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Greenhouses
A greenhouse can enhance your plans for
a garden site by giving you the chance to grow healthy plants
in a controlled environment. It also allows you to maintain
plants year-round without the restrictions certain weather
may have on them. The consistency of a properly functioning
greenhouse makes this environment ideal for growing plants
year round for sale. There are many ways in which you can
use your green house, and depending on your budget you will
have to decide which type of greenhouse you need.
The type of greenhouse you select will
depend heavily on the location you decide on. A greenhouse
can either be attached to a building or be freestanding.
Attached greenhouses come in three types; half size, full
structure, or extended window structure.
There are several different cover options
for a greenhouse which include glass, fiberglass, rigid
double-wall plastics (polycarbonates), and film plastics
(polyethylene film). Keep in mind, the type of frame and
cover must be matched correctly.
Traditional glass coverings have a pleasant
appearance, are inexpensive to maintain, and have a high
degree of permanency. However, they are no longer the most
efficient material for greenhouses because they do not retain
heat as well as other materials. Also, they are more susceptible
to being broke. If they are to be used, it is recommended
that the glass be doubled or tripled for extra strength.
Fiberglass is lightweight, strong, and
practically a weatherproof material. It creates a virtually
shadow less environment and also retains heat more efficiently
then glass. Typically, it will last 15-20 years.
Rigid double-wall plastics (polycarbonates)
are energy efficient, resistant to impact, and fire resistant.
The plastic sheets of acrylic or polycarbonate are available
to give long-life and diffuse light to minimize shadows.
Film plastics (polyethylene film) are inexpensive
and easy to maintain. They come in several grades of quality
and several different materials. However, they are generally
replaced more frequently than other covers.
Greenhouse frames range from simple to
complex, depending on the imagination of the designer. Certain
engineer requirements also play an important role in what
frame you select. Frames are generally made from wood, galvanized
steel pipe, aluminum, or PVC pipe. Common greenhouse frame
options include:
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Quonset (Galvanized steel pipe frame)
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Gothic (Wooden arches)
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Rigid-frame (Vertical sidewalls and
rafters)
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Post and Rafter (Embedded post and
rafters)
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A-Frame (Collar beam included with
rafters)
Other factors that need to be considered
when building a greenhouse include flooring, heating, air
circulation, ventilation, cooling, controls and automations,
watering systems, and lighting.
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