Do-it-yourself greenhouse: the best projects and assembly recommendations. Models and types of greenhouses: from agrofibre, collapsible under the film, industrial, mobile and other types of advanced greenhouses

Purpose

Like a greenhouse, a greenhouse is used to create a favorable microclimate in the preparation of seedlings or in the full-fledged cultivation of tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage and other plants.

In a broad sense, both structures are perceived as one and the same, although in fact a greenhouse is a small and unheated structure. A greenhouse is a larger building with a heating and ventilation system that allows you to grow many crops at any time of the year.

Design

In terms of their structure, greenhouses are quite simple. A frame is assembled from pipes, metal or wood, which is covered with film, polycarbonate, glass, acrylic and other light-penetrating materials. If the weight of the structure is very large, it is additionally installed on the foundation.

For ventilation, removable panels or opening transoms are provided. Heating is carried out using water heating with radiators, infrared heaters or hot air from heat sources outside the greenhouse.

Installation

Since sunlight is vital for plants, it is necessary to build a greenhouse on the south side. It is advisable to place it on a slope and closer to other buildings in order to protect it from the wind and have access to utilities. It is better to stay away from high fences and trees: they give a shadow, and falling leaves reduce light transmission.

• Assembly difficulty: low.
• Foundation: not required.
• Price: low.
• Variations: the frame can be replaced with plastic pipes, and the covering material with a film.

The simplest design option, which is ideal for a small greenhouse. A frame made of reinforcement is installed directly on the bed, and agrofiber or, as it is also called, spunbond, is stretched over it. Such material protects from the sun, while retaining heat and moisture.

1. The dimensions of such a greenhouse are chosen arbitrarily, depending on the footage of the available materials. For example, it is convenient to cut a six-meter rebar in half. With such a length of arcs, the width of the greenhouse is about 80 cm. The arcs themselves should be installed in increments of 1.2–1.5 m.

2. Arcs are bent from reinforcement with a diameter of 8 mm. Next, drip irrigation pipes or an old hose are put on them, leaving 10–20 cm from each end, so that it is convenient to insert the structure into the ground.

3. After marking the places for installing the arcs, cuttings of steel pipes or drilled wooden pegs 20–30 cm long are driven into the ground, and reinforcement is already inserted into them.

4. Spunbond can be sewn on a sewing machine, forming folds-pockets that are worn directly on the arcs. Another option is to install plastic pipe guides on the sides of the beds and attach the agrofibre to them using purchased clips or cut pieces of pipes. As a result, the covering material can be easily lifted by simply removing them.

5. If desired, you can fasten the arcs not to pipes hammered into the ground, but to metal guides rigidly fixed along the edges of the base. This design will allow you to fold the greenhouse like an accordion, simply by shifting the arcs.

6. The free ends of the spunbond at the ends must be collected, tied in a knot and secured with a peg, earth or in another way.

Here are step by step video instructions.

• Assembly difficulty: low.
• Foundation: not required.
• Price: low.
• Variations: instead of a film, agrofiber can be used, and the door can be made on a wooden frame.

A budget version of a greenhouse made of masonry mesh and ordinary film, which is quickly assembled and has a number of advantages. The design does not require a foundation, due to its elasticity it is resistant to wind loads, and is also convenient for tying plants from the inside. At the same time, by folding the grid, you can get different sizes depending on your needs.

1. As load-bearing posts, a wooden bar, steel corners, pipes or a channel are used. They are slaughtered at a distance of 1.2–1.4 m.
2. The arch of the greenhouse is formed from two pieces of mesh overlapped. From below, it is attached with wire to the posts, and from above it is fastened together with the same wire or plastic ties.
3. To strengthen the structure in the middle of the passage, T-shaped supports made of wooden beams 50 × 50 mm are installed. If desired, they can also be hammered into the ground.
4. A film is put on a dome assembled from a mesh, which is held by strings of twine or rope stretched over it.
5. The side walls are also made of a film that is tucked up and attached to the dome with adhesive tape. In several places, small windows are cut at the top and bottom for ventilation of the greenhouse.
6. The door is made on a wooden frame or is made from the same film, which is cut and attached to the side wall with magnets in the manner of door mosquito nets.

• Assembly difficulty: average.
• Foundation: not required.
• Price: low.

Another way to build a greenhouse in haste. A wooden beam is used as a frame, and packaging stretch film serves as a covering material. With a large number of layers, it transmits light a little worse than ordinary PVC film, but on hot days this is even a plus.

1. The film is sold in rolls, so the dimensions of the greenhouse are selected according to the cutting of the timber and taking into account your wishes.
2. For the base, steel corners 40 × 40 mm are used, in which holes for attaching the frame racks are pre-drilled. They can also be treated with bitumen or painted to extend their service life.
3. The corners are hammered into the ground, and pieces of timber are screwed to them with self-tapping screws. In turn, the lower frame is attached to the beam, on which the side walls and the roof are assembled. All corners are reinforced with additional inclined pieces of timber.
4. The door is assembled on a wooden frame in one of the side walls and mounted on hinges.
5. Film wrapping is carried out in parts, moreover, in several layers and overlapping. First, the gables are installed, then the roof slopes, and only then the walls. You need to start wrapping them from the bottom so that the flowing rainwater does not get inside the greenhouse.
6. After winding with a glazing bead or a river, the door and its outer contour of the door are upholstered, and then the film around the frame is cut through. In the same way, you can make a window in the opposite wall.

• Assembly difficulty: average.
• Foundation: desirable.
• Price: minimum.
• Variations: you can combine frames with foil to make a roof, side walls or doors out of it.

The main advantage of this design is its low cost. Old window frames can be found, if not for free, then for a symbolic price. In addition, glass transmits light much better than film and polycarbonate. The windows already have vents for ventilation, and if you pick up a balcony block, there will also be a finished door.

1. The dimensions of the greenhouse depend on the size of the frames and the interior space you need. Aim for a width of about 2.5 m to get a passage of about 60 cm and two beds of 80-90 cm.
2. Windows, together with glass, have considerable weight, so it is advisable to install them on a solid foundation. It can be a shallow strip foundation, a massive wooden beam or a metal profile.
3. A wooden frame or pillars are installed on the foundation at the corners, and frames are already attached to them and to each other. The gaps between each block are covered with putty and clogged with laminate substrate strips or a thin wooden lath.
4. A door is made in the front wall. Its role can be played by one of the windows, a balcony door or a wooden frame covered with foil. Ventilation is carried out through the windows.
5. To reduce the weight of the roof, it is better to make a wooden beam and film. You can use all the same window frames, but in this case you will have to reinforce the structure with props in the middle of the passage so that it can withstand a lot of weight.

• Assembly difficulty: average.
• Foundation: not required.
• Price: low.
• Variations: the film can be replaced with agrofibre or polycarbonate

A greenhouse made of polypropylene pipes attracts with its simplicity, reliability and low price. Materials are sold at any hardware store, and assembly does not require any special skills or tools. You can even do without a soldering iron if you connect the pipes not with fittings, but with through bolts.

1. As usual, sizes are selected based on needs and available materials. Polypropylene pipe is usually sold in 4m lengths and is easily cut and spliced ​​with couplers.
2. The first step is to calculate the length of the pipe and the number of fittings needed. It is better to take with a margin, so that later you do not have to run the store.
3. The main parts are soldered from the pipe, tees and crosses - arches with crossbars and longitudinal inserts.
4. Next, a greenhouse is assembled from the prepared parts. If a soldering iron is not at hand, you can use bolts with nuts and washers to connect, which are inserted into the pipes drilled through.
5. The film is fixed on the ribs of the frame with the help of purchased clamps for pipes or home-made clips from pipes cut along sections of a slightly larger diameter.

