Greenhouse Kits For Plant Enthusiasts

Even the simplest greenhouse can be expensive and ready made ones are seldom just what we

want. A ready made greenhouse may not fit our plot or may not provide quite enough space for

what we plan to grow. Constructing your own greenhouse from a kit may the best option for

many gardeners.

So if you are working to a tight budget or dream of a custom designed greenhouse a kit may be

just the thing you need. The level of skill involved is within the range of most of us. If you can

carry out simple tasks around the home and follow basic instructions then you can probably

assemble a greenhouse from a kit.

First of all you must think about what you want from your greenhouse. How must it look? If you

want an elegant design that is going to look good, then one of the redwood greenhouse kits may

the thing for you. Take a look at the Sunshine range. These are made from solid redwood

frames with polycarbonate glazing.

This type of greenhouse kit is easy to assemble because the glazing is built into the frame, so

you have no cutting to do. Cutting glass is a tricky business. Fitting glass into a frame is even

more difficult and you may have many broken panes before you succeed in getting a good fit.

Polycarbonate is also safe. This is especially important when there are children about.

Redwood greenhouse kits are good choice. The drawback is their cost. They range from $1000

to $4000.

If budget is an important consideration for you take a look at aluminum framed greenhouse kits.

These range in price from $2,500 to £30,000. At the lower end of the range you may find a

design that suits your needs. They are less elegant than the redwood greenhouse kits but Cross

Country range are very well designed and will provide years of gardening service.

Priced at $1000 to $2000 there is the Hobby Gardener range of greenhouse kits. These have

"snaplass" panels made of polycarbonate. They provide a good height that makes working in

them easy and plenty of space for the plants. Their hinged door and vent system allow the

gardener to create an ideal microclimate inside the greenhouse.

In terms of features such as doors and venting aluminum and readwood kits are comparable.

They are engineered to high standards. An aluminum frame greenhouse will never look as

beautiful as a redwood one but they have the advantage that the frame needs no maintenance.

Once an aluminum greenhouse is built that is all you have to do. from the gardener's point of

view they are trouble free.

Also good for those with limited budgets is the Juliana range of greenhouse kits. These are

made of aluminum frames and have twin wall polycarbonate glazing. They start as low as $65

making them an ideal choice for the price conscious. For those on a really tight budget the Little

Greenhouse range of kits may be the ideal option. These greenhouse kits are covered with four

millimeter polyethylene sheeting on a PVC frame. They are less durable than the types of

greenhouse kits already discussed but they are more economical and good for the beginner.

If you are not yet sure if you want to make a big investment of time and money then a Little

Greenhouse kit may be a good starting point. Perhaps you do not intend to stay long at your

present home and do not want to commit to an expensive structure. They are even useful if you

already have a more permanent greenhouse but want that extra bit of space. This kind of

greenhouse kit may be the ideal one for all kinds of reasons.

If you need to cover a large area and the appearance of the structure is not important to you

then you could try a portable greenhouse. These are made of a steel frame covered with plastic

sheeting. You can get these for as little as $300. They look like the commercial polytunnels they

are but the hobby gardener can put them to good use. Inside you can create a tropical paradise

if you use a double layer of polythene.

Polythene is always a cheap option for a greenhouse kit. But is does not have the durability of

polycarbonate or the light transmission properties. A polythene cover will need to be changed

every year or so. Polycarbonate will last for years. In addition twin walled polycarbonate reduces

heating costs because it provides insulation and ensures less heat loss to the outside

Gardening Inside The Greenhouse

A greenhouse represents a major investment for most gardeners. Even the smallest and

simplest types of greenhouse do not come cheap these days. They also demand an investment

of your time. So why should you consider a greenhouse.

Perhaps the main advantage of a greenhouse is that is provides the gardener with a longer

growing season. This is particularly important in colder areas. A greenhouse will provide an

early start for seedlings, warmer conditions for tender plants and a frost free environment for

plants that will not survive out of doors.

Another, less often recognized, advantage is that a greenhouse allows a gardener with mobility

problems to garden at table height in warm conditions. Plants can be raised to a convenient

height for the gardener in a greenhouse. Simple staging, either home made or bought for the

purpose will create an environment in which a disabled gardener can enjoy all the pleasures of

gardening without having to bend or stretch or get chilled.

A greenhouse can become a favorite place to sit and enjoy the rest of your garden. On a cold

winter day the greenhouse will keep the wind of and provide a sheltered spot to think about next

year's plans.

What you use a greenhouse for will depend on your own personal preferences. Beautiful

displays of alpines can be created in a greenhouse on benches covered with gravel. It may

seem strange to grow plants that are essentially hardy in a greenhouse but it makes sense.

Alpines hate to get wet. They are used to being frozen all winter but will not survive damp

conditions. Their flowers are often small and can best be appreciated when placed on a bench.

Summer bedding plants and vegetable seeds can be raised in an unheated greenhouse. If you

want to avoid paying high prices for ready grown plants a greenhouse may be the answer. You

can grow many more plants from a packet of seeds than you could afford to buy. Your garden

will become a riot of color as you experiment with new annual bedding schemes, hanging

baskets and planters.

Vegetables will reach maturity earlier if you raise you seeds in a greenhouse. Your crops will be

ready before out door sown plants are ready for harvesting. With all plants sown in the

greenhouse you must be careful to harden them to outdoor conditions slowly. Put them outside

when the risk of frost has passed. Do this during the day at first. As they get used to the colder

conditions you can leave them out at night. When you are sure they are strong enough plant

them in their final position.

By this time you will be ready to think about what you want to grow in your greenhouse during

the summer. You may wish to grow fruit and vegetables. Tomatoes and cucumbers or melons

are always favorites. They are comparatively easy to grow. All of these can be grown without

heat.

If you want to use your greenhouse in the winter you must provide heating. Perhaps the best

form of heating in a small amateur greenhouse is an electric heater. This can be controlled by a

thermostat which will regulate the temperature in the greenhouse. The thermostat can be set at

the desired temperature. Regulating the temperature is the best way to keep a check on the

cost of heating.

For over wintering plants that grow outside in the summer but are not winter hardy the

temperature only needs to be set just above freezing. A few degrees of warmth will maintain

tender plants in a semi-dormant state until you can return them to the garden.

To continue using your greenhouse for plants and flowers that are in growth you will need

higher temperatures. Summer plants can be grown all year round in this way. If you are going to

heat your greenhouse to growing temperatures around 60 or 70 degrees Fahrenheit you should

think about insulating the greenhouse with bubble wrap plastic.

It may be necessary to provide additional lighting if you are at a northern latitude with short

winter day lengths. Plants need light in addition to warmth and humidity. Plants need light as

well as warmth. Some of them need specific day lengths before they come into flower. Lighting

allows you to control the condition completely. This is how commercial growers bring flowers

into bloom in time for Christmas.

