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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Greenhouse Candy Store


I do believe, like a kid in a candy store, I could look at greenhouse designs all day. There's something so inviting about the light, calm and quiet, the nurturing of little sprouts, the protecting of precious buds and blooms. All kinds of treasures are coming to life inside those cozy little shelters, from apples to zinnias.  


The more innovative the design the better, I say. I find the repurposing of building materials truly inspiring. Maybe this is because they're like snowflakes or fingerprints in that no two are alike.


Designs can vary greatly depending on the climate and space. I'm genuinely impressed by repurposed materials used in small spaces. A design such as this seems to shout, "Where there's a will, there's a way!"

Photo courtesy of Storageshedsoutlet.com http://www.storageshedsoutlet.com/sunhouse-cedar-wood-shed.aspx


A home greenhouse can be attached to a house or garage, or it can be a freestanding structure. An attached greenhouse can be a half greenhouse, a full-sized structure or an extended window structure. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type.

Photo courtesy of Accentondesign.net http://www.accentondesign.net/blog/?Tag=garden%20windows

A window-mounted greenhouse can be attached on the south or east side of a house. This glass enclosure provides space for conveniently growing a few plants at a relatively low cost. The special window extends outward from the house a foot or so and can contain two or three shelves for growing small potted plants or even herbs in trays.

Photo courtesy of Littlegreenhouse.com http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/pics/cc-lean.shtml

A lean-to greenhouse is half a greenhouse split along the peak of the roof or ridge line. A lean-to is useful where space is limited to a width of approximately seven to twelve feet, and they are the least expensive structures. The ridge of the lean-to is attached to a building using one side and an existing doorway, if available. A lean-to needs to be close to available electricity, water and heat. 

The disadvantages include some limitations on space, sunlight, ventilation and temperature control. The height of the supporting wall limits the potential size of the lean-to. The wider the lean-to, the higher the supporting wall must be. Temperature control is more difficult because the wall that the greenhouse is built on may collect the sun's heat while the translucent cover of the greenhouse may lose heat rapidly. The lean-to should face the best direction for adequate sun exposure. Finally, the location of the windows and doors on the supporting structure should be considered, and avoid locations where snow, ice or heavy rain might slide off the roof or house onto the structure.

Photo Courtesy of Extremehowto.com http://extremehowto.com/contact-us/



Freestanding greenhouses are separate structures; they can be set apart from other buildings to get more sun and can be made as large or as small as desired. A separate heating system may be needed as well as electricity and a water supply. The lowest cost per square foot of growing space is generally available in a freestanding or even-span greenhouse that is 17 to 18 feet wide. It can house a central bench, two side benches and two walkways. The ratio of cost to usable growing space is quite good.

Photo courtesy of Beginner-indoor-gardening.com http://www.beginner-indoor-gardening.com/mini-greenhouse.html

The possibilities are only limited by one's imagination. The type of structure chosen should be based on lot size, orientation, climate and preference of the homeowner. Large greenhouses are easier to manage because temperatures in small greenhouses fluctuate more rapidly. Small greenhouses have a large exposed area through which heat is lost or gained, and the air volume inside is relatively small; therefore, the air temperature changes quickly in a small greenhouse. Suggested minimum sizes are 6 feet wide by 12 feet long for an even-span or freestanding greenhouse.



Photo courtesy of Irishherbal.com http://www.irisherbal.com/psg/

A passive solar greenhouse does not use an artificial heat source such as propane, but rather utilizes the sun to heat water, concrete or other heat holding materials. The greenhouse is built with 6-inch walls which are then wrapped in plastic and insulated with R-19 insulation. The interior wall needs to be reflective but also waterproof. Even in the middle of winter it can get quite warm in the greenhouse, so having a means of getting rid of excess heat is extremely important. Since warm air rises, an exhaust fan should be installed in the top eave. 


These are merely guidelines... never let anyone hamper your creativity. Thomas Edison once said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."
















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