• Assembly difficulty: average.
• Foundation: not required.
• Price: low.
• Variations: the film can be replaced with agrofibre or polycarbonate.

The classic version of the greenhouse, used for decades and not losing its popularity. The wooden beam is easily processed, has a small weight and sufficient strength, and also retains heat well. The design does not need a major foundation - you can get by with a frame made of a larger beam or use steel corners as a base.

1. The standard cutting of a beam is 6 m, so they are repelled from this figure. Most often, greenhouses are made 3 × 6 m, but if desired, the dimensions can be both reduced and increased. The finished project with material calculations is available at this link.
   
2. The assembly of the frame is the same as that of the stretch film greenhouse. Steel corners are hammered into the ground at intervals of about 1 m at the points where the racks are attached. In each of them, two holes are drilled for self-tapping screws or one for M8 or M10 bolts.
3. On the corners around the entire perimeter, vertical racks are fixed, which are tied with an upper contour of a beam. To stiffen the corners, one jib is added on each side.
4. Opposite the racks, triangular roof trusses are installed and fixed. The slope angle is selected depending on the snow load. So, if there is a lot of snow in your area, the angle of inclination should be more (the roof is higher and sharper).
5. The door and window for ventilation are knocked down on wooden frames and installed in the front and rear walls, respectively.
6. At the end, the frame is covered with a film, which is attached to the timber with the help of a rail stuffed over it. All sharp parts on the wood are rounded or covered with a soft material so that the film does not tear during operation.

• Assembly difficulty: high.
• Foundation: necessary.
• Price: high.
• Variations: the foundation can be made of a wooden beam or steel reinforcement, a corner or pipes hammered into the ground can be used.

The most popular and modern version of the greenhouse. Such designs are much more expensive than others, difficult to manufacture, but will serve for decades. Polycarbonate withstands in the open sun for 10–12 years, and the frame made of profiled steel pipe is almost eternal.

1. The standard size of polycarbonate is 2,100 × 6,000 mm, so it is convenient to cut it into four or two parts with a size of 2.1 × 1.5 m or 2.1 × 3 m, respectively. Such pieces will be optimal for a greenhouse measuring 3 × 6 meters.

2. For reliable fastening and distribution of wind loads, a foundation is made under the greenhouse. This can be a strip shallow foundation, a frame made of an antiseptic-treated wooden beam, or steel corners hammered into the ground.

YouTube channel Evgeny Kolomakin

3. The structure of the greenhouse consists of an arch, which is formed with the help of arcs from a profiled steel pipe 20 × 20 mm, located at a distance of one meter from each other.

4. The arcs are fastened together by longitudinal sections from the same pipe, which are connected by welding.

5. A door is arranged at the front end: a frame measuring 1.85 × 1 m is welded from the pipe, which is attached to the frame on hinges. A ventilation window measuring 1 × 1 m is made according to the same principle and is located in the rear end.

6. Covering with polycarbonate starts from the ends. The sheet is cut in half, attached to the profile with special self-tapping screws with thermal washers, and then cut along the arc contour with a sharp knife. After that, sheets of side walls are installed.

• Assembly difficulty: average.
• Foundation: not required.
• Price: low.

A simpler and more affordable version of a polycarbonate greenhouse. It does not use an expensive metal pipe that needs to be welded. And as a frame material, galvanized profiles for drywall systems are used. They are easily cut with scissors for metal and fastened with ordinary self-tapping screws.

1. When choosing sizes, as usual, we start from the parameters of polycarbonate sheets. Since the profiles lose their rigidity when bent, it is better to stay not on an arched, but on a gable greenhouse.
2. By analogy with arcs from a metal pipe, a galvanized profile frame is assembled from ribs in the form of a house.
3. The assembled modules are mounted on a frame made of wooden beams and tied together with sections of profiles. Doors and a window for ventilation are made in the front and back walls.
4. At the end, the frame is sheathed with polycarbonate sheets, which are fastened with special self-tapping screws with plastic thermal washers.

• Assembly difficulty: high.
• Foundation: necessary.
• Price: high.
• Variations: to facilitate the design, you can make the top of polycarbonate or film.

The most correct, but rather time-consuming and expensive version of the greenhouse. The main trump card of glass is excellent light transmission and durability. However, due to the heavy weight of the structure, a strong metal frame and foundation are required. In addition to arranging the strip foundation, the difficulty also lies in the need to use welding.

1. In the matter of choosing sizes, a glass greenhouse is no exception - everything is strictly individual and taking into account the materials available.
2. The impressive weight of the glass and metal frame requires a full foundation. Usually, a trench 30 cm deep and 20 cm wide is dug around the perimeter, a wooden formwork 20 cm high is installed on top and all this is poured with concrete. Also, before pouring, anchor bolts are inserted into the formwork to secure the frame.
3. A metal channel or corner is attached to the resulting base with the help of anchors. Then racks 1.6–1.8 m high are welded to this frame from two folded corners 45 × 45 mm. On top they are fastened with longitudinal segments of the corner.
4. Next, rafters from the same double corners are placed on the resulting box. At the bottom, they are welded to the uprights, and from above, to another corner that acts as a ridge beam.
5. A door is inserted into one of the walls, and a window for ventilation is arranged in the lid or wall.
6. Glasses are installed in the frames obtained due to the use of double corners and fixed with self-made hallmarks - plates made of thin aluminum or steel bent in the shape of the letter Z. With one hook, the gluer is attached to the corner, and with the second - to the glass.

• Assembly difficulty: high.
• Foundation: desirable.
• Price: high.
• Variations: the film can be replaced with polycarbonate or glass, and the frame can be made of a profile or pipes.

A domed or geodesic greenhouse attracts primarily with its unusual appearance: it entirely consists of many triangles and hexagons. Other advantages include high structural strength and the best light transmission. The disadvantage of the geodesic dome is one - the complexity of manufacturing.

1. The dimensions of such a greenhouse are selected individually, based on the required area. Since the frame structure is quite complex, the calculations are the most time-consuming part of the project.
2. In order not to get confused and take into account all the nuances, it is convenient to carry out the calculation using a special calculator. In it, you can set the dimensions, select the "density" of the frame and get a list of all the necessary parts for assembly with dimensions, as well as their approximate cost.
3. Regardless of the dimensions, the domed greenhouse is highly durable and is not afraid of the winds, so it is not necessary to make a foundation for it. However, since the construction of a structure is very labor-intensive, it is rational to extend its service life and equip a light strip foundation for attaching the frame.
4. The ribs of the structure consist of triangles, which, in turn, are assembled from a wooden lath according to a template. First you need to prepare the required number of such triangles.
5. The greenhouse is being assembled as a magnetic constructor from childhood. Starting from the bottom, rows of triangles are assembled one after another, which are fastened together with self-tapping screws and form a dome. If everything is calculated correctly, it will close on top and will be perfectly correct in shape.
6. One of the triangles in the roof is made folding or removable to provide ventilation. The door is either installed in the shape of a polygon, or made in a traditional shape with a mortise box.
7. The film covers the finished dome or is stretched over each triangle at the assembly stage. In the first case, it will be easier to replace the film when it breaks. The second one gives a more aesthetic look. Which one to choose - decide for yourself.