Managing The Greenhouse Climate

Managing the climate of a greenhouse is about providing the plants with the right conditions for

growth, flowering and fruiting. What you need to do will therefore depend on the kind of plants

you are growing and the stage they have reached in their life cycle.

Not all plants need exactly the same conditions so the kind of climate will depend on what you

plan to grow in you greenhouse. Some will need high temperatures and high humidity in the

greenhouse. Others will require slightly cooler conditions in the greenhouse.

It is often possible to reach a compromise and provide conditions that will suit most of your

plants most of the time. You will not be able to provide optimum conditions for all the plants in

your greenhouse. But by choosing plants that like similar conditions you will achieve acceptable

results.

For the amateur greenhouse grower some compromises are necessary. If you are growing

commercially that is another matter. A commercial greenhouse must provide an optimum

climate for a specific type of plant. Otherwise you will lose money.

An amateur who is dedicated to a particular species has to make some hard choices. It may be

necessary to sacrifice variety for quality. If your greenhouse is devoted to orchids and only

orchids you can provide the best climatic conditions. If you want to grow other types of plant

you will just have to build another greenhouse.

For most gardeners such hard decisions are not necessary. It is possible to provide a climate

that will suit many plants to some extent. You may also find that you can partition off part of the

greenhouse to create a microclimate. Part of the greenhouse can then have a climate that is

hotter or more humid than the rest.

In a temperate part of the planet where there is a relatively long growing season it is often

possible to have an unheated greenhouse. An unheated greenhouse relies on the sun's rays

and the residual heat stored in the ground to create a climate that is warmer than the outside

environment. This is adequate for raising seeds and for growing vegetables such as tomatoes in

the summer.

Regulating the climate in an unheated greenhouse is mainly a matter of making sure that there

is enough humidity to avoid pests such as white fly and red spider mite and enough ventilation

to avoid mildew and botritus. The lower the Temperature the lower the humidity should be. Air

cannot hold much moisture at low temperature and rot will result if the greenhouse is not

properly ventilated.

Providing some heat will allow a longer growing season. If the greenhouse is heated in the

winter it will be possible to provide a frost-free space for tender plants that live outdoors in the

summer. A small amount of heat will provide a greenhouse climate in which some salads can be

grown all fear round.

The simplest method of achieving a frost free greenhouse is the old fashioned one of placing a

candle in a large plant pot with another one over the top. The plant pots heat up and continue to

give out heat through the night. Your greenhouse will be frost free in several degrees of frost. If

you intend to keep your greenhouse heated all day or if the climate in your region is very cold in

winter you will need to invest in a more complex form of heating. Electric heating is by far the

best option. It can be thermostatically regulated to produce exactly the climate you need.

Electric heating is expensive, but you can reduce heat loss by insulating your greenhouse with

bubble wrap plastic. This is the same kind of material that is used in packaging. You can buy it

in big sheets from garden suppliers. When it is clipped to the inside of the greenhouse it creates

a double glazed environment.

Insulating a greenhouse allows you to maintain higher temperatures in your greenhouse. But

you must be careful about humidity. Some ventilation will still be necessary. Venting the

greenhouse in the middle of the day will control the internal climate. Cheaper forms of heating

exist but any kind of combustion inevitably produces gases that are harmful to plants. They are

best avoided. If you have plenty of wood then you might consider a wood burning stove. Rather

than put such a stove directly in the greenhouse it would be better to use it as a central heating

stove and pipe hot water through your greenhouse.

Learn The Benefits Of Greenhouse Gardening

Greenhouse gardening can seem a little old fashioned these days. It is so easy to jump in the

car and drive to the supermarket where we can find every kind of fruit and vegetables flown in

from all over the world. You want fresh strawberries in winter? No problem, there they are on

the shelf. May be you need some green beans for dinner. Pick up a little plastic wrapped tray

that were growing three days ago in Kenya.

But these are the very reasons for moving to greenhouse gardening. Driving and flying burn up

increasingly scarce fossil fuels and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. More and

more people are waking up to the dangers of global warming.

Fresh fruit and vegetables have never been easier to buy than they are today. We live in an age

of convenience and immediate gratification. A greenhouse seems to entail just too much work

and the gratification is postponed for too long. Greenhouses seem pointless until we begin to

think about the wider picture and the kind of world our children and grandchildren will inherit.

Getting into greenhouse gardening can be an ecologically and socially responsible choice. You

will be eating fruit and vegetables that have grown in your own backyard. They have not been

flown half way round the planet to get to your plate. What's more you did not have to drive to get

them. You took a short walk and got some healthy exercise every day when you walked out to

the greenhouse to check on them.

We have got used to those convenient little packages in the supermarket. We like the idea of

having our vegetables ready prepared and washed. But we have also got used to poor taste.

The fruit and vegetables we buy in the supermarket have lost most of their natural sugars that

give them their flavor. Even the varieties are chosen for their shelf life rather than their flavor.

When you experience home grown fruit and vegetables fresh from the greenhouse you will

enter another quality of flavor. A fresh picked tomato explodes in your mouth with flavor.

Growing your own in the greenhouse means that you can select varieties that have the best

flavor.

A whole range of unusual varieties exist that are rarely grown commercially are available to you

with a greenhouse. With your own greenhouse you can explore these lesser known varieties of

familiar fruit and vegetables. You can even become really adventurous and try the kinds of fruit

and vegetables that you only get in specialist stores.

A greenhouse opens the world to you rather than bringing it to you at great cost to the planet

and everyone on it. Your carbon footprint will be smaller but your horizons will be wider.

"But I don't have time." I hear you say and it is true we are all short of time. But a little time spent

in the greenhouse has enormous personal benefits. It is incredibly therapeutic to go into the

greenhouse after a hard day and just work quietly for an hour or so. Spending time with growing

things is a recognized antidote to depression and anxiety. A greenhouse is a tranquilizer with no

side effects except a healthier diet.

If you have kids, what better way to spend some quality time with them than in the greenhouse.

It gives you and them unpressured time to talk. You are engaged in a joint task. A greenhouse

can become a bonding experience for the family.

There is the added benefit that working with you in the greenhouse gives them the kind of

practical hands on lesson that is seldom provided in school. They are learning about how things

grow. Each session in the greenhouse is a biology lesson in itself. They are learning about the

plants and about the insects that feed on them and pollinate them.

They, and you, will learn a lot about organic chemistry when you mix your plant foods,

insecticides and other chemicals. You will undoubtedly learn a lot about electronics and

handling basic tools as you get the control systems of your greenhouse working and rig up plant

supports and irrigation pipes.

