and windy place;

• Another point is also important - this is the seasonality of use. An autumn-spring greenhouse does not require special equipment - heating, lighting or similar equipment, so you can safely build a fairly massive building. Although, if the summer resident is set up for a large amount of work and can afford it financially, then it is quite possible to organize the serious construction of a large-sized greenhouse “with amenities” for year-round use. But here it is important to correctly calculate and select all the elements of heating, irrigation - to maintain a given microclimate in the room;

• as for the optimal height of the greenhouse, everything is much simpler here - standard polymer sheets are available in two variations: 6 and 12-meter plates, 2.09-2.11 m thick. Due to greater convenience - during delivery and installation, they are more often used shorter models, moreover, for arched structures this is the most acceptable option. Of course, you can build a taller building, but this makes no sense - such a room is much more difficult to maintain (wash the walls and ceiling, just open the upper hatches), besides, the summer resident simply does not need such a structure.

So, from what was written earlier, we can conclude that the optimal width of the greenhouse is about 3.45–3.55 m - for arranging three parallel beds. At the same time, the distance from the row to the wall should be 12–18 cm, the optimal width of the passages should be 60–70 cm, and the beds themselves should be from 70 to 80 cm.

Tip: if two rows are enough for a gardener to grow plants, then their width may be slightly larger, while the transverse length of the greenhouse will be approximately 2.55 m, but not already 2.3 m.

Finally, it is worth saying that the longer the polycarbonate greenhouse is, the more powerful the heating system should be, and more windows and hatches will be required.

It is sometimes difficult for an inexperienced owner to work with the polymer on their own, this article will tell you , study our tips so that you do not have problems in the future.

A durable canopy over the porch will protect you from the sun and rain, here – , you can read how to build a reliable canopy on the house.

Many residents of country cottages prefer to set aside part of their land for a vegetable garden or garden. To increase the efficiency of growing cultivated plants, greenhouses are equipped in the yard. Recently, polycarbonate greenhouses have been increasingly being built. They keep the desired temperature and humidity well, are quickly erected, and, which is important for private households, look very aesthetically pleasing.

What is polycarbonate

There are two types of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic. For roofing work, as well as for the construction of auxiliary buildings on the site, including gazebos and greenhouses, the cellular version is mainly used. It is a transparent, flexible sheet material consisting of three layers:

Upper layer. It is a sheet of polycarbonate, which is covered with a protective film on top, which does not allow the sun's rays to destroy the material.

middle layer- cellular layer. Hollow cells with polycarbonate walls give the material high thermal insulation characteristics, and also make it lightweight. The walls of the cells at the same time act as a kind of stiffeners, due to which the material has a sufficiently high strength.

bottom layer- This is another solid sheet of polycarbonate, but without a protective coating.

Advantages of polycarbonate greenhouses

Not so long ago, only glass and polyethylene were used to build greenhouses. In the first case, heavy and fragile structures were obtained, which are also quite difficult to install. And the use of a polyethylene film usually did not justify itself, since this material wears out quickly, and besides, it collects dirt and dust. Therefore, when it became possible to make greenhouses from practical and convenient polycarbonate, many homeowners took advantage of this opportunity with pleasure.

The advantages of greenhouses from the new improved material are:

strength, allowing the structure to withstand the weight of a sufficiently thick layer of snow;

good light transmission, since all layers of the material are completely transparent and nothing prevents the sun's rays from penetrating inside;

low thermal conductivity, thanks to which the plants in the greenhouse are protected from the cold and sudden changes in temperature;

durability, allowing to use the structure for at least 5 years, without restoring or repairing it;

light weight, which allows the use of less expensive materials for the frame and foundation, as is the case with a glass greenhouse.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the installation of greenhouses and similar turnkey structures. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".

Which polycarbonate to choose

The main characteristics for the greenhouse are good light transmission, reliable heat retention and strength. To obtain a design with optimal performance, polycarbonate sheets with a thickness of 4 to 10 mm should be used.

The thinner the material, the more expensive and heavier it is. Some conscientious manufacturers use polycarbonate of different thicknesses to create one design. So, arched elements are subjected to more serious loads during strong winds and precipitation, so they are made of thicker material. Straight and side walls can be constructed from thinner polycarbonate.

Sheet polycarbonate is produced with a standard width of 210 cm. Sheets can be 6 or 12 meters long. These parameters are taken into account when drawing up a drawing of a future greenhouse.