In this article we will tell you about the greenhouse device. You can get a lot of necessary and useful information about what processes take place inside the greenhouse and how they affect its design, what materials are used to create a greenhouse, how to care for it, how to prepare the soil mixture, and what types of greenhouses are. In addition, at the end you will find a short story about greenhouses from improvised materials.

Greenhouses are an excellent adaptation for growing any plants. Source bg.happydiysite.com

Making a plan

First you need to highlight the main questions that should be studied before you get a greenhouse.

It is necessary understand why greenhouses are needed: what processes are typical for growing crops in greenhouses, what is the greenhouse effect and what role does the soil in a greenhouse play in the life of a plant. This is important in order to have an idea about the work of caring for plants in a greenhouse.

To choose a good greenhouse, you need to have an idea about the processes taking place in it. Source yard.hozvo.ru

It is imperative to know What are the main parts of a greenhouse? and how to keep it running.

Costs explore different greenhouse designs to know how they are arranged and what they consist of.

As a result, we will try to find out whether it is possible to create a unique and workable greenhouse from improvised materials.

Following this plan, you will be able to fully consider such an important issue for any owner as a greenhouse device.

Why you should use greenhouses

It is very important to know about the features of greenhouses in order to choose or order the right design for yourself.

A greenhouse, together with the soil inside it and the plants planted in this soil, is a rather interesting and peculiar biosystem that has some properties that help accelerate the development of these plants.

Let's see what happens inside the greenhouse.

Processes taking place in a greenhouse in the light

Vegetative parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, roots, more actively absorb water from the soil with mineral salts dissolved in it, as well as carbon dioxide and oxygen.

In turn, much more metabolic oxygen is released into the air than when growing in open ground.

As a result of photosynthesis, due to more saturated air, a large amount of organic substances is released, which are simply necessary for normal growth and good ripening of fruits.

Inside the greenhouse, the plants lead a rather "active" life. Source horti-asia.com

The increased release of organic compounds contributes to the deposition of plastic substances that enter the tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, stems, flowers, but most importantly, the fruits. Thanks to this, greenhouse vegetables are always larger.

It can be seen that the correct and convenient greenhouse provides plants with better growing conditions than open ground.

What happens in the greenhouse at night

Plants under a greenhouse actively absorb oxygen for respiration and convert it into carbon dioxide during respiration. In the light, this excess of carbon dioxide will go to the active formation of photosynthesis products.

Water is released through the leaves in the form of water vapor. Due to the fact that the room is closed, all the moisture remains inside the greenhouse and falls in the form of dew on the leaves and soil.

All the moisture released by the plants remains inside the greenhouse Source keshtavaran.com

Plastic substances deposited during the day come to the roots, contributing to their accelerated growth and development. For this reason, the green mass grows mainly at night.

Summing up, we can say that during daylight hours an excess of oxygen is formed in the greenhouse, which is consumed by crops at night. Thanks to this, diseases and rot do not appear in greenhouses. Therefore, it is worth thinking about such an acquisition as a greenhouse.

What is the greenhouse effect

The covering of any greenhouse is developed taking into account that it transmits the visible rays of the sun well, but at the same time reflects or scatters IR rays. Therefore, the greenhouse effect in greenhouses and the atmosphere has its differences.

Consider the features of the greenhouse effect under polycarbonate at different times of the day:

During the day, plants use part of the visible light for photosynthesis. Another proportion is absorbed by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, whereby they are transferred to a higher energy state. Another part of the light goes into the soil and serves to warm the air and the structure itself. Moreover, IR rays already come from the soil, which do not interact with greenhouse gases in any way. Often the temperature of the soil inside the greenhouse is slightly lower than outside it, because on the street it is heated directly by the sun.

Sunlight is the main source of heat for plants in a greenhouse Source mangystaumedia.kz

At night, the temperature of the soil in the greenhouse rises sharply, so the earth becomes warmer than outside. This is very good at stimulating root growth and sap flow in the stems. The soil carries out heat exchange with air using infrared rays, as well as by convection. Molecules of greenhouse gases also give off heat, heating the entire space inside the room.

However, there is also heat transfer through the coating. Thus, we can conclude that the greenhouse scheme in the form of an arch will be the most advantageous, because IR rays will be better reflected from the vaulted walls and the heat will remain inside the greenhouse.

On our site you can familiarize yourself with the most. In the filters, you can set the desired direction, the presence of gas, water, electricity and other communications.

What should be the soil in the greenhouse

Fertile soil is the most complex biosystem, which is not only a mixture of various substances, but also from a variety of living organisms that can only live in the soil. Among biologists and soil scientists, fertile soil is even considered a "superorganism." This means that the ground cover is the largest living thing in the world. For us, it is important to understand that the soil plays a fundamental role in growing crops in a greenhouse, so the design must assume the possibility of all kinds of millionations.

The future harvest depends to a greater extent on proper soil care. Source gusiyabloni.com

An important feature of greenhouses is that the soil in them works year-round, because tomatoes and cucumbers are grown under the film even in winter. That is why it needs enhanced care, high-quality heating and cooling. Otherwise, it will deplete very quickly.

Because of this, greenhouses are most often not used in the same place for several seasons. According to the nature of their use, they are divided into the following groups:

Ground greenhouses- the simplest, consisting only of a film. They are suitable in cases where there is no need for a strong greenhouse effect. They grow seedlings.

Mobile greenhouses characterized by being carried from one place to another.

Bulk greenhouses are used for a long time in one place, because the natural soil is not used, and an enriched mixture is poured into the formwork of the structure, which from time to time changes to a new one.

After using the first two types, the soil needs to be fertilized and loosened. You can also sow it for one season with nitrogen-fixing crops, such as legumes. A year later, it is recommended to plant cabbage, flowers or greens in this place.

The soil in a stationary greenhouse needs constant care Source kuba-bulba.blogspot.com

On our website you can get acquainted with the most popular projects - from construction companies presented at the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".

In agriculture, after a greenhouse, the land is usually given a year to rest “under fallow”. And the next season it is sown with nitrogen-fixing plants. Therefore, when using a mobile greenhouse, it is recommended to have 4 plots of land: one under the greenhouse, one free, one under nitrogen fixers, and one under other crops.

Thus, the construction of a greenhouse is not everything. The main thing is to allocate the right place for it, taking into account the free space and soil properties in your area.

Here is an example of the correct placement of an accordion greenhouse. Source agrodnepr.ru

But the most effective way to leave the soil suitable for plants for several seasons is to properly warm it up.

How to warm the soil in a greenhouse

The oldest and most proven method of warming up the soil is the introduction of a large amount of manure. Moreover, it is believed that if the crop from the greenhouse is intended for food, then it is worth using exclusively horse droppings. This is due to the fact that any other warms much worse and also oversaturates the soil with nitrates. The fact that these substances have a bad effect on health, people noticed a very long time ago. However, now there is a big problem associated with the low availability of horse manure.

Horse manure is often used to heat the land in a greenhouse. Source dhoz.ru

There are several schemes for soil heating using manure or greenhouse land:

steam comb- the simplest, but least effective option. It is most often used in greenhouses, where the substrate is already quite warm, as well as when growing seedlings.

steam furrow more rational use of all the heat of the fuel. Can be done using cow dung, but should be planted next to it with crops that almost do not accumulate nitrates.

steam bed differs in that it almost does not pollute plants with nitrates. She warms better than furrows. It is advisable to use a film or solid covering material to create it. However, this option has a significant drawback: since nothing can be planted on the ridge itself, a large amount of space remains unoccupied.