A child who finds academic lessons a difficult will often shine at tasks they can learn by

experience. Plants are very forgiving and even children who suffer with problems of

concentration can experience the satisfaction of achievement growing a few simple crops in the

Tips For Your Greenhouse

If you're growing carrots, beets, turnips and other root crops, they thrive well in deep boxes

which can be put under benches. Those that require tub-type containers are tomatoes, peas,

cucumbers and pole beans, while lettuce, or other low leafy vegetables may be planted in the

tub with the taller vegetables.

You can plant corn directly on the floor of the greenhouse, in a special bed prepared for it. To

save space, you can plant pumpkin between the rows of corn.

Use room temperature water to water your indoor plants. Let tap water stand for a day to get rid

of the chlorine substance. This way you avoid your plants getting brown tips.

Distribute crushed egg shells in your garden to stimulate growth. Sprinkling coffee grounds will

add acid to the greenhouse ground.

Before bringing vegetables and fruits from the greenhouse to your house, rinse them well

outside; this way dirt and bugs stay outside and will not make your kitchen dirty.

To make more room in your greenhouse, use lower benches for starting seeds and transplants;

upper benches for growing flowers and specimen plants. Some vegetables, like tomatoes,

should be planted in a warm section of the greenhouse.

Regarding planting of seeds, be sure to water lightly for the first few times. Over watering may

cause the seeds to come to the surface too soon, preventing them from rooting properly.

Preparation and production must be done in separate areas. Don't do general preparation on

the growing floor. This makes for a tidier greenhouse.

Here is a list of the largest vegetables that will need the most spacing in your greenhouse:

ð bush type beans: minimum of five feet between rows,

ð cabbage: a foot between rows,

ð peppers: about a foot between rows,

ð cantaloupes: two to three feet between rows,

ð squash: two to three feet between rows,

ð tomatoes and watermelons: minimum of two feet between rows.

Greenhouse Tables, Shelving And Plant Holders

These are indispensable, especially when you need to work inside your greenhouse and to

maximize and organize your greenhouse space. As your plant varieties grow, you will need

shelves and tables and plant holders to facilitate your gardening. One popular type of bench

that greenhouse hobbyists like is the cedar double layer bench. They are durable and efficient

to use.

For shelves, you can opt for two and three section lengths made of aluminum

Given that watering your plants is an essential - indispensable -part of any greenhouse

gardening, a good watering system is required. You can choose either the automatic or hand

held watering system to make your watering needs more efficient.

For automatic irrigation systems, there are models that come equipped with an automatic drip

irrigation and fertilizer system. Day or night, they regularly water the plants and adjust the flow

of fertilizer. Some have a tank in which the water and fertilizer are mixed and are distributed to

plants via hoses, Y-connections and drip pins.

Greenhouse garden coil indoor/outdoor watering wand

This is a "self-coiling" garden hose made of rugged and durable polyurethane tubing. It

produces ultra-fine mists and sprays in soft, gentle streams. Some wand models extend to as

long as 50 feet. No hassle storage because of self-coiling mechanism.

Greenhouses constantly evolve in style and design. It follows then that tools and accessories

will grow in number or existing ones will be considerably improved. Manufacturers are probably

inventing more tools and accessories this very moment that will make our work in greenhouses

easier and quicker.

The ones we just described are already being used by many greenhouse enthusiasts. In a few

years, new products will definitely appear in the market.

Building An Easy And Cost-effective Greenhouse On Your

Back Yard

Prior to embarking on your greenhouse project, you must do proper planning as this would save

a lot of hassle as well as money. The design of your green would depend on your home’s

architecture, space, the plants that you plan to cultivate and the available budget. The

greenhouse must be able to provide a suitable environment for the plants it is intended for.

Location

Since plants manufacture their food by using energy from sunlight, it is necessary that the

greenhouse is located such that it receives ample amount of sunlight. Too much sunlight,

however can be baneful for plants. In order to protect it from high intensity light, tree shade can

prove to be quite beneficial. Deciduous trees such as oak and maple can provide adequate

shade over a greenhouse thereby protecting its occupants from strong late afternoon sun in

summers. Nevertheless, the location must be planned such that the shade does not block

sunlight in the morning. Deciduous trees, unlike coniferous or other evergreen trees,

automatically permit sunlight during winters, since they defoliate in that season. Evergreen trees

are thus not preferable to shelter greenhouses.

The site you plan to erect your greenhouse on must have good drainage. This can be achieved

by constructing it on high ground. Improper drainage will cause water logging, which cause

plants to decay.

Construction

To construct a greenhouse for your home, you would need a sheet of Universal Canopy, around

10 x 20 feet in size. You would also need 6 mil clear plastic roll, about 20 x 100 feet in size, 4 to

8 T-Posts, 15 to 20 Squeeze Clips, 18 Ratcheting Tie-downs, 1 roll duck tape, 3 rolls Heavy

Duty 3M Clear Tape. You could also include heaters, fans, and gro-lights as an option.

Once you have the aforementioned paraphernalia, you could proceed by following the guideline

given below:

1. First of all, set up your frame, and as you insert each piece wrap the connection point with 2

or 3 rounds of Duck Tape.

2. Next, attach the Tie downs by staggering all of them evenly over the top of the frame. Make

the straps tight, but don't bare down and over tighten.

3. Use at least 4 T-post to anchor the 4 corners of the greenhouse. Place the T-post on the

inside an drive at least 12" in the ground. then wrap at least the top 24" with Duck Tape to

secure and eliminate any sharp edges.

4. Now splice two sheets of plastic in order to achieve full coverage. (unless you found bigger

plastic) Cut 2 pieces of plastic at 30 feet. this will give you two, 20' x 30' pieces. You will splice

the 30' sections, giving you one big sheet of 38' x 30'.

5. Allow the plastic to touch the ground on the end caps, but if your overlap was to much and it

won't reach the ground on both ends. However you can make your own end caps or doors with

the extra plastic.

6. Use the clips to attach the plastic to the pipe legs. Clip everywhere you think it needs it. Any

tears caused by the clips can be fixed with heavy duty clear tape.

Once you have successfully followed all the aforementioned steps you have constructed your

very own greenhouse. Congratulations!

Enjoying Greenhouse Gardening

People spend their free time according to their interests. Some busy themselves with sports

while others like culinary. People who love plants enjoy gardening. With the right kind of tools

and equipment, plant lovers can beautify their home while enjoying their hobby.

The hobby of taking care of plants requires that you spend quite some time with you plants,

watering them, preventing pests from harming them and removing weeds from your plants'

vicinity. However, these activities could expose you to the sun for extended periods, causing

sunburns. An alternative option that will protect you from over dose of sunlight, without

compromising on your hobby is to have a greenhouse.