It should be noted that the quality of the finished greenhouse directly depends on the characteristics of polycarbonate. At the same time, there is a large amount of fake material on the market today that does not have the declared properties. This means that you should purchase a ready-made building or material for it only from reliable suppliers with extensive experience and an impeccable reputation.

frame

In order for the structure to last as long as possible, you need to choose the right material for the frame, which will hold the walls of the greenhouse. The most economical option is a wooden frame. If the wood is treated with a special protective antiseptic before installation, its service life will be at least 10 years.

More reliable, but also more expensive will be a frame made of a metal profile. This is the option used by manufacturers. A metal frame will last longer than a wooden one, and it is much more convenient to assemble it.

Video description

Metal frame assembly

Foundation

It is advisable to install the greenhouse on the foundation, despite the fact that its weight will not exceed 200 kg, and the risk of subsidence on the ground under its own weight is minimal. The fact is that, firstly, in winter, precipitation deposited on the walls of the greenhouse will significantly increase its weight. In addition, if it stands without a foundation, then cold air from the street can penetrate through the gap between the soil and the walls. There are cases when during the summer period at night the air temperature dropped below zero. In a greenhouse standing on “bare” soil, all plants can die in one such night.

Another reason to make a simple foundation is that it will provide good protection against the penetration of weeds and harmful insects. And for high-quality fixation of the frame, it is also needed.

Video description

Polycarbonate greenhouse foundation

There are various options for arranging the foundation for a greenhouse.

Wooden. The cheapest type of base, which is constructed from a bar and, if necessary, can be moved to another place.

Blocky. Equipped with concrete blocks. Used curb blocks will do. This option is ideal for areas with high humidity.

Brick. It is necessary in cases where it is planned to grow plants in spring and autumn.

On support poles. The easiest type of base to perform, suitable for small summer greenhouses.

Optimum width and length of the greenhouse

The size of the greenhouse should correspond to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site and its purpose. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that it should not be covered by a shadow from other objects, and next to it you need to leave space for open beds. Experienced gardeners recommend the following sizes of greenhouses:

wall height - from 160 cm;

width - from 235 cm;

length - from 6 meters (corresponding to the length of the polycarbonate sheet).

It should be taken into account that with a wall height of 160 cm, the ridge will be located much higher. The minimum width is calculated for two beds and a passage between them. If you have the desire and the opportunity to have a greenhouse with several beds, you can make it wider. So, each additional bed will take another 1 meter + 35 cm per pass.

The length of the greenhouse can be quite large, but it is advisable to plan it in multiples of 6 meters - along the length of the sheet of material. The most optimal option is the construction of an elongated shape into two beds with a passage. The more plants you plan to grow, the longer the greenhouse and the beds in it should be. However, if it is impossible to allocate a long elongated section of the yard for the structure, you can build a square or even a round greenhouse.

Greenhouse shape

Polycarbonate greenhouses are manufactured in several standard configurations. They are single-slope, gable, arched and teardrop-shaped.

Shed

A structure with a shed roof can be either free-standing or wall-mounted. The wall option is ideal for small areas. The advantages of such a greenhouse:

good thermal insulation;

economical consumption of materials;

ease of installation.

There are also obvious disadvantages:

the wall of the house does not allow the greenhouse to fully warm up;

the structure may be damaged by snow or ice that has fallen off the roof of the house.

gable

Design reminiscent of a classic house. Suitable in cases where you need to build a polycarbonate greenhouse, the dimensions of which are larger than average. Has such advantages:

maximum usable area;

allows you to grow tall plants;

good light transmission;

simplicity in the arrangement of the ventilation system.

increased consumption of materials, which affects the final cost of the structure;

it is necessary to ensure that sealing is maintained at the junctions of the slopes and walls.

Arched

The most practical form. There is no joint between the walls and the roof part, and at the same time, the arcuate configuration contributes to the rapid and effective removal of precipitation.

Advantages:

an arched building can be of any size, since it is easy for it to assemble a frame for any dimensions;

high resistance to wind load;

mobility - it can be easily dismantled and installed in another place;

small consumption of materials.

Of the shortcomings:

not suitable for growing tall crops;

difficult to arrange ventilation.

teardrop-shaped

Drop-shaped greenhouses have the most aesthetic design. Combine the characteristics of arched and gable construction.

Advantages:

increased strength;

precipitation is well removed from the surface of the structure;

high light transmission.

Disadvantages:

assembly complexity;

high price.

There are more original forms of such structures. For example, you can build a mini-greenhouse with an opening top in the form of a bread box or a round domed greenhouse. The choice depends on what requirements are imposed on the design. The most practical options are gable and arched form.

Conclusion

Today, more and more summer residents and residents of country cottages are choosing polycarbonate for the construction of a greenhouse or greenhouse. This material attracts with a number of characteristics. But its main advantage is that a greenhouse from it can be purchased ready-made, and in the right size, and easy to install on your site.