It looks like a steam bed for heating the soil Source omsk.kz

warm furrow characterized by the fact that it heats weakly, but for quite a long time. Therefore, most often it is used for growing onions or herbs.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer installation services for sheds, greenhouses and other small forms for a country house. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".

What land should be used in greenhouses

There are various soil mixture recipes that are used for different crops.

For general purpose:

6 parts peat land

1 part garden or leaf soil

2 parts manure or compost

1 part baked river sand

3 kg slaked lime for each cubic meter of mixture

The future harvest largely depends on the quality of the soil mixture. Source optolov.ru

For bulb crops and root crops:

5 parts sawdust

1 part wood ash

1 part straw cut

3 parts peat land

20 g potassium sulfate and 30 g of superphosphate per 1 cubic meter of soil

Self-heating soil for seedlings:

2 parts almost mature peat

1 part horse manure

1 part straw cut

300 g urea per cubic meter of mixture

Before planting plants, it is imperative to prepare the soil in the greenhouse. Source homeli.ru

Polycarbonate greenhouse

Now most greenhouses are made using polycarbonate as a light-transmitting coating. Indeed, initially such material was developed for the needs of agriculture, and only later it turned out that it is well suited for the construction of sheds and arbors.

Polycarbonate is a good material for building a greenhouse Source teplica-spb.ru

True, the PC has some properties that are worth mentioning right away:

Polycarbonate is sold only in whole sheets 2 * 6 or 2 * 12m, so often greenhouses from private manufacturers are more expensive due to overspending of the material.

The most inexpensive polycarbonate is worth about the same as agrofilm, so it may well be replaced by it.

Polycarbonate greenhouse requires that its device includes a lot of fittings, for example, thermal capacitors, an edging profile, aluminum tape and filter tape for the ends. Otherwise, the entire structure will last no more than five years.

Installation of polycarbonate sheets carried out by pulling each segment, so the frame of the greenhouse under the PC must be reinforced.

All this suggests that building a polycarbonate greenhouse is a rather difficult and responsible task, and if you have never done this, then it would be better to buy a ready-made greenhouse so as not to spend a lot of nerves and time on self-construction.

What is a greenhouse made of?

There is a huge variety of greenhouses and greenhouses, having a very different design and made of different materials. Therefore, it is worth considering in order the options for the structural units of such a structure.

Coating

The light-transmitting coating is the main part of any greenhouse, on which the effectiveness of the device largely depends. This article has already talked about polycarbonate. Another hard coating option is glass. It is more durable, but retains heat worse. By the way, polycarbonate is very susceptible to ultraviolet rays, so it is always covered on one side with a protective film, which is important to maintain during operation. But still, the probability of damage to the PC coating of the greenhouse is quite high: the protective layer can be pierced even by soil particles raised by the wind. The places of damage to the film can be found by cracks and haze.

Polycarbonate greenhouses need more careful and accurate care Source kroystroy.ru

One of the cheapest and most affordable options for covering material for a greenhouse is a film. Typically, a web with a thickness of 120 to 60 microns is used. The film can be made of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride or polyisopropylene. They are often produced in the form of a non-woven fabric. Here is a brief description of the various films:

PE is low cost. At the same time, it transmits little light and poorly protects against ultraviolet radiation and poorly reflects IR rays. Such a coating does not save from frost. The service life of polyethylene is most often 1 year.

PVC costs a little more than polyethylene. At the same time, it is characterized by normal optics and thermal engineering. It can protect plants from mild frosts, but is afraid of ultraviolet radiation, which makes it crack and cloudy. Service life - from 1 to 3 seasons.

EVA is different in that it is fairly UV resistant, but all other parameters are similar to polyvinyl chloride.

PP despite its milky white color transmits light well, and diffusely, because of which it completely eliminates the possibility of burns in plants. Provides maximum greenhouse effect due to the fact that it reflects IR rays well. Polyisopropylene allows moisture to pass through, so the beds can be watered directly under the film layer. It selectively passes gases through itself, so that a PP greenhouse does not need to be ventilated.

The film is used as a covering material for greenhouses Source yandex.ru

If suddenly a hole has formed in the film greenhouse, then it is easy to close it with a special agroscotch tape.

Soil heating system

Electric soil heating in greenhouses is becoming more and more popular. However, it is worth remembering that the use of electrical equipment without observing safety rules very often leads to victims. In addition, cable heating of small greenhouses is often unprofitable.

This is how the "warm floor" system for a greenhouse looks like Source projject.ru

Another option for heating the soil inside the greenhouse is a small solar collector. Such a device with an area of ​​\u200b\u200b1 sq. m. can ensure the normal vital activity of plants in an area of ​​3 square meters. m. A solar collector can be built independently, using old thin-walled steel batteries as an energy receiver, and ordinary cast-iron "accordions" as a heater.

Video description

You can watch this video about the device of the simplest solar collector:

In homemade greenhouses, such heaters are installed before backfilling the pit. They should be placed on strong supports so that they do not sag and thereby disturb the circulation of heat. Be sure to leave a filler pipe on top, otherwise air will enter the system and over time it will heat worse and worse. It is best to fill the system with antifreeze, because in this case the collector will provide sufficient heat even in cloudy weather due to diffused light.

Such a solar collector can easily heat a medium-sized greenhouse Source telegraf.in.ua

Frame materials

When creating a greenhouse, you need to take into account that wood is suitable for a frame only if it is well treated with protective compounds and painted with high quality. Otherwise, it will rot very quickly. In particular, the tree must be covered with compounds that repel moisture - water repellents. Very often, extensions, fences or canopies are processed with various technical compounds, which is completely unsuitable for greenhouses. This is due to the fact that the additives that are in low-quality oils and varnishes should not be ingested.

The wooden frame of the greenhouse must be well treated with protective compounds. Source lt.aviarydecor.com

A good material for the frame of a stationary greenhouse can be called plastic pipes. They have sufficient durability and stability. In addition, the water pipe is inexpensive and fits perfectly with the help of adapters.

Also, a metal profile is often used for the construction of greenhouses. From it you can assemble a bolted structure or a welded frame. Since the greenhouse involves a high concentration of water vapor in the air, galvanized steel is taken for its construction.

The welded frame of a greenhouse made of a metal profile is durable and strong Source setka-nn.ru

Greenhouse design options

Nowadays, many different schemes and designs of greenhouses and greenhouses have been invented and invented. All of them are good for a certain area, a certain climate or a wallet. We will look at several common and successful options.

Soil-film greenhouse

There are, for example, soil-film greenhouses, consisting of only one film, which covers the beds. This type is suitable for growing seedlings or when using soil with a large amount of nitrates. Only low-growing crops, such as greens or radishes, can be constantly grown under the film. Usually, when using soil-film greenhouses, the beds are made 25-30 cm wide. The ridges should have the same height if the covering material is supported by trellises. If the film lies directly on the ground, then the height of the greenhouse should be at least 40 cm.

Here is an example of a soil-film greenhouse with a small trellis Source ogorod-bez-hlopot.ru

The advantages of this type of greenhouses include their cheapness and simplicity. Often they are built from improvised means. But at the same time, soil-film greenhouses make poor use of sunlight, and also limit access to crops planted under them.

"Russian pit"

A warm pit is an unusual but fairly common type of greenhouse. A century and a half ago, with the help of such facilities, people received fresh vegetables and herbs on the table all year round.

Usually, when using such a device, 3-4 pits are made immediately. This makes it possible to heat one greenhouse while others are in use, in order to operate the entire system year-round. But in order for the complex to function normally, it must be surrounded by channels to drain water, otherwise the biofuel in the pits will turn sour.