Construction of a greenhouse

A greenhouse is an enclosed structure that houses plants inside a controlled ambience for them

to flourish. Its construction comprises of a framework with panels placed on the frame. The

frame is made from either wood or metal. On the other hand, greenhouse panels, which form

the walls and ceiling of the greenhouse, are made from glass or plastic. A typical greenhouse is

a free standing structure. However, if not much space is available, then making an attachment

to your house can do the trick. In this case, your greenhouse would simply be an additional

room in your house.

Before you embark upon constructing the greenhouse, it is useful to check if complies with the

building codes your locality. In simple words, you must be allowed to build your chosen design

by the authorities. Deciding the location of your greenhouse is important and is dictated by the

climate of your location. If it gets very hot during summer you might like to build the greenhouse

under a tree for shade.

Constructing a greenhouse can be quite expensive. If buying a greenhouse kit, or having a

contractor build one or you is beyond your means, it would be a good idea to set one up from

scratch. After doing the necessary paperwork, you can start building one right away.

Post construction issues

Once you have a greenhouse, choosing the plants to cultivate in your greenhouse is the next

step. This step requires some research. In this regard, one may like to consult the internet or

visit the local gardening shop to do a survey.

Most people use greenhouses to growing flowering plants. This trend is now being replaced with

being utilized for fruits and vegetables so that these can be made available all over the year.

Furthermore, farming techniques are now being implemented into gardening .As a result, soil is

not always used as a growth medium. However, water can also be used instead of soil. This

technique is called hydroponics which essentially eliminates the problem of weeds, thus saving

a lot of time and hassle.

The hobby of cultivating plants in a greenhouse can even reward you with handsome profits.

Since the greenhouse enables you to grow fruits and vegetables all around the year, you could

actually sell your produce during off seasons, when prices are high. For this purpose, all you

need to do is to sell your harvest in a local grocery store.

Before setting up a greenhouse you must do a thorough research and be aware of your financial

limits. This way you will be able to avoid problems and will truly enjoy your hobby.

Choosing AWindow Greenhouse

Winter season can often be gloomy and depressing, especially if you look out of your window,

only to find defoliated plants and cold, dead flowerbeds. Not so long ago, these lifeless

flowerbeds would have been covered with all sorts of wonderful and attractive flowers. However,

by employing the concept of a window greenhouse, one can transform the dull outlook of your

window into one displaying all sorts of colorful plants.

A window greenhouse can also find its utility with plant lovers with limited space. A window

greenhouse, also called a garden window, has a very small construction. Using this little garden

you can enjoy see flowers blossom all round the year.

Before purchasing your garden window, factors such as cost, materials and the size of your

window must be considered.

In the market, complete bay window kits are available that are both energy efficient and easy to

install. Furthermore, these window greenhouses serve another purpose that is to increase the

depth or "open up" your room.

Types of greenhouse windows

Generally two types of window greenhouses are readily available for you to choose from. These

are bow greenhouse windows and bay greenhouse windows.

A bow type window greenhouse comprises of several glass segments give it a rounded look. On

the other hand, bay greenhouse windows usually has three segments, whereby sides are

angled at 30 or 45 degrees.

Of the various options available to you, the most economical option would be to utilize a

complete kit of a bow-type greenhouse rather than building a new greenhouse yourself. In this

case, all you need to do is to remove the existing window in your room, enlarge the opening

according to the size mentioned in the manual and then simply install the greenhouse in place.

It would be wise to purchase a kit that matches the size of your existing window, so that

additional labor involved with enlargement of the opening can be minimized. Furthermore, the

size must also suit the plants that would populate your greenhouse. For starters, a smaller

window greenhouse unit would be a better option. However for more open space you should go

for a unit that offers greater depth.

Bow greenhouse windows made from vinyl or aluminum coated wood are quite attractive. The

interior is made from natural wood or imitation wood. Usually stained or painted vinyl gives a

real look and has the advantage of being maintenance-free.

While making a decision to purchase greenhouse you should select an insulated bow type

greenhouse window. The glass paneling should be made from glass that has insulating spacer.

Placement

In order to select the best location, survey your home for the location having "ready-made"

qualities that support your window greenhouse. These qualities include warmth, adequate

sunlight and water access. Moreover, the location must be such that you have easy access to it,

without causing hindrance to other activities in your home.

It is a good idea to buy flower pots and arrange them inside your greenhouse. In this way, you

enjoy summer flowers during fall by planting them these pots. Herbs could be a useful addition

to your greenhouse window as they are attractive, useful and fragrant.

By having a greenhouse window, you can now have the pleasure of gardening all year long, no

matter what kind of weather prevails outside.

Choosing And Comparing Greenhouse Panels

Panels form the walls and ceiling of your greenhouse. In order to enable the hothouse to

actually be able to retain heat within its confines, these panels must be able to insulate its

enclosure from the outside surroundings. In this way, heating costs can be kept within

reasonable limits.

Individuals seeking to install a greenhouse as a hobby, must consider the properties of the

panel material and check whether it conforms with the needs of the plants that are to be

cultivated in the greenhouse. It is also advisable to go for an insulative and fireproof panel.

Various materials are available for greenhouse panels, with each material having its pros and

cons. Glass, fiberglass, and polycarbonates, are better suited for a greenhouse hobbyist.

Plastic panels, on the other hand are more popular with commercial greenhouses operators.

Plastic panels, however, are not particularly durable and require frequent replacement.

Glass panels

Glass paneling very attractive in appearance. They are also easy to maintain since they are less

vulnerable to scratches. They also have a long life unless subjected to impact that could shatter

the glass. Glass paneling is a good choice from aesthetic point of view. In addition to giving

your greenhouse a pleasant outlook, glass panels transmit large amounts of light into the

greenhouse.

The density of glass, on the other hand, is quite high as compared with other panel materials. In

case glass panels are selected, the foundation and framing must be strong enough to sustain its

weight. Moreover, since glass is fragile as well as heavy, it is quite expensive to install glass

panels. In this regard, professional assistance must be sought and care must be taken so as to

prevent personal injury as well as material damage.

Polycarbonate

While polycarbonate panels are not as appealing as their glass counterparts, they are more

durable. Furthermore, their insulative properties are also quite good, especially when used in a

double or triple sheet configuration. This enables the greenhouse to contain more heat within,

thereby reducing heating costs. However, compared with glass, polycarbonate lacks

transparency. As a result, sunlight let in through these panels is not as intense as in the case

with glass.

Fiberglass

Panels made from fiberglass are strong, lightweight and shatter-proof. However, a good quality

fiberglass must be selected for the panels as a poor grade is likely to discolor, thus reducing

light penetration with time.