Own greenhouse on the site allows you to successfully grow greens, vegetables, mushrooms and even flowers. Do-it-yourself cultures are environmentally friendly and safe, which cannot be said about goods from a store or from the market. With proper organization of the process, the first harvest can be harvested in the first weeks of spring.

What is a greenhouse for?

The greenhouse will reliably protect seedlings from frost, cold winds and hail. Artificial warm and humid microclimate allows you to extend the period of productivity. Moreover, the greenhouse gives the gardener the opportunity to grow exotic heat-loving plants that the usual climate is not suitable for. And large greenhouses are successfully used in farms.

Disadvantages of purchased models

Depending on the dimensions and selected materials, the cost of finished greenhouses varies greatly and can reach impressive amounts. Building them with the help of third-party specialists will also cost extra money. Meanwhile, self-installation of a greenhouse does not present any particular difficulties even for a novice amateur gardener, and savings can reach up to 20%. At the same time, there are no restrictions on the dimensions and shape of the structure. When buying a finished structure, usually only the dimensions of a standard greenhouse are available, which is not suitable for everyone. Some self-assembled structures are not inferior to factory ones, but in many ways surpass them, because they are more thought out.

Coating material

When starting the construction of a greenhouse, the first step is to determine the location of the structure, as well as select materials for coating. Most commonly used:

• polyethylene film;
• glass;
• polycarbonate.

Glass and film have long faded into the background when arranging greenhouses. The low cost allows you to buy any size film for greenhouses, but this is only an apparent advantage. The film is removed for the winter. In this connection, every season it has to be bought and re-tightened. It is rare when it is possible to carefully remove and then re-stretch the film without damage. Moreover, it quickly becomes cloudy and dirty, and it is difficult to wash it.

Glass is inconvenient to install, breaks easily and requires additional sealing. Large hail is dangerous for glass.

Polycarbonate has the best performance.

Benefits of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a modern material suitable for a greenhouse, the size of which can vary from very small to large farmhouses.

Its advantages:

• a light weight;
• high degree of transparency, not inferior to glass;
• transmission of the UV spectrum;
• significant strength (withstands hail impacts);
• thermal conductivity is better than that of glass;
• allows you to make arched structures;
• fireproof, because it does not support combustion;
• easy to clean with a hose.

Polycarbonate sheets consist of cells in the shape of a honeycomb, due to which the light falling on their edges is reflected in different directions, which contributes to more uniform illumination. In addition, the cellular structure gives additional strength to the sheet, which protects against hail or wind-blown rubble. Upon purchase, after the required size of a polycarbonate sheet for greenhouses is measured and cut, it is convenient to roll it into a roll for further transportation.

And although the price of polycarbonate is somewhat more expensive than other types of coatings, the absence of disadvantages and a number of advantages have made it popular with farmers and summer residents.

When purchasing polycarbonate, you should pay attention to its thickness, the optimal value is 6-8 mm. Polycarbonate sheets have two standards: 2.1x6 m and 2.1x12 m. Also, in a quality sheet, the inner layer will be covered with moisture protection.

Greenhouse construction

After the location is determined and the materials are selected, the dimensions of the greenhouse are specified. It is advisable to prepare a mini-project with a drawing, which will indicate all dimensions, methods of fastening, roof structure. The roof comes in a variety of shapes:

• flat;
• lean-to;
• gable;
• polygonal;
• arched.

Optimal - in the form of an arch. Due to the fact that polycarbonate is easily bent, it is easy to give it a bent shape. As glass is used less and less as a covering, there is no need to arrange complex roof shapes. When using polycarbonate, there is no need to tightly seal the numerous seams that are inevitable in the case of glass. The large size of the polycarbonate sheet contributes to a small number of joints. Nevertheless, they must be closed without fail, because otherwise heat will leave the greenhouse through them, and the greenhouse effect will be lost.

It is recommended to select the dimensions of the greenhouse in such a way as to fit into an integer number of polycarbonate sheets. Otherwise, a lot of material will be spent on trimming, and this is a waste of money. If the sheet still needs to be cut, then this is done easily with a mounting knife.

Foundation

The construction of a greenhouse should begin with the arrangement of the foundation. Depending on the type of soil and the purpose of the greenhouse, one of the following types of base is selected:

• monolithic;
• tape;
• point.

The most durable are monolithic or tape having high strength and reliability. However, polycarbonate greenhouses are fairly lightweight structures, and if winter use is not planned, then an inexpensive spot foundation can be completely dispensed with. In addition, attaching the frame to such a foundation is much easier.

wooden frame

The next step is the construction of the frame. When assembled, the dimensions in length and height are determined by the foundation, the optimal height is about 2.5 m.