The design of the "Russian pit" greenhouse is quite interesting. It consists of a pit 80-90 cm deep with a strapping of logs or boards, 2/3 filled with biofuel, covered with a layer of soil on top. On top of the perimeter, the entire system is framed by a wooden box with a reflective screen-lid. Drainage grooves are being dug nearby.

Greenhouses like "Snowdrop" and "Agronomist"

Film-tunnel type greenhouses are the most common in our country and neighboring countries. Often, buying components for assembly separately is more expensive than purchasing a ready-made kit. Such structures are most practical if they are covered with agrofilm. Usually, the height from the ground to the ridge of such greenhouses is 80 cm, and the width is about 1 m. The frame elements are joined with wire, agroscotch, or simply tied crosswise.

Greenhouse "Snowdrop" consists of a frame covered with covering material Source cs.aviarydecor.com

Film-tunnel type greenhouses are used mainly for growing seedlings. It is important to know that they cannot be left in one place for more than two seasons, as they greatly deplete the soil under them.

The advantages of this type of greenhouses include:

Large usable area allowing you to grow a lot of seedlings

Simplicity and cheap design

Preservation at night quality air for plants to breathe

Under such greenhouses always large volume of air, therefore, there is a strong greenhouse effect, allowing you to maintain the temperature even during frosts

Film-tunnel greenhouse can be easily transferred from one place to another

Video description

Here it is worth highlighting a special type of greenhouse designed for growing cucumbers. The fact is that this is a very capricious culture that requires constant care and proper fit. Otherwise, the fruits will be yellow and bitter. Therefore, we will consider the greenhouse device for cucumbers.

Greenhouses for cucumbers have a special and interesting structure. Source dvgnezdo.ru

By the way, in most of the territory of Russia, it is generally impossible to grow some varieties of cucumbers in open ground.

For cucumbers, greenhouses are often made from planks. The structure must have a fairly large height, because the whips of plants often reach 2 m before they can be launched in a horizontal direction. Another reason why the greenhouse should be large is that if the cucumbers do not have enough air, then powdery mildew quickly forms on them and they die. For the same reason, the roof of this fixture must be flat and ventilated, then the steam cushion will quickly erode to the outside.

Video description

The video contains a story about a small convenient greenhouse for cucumbers:

Greenhouses for cucumbers usually have a faceted shape, which is necessary in order to make it convenient to mount the trellis on which the shoots will be located.

Greenhouses from improvised materials

Often, window frames are used to make homemade greenhouses, because they transmit light well, and can also open. Most often, small greenhouses are placed on personal plots, so 2-3 windows are usually enough. But such a structure should be single-sided, moreover, oriented to the south. The lid itself is also made hinged so that you can access the beds at any time. It is important to note that in no case should there be cracks in the walls of the greenhouse, otherwise all the warm air will quickly come out and the plants will hit with the very first frost.

It is convenient to grow seedlings in a small greenhouse from window frames Source: chadakhbar.info

There is another option for those who are wondering what greenhouses are made of: a good frame can be built from the remnants of commercial wood, such as beams or slats. With this material, you can set a fairly steep angle of inclination, which will make the most efficient use of sunlight. Another plus is that by leaving small gaps in the covering material, you can ensure proper and efficient ventilation.

Any master can build such a greenhouse from scraps of commercial wood. Source arhivach.ng

Also A good and efficient greenhouse can be built from polyethylene terephthalate, from which all plastic bottles are made. They are usually strung on a steel wire, and then a solid canvas is created from such “threads”.

Video description

This video contains a story about a homemade greenhouse from improvised materials:

Conclusion

It is very useful to have a greenhouse in your summer cottage or backyard that could provide you and your family with fresh vegetables and herbs. But in order for the structure to be effective, inexpensive and easy to maintain, you need to know before buying how the right greenhouse should be arranged. In this article, we talked about the design of a greenhouse and the basic principles for choosing it. This information should help you acquire such a useful device.

Many gardeners and gardeners equip greenhouses on their plots. This expands their ability to grow healthy, sustainable products. Vegetables and fruits can be obtained all year round. The main thing is to develop the project correctly, choose good materials, build, order or buy a high-quality finished structure. What types of greenhouses exist? What are the different projects for? We offer a comparison of greenhouses of various designs: the pros and cons, features of installation, operation.

Polycarbonate greenhouses, which are becoming more and more popular and in demand, deserve special attention. The abandonment of glass and film in favor of polycarbonate has allowed for improvements in designs and the development of new projects. They make greenhouses more efficient and plant care more convenient. This became possible due to the unique properties of the new material - lightness, strength, flexibility and good thermal insulation.

Compared to glass, polycarbonate is much lighter and stronger, easier to install. From it you can create stationary and mobile greenhouses of any shape.

One of the most popular designs is a greenhouse in the form of a house. This type was popular for many years, until they were gradually replaced by more economical arched greenhouses. The disadvantage of the design can be considered a large consumption of materials for construction, and the advantages include a large internal volume and ease of care for plants

There are stand-alone greenhouses and those adjacent to buildings. If everything is clear with the first type, then the second implies that one of the walls of a residential building or outbuilding is used as a supporting structure for a greenhouse. Usually such greenhouses are made heated and used in the winter season.

In addition to the usual designs, non-banal economical and efficient greenhouses adjacent to houses are gaining popularity. The idea of ​​arranging a winter vegetation is very interesting. There are several options. One of the most popular is Ivanov's vegetarian. This is a polycarbonate greenhouse built on an inclined surface, in which the wall of the house is used not only as a building structure, but also as a reflective screen for the sun's rays.

The sloping roof of the Ivanov solar plant is designed so that the sun's rays fall on the surface at a right angle and almost do not reflect. Due to this, plants receive 4 times more heat and light. All energy goes to lighting and heating the greenhouse

Vegetarians have already been called greenhouses of a new generation. This design is an invention of an ordinary school physics teacher, but it is better than many others for our climatic conditions. How Ivanov's sunny vegetable garden looks from the inside and outside can be seen in the video. The owner talks about the features of growing plants in such a greenhouse:

Particular attention deserves the design of free-standing greenhouses. Some of these projects can be implemented for buildings adjacent to the house. The main thing is to accurately determine your needs, capabilities and find out how to locate the greenhouse, correctly calculate the area. Most popular designs:

• with vertical walls (they are also called greenhouses-"houses" for their external resemblance to residential buildings);
• in the form of a lancet arch (another name is arched greenhouses);
• with inclined walls (less common than the designs of the first two types);
• with a mansard roof (greenhouses are built in the form of a so-called Dutch hay barn).

There are winter and spring greenhouses. Despite the "speaking" name, "spring" refers to greenhouses that are used from March to November. Winter necessarily require heating. Depending on mobility, stationary and mobile structures are distinguished. Plants are placed in rack and rackless ways. And for their cultivation, soil and soilless (aero-, hydroponic) methods are used.

The photo shows the shape of the frame of the Chinese winter vegetaria of an improved design, adapted for use in our latitudes. The task of the builder is to minimize the consumption of resources for heating the building without harming the plants. The wide side of the vegetation is oriented to the south. Unlike other buildings of this type, this one was designed without taking into account the laying of pipes in the ground. Heating will be provided by a compact wood-fired boiler.

Winter greenhouses are operated year-round. They are great for growing vegetables for personal and commercial use. The issue of heating can be solved in different ways: boilers, stoves, radiators are installed. Each owner chooses the most affordable and suitable option for himself. Winter greenhouses can be either freestanding or adjacent to other buildings.