The resin coating present in the case of fiberglass eventually wears off, causing dirt to

accumulate between the fibers. Therefore, a new resin coating must be applied after about 15

years. While initially the transparency is comparable with that of glass, it reduces with time,

especially in the case of poor quality fiberglass.

Plastic panels

Both polycarbonate or acrylic plastic, have heat-saving as well as long-life attributes.

While acrylic does not discolor, polycarbonate usually turns yellow. Both materials are usually

guaranteed for transparency for up to10 years. These materials also have an advantage of

being suitable for curved surfaces-polycarbonate being most bendable of the two materials.

The most suitable panel material depends on your needs as well as the conditions that prevail in

your location. In this regard, you must also keep your budgetary constrains in mind. This best

deal would only be the one that your pocket allows. the one that your pocket allows.

Paneling Up The Greenhouse

Across the globe, ever since the advent of civilization, man has cultivated crops in the open

environment. Even today, most of the plantations stand in open air. However, in the open

environment, forces of nature can not be controlled. This is the reason why some farmers opt

for greenhouses where conditions can be effectively monitored to suit the plants' needs.

The greenhouse is a combination of a frame with panels installed over it. The frame provides

the basic structure of the greenhouse while panels form the roof and walls of greenhouse.

Panels are designed let in sunlight so as to keep the plants warm for maximum growth. They do

this by trapping the heat from the sun within itself. If the plants inside do not require a lot of

sunlight, panels can be covered with opaque covers to block excess sunlight from entering the

enclosure.

In the past, greenhouse panels were made from glass. Since glass is not shatter proof, it is

vulnerable during hailstorms and heavy snowfall. Nowadays, alternate materials such a acrylic

or plastic are available, which are shatterproof.

Types of panels available in the market

There are three types of panels readily available in the market.

1. Glass

The most common material used to make greenhouse panels is glass. Ordinary glass does not

provide protection against ultraviolet rays from the sun, excessive exposure to which can be

detrimental to plants. Furthermore, since ordinary glass is prone to shatter, tempered glass

which is stronger than regular glass is often used as an alternate. A reputable contractor must

be hired to install glass panels because of their weight and fragility.

2. Plastic

Plastic panels can be made from fiberglass, polyester, acrylic or polycarbonate. These materials

can withstand impact from hails, heavy snowfall, balls and rocks. In addition, plastic panels are

lightweight and allow optimum amount of sunlight to enter the greenhouse.

3. Film panels

This type uses a film that is stretched over the panel. Usually polyethylene and polyester films

are used in greenhouse panels. These panels offer adequate protection from the sun.

Moreover, these panels are economical and can be purchased in the form of rolls.

Choosing the panel most suitable for you

Each of the aforementioned panels comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing

the right type will depends on the usage of the greenhouse and the kinds of plants that would be

cultivated within. Having the most suitable panels will ensure that plants would be able to grow

round the year.

Panels can either be purchased from the vendor or be custom made to fit the greenhouse. Both

cultivator and the contractor should measure the site before the panels are made so as to

ensure proper size. If hiring a contractor is beyond the farmer's budget, certain websites on the

internet that offer services at a lower price could be explored.

Plants manufacture their food by the process of photosynthesis. In nature, this process

consumes sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to manufacture carbohydrates and other organic

compounds that serve a food and are essential for the growth of plants. It is therefore important

that plants receive adequate sunlight inside the greenhouse. This is especially the case in

winters, when sunlight is scarce. It is therefore important that the right kind of panels are

installed, which will allow ample amount of light to reach plants, while protecting them against

the harmful ultraviolet radiation present in sun rays.

Identifying The Best Greenhouse Manufacturer

Most people are brand conscious when it comes to buying a product. The brand actually gives

an idea about the quality of that particular product. Manufacturers in turn endeavor to maintain

the quality of that standard since they stand to lose their market if they compromise the quality.

Like other products you must consider the manufacturer and the brand when you buy a

greenhouse. Most of the greenhouses available can be bought off the shelf in the form of kits.

Others are available in assembled form or specially constructed models. It is important that you

are sure of the quality of components that are used in making the greenhouse.

While considering different manufacturers, one must bear the following points in mind to strike

a good deal.

1. Do your homework

before going for the purchase, you must identify your specific requirements that pertain to the

area you plan to install your hot house in, and the type of plants you are looking forward to

cultivate. A brand known to produce good results in some area or for a certain kind of crop may

not be suitable in your location or for your crops. It is therefore advisable seek advice from

people who are already engaged in greenhouse businesses.

2. Know the manufacturer

After identifying a suitable greenhouse for your self, The best thing to do is to check on its

manufacturer. A seemingly flashy product does not automatically guarantee good quality. Such

a check can often certify the quality of the greenhouse you have chosen. A good manufacturer

usually guarantees customer satisfaction. As a result, you automatically get insured against

malfunctions and quality related defects.

3. Certifications

It is wise to check with the manufacturer if it is affiliated with a reputed association. If you buy a

greenhouse from a manufacturer affiliated with such a body, you would be sure that dealing with

a reliable company.

Furthermore, you should make sure you buy your hothouse from a manufacturer who

implements international quality and ,material standards such as the ISO 9000 and ASTM

standards while making the product.

4. Look around

Going outright for the first manufacturer that you come across is never recommended, even it is

a highly reputable company. It is better to look around for more. This way you will get a chance

to carry out a market survey that will enable you interact with different manufacturers or their

agents, compare prices of different brands and parts and identify different options that are

commercially available.

The best bargain may not depend entirely on the repute and expertise of the manufacturer. The

price paid for the product is also a major factor in getting a fair deal. Furthermore, most new

entrants in the market offer products that are quality certified and comparable to existing market

leaders at a cheaper price.

5. The internet

On the internet, one gets a huge variety of brands to evaluate and choose from. If there are not

many vendors in your vicinity or you cant afford the time to actually carry out a physical market

survey, then internet is the answer. Over the internet, you get to evaluate the brand without

much difficulty. Furthermore, an online survey also has the advantage of accessing reviews

provided by consumers themselves.

Selecting the most suitable greenhouse manufacturer can prove to be very laborious. However,

at the end of the day you get the benefit of it in terms your personal satisfaction.

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing Greenhouse Lighting

In simple terms, a greenhouse is meant to grow plants in a controlled environment that provides

them with optimal conditions needed for their well being. This essentially means that plants are

no longer growing in open nature, but inside secured enclosures. The individual responsible for

the greenhouse must therefore ensure that plants are provided with suitable conditions similar

to the ones enjoyed by their counterparts growing in nature.

Light

Plants manufacture their food by the process of photosynthesis. In nature, this process

consumes sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to manufacture carbohydrates and other organic

compounds that serve a food and are essential for the growth of plants. It is therefore important

that plants receive adequate sunlight inside the greenhouse. This is especially the case in

winters, when sunlight is scarce. It is here that utility of artificial lights comes into play. Various

different types or artificial lighting systems are available in the market today. Selecting a suitable

lighting system can nonetheless prove tricky, especially for those unfamiliar with them.

