All About Greenhouse Growing

8/6/2019 All About Greenhouse Growing

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Copyright 2011 www.HomemadeHydroponic.net 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4

A Peek into a Greenhouse ................................................................................................................... 6

What is a greenhouse? .................................................................................................................... 6

How does a greenhouse capture heat? ..................................................................................... 6

Types of Greenhouses .......................................................................................................................... 9

Hot Greenhouse ................................................................................................................................ 10

Warm Greenhouse ........................................................................................................................... 10

Cool Greenhouse .............................................................................................................................. 10

Structures ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Lean-To ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Detached ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Ridge/Furrow ..................................................................................................................................... 11

Cold frame type ................................................................................................................................ 11

Glasshouse Materials .......................................................................................................................... 12

Glass ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

Fiberglass ............................................................................................................................................ 12

Plastic ................................................................................................................................................... 12

Polyethylene ....................................................................................................................................... 13

PVC ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

Tools and Materials for Your Greenhouse ................................................................................... 14

Greenhouse Lighting Systems .................................................................................................... 15

Greenhouse tables, shelving and plant holders ................................................................... 15

Greenhouse garden coil indoor/outdoor watering wand .................................................. 16


3/23


Tips for Your Greenhouse .................................................................................................................. 17

Your Wonderland .................................................................................................................................. 19

Three Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Greenhouse ...................................................... 19

From Little to Plentiful .................................................................................................................... 20

Buying a Greenhouse Checklist .............................................................................................. 21

This is a free book Provided to you by

www.HomemadeHydroponic.net

Please feel free to give copies of this toyour friends and family .


4/23


Introduction

A growing number of people at least have one greenhouse story to share.

The idea of growing food at controlled temperatures all year round and extending the growing season

have set fire to peoples imaginations. No wonder the greenhouse building industry has recorded

phenomenal growth.

From construction plans to tools and accessories for greenhouses, individuals are working on all fours to

satisfy the increasing demands of consumers who have made building their own greenhouses top

priority. This trend, which started humbly in the 70s, is now a full fledged endeavor on the part of

greenhouse entrepreneurs and homesteaders.

One greenhouse story told by a woman was particularly moving. Months before the spring, her

husband bought the materials required for building a greenhouse. His plan was to attach it to the

house.

The woman had protested because he was at the same time going through radiation and chemotherapy

treatments for his cancer. His wife said he should be resting instead of puttering about with shelves and

glass and plastic.

What he said broke her heart. He wanted to build and finish the greenhouse while he still had some

strength left, because he knew for a long time that she had always wanted one in their backyard. He

said he wanted to see the joy in her face when she started planting her tomatoes or gardenias or

whatever else she wanted to put there.

Greenhouses are an extension of our personalities. Most especially, it mirrors our soul and what we

want from life.

And what we want is a steady supply of home grown healthy food. During these precarious times when

terrorist attacks and life threatening calamities can cast us in the dark indefinitely, we have one thing

we can be sure of the tomatoes and cucumbers that are in the food basket in the kitchen will tide us

over should the country go on emergency mode.

The sweet potatoes and carrots will be around, and there will be more from the greenhouse to feed our

families for a few weeks before things return to normal.

Not that we believe that a shortage will ever happen, the country has become much more prepared for

any kind of emergency, but just on the off chance

If greenhouses can save our lives, we may, at some point in time, consider the idea of building one soon,

a first step towards self sufficiency.


5/23


Its not just a constant supply of healthy food that concerns individuals, but a greenhouse and building

it can be sources of pure enjoyment and clean fun for everyone in the family. Most greenhouse

owners are familiar with the advantages of growing their own plants and flowers, prolonging the

growing season and the possibility of heating their home. And who knows? They could be selling fresh

produce in the communities they live in.

There are many greenhouse models to choose from. You can go from affordable to very expensive. You

can build a greenhouse by using junk or a plastic film stretched over a rudimentary structure, or

purchase elaborate metal and glass pre manufactured sun rooms.

Each of them serves the fundamental function of extending the growing season. Even the question of

irrigation can be simple or complex, depending on your preferences.

Just want to make it a hobby? Why not? Homeowners attach theirs to their homes. Even schools have

greenhouses built by elementary and high school students.

Finally, the wholesome taste of a home grown tomato! Everyone knows there is a difference. But

really, between you and me, it goes beyond just tomatoes.

Perseverance, labor of love and the sweet anticipation of harvest time are what truly matter.


6/23

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Dont be discouraged by the fact that you have limited space in your garden or that is completely paved

or concreted. You can still make use of limited space.

If space is a problem, there is what people call free standing greenhouses that take just a few square

feet of space, and some can be installed on balconies or roof tops.

Today, you can choose any greenhouse frame you want, including color. If youre not into aluminum,

you can build one with a dark frame color or go for earth colors instead.