Option # 1 - "house" with vertical walls

Of all types of greenhouses, the “house” is still the most common design, despite the emergence of new, more practical modifications. The reason for this popularity is the convenience and versatility of the design. It is a frame in the form of a house, over which there is a gable roof. The walls are built with a height of about 1.5 m from the ground, the roof ridge is placed at a height of 1.8-2.4 m. Thanks to this arrangement of the greenhouse, the owner does not have to bend his head while caring for the plants, and you can arrange the plantings on shelves, racks: there is enough space.

The frame of the greenhouse-"house" is either glazed or covered with cellular polycarbonate. Can be covered with foil. A gable roof is a significant advantage, because. snow does not linger on sloping surfaces and slides down. Due to this, no increased load is created on the upper parts of the structure. The advantages of a greenhouse do not always compensate for the disadvantages - high cost, construction complexity and significant heat losses that occur through the north wall. It is recommended to additionally insulate it with panels, but this also leads to an increase in the cost of the arrangement.

The option of a greenhouse with vertical walls is very beneficial for those site owners who can assemble the structure with their own hands. One of the popular ways to reduce the cost of construction is to use old window frames for glazing the frame and install a simple base of timber as a foundation. The use of polyethylene film can hardly be considered a good way to save money, because. the material itself is short-lived and noticeably inferior in strength to glass, especially polycarbonate.

The polycarbonate construction is shipped unassembled. It is assembled and installed already on the site. The buyer can choose the desired number of sections depending on the types of crops he plans to grow. To maintain a comfortable microclimate, the greenhouse is equipped with a window. When installing the structure, you can fix it by digging the foundations included in the kit into the ground, but a brick and even a wooden foundation is much more reliable.

Option #2 - arched structures

A greenhouse in the form of a lancet arch is a complex structure. Its main drawback is that it is extremely difficult to design and assemble with your own hands, unlike the traditional "house". Difficulties arise when bending the metal for the frame, and when it is sheathed. Glass cannot be used because it does not bend, so the available materials are film and polycarbonate.

In most cases, arched greenhouses are purchased ready-made. This is an expensive purchase, but it is fully justified, because the owner gets a more practical form than a “house”.

Building an arched greenhouse on your own is difficult, but possible. The video describes the process of creating an arch with wooden arcs with your own hands:

Arched greenhouses are widely used not only in the household of many gardeners. Industrial complexes are built in this form. They can be used for plant cultivation, sorting, storage and even processing. It all depends on the size and layout of the building. The project is selected based on the number, type of plants, the method of their cultivation and location.

The arched shape makes it possible to make greenhouses of a lower height than vertical-walled structures require. They resist wind loads better and, most importantly, let more light into the room.

The greenhouse is a structure 2 m high and 3 m wide. What will be the length, the owner himself decides, focusing on his needs. The greenhouse is extended with additional sections. There is a window on the roof. The design provides for special partitions that separate cultures from each other. This makes it possible to simultaneously grow different types of plants. Modification "Sunny House T12" is strengthened due to the minimum step of the arcs - 1 m

The disadvantages of greenhouses in the form of a lancet arch include the potential danger of cracks in the roof during heavy snowfalls. Snow often has to be removed by hand, as it falls down much worse than from the gable roof of the "house". If the layer is too thick, the roof may not withstand.

There are also restrictions on the layout of the interior space. It is difficult to place shelves, racks, etc. in an arched greenhouse. When caring for plants, the owner is not always comfortable. All these are solvable problems, but when choosing between an arch and a “house”, it is worth weighing all the factors, taking into account possible difficulties.

Of the ready-made arched greenhouses, the Solar House and Royal House series are especially popular. Features of the design of the "Royal House" are presented in the video:

Option # 3 - a greenhouse with sloping walls

Greenhouses with walls located at an angle are structures that look like the usual "houses", and in terms of functionality and practicality - arches. In such greenhouses, the walls are mounted with an inclination inward at a slight angle. Due to this, the base increases, like an arch, which gives more space for the beds. The height of the structure may be less than that of the "house".

An undoubted advantage of such a project is the ability to build a greenhouse with your own hands without any problems, because you don’t have to bend the frame. Glass is suitable for cladding, incl. and used. Often use polycarbonate, film. Another advantage is the “self-cleaning” gable roof. Regardless of the design of the roof, it is better to install a window in it for ventilation when humidity rises. The disadvantage of the design is the restrictions when installing shelves along the walls due to the slope.

When calculating a greenhouse with sloping walls, attention should be paid to the steepness of the roof slopes. If the angle is chosen incorrectly or ventilation is not provided, then moist air can accumulate under the roof, which leads to the reproduction of microorganisms, fungi, mold, mosses. Such a “neighborhood” can significantly damage the health of plants.

Option #4 - mansard roof greenhouse

A mansard roof structure is a type of greenhouse with vertical walls, however, instead of a gable roof, a mansard is installed. It copes with loads perfectly, snow does not linger on it.

A mansard roof gives more headroom than an arched roof. There are no other features, otherwise such greenhouses have the same advantages and disadvantages as traditional structures with gable roofs. On the walls, you can place shelves and racks for multi-tiered growing plants.

When deciding on a roof structure, you should think carefully about which design will be optimal. A mansard roof looks advantageous, but in most cases it is not necessary. But the design requires additional calculations, an increase in the amount of materials. The owner must be sure that these costs will pay off

What is the best greenhouse design?

The described types of greenhouses are most common, but the variety of designs is not limited to them. Each type has its own advantages, purpose, features. When choosing a design, shape, materials, many factors must be taken into account. We offer a detailed video review from a specialist. Comparison of different types and materials of greenhouses will help determine the choice of the optimal design:

If you have already compared greenhouses of various designs and have chosen the right one, you can start searching. A little secret of sellers: the demand for greenhouses is higher in spring and summer, so in winter they can be purchased at a discount.

When buying, do not trust intermediaries and resellers, try to purchase a greenhouse directly from the manufacturer. Be sure to read the technical documentation, check the complete set of the ordered model. By following these simple guidelines, you increase your chances of buying a quality greenhouse that will delight you with fresh fruits and vegetables for years to come.

TYPES AND DESIGNS OF GREENHOUSES. Page 4.

Purpose and types of greenhouses. Page 5.

In greenhouses, crops are grown that cannot be grown outdoors throughout the year or part of the gardening season due to their unsuitability for local weather conditions. Greenhouses are used for germinating seeds, rooting cuttings, forcing bulbs, growing seedlings, keeping indoor ornamental plants.

For example, seeds of tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers and eggplants are best planted in greenhouses, so that later they can either be transplanted into open ground or left indoors. Here they are protected not only from the cold, but also from wind and rain, and therefore bear fruit better.

Only in a heated greenhouse is it possible to grow evergreen subtropical and tropical crops, such exotic plants as orchids, which need not only warmth, but also high humidity.

Many indoor plants on our windowsills simply survive, and only in the greenhouse their beauty is revealed to the fullest. You can use the greenhouse as a "store" for your flower collection, placing faded plants in it and bringing those that are about to bloom into the house.

TEMPERATURE CONDITION
Greenhouses are divided into unheated and heated (cold, moderately warm and warm).

UNHEATED GREENHOUSES.
They are the most economical, but their scope is limited to growing some crops such as lettuce, radishes, tomatoes and cucumbers in early spring and late fall or during the gardening season.

If you want to get the most out of your greenhouse, consider year-round heating. When breeding tropical and subtropical ornamental and fruit plants, one cannot do without it.