Factors to be considered when purchasing greenhouse lighting

Before actually buying a greenhouse lighting system, you must bear in mind the following

considerations so as to get the most suitable light for your hothouse.

1. Type of your greenhouse

Before selecting the light, you must consider the type of greenhouse you are going to install it in.

Whether it is a commercial or a personal greenhouse. The type of greenhouse dictates the type

of light that is most suited to it. For a commercial greenhouse, the lighting system must be able

to bear adverse operating conditions that are usually found inside.

2. Operating hours

The amount of light usage in the greenhouses is based on "photoperiods." Photoperiods are

defined as time intervals during which light will be switched on. The duration of these

photoperiods varies, depending upon the season, climate and location of the greenhouse. A

photoperiod of 12 hours means that in 24 hours of a day, lights will only be operating for 12

hours.

It is therefore important that the light purchased will be able to operate for time periods that are

equal to the required photoperiods.

3. Purpose

You must purchase a lighting system that will focus on your requirements. In case you want to

induce growth in flowering plants, it is best to buy a source that will emit more "spectrum

colors" like red, blue and the "far-red wavelengths." The colors contained in the light being

emitted have considerable effect on growth of plants. This means that not all colors in the light

spectrum produce the required effects.

4. Electrical efficiency

Lighting systems are almost always powered by electricity. This means that operating a lighting

system will add to your electricity bills. Electrical efficiency can play an important part in

reducing your bills, while proving the same amount of luminosity.

5. Heat

No light source is 100% efficient. This means that some amount of electrical input will always be

converted into heat that will be emitted by the light source. In so many words, a light that is

more a heater than a light is no good. Overheating could actually kill your plants.

Lighting is a very important parameter that contributes towards the development of a plant. It is

therefore important to buy the lighting system that is best suited for your greenhouse so as to

ensure healthy growth of your plants.

Heating Up A Greenhouse

Certain geographical locations experience climatic extremes in terms of temperature. In these

conditions, many plant species are unable to survive, prompting farmers to practice crop

rotation. As a result, crops appear in the market during specific seasons. Since there is demand

for cash crops throughout the year, large amounts of crops have to be imported and transported

from other climatic locations, leading to rise in prices during offseason. However, to overcome

this problem, researchers have come up with the idea of growing them in greenhouses

equipped with heaters. Nevertheless, heaters are expensive devices and one must choose the

best option available, depending upon the type of crop, the specific requirements of the crop

and the weather conditions of the locality.

Greenhouse heaters typically use 1.8-4.8 Watts of energy, depending upon the volume of air

being heated inside the greenhouse. For larger sized greenhouses, several heaters may be

needed. However, the higher price during off seasons is likely to offset their running cost.

Moreover, these products would certainly compete well against imported ones, since they are

likely to be fresh products than their imported counter parts, which usually travel long distances

to reach the market.

Types of greenhouse heaters

There are various types of greenhouse heaters that are suitable for greenhouse. They are

mostly classified based on the type of fuel they consume. While purchasing a heater, you must

be sure there is ready access to the type of input your selected heater requires. Based on the

criterion of fuel type, the various options available include:

1. Electric heaters

These heaters are best suited for amateur hobbyists since they do not discharge effluents and

are sake to use even when left unmonitored during night time. Furthermore, they are not bulky,

and an be installed on the ground or can suspended from the ceiling.

2. Gas heaters

These heaters are fueled by natural gas propane. Since flue gas is produced from them, proper

ventilation is required for complete combustion. Without proper ventilation, their use can be

dangerous since incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, which is poisonous for

both humans as well as plants. These heaters can be costly if you do not have a cheap source

of natural gas in your greenhouse.

3. Paraffin heaters

As in the case of gas heaters, paraffin heaters emit smoke and thus require a smoke stack.

They also require a reliable source of fuel for their operation to be economical.

4. Coal heaters

Similar to other non-renewable fuel heaters, these heaters require a reliable supply of coal to

continue operation, as well as proper ventilation for air supply as well as expulsion of flue gases.

Important consideration

For a heater to be effective, the greenhouse must be properly insulated for the heat to remain

inside its enclosure. While 100% insulation is impossible, efforts must be made to minimize heat

loss, otherwise the cost of fuel is likely to erode the profitability of your venture. For best results,

the expert advise must be sought in order to acquire the most suitable heater for your

greenhouse. Since it is a major investment, proper homework must be done before making the

Maintaining Humidity Levels Inside A Greenhouse

Plants require water as well as sunlight and carbon dioxide to manufacture their food. This is

accomplished through a process called photosynthesis. With out the presence of the three

aforementioned agents, photosynthesis seizes to occur. As a result the plant starves and dies.

While it is important to water plants regularly, it is also essential to maintain the optimum level of

humidity in the atmosphere for the plants' well being. The importance of humidity can be gauged

through an understanding of the process of transpiration.

Transpiration

Plants absorb water from their roots. This water is transported by the process of osmosis to

specialized tissues, known as xylum, which specialize in transporting water all the way up to the

leaves. It is essentially in the leaves that the process of photosynthesis takes place. In addition

to water, the essential nutrients needed by plants are also carried to the leaves, dissolved in

water. From the leaves, excess water is released into the atmosphere in the form of water

vapors. The evaporation of water plays an important part in keeping the plants cool. It also

serves to transport nutrients up to the leaves, since in the absence of evaporation, leaves would

get water logged, whereby the xylem tissues will get saturated and no further absorption of

water will be possible by the roots. This process of transporting water from the roots to the

leaves and its subsequent release into the atmosphere is called transpiration.

For the process of transpiration to occur smoothly, the level of humidity in air must be at an

optimum level. In case there is excess humidity, water will not evaporate in leaves, thereby

creating a condition where leaves get over soaked. As a result, the supply of nutrients to the

leaves gets halted. On the contrary, if the level of humidity drops below normal, excessive

evaporation will occur, saturating the leaves with nutrient salts, as well as depleting water level

in the soil. A fully grown tree may lose several hundred liters of water through its leaves in hot

and dry conditions. About 90% of the water that is absorbed by the plant's roots is used up in

this process. In the absence of water, plant will be unable to synthesize their food and will

starve. Furthermore, excessive transpiration will also drop their temperature below normal.

Maintaining humidity inside the greenhouse

Evaporative coolers can help in maintaining temperature as well as humidity inside a

greenhouse. Other units are available that package warmers and humidifiers to maintain

temperature and humidity. Humidifiers can effectively control moisture level in air. Other

gadgets that accompany humidifiers are directional airflow louvers, which maintain flow of air,

thereby humidifying, ventilating, and cooling the ambience inside the greenhouse.

