Do It Yourself Greenhouse

A do it yourself greenhouse is essentially an oversize cold frame intended to store large numbers of plants, including ones of considerable size.

In most parts of the United States they are outfitted with heating devices so that even sensitive crops such as tomatoes and peppers can be grown in the coldest months.

It also requires shading devices to shade the plants on hot, sunlit days.

Preferably, green houses ought to face south to get the greatest amount of winter sunlight.

If this is not achievable, the next best option is east(plants benefit from morning light).

A western exposure is also suitable, however vegetables will not grow if the green house is facing north .

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Green houses can be bought or built in an almost countless range of sizes and designs, from a geo dome to a simple lean-to.

Green house manufacturers advertise complete kits that the home handyman can put together, but for economy and personal approval many gardeners desire to build their own from scrap.

The plans show a freestanding unit with a rear wall of weather resistant exterior grade plywood.

A green house can also be modified to a lean to plan by butting the back wall against the side of the house.

Note though, if the green house is connected to the house in a region wherever winter temperatures plummet below freezing, a concrete base should be laid that will extend below the frost line.

Or else frost can disfigure the green house's frame and cause glass damages, structural damage, and even damage to your home.

If you decide to build a freestanding green house, it can set directly on the ground or on a base of 2 inch thick concrete blocks or 8 inch thick concrete blocks.

The boards should be weather resistant redwood or treated with wood preservative, particularly if the green house rests on patio blocks or on the ground.

The floor of your greenhouse can remain dirt or you can line it with rubber mats or whatever you choose.

Your green house should be anchored to a solid foundation or else anchored to the ground so you hopefully can avoid wind damage.

For anchors you can use trailer anchors which should be buried at least 18 - 24 inches in the soil.

You can often find second hand windows very cheaply which can be used for the walls of your green house.

Return from greenhouse to self sufficient farm living