COLD GREENHOUSES.
In winter, the air temperature in them should not be less than +7 ° C, the lower limit for most heat-loving plants like citrus fruits, pelargonium and ornamental bananas. Otherwise, you will have to cover them with garden fleece.

MODERATELY WARM GREENHOUSES.
The minimum temperature maintained in them (+13 ° C) is required for tropical plants such as hippeastrums (Hippeastrum), streptocarpus (Streptocarpus), begonias. poinsettia (Euphorbia pulchemma) and many orchids. Less exotic plants will be too warm here.

WARM GREENHOUSES (GREENHOUSES).
Here the temperature should not be below +18 ° C, which is necessary for some varieties of orchids, heat-loving plants like stephanotis and sinningia (gloxinia, Sinningia), as well as a number of plants with decorative foliage, such as coleus (Solenostemon).

Basic structural elements. Page 6.

Greenhouses are fairly simple structures, especially the most common ones, with an aluminum profile frame. But it is worth paying attention to the details before buying or building a greenhouse to make the right choice. At first glance, insignificant differences in the main structural elements, such as doors, transoms, roofing, often significantly affect the usability and artificial climate.

Frame. The frame is mounted from a wooden or metal (for example, aluminum) profile, forming a frame for the glass. Separately, its racks and other components are not very strong, so they must be carefully adjusted, and the fasteners should be periodically checked and straightened.

Door. The best choice is a sliding door: it can be left open while airing the greenhouse without fear that it will slam shut. It takes up less space, which is important in a small garden. The width of the doorway must be at least 90 cm, and more to bring a wheelbarrow into the greenhouse.

Plinth. This is not a required element, but it raises the glazed panels off the ground and serves as a foundation. To increase strength, however, there will also be brickwork, especially if the greenhouse is installed on the ground.

Glass. Usually sheet glass of standard sizes is used. Replacement of broken large glasses is more expensive, so it makes sense to choose smaller glasses.

Transoms on the walls. You need at least a pair of louvered transoms to circulate the air, which you won't hit like open hinged transoms when going around the greenhouse, but the louvers are more difficult to close tightly to keep out the cold.

Transoms on the roof. As a rule, they open outward upwards, providing an outflow of heat and increasing air circulation. Ideally, there should be one or two transoms on each roof slope, with a total area approximately equal to one sixth of the floor area.

Unbreakable panels. They can be fixed around the entire perimeter of the greenhouse or only on the door.

Gutters and barrel for rain water. Drains remove moisture from the base of the greenhouse and allow it to be collected in a barrel.

Greenhouse structures. Page 6.

DESIGN
When choosing a greenhouse, considerable attention must be paid to its design, evaluating it not only from an aesthetic, but also from a functional point of view.

Gable and wall greenhouses
Gable greenhouses, rectangular, with vertical walls and a gable roof, are widely used. And there are reasons for that: a considerable landing area, maximum illumination, ease of care for plants. A gable roof provides sufficient height to the structure, especially in the middle where you are most likely to move, increases the stability and strength of the structure.

As a rule, these are free-standing structures, however, it is also possible to build a wall-mounted greenhouse with a three-quarter slope or, if space is completely limited, a shed. And they are very practical in terms of the ratio of planting area and working space, but they are often more expensive, and they need to be built against a wall or fence, which complicates the construction. On the other hand, by attaching a greenhouse to the wall of the house, you can make them communicate, and even install central heating in the greenhouse. In addition, it is convenient to attach pot racks and wire supports for climbing plants to a wall or fence.

Dutch greenhouse
The walls of the Dutch greenhouse are slightly inclined, which increases the illumination at the base, helps to retain heat and stabilizes the structure. It is convenient to grow low-growing plants in it on wall beds, but it is difficult to build supports for plants. In addition, large glazed panels are not cheap.

Domes

Recently, domes, or biomes, have come back into fashion, in which, throughout the day, several panels are located at the right angle to the sun's rays, which significantly increases illumination. They are quite attractive, but expensive and smaller than traditional greenhouses, they are suitable for growing tall plants. In addition, standard shelving, benches and other furnishings are not suitable for them.

On a note.
Leave aisles wide enough near glazed greenhouses so that you do not squeeze past them, risking breaking the glass.

Greenhouse with curved roof
Some greenhouses, including wall greenhouses, have a curved roof. This design provides more light, and looks less utilitarian than standard models, but it is much more expensive. Essentially, the roof is not curved: each next row of panels is located at some angle to the previous one. There are also freestanding greenhouses with curved walls, but these are not as common.

polygonal greenhouse
Polygonal greenhouses look more impressive than rectangular ones and are a good choice for a small garden when a small indoor structure is required. They combine decorativeness with functionality. The simplest variety is octagonal with a multi-pitched roof. There may be more corners if you are not behind the price, giving free rein to your imagination - for example, structures in the form of a miniature pagoda.

Polygonal greenhouses are not as practical as rectangular ones. If the plants are planted in the ground, your freedom of movement when leaning towards them will be limited. And if you place them on racks at waist level, a lot of space under them will be wasted. However, such greenhouses provide good illumination, and the plants are comfortable in them. They are especially good for exhibitions of plant collections.

Dimensions
The dimensions of the greenhouse should be such that it is convenient for you to take care of the plants and that it is in harmony with the garden landscape. Sometimes it is advised to figure out what they should be like and purchase a greenhouse of obviously large sizes. You will immediately find many more uses for it than you planned. However, there are more practical approaches.

First of all, measure the area that you have. Provide a passageway outside all the walls of the greenhouse, ideally 1.5 m wide, but at worst 1.2 m will do. Think about what you will do in this space. It's one thing - if you intend to go around the greenhouse from time to time to wash the windows, and quite another - if you are going to maneuver in the aisle with a wheelbarrow or lawn mower. (We'll talk more about this on pages 17-20.)

Then think about height. For comfortable work, it is necessary that it is possible to move freely around the greenhouse and stand up to its full height on most of it. A height of about 1.5 m at the eaves will entail a height of 2.2 m under the ridge.

If you are small in stature, you can lower the skate a little, but the indicated height is the most convenient for work. Greenhouses of this height are better lit and allow you to breed tall plants.

LIMITED ON RESOURCES?
Beware of very cheap mini-greenhouses with a lightweight tubular frame and a polyethylene cover. They are useful when propagating plants in protected areas of the garden, but they are inconvenient to use, and there is not enough working space in them. In addition, they are not particularly durable.

FRAME MATERIAL

Aluminum
The aluminum frame, which is light and relatively strong, is quite thin and casts less shadow. It does not require much maintenance - a big plus for the ever-busy gardener. It is usually supplied unpainted, silver grey, but painted frames are also available. Unfortunately, the struts of cheap models bend easily, which reduces the strength of the structure. Choose a strong frame with a large number of struts. If necessary, reinforce it yourself.

Wood
Wood is a traditional material, and it is undeniably more attractive than aluminum. And if you want to make half of the wall from a material that retains heat more reliably than glass, choose a tree; it will look the best. It is easier to attach custom-made shelves and plant supports to a wooden frame than to an aluminum frame.

However, the tree needs constant care, because in the dampness of greenhouses it rots, is affected by fungus and microscopic algae. Drainage improves the situation somewhat, but it is necessary to regularly inspect the frame and take immediate measures against rotting wood.

Viniplast
There are greenhouses with a frame made of vinyl plastic pipes that do not require special care. They are more expensive, but worth the investment, especially if you are planning to grow indoor plants.