Coolers available commercially are designed to suite their purpose in a greenhouse. Some

models have heavy-gauge, zinc-coated metallic louvers and cabinets featuring zinc-chromate.

The amount of sunlight received by plants depends on seasonal climatic conditions. Over

exposure to the sun can occur during summers. It is advisable to install cooling and humidifying

systems so as to maintain the right temperature in the greenhouse. This utility extends during

the winter season, when sunlight could be scarce.

Proper heating and ventilation in a greenhouse is important to grow healthy plants and

appropriate systems must be installed to maintain temperature and humidity at optimal levels.

Tools And Materials For Your Greenhouse

Remember that you are not limited to a certain variety of plants to grow in a greenhouse. Bear

in mind, however, that your preference for certain fruits, vegetables and plants will determine

the type of greenhouse you like to build. “Know thy crop” is an important factor before deciding

on the greenhouse type you will install.

You will need a good soil for planting seeds. Compost, potting or gardening soil and a little sand

or perlite are a good start. Read all directions in your seed packets.

Keep some of those black plastic flats that nurseries use to display their plant containers.

These are useful for starting sees and transplants.

Benches in greenhouses are essential, as they hold trays of plants that have already sprouted

from seeds.

Styrofoam cups - have several of these handy. Seeds sprout quickly and once they grow large

enough to move into separate containers, they can be gently lifted and transferred into ordinary

Styrofoam cups.

You can also use yogurt plastic cups, and large commercial type containers that can hold more

than one plant. In fact, any container you can think of will be suitable.

Other materials you should have on hand are broken clay pots, cracked walnuts, marbles,

charcoal or gravel. These help in proper drainage. Be sure to soak clay pots in water a few

minutes before using them. This will prevent the clay from absorbing the moisture from the

potting soil.

If you want to have trellises inside your greenhouse, you can make them out of coat hangers,

which you can bend to any shape your heart desires.

Herbs are perfect for keeping pests at bay. They are what one writer calls “nature's

insecticides”. Have a variety of them inside your greenhouse. You can make a natural

insecticide by adding onions or garlic to a jar of water. Leave it for a week and spray on your

plants.

Other garden tools that will help you run your greenhouse efficiently are air coolers for the hot

summer. This is to maintain the temperatures at desired levels. Power vents in the roof are

also a good idea to release hot air that can build up suddenly in the summer.

Fertilization Of Greenhouse Crops

Greenhouses are used to provide crops with a favorable environment that would trigger their

healthy growth. While the provision of optimal temperature, humidity level and water supply are

primary concerns in a greenhouse, the supply of nutrients is also an important aspect that must

be catered for in a greenhouse.

What are fertilizers?

Plants are able to manufacture their own food by a process called photosynthesis. By this

process, plants combine carbon dioxide from air, and water and nutrients from the soil, like

nitrates, phosphates and sulfates, to make food substances. Sunlight is used as the source of

energy to power this process. While the simplest food product is in the form of carbohydrates,

which only formed from carbon dioxide and water, higher organic compounds like proteins and

minerals that are essential parts of growth need nutrients from soil. Fertilizers act as a source

for these nutrients. Fertilizers also add porosity to the soil, which is important in the sense that it

increases the soil's capacity to hold water and air without drowning the plant. In open nature,

plants receive a constant supply of nutrients in the form of decaying organic matter and animal

waste in the form of manure. However, since a greenhouse is secluded from the open

environment, the supply of nutrients is essential. Fertilizers are essentially substances that act

as sources of essential nutrients like nitrogen, iron, phosphorous, sulfur and other elements.

Nitrogen is the most important of these since it is used to make proteins. Proteins are one of the

main food groups along with fats and carbohydrates. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which only

contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, proteins contain nitrogen in addition to these three

elements. Proteins are regarded as building blocks of life. In order to supply this essential

element, fertilizers are rich in nitrogen.

Types of fertilizer

Fertilizers could be in solid form or liquid. The type of fertilizer needed for your crops depends

on the type of plants you have planted. This is due to the fact that each plant has its own needs

for different substances that are essential for its growth. The Specific nutrients contained in a

fertilizer also determine its category.

Nutrient contents

Since different elements are needed for healthy growth of plants, fertilizers are rich in them.

These elements include:

1. Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the most important of these since it is used to make proteins. Proteins are one of the

main food groups along with fats and carbohydrates. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which only

contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, proteins contain nitrogen in addition to these three

elements. Proteins are regarded as building blocks of life. In order to supply this essential

element, fertilizers are rich in nitrogen, which is usually around 50%. This essentially takes the

form of nitrate compounds.

2. Potassium

The most common source of this essential element in fertilizers is potassium nitrate. Potassium

is needed by the plant for proper utilization of water.

3. Phosphorus

This element is a must for plant growth. While it is usually supplied in large amounts, over

dosage could hamper the solubility of other nutrients needed by plants. Phosphorus is usually

added in the form of super phosphate or phosphoric acid.

In addition to the aforementioned, other nutrients like iron, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, copper,

calcium, potassium, chloride etc are also required. These could be supplied either through the

growth medium, or by supplemental application.

The amount of the nutrients being supplied must be carefully monitored. Only by proper

application can optimum plant growth be reached which would ultimately lead to a good harvest

Greenhouse Designs

Given the vast number of benefits associated with them, in terms of plant health, environment

as well as profitability, greenhouses are certainly worth the investment made to install and

maintain them. This is true for both amateur gardeners as well as seasoned horticulturalists. For

hobbyists, the amount of joy one gets from seeing their plants bloom is enough to repay their

investment. For professional investors, the financial gains associated with a greenhouse are

plentiful. However, since purchasing your greenhouse can be expensive owing to profits and

commissions associated with those involved in its manufacturing, transportation, marketing and

sale, it is important that you choose the design that is best suited to your needs, as well as

installable in at your site.

Types of greenhouses

Basically greenhouses can be classified into two broad categories: the attached type and the

freestanding type.

Freestanding greenhouses

Greenhouses that fall in this category can be distinguished for the other type in that these are

freestanding structures erected independent of your house. As a result, these type of

greenhouses can be situated so as to receive maximum exposure to sunlight. However, since it

is separate from the house, the greenhouse needs to be equipped with lighting and should be

supplied with electricity and water. This category can further be subdivided into two classes:

1. Juliana greenhouse

Structures conforming to this category are best suited for limited spaces. This design is also

suited for first timers. Since neither silicone nor clips are used in its construction, it creates the

impression of a fresh design.