But, before proceeding with the installation work, you should decide on the material for the frame. Wooden beams are the most popular for the reason that they can be found for free. Other advantages of a wooden frame include ease of installation and environmental friendliness, since wood is a natural material. But there are also disadvantages: it should be remembered that the tree constantly needs care. Otherwise, in conditions of constant dampness, the slats will rot. Each season of operation of the greenhouse, the wooden frame must be re-painted or varnished.

Metal carcass

These shortcomings have led to the fact that recently metal has become an increasingly popular material for the frame. In this case, a profile or pipes are used. The second, although they are more expensive, but significantly exceed the profile in terms of strength characteristics. However, if you do not plan to use the greenhouse in winter, when a thick layer of snow is possible, you can limit yourself to a profile.

High strength is distinguished by the design of the arcs. They can be purchased ready-made or use a pipe bender. Cheap plastic bent pipes of various sizes are also on sale, but buying them is highly discouraged. Such structures are designed for a maximum of one season, after which such pipes bend and crack.

Depending on the size of the arched greenhouses, a different number of arcs will be required. The frequency of their location is selected individually depending on their thickness and the weight of the polycarbonate.

The disadvantage of metal is corrosion, so a primer and subsequent painting of all surfaces of the steel frame is required. If you apply galvanization, then there is no need for regular staining.

To prevent the greenhouse from being torn off by a strong gust of wind, it is necessary to provide for additional weighting of the frame, as well as to strengthen the places where the frame is attached to the foundation.

Coating installation

Polycarbonate sheets are fastened to the arcs using metal brackets. for greenhouses and the frequency with which the arcs follow, determine the number of brackets, and the more there are, the stronger the structure will be. It is forbidden to drill through holes in polycarbonate, since this violates the integrity of the surface, cracks appear that can destroy the coating over time.

Since polycarbonate is allowed to bend only in the transverse direction, to obtain an arch, sheets should be fastened across the greenhouse structure.

If you have not previously encountered roofing with polycarbonate, then it is recommended to choose material from the most well-known manufacturers. The ends of the structure must be sealed with a special tape that can protect the material from water and dirt.

Heating the greenhouse in winter

If you plan to use the greenhouse in winter, then even at the construction stage, you should think in advance how to heat it so that it is economically justified. With a competent approach, the heating efficiency will be high, which means that energy costs will be covered by income from the sale of winter crops at traditionally high prices for this time of year.

Among the various methods of winter, infrared heating can be distinguished due to its high efficiency. Radiant energy is beneficial in that it does not heat the air, but plants and soil, which, in turn, giving off heat, are already warming the air. This allows you to significantly reduce the heat loss of the greenhouse, and consequently, reduce heating costs.

Another advantage of infrared heaters is the instant start and the absence of the need for a long preheating with a gradual increase in temperature. From the first minutes of operation, the emitters begin to heat at full power. During installation, heaters should be placed at the top, directing the work surface towards the floor. In this case, the heat will quickly warm the soil and, consequently, the roots of the seedlings too.

Depending on the size of the greenhouse, heaters of various capacities will be required. The larger the greenhouse, the more is needed to heat it.

beds

Having acquired a greenhouse and starting planting seedlings, many gardeners are faced with the question of how to properly arrange the beds. A large distance between the beds will not allow rational use of the space, but excessive crowding will also prevent the plants from growing and bearing fruit due to mutual darkening and interweaving of the roots, which threatens to lose the crop. When planning the size of the beds in the greenhouse and the distance between them, you should calculate everything in advance.

The beds can be classified into two types: soil and those on the shelves. The former are more widespread.

It is important to correctly orient the beds: the most sunlight will give the west-east direction.

Depending on the size of the greenhouse, you can arrange two or three beds. At the same time, it is not recommended to exceed the maximum allowable width of the beds of 120 cm. Otherwise, the likelihood of trampling when caring for plants increases. Dirt beds are recommended to be made high, for which you can use straw, a wooden frame or brick.

For a greenhouse whose vertical dimensions exceed two meters, it is convenient to use a system of shelf beds. At the same time, the location of the racks should be selected taking into account your height, otherwise caring for the plants will be too troublesome.

Conclusion

A well-designed and high-quality assembled greenhouse will please you with a long service life. A well-thought-out heating system will allow you to get a crop. If you follow the tips given in the article, building a greenhouse with your own hands will not be a difficult task. Moreover, useful experience will be gained. If there are difficulties with self-assembly of the greenhouse, photos, dimensions and instructions can be found in the special literature.