ON A NOTE
Some manufacturers offer greenhouses with an aluminum frame that is indistinguishable from wood, but these structures are not cheap.

COATING MATERIAL
COMPARATIVE LIGHT TRANSMISSION AND HEAT CONDUCTIVITY OF GREENHOUSE COATINGS

Along with the traditional material - glass - cellular polycarbonate, acrylic and polyethylene film are used as greenhouse cover.

Glass
Glass for greenhouses is thinner than ordinary window glass, and therefore transmits more light. If it didn't beat, it could last forever. It is easy to install and wash. Glazing can be double. It retains heat well, but it is more expensive and transmits light worse.

Cellular polycarbonate
This is a very common and inexpensive material. Its sheets consist of two thin plates with bridges, separated by air-filled cells, honeycombs. Jumpers give it rigidity, and air bubbles make it a good heat insulator. It is light and strong, but transmits less light than glass, and this problem only gets worse over time.

Acrylic
Acrylic has similar properties to polycarbonate and is often used for decorative elements such as curved cornices due to its flexibility. Acrylic, however, is brittle, scratches easily, and becomes cloudy over time.

Polyethylene film
The polyethylene used for arched greenhouses is cheap, transmits light well and retains heat, but over time its properties deteriorate greatly.

requests and costs. Page 12.

EVALUATE YOUR INTENTIONS
Ask yourself why you need a greenhouse. If you just want to grow seedlings, it is quite possible to get by with indoor window sills and a couple of cold greenhouses. If you dream of providing yourself with vegetables or own a huge collection of cacti, from which there will soon be nowhere to step at home, a greenhouse will be very useful to you.

With proper care, it can become the heart of the garden, your creative laboratory.

THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE
Before you spend money, you should also think about how far in time your plans extend. It makes no sense to buy a greenhouse that is by no means cheap if you intend to move next year. Dismantling and transporting the greenhouse is not the easiest and most pleasant procedure. That is why in private ads for the sale of used greenhouses they write: “Self-disassembly and self-delivery”. (On the other hand, when buying a used greenhouse, you will be able to inspect it in working order, assess the conditions, determine what is missing or broken.)

LOOK FOR INSPIRATION
It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If you are going to start your own greenhouse, do not be too lazy to visit others. For example, those where flower shows are held, or greenhouses at nurseries, shops for gardeners. Ask friends and acquaintances involved in gardening. Usually gardeners are very willing to share their experience, and you can identify all the pros and cons of various designs, barely mentioning them.

COMPARE PRICES
Choose a few similar models and see what they come with, determining what you have to buy. Some manufacturers offer shelving, additional ventilation transoms, gutters, flooring, etc. in addition to greenhouses. Take a look at what is on offer. The purchase may be profitable, or you may want to purchase similar devices elsewhere.

Meticulously study the cheapest models: there are always reasons for a low price, perhaps it is more profitable to pay more, but get a stronger and more durable greenhouse, in which you will be happy to work.

Some companies deliver and install their greenhouses themselves. The cost will inevitably increase, but you will be sure that the assemblers will deal with all the little things and breakdowns before they leave you with your purchase. If you are accustomed to achieving perfection in everything or have your own views on the installation of a greenhouse, you may enjoy building it yourself. However, remember: if you did not buy a mini-greenhouse, assembly is not an activity for one person.

ON A NOTE
If you're not the only gardener in your family, make sure there's enough space for everyone in the household to get creative. And then, as if you were not pushed aside from your greenhouse.

CALCULATE HIDDEN COSTS
Acquisition of a greenhouse often entails a lot of expenses that you did not count on. For example, if you want to run electricity and water into the greenhouse, this will inevitably increase costs, as well as the construction of the foundation and paths. Add here irrigation systems, automatic mechanisms for opening transom-blinds, which will greatly facilitate your work. And also shading curtains, heaters, thermometers, thermal insulation - you can list indefinitely.

CRITERIA FOR GREENHOUSE SELECTION
Dimensions - make sure they meet your needs and plans.
Cost - find out what exactly is included in the cost of the greenhouse.
Functionality - make sure the greenhouse is fit for purpose.
Ease of use - check transoms, doors, shatterproof panels, gutters, look for places for shelves and other items that you need.
Design - It's pointless to buy a greenhouse if you don't like the look of it.

Please note: Greenhouse alternatives. Page 14.

Choose plants that will do well on your windowsill or in your conservatory, and you will have a colorful view for the whole year.

WINDOWSILLS
Growing plants on the windowsill is the most affordable and cheapest way. A wide, well-lit (but not sunny) window sill is suitable for germinating seeds, and if it is spacious, then for breeding delicate herbs like basil and a number of indoor flowering plants. Perhaps a propagator (a container with a transparent lid and electrical heating) will fit on it, and if not, you can germinate the seeds here in a tray, under glass or plastic. The main disadvantage of window sills is that the light falls in only one direction. However, it is easy to periodically rotate the plants so that they do not stretch in one direction.

WINTER GARDENS
The Winter Garden is an excellent place for growing and displaying plants. However, it usually contains upholstered furniture and various household utensils, which complicates watering and makes it impossible to moisten the floor to increase air humidity. Often this is one of the home rooms that communicate with other rooms, and in the heat that threatens plants with thermal shock, you will not leave it open. If there is special glass in the windows that reduces the brightness of sunlight for our convenience, this does not affect the plants in the best way. On the other hand, double glazing and central heating make conservatories ideal for growing tropical plants.

To make the winter garden more comfortable for plants, arrange ventilation hatches on the roof and lay out the floor with stone or tile that is not afraid of water. However, it will be cheaper to build a large greenhouse and put a couple of chairs in it.

Porch.
Sometimes a porch is a good place to place plants. You just need to keep in mind that every time we enter the house or leave, temperature drops occur on the porch, which are dangerous for young plants. In addition, it is usually not heated, and at night it is quite cold here. And yet, if you have a closed warm porch, where there are shelves, and the doors do not open every now and then, plants can take root here.

MINI GREENHOUSES
Today, greenhouses are produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, and even if your garden is small, there is a place in it for a small greenhouse - wall-mounted, octagonal or mini. The main thing is that the light comes to the plants during the day.

Of course, it is better to have one large greenhouse, but if space does not allow, consider two or more small ones. We can place them in different parts of the garden. However, temper your ambitions. It is better to grow a few healthy plants that are not constrained by space, rather than many in cramped conditions.

GREENHOUSES AND CAPS
The gardening store now sells inexpensive clear plastic hoods for covering direct-sown seeds, seed pots, cuttings, and young plants. Caps made of wire arcs covered with plastic wrap are very good for covering vegetable beds, but they are rather troublesome to install and remove.

Hotbeds with a lifting lid on hinges are designed for growing seedlings, rooting cuttings of shelter for the winter of plants sensitive to cold. Lightweight portable models can be used as hubcaps. (We will tell you more about greenhouses and caps on pages 52-53.)

FILM GREENHOUSES
Film greenhouses are cheap, easy to install, but they do not look very impressive. These structures are suitable for the protection of plants planted in the ground, but are not entirely suitable for seed germination, rooting of cuttings and plant exposure. Heating and air exchange in them is more difficult to control than in glazed greenhouses. Polyethylene, unlike glass, loses its useful properties under sunlight, but, on the other hand, repairing minor damage is cheaper. New types of film are emerging. The highest quality, UV-resistant ones last 5-7 years, and with proper care - more than 10. (For more information on film greenhouses, see pages 40-41.)

[email protected]