2. Hideaway design

This design is marked by its spaciousness. It can also serve as a getaway from everyday

routines where you can relax alone. Since this design employs see-through polycarbonate

material. This material comes coated with an ultraviolet coating. Ultraviolet rays from sunlight

are particularly harmful to humans as they can cause sunburns and skin cancer. These rays are

also not good for plants. Since this type of greenhouse is designed such that it filters the

carcinogenic ultra-violet light, the resulting soft dispersed light is good for your health as well as

your plants. In this way you can also bask in sun without having to worry about sunburns and

skin cancer. The absence of the harmful UV rays also means that you do not have to

periodically apply sun blocks to protect yourself.

Attached greenhouses

Attached greenhouses are not free standing structures, but rely on your house for their

structural support and integrity. Examples of this type include the even-span type and the

window mounted type. The former design can be classified as a full-size model, except that one

of its side is attached to the house for support. It provides more space to plants that a windowmounted

design. The window mounted design, on the other hand, is fastened in a window. This

type is very economical and requires least amount of space.

While prices vary depending on the design you choose, it is important that you choose the right

design that suites your needs. Even an inappropriate design comes with its cost and if you are

not satisfied with it, it would be a waste of time as well as money.

Free Greenhouse Plan For You

"Plant lovers", that is people who have a passion towards maintaining gardens in their

backyards and tending to plants would naturally be interested in erecting a greenhouse. In this

context, a greenhouse should be well designed and constructed so that it is easy to maintain

and does not give trouble to its owner.

In order to ensure the well being of plants grown inside it, a greenhouse must have an efficient

watering and misting propagation system. Such a system should monitor and maintain the level

of humidity within the greenhouse. Water is a precious natural resource that should be

conserved. Remember, one of the benefits ascribed to greenhouses is that they are good for

the environment. Your greenhouse must be able to make use of rainwater, instead of relying

solely in water being supplied as a utility. A system of gutters and downspouts must therefore

be in place to water the crop using natural rainwater. It would also be a good idea to have a

provision for storing rainwater for future usage.

The greenhouse must be provided with electricity or natural gas (whichever is convenient) to

fuel heaters that would be useful in maintaining optimal temperature during cold spells. It may

be taken into account that plants utilize light to grow by the process of photosynthesis. Lights

may therefore be installed inside so that plant growth is not stunted due to lack of sunlight.

Over the internet, one can find many websites that offer guidelines on how to setup a

greenhouse. These may include plans that would offer help in planning the greenhouses with

water supply systems. Others may contain instructions on how to get acquainted with and apply

the currently popular techniques of hydroponics gardening. Some websites also offer free plans

for setting up a freestanding greenhouse.

Constructing your greenhouse

For beginners, The following guidelines would be helpful in setting up a small greenhouse using

low-cost, easy to acquire materials:

For setting up your greenhouse you would need items including about one and a half dozen

squeeze clips, a roll of duct tape, 3 rolls heavy duty 3M clear tape, 6 mm clear plastic, 18

ratcheting tie downs, 4 to 8 T posts, 10 x 20 Universal canopy and optional lights and heaters.

While assembling the greenhouse, it would be convenient to seek assistance of 2-3 persons

who may be your friends or family members. These people could give you a helping hand in

setting up the framework and holding things in position while you install them. While making

connections, duct tape must be used properly so as to ensure that connection points are leakproof.

First, you must connect the 18 tie-downs to connect to the upper part of the frame. You may use

four T posts to support the four corners of the structure. Once this is done, place an extra T-post

inside the frame and drill it at least 12" into the ground. In the next step, use the plastic sheet to

cover your greenhouse. Stretch the sheet over framework that has already been installed, using

a ladder. Use some heavy objects like stones, piles of gravel or even flowerpots so that the

sheet remains firmly on the ground and does not blow away by wing.

Congratulations! You have made your very own low-cost greenhouse.

Greenhouse Accessories And Their Utility

A greenhouse is designed to incubate plants within its enclosure in order to protect them from

climatic extremities in terms of temperature, humidity and wind. Its functions on the basis of the

"greenhouse effect" whereby sunlight and infra red radiation from the sun enters the

greenhouse. Upon reflection, these rays are trapped inside greenhouse, thereby contributing to

a rise in temperature within it. It is worth observing the fact that in this simple setup, the source

of heat is primarily the sun. However, during time periods when sunlight is not available due to

cloudy skies, heaters may be employed to maintain optimum temperature. Alternately, during

hot spells, temperature may be brought down by means of mist sprayers or exhaust fans.

Since maintenance of suitable conditions within its extent is the primary function of a

greenhouse, certain gadgets are deemed essential for its proper exploitation. The use of these

gadgets is necessary to maintain the conditions within the greenhouse at the level necessary for

plant survival. These accessories include:

Thermometers

Temperature is the most critical parameter that must be regulated within a greenhouse to

ensure a healthy plantation. Very cold temperatures are likely to stunt the growth of plants and

in certain cases may lead to their destruction. Hot conditions, on the other hand, could "burn

out" the plants. By means of thermometers, the temperature inside a greenhouse can easily be

monitored and remedial measures can be planned whenever it goes critical.

Thermostats

Thermostats are automatic devices that are able to not only detect temperature changes, but

can also regulate it. These could be in the form of a simple automated window that opens to the

atmosphere in case temperature levels go extreme. Other more sophisticated thermostats can

also be installed to maintain temperature levels in a greenhouse.

Humidistat

Maintenance of humidity within a greenhouse is also important for the well being of plants. AS in

the case of a thermostat which regulates temperature, humidistats are devices that maintain

moisture levels to optimum inside a greenhouse. These devices are particularly useful during

hot conditions, when moisture contents available to plants are depleted by atmospheric heat

causing them to dehydrate and burn. Once plants get "burnt", they essentially lose chlorophyll -

the substance that gives them their green color. Chlorophyll is essential for the process of

photosynthesis by which plants manufacture nutrients.

Lighting systems

Plants manufacture their food using nutrients from the soil, moisture and sunlight. This process

is known as photosynthesis whereby energy from sunlight is

used to power the chemical reaction that produces carbohydrates in the presence of chlorophyll.

Carbohydrates are the basic units that make up our food.

During certain climatic spells when sunlight is not available for prolonged time periods, gadgets

known as grow lights can provide a useful alternative,

thereby preventing degeneration of crops.

Light meters

Like all other recourses, too much of light may be harmful for plant health. This recourse, like

temperature and water, must also be provided at optimum level. Light meters can assist in

detecting the amount of light plants are being exposed to inside the greenhouse. Subsequently,

light can be regulated by using simple light filters like frosted glass.

While planning to install the aforementioned accessories, one must be mindful of the local

conditions prevailing in the area where the greenhouse is situated. It is primarily these

conditions which dictate the type of accessory to be installed in the greenhouse.