Lets mention a few of the numerous benefits of greenhouses:

Extended growing periods, Control of growing conditions for plants to obtain desired results, Protection from the elements and from birds and animals, Facility in controlling pests and diseases, Ability to grow plants that require warmer conditions, Ability to grow exotic plants Easy access by the elderly and disabled, given that greenhouses are less physically demanding

than wide open crop spaces and fields, Possibility of reducing gardening costs because the owner or gardener grows his own plants, Possibility of widening the variety of plants for general gardening purposes. A greenhouse serves as an escape or refuge after a trying day.


9/23


Types of Greenhouses

After you decide that you want to have a greenhouse, you have to decide next what type you want or

that you have space for. This should be easy to determine provided that you know what kinds of plants

you want to grow.

You will need to answer questions such as:

What will my greenhouse principally be used for? Do I want a small, medium or large greenhouse? Do I want to grow tall plants Will the greenhouse be the main attraction of my garden?

Is my garden exposed to strong winds? Are there young children or wild animals in the area?

Factors such as cost and space will determine the type of greenhouse you build. If you do live in an area

that has high levels of wind, it would be worth spending the extra money for a solid and sturdy

greenhouse.

Go to your local garden center, nursery, hardware store or do it yourself home center and see what

models are available. The customer service representative should be able to provide you with valuable

information before you make a final decision.

It can be relatively easy to build your own glasshouse; a simple wooden framing with corrugated plastic

sheeting can provide a very good custom glasshouse.

So as not to mislead you, while there may be different types of greenhouse designs, were talking about

the same greenhouse. You get to decide which type you want it to be.

For example, if temperature is the main factor, because of the plant varieties you want to grow, then

there are three types of glasshouses in terms of temperature control. There are also different types of

greenhouses based on structural design. Well start with temperature control factors.

For temperature control purposes, three types of greenhouses exist:

a hot greenhouse a warm greenhouse a cool greenhouse.


10/23

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11/23

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12/23

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13/23


Be aware that most plastics will degrade over time and require replacement; plastic can also be difficult

to clean.

PolyethylenePolyethylene is lightweight and inexpensive. It stands up well during the seasons of fall, winter and

spring, but tends to deteriorate during the summer when it gets constant exposure to the sun. It breaks

down due to ultraviolet rays and the deterioration begins along the rafters and along the creases. This

problem can be avoided by using UV inhibited polyethylene, which is available in a wide range of sizes

and thicknesses.

PVCPolyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl) like polyethylene, PVCs are soft and flexible, select a transparent PVC.

Vinyl costs two to five times more than polyethylene. When properly installed, they can last as long as

five years. Because it attracts dust and dirt from the air, it has to be washed from time to time.

Take upmost care where the plastic comes in contact with the structure of your glasshouse, any sharp or

abrasive areas will damage the covering, remember that the plastic will move in the wind. One good

idea is to cover all edges on the structure that the plastic will come in contact with a thick plastic tape

(electrical tape or duct tape would be good)

The ends of the plastic can be easily secured by sandwiching them between two pieces of wood; this

eliminates specific stress points that would be encountered with nailing or tying the plastic.


14/23

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15/23

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16/23

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All other vegetables (beets, carrots, garlic, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips): five to

ten inches to grow fully in the bed in your greenhouse.

For carrots, beets, and onions that grow deep down in the dirt, keep your soil at least two foot deep as

the roots on some of these plants and the vegetable that grows from these plants can get to be very

large under the soil.

Mixing vegetables in rows is a good idea. Plants that are different put side by side will not compete for

the nutrients, soil and water. For example, take onions and lettuce. One grows down in the dirt while

the other grows up from the soil they grow well side by side. However if you were to put onions and

carrots together, they will be competing for the soil space.


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Your Wonderland

Your greenhouse can be your wonderland. You can make anything of it that you like. It is an oasis in

both time and space.

The time that you spend tending to your greenhouse can be your downtime, a time away where the

stresses of this world pass away.

If your greenhouse is your hobby, you will wish to spend time there each and every day.

However you consider your greenhouse you will enjoy yourself. You will go back to nature and get in

touch with your organic self. All of this is very good for the soul.

Three Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Greenhouse

Your greenhouse can be attached to your home. It can alternatively be freestanding to add to the

beauty of your surrounding landscape. If you are an avid gardener then you will likely enjoy the

atmosphere of a greenhouse. You should forget about the largeness of a commercial greenhouse. These

are nothing like the warmth and ambience of your personal greenhouse. You will have a greenhouse on

a much smaller scale, a place to house your personal choices in plants, flowers and fruits and vegetables.

You

will

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have

a

very

handy

place

to

do

the

work

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need

to

do

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being

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will

be in your own domain and not under someone elses green thumb.

Owning your own greenhouse sure saves you a bundle when it comes time for buying seeds. You can

capture your own seeds from your garden and then transfer those to your greenhouse. This saves

money during the springtime.

As you spend more time with your greenhouse, you will be amazed by how many seeds you can start

there. You will learn more about growing and rely less and less on the commercial growers! In no time at

all, your greenhouse will begin to pay for itself.

When

you

own

your

own

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you

will

have

the

opportunity

to

expand

it

as

just

a

hobby.

