by Kim Dieter

Created on: April 14, 2010   Last Updated: April 29, 2010

Greenhouses offer gardeners many advantages.  Seeds and plants can be started when it is still cold outside giving a boost to the spring garden.  Greenhouses allow gardeners to grow plants that might not otherwise grow successfully in the house or outside in the yard. A greenhouse is defined as a building with walls and a roof used for the cultivation and propagation of plants.  The greenhouse provides a controlled environment for many types of plants. There are a wide variety of greenhouses suitable for the backyard.  Here is a guide to selecting the best greenhouse kits for beginners.

 Budget:

 The budget is often a major deciding factor for a backyard greenhouse.  Simple cold frames can cost a fraction of the price of polycarbonate greenhouses with automatic heating and cooling systems.  However, greenhouses can be constructed in stages with expensive systems added later. 

 Seasonal or year-round use:

Cold frames can be used to start cool-weather crops in the early spring or bedding plants before they can be started outside.  A cold frame consists of a steel or wooden frame covered with clear or opaque greenhouse film.  There is a door but usually no heating or ventilation system.  In some cases, the covering can be rolled up to allow air circulation. Or, fans or vents can be installed.  Cold frames are easy to construct, take down and move, if necessary.  They can be as small as 5’ X 6’ or as large as 38’ X 96’.  However, they are not as durable as greenhouses with polycarbonate panels.

 Year round use of the greenhouse can be achieved with a sturdy steel or aluminum frame and a polycarbonate covering.  The price of the greenhouse increases with the type of frame and the thickness of the polycarbonate.  Heaters, fans, roof vents, extra doors, shade panels, evaporative coolers and other features can be added.  The heating and ventilation systems may have automatic controls. 

 The frame is often constructed from steel tubing or aluminum. The polycarbonate panels are constructed with various thicknesses and may be twin-walled or corrugated.  UV inhibitors can be added to reduce degradation.  Shade cloth will reduce the heat during the summer.

 Greenhouses are freestanding or attached to an existing home or building. In either case, the foundation for the greenhouse must be square and level.

 Greenhouse Kits:

 There are many greenhouse kits available from home supply stores, garden centers and through on line companies.

 The Master Gro greenhouses by Palram are widely available.  The 6’ by 8” greenhouse is covered with clear polycarbonate panels that block most of the UV rays.  Elite Greenhouse kits start with the compact 4’3” by 4’5” size.  The greenhouses consist of polycarbonate panels covering an aluminum frame. Backyard Hobby Greenhouses are available in a wide variety of sizes and have features such as solar-powered vents.

 Other Considerations:

 The climate also dictates the type of greenhouse.  Windy areas or areas with significant snow require stronger structural materials. The greenhouse should receive full sun, at least throughout the morning.  Therefore the shade provided by a house, garage or other buildings must be considered when determining the size and location of the greenhouse.

 With a budget in mind, a greenhouse can be successfully constructed in the backyard.

 References

 www.FarmTek.com

 www.backyardgreenhouses.com

 www.master-gro.com

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