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can become equipped grow flowers, vegetables and plants all through the year. Having your own

greenhouse means you can be free of growing just for spring growing seasons. You can grow throughout

the entire year. This is true even if you do not wish for the expenses of heating throughout the winter

months.

Begin by planting seeds, March through April and then plan to plant again, May through June. During

the cooler temperatures, place your plants in the greenhouse. This will mean a much longer life span for

your flowers and vegetables.


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You can start to grow early on and watch the beauty of your own bounty before all of those who do not

have a greenhouse. You will enjoy your spring flowers and vegetables early!

Your neighbors and your friends might watch you and wish that they, too, had a terrific greenhouse! As

you tend to your plants year round, you feel fulfilled inside, as you are doing something that is very

important. Helping to bring wholesome and natural foods to your familys table each day brings its own

reward!

You spend so much time each day running here and there and always doing for others, with your own

greenhouse, what you do there is for you and for those you choose to share your bounty. This brings a

sense of satisfaction.

Owning a personal greenhouse brings with it many rewards perhaps the most important being the

feeling of extreme accomplishment that comes from all of the hard work you do there. It is time very

well spent and enjoyed!

Buying a Greenhouse Checklist

Framework Aluminum wood if beautiful, but our aluminum frames are longer lasting and maintenance

free. Painted Aluminum best appearance, looks new for many years.

Glazing Tempered safety glass TwinWall or Opal Triple Wall Glass walls, TwinWall or Opal roof

Foundation Pressure treated timbers (up to 200 sq. ft. greenhouse) Concrete/block base wall Concrete slab/tile

Note: Outside dimensions of greenhouse foundation are given under "Actual Sizes" on the price

charts.

Floor If you have not poured a concrete slab, you will need a walkway down the middle of your greenhouse.

First, lay down landscape fabric (#2380) over the entire floor. For an aisle of bricks: frame the walkway

with treated 2 x 4 lumber, lay down 2" of crushed rock, then 1" of sand, and set the bricks with 3/8"

spacing. A final touch might be to plant lemon thyme between the bricks! Finish the remainder of the

floor with 2" of pea gravel.


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Aisle pavers/bricks, Pea gravel under benches All pavers provides good drainage

Concrete

slab/tile

not

too

smooth

or

it

gets

slippery.

Provide

for

drainage.

Accessories Benches Shading Heating Air Circulation Misting System Other

Conclusion

Lisa Roberts, in her essay, A Garden of Glass, calls greenhouses conservatories. A rather odd word to

use, because weve always associated conservatories with places where we learn music or forced to

learn music by fussy parents.

Thinking about it, however, greenhouses are music to everyones ears. They have come to signify the

human races fondness for protecting plants be they exotic species from distant lands or simply

common, home grown vegetables.

Greenhouses also signify mans wonder at seeing life take shape from beginning to end. Theres

something about a seed that mystifies and stimulates human imagination. Greenhouses are also about

self sufficiency and good nutrition.

Many centuries ago, greenhouses were the monopoly of Europes aristocratic classes. At that time, only

the moneyed were able to import rare and exotic plants from foreign countries and had the resources to

erect expensive structures in which to store their precious possessions.

Happily that monopoly turned into a commodity that even ordinary, unschooled people could have. As

styles and designs evolved quickly, greenhouses were now within reach of schools, universities and

hobbyists searching for an endeavor that could bring joy and pleasure to their hearts.

Greenhouses

not

only

became

plant

protectors,

cultivators

and

all

season

enclaves

for

growing

plant

forms, but also a refuge for weary souls, and clean entertainment for amateur and expert horticulturists

bored by the outside world. The greenhouse was a welcome escape from the urban decay that

characterized cities in transition. And once theyve tasted fresh, juicy tomatoes or rich red sweet

strawberries harvested in the greenhouse, consumers would rather shun the bland supermarket

varieties that pale in comparison with greenhouse babies.

It isnt difficult to imagine how Joseph Paxton must have enjoyed life with an overdose of zest. He was

enriched by life because he gave back to it in so many ways. You reap what you sow is an appropriate


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way to describe his horticultural tasks, because the Crystal Palace has been acclaimed by many as a

piece of architectural art that is unsurpassed.

A gardener for large estates in England, Paxton stumbled upon greenhouse design and construction.

The Crystal Palace, which was his creation, was as long as 18 football fields and as wide as 8, and beat

other greenhouses that were built in the twenty years preceding the birth of the Crystal Palace.

Mr. Paxton built another greenhouse for the purpose of housing and preserving only one plant the

giant Victoria Regia lily. The Duke of England at that time wanted to bring the flower to England and

propagate it to be given as a gift to the queen.

It was in the greenhouse that Paxton built where the plant had produced 126 blooms during the

following year. Mr. Paxton must have been ecstatic for earning such admirable brownie points.

Greenhouses have made people who dont own these structures green with envy; many have gone

ahead to build one in their back gardens. Most important of all, greenhouses have made people

appreciate the meaning of life, bringing them closer to the soil that nurtures the food that keeps them

alive.

All About Greenhouse Growing

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