Measure Kit

Green House Kit- The top 11 things you should consider before you buy!

What is your Hardiness Zone?

The following link will provide you with a wealth of information on your hardiness zone.  It is recommended you review this based on the region you are planning to put your green house kit.  You will also find information on what plants normally succeed in your zone.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html .

What are you going to grow?

Choosing the correct backyard greenhouse and accessories will optimize your greenhouse growing.  You should consider growing temperature, humidity, ventilation, light and fertilizer for the best hobby gardening  experience.

Do you have a budget?

If you are working within a budget as most of us are, choose a green house kit that will provide you with easy affordable preparation, cost effective installation and low maintenance without compromising quality.

Most garden greenhouses are usually out-grown within the first year.  You can find quality a green house kits that are easily expandable.

Some green house kits require a contractor and a permit which can be rather expensive. To keep your cost at a minimum you may want to consider a diy greenhouse and check with your local zoning department to see if you need a permit and the cost related.

What is your weather like?

Do you live in an extreme weather region? Does it get extremely hot or tremendously cold? Do you get a heavy snow load? Do you have frequent storms? Do storms cause hail and high winds?

All of these things you will want to consider when researching  backyard greenhouses .

Where you to place your green house kit?

Placement of your garden green house is important. It is recommended that the area have proper drainage, especially if you get a lot of rain or snow melt.

Make sure to take into consideration sun, wind and shade when picking out an area for your backyard greenhouse and check to the level of the area you are planning on placing it on.

Maintenance and Up-Keep of various frame materials.

All wooden frames are susceptible to rot and decay, if un-treated regularly with a wood preservative.    Often wood can warp and/or bend which can cause weakness/stress on the rest of the structure.  Termites should also be considered when using wood framed garden greenhouses.

Aluminum green house kis can easily be damaged.  Aluminum is a soft metal that can bend, warp and can certainly break.

Galvanized Steele garden greenhouses are low maintenance and virtually require no up-keep. Their down fall is if you want to hang things.

PVC frames are only recommended for structures that are covered in a light-weight plastic film.  This green house kit is high maintenance and will only last a few years.

Resin/ Polycarbonate greenhouse frames are low maintenance and require virtually no up-keep. The high-quality large- diameter frames will last for many years.

Maintenance of Glazing for the Backyard Greenhouse!

Tempered glass is long lasting and can require a fair amount of maintenance just in cleaning alone.  A Glass green house kit is susceptible to breakage from storms that produce hail or flying debris.

Plastic quality films on garden greenhouses can last up to 5 years. These greenhouses are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and are high maintenance.

Fiber glass garden greenhouses can be high maintenance, but cost-effective if maintained properly.

The acrylic and polycarbonate greenhouse panels are extremely durable and strong, providing you with low maintenance backyard greenhouse throughout the year.

Garden Greenhouses, Insulation of various frame Materials.

Aluminum/Galvanized Steele greenhouse frames are a conductor of the hot and cold. They heat up in the summer and freeze in the winter, bringing in the heat and cold temperatures you are trying to protect your plants from.

Wooden greenhouse frames can provide the insulation you need.  This will depend on the glazing you are using in your backyard greenhouse.

Resin/Plastic/Polycarbonate green house kit can also provide you with the insulation you desire.  This is also dependant on the glazing you are using with your backyard greenhouse.

Garden Greenhouses, The Insulation of various Glazing Materials.

Glass panels are the least efficient material for heat retention.  Glass has little insulation value and transmits heat and cold rapidly.

Acrylic/Polycarbonate greenhouse panels have become increasingly popular over the past decade, due to the fact of the low amount of heat loss they measure.  It is cost effective and can handle most weather conditions.  The polycarbonate is the also best substitute for glass if you are desire clear viewing in your greenhouse.

Plastic/Polyethylene Film is really dependant on the quality of the film. They can be a very good insulation if you have quality film, but are susceptible to easy damage from weather and have a maximum life expectancy of 3-5 years.

Fiberglass is not as efficient as resin/polycarbonate panels, but a lot more effective than glass. Fiberglass is a good replacement for glass if you do not objective to translucent vs. transparent.

Various types of Garden Greenhouse Foundations.

You should always install landscape clothe or felt barrier prior to putting any flooring material down!

Concrete foundations provide a smooth walking surface but can freeze when wet, so if you get freezing temperatures you may want to consider this. The main benefit is that it segregates your green house kit from soil-borne disease and insects in addition it is easy to clean and provides good heat storage. It is recommended that you provide a drainage system for a concrete foundation.  Also consider how you are going to anchor your backyard greenhouse to the foundation.

Wooden foundations are susceptible to rot, decay and termites. However it is a great source of insulation for your foundation. Keep in mind the up-keep and maintenance of wood as it can become time consuming and expensive.

Stone and brick have a striking appearance. But before you lay the bricks or stone it is recommended you place a layer of landscape clothe or felt barrier under a layer of sand to assist with additional drainage and weeds.

Crushed Gravel is the most popular choice for garden greenhouses, it is the most inexpensive and easy to install.  Placing landscape clothe or felt barrier under a layer of sand will help drainage.

Things to consider before you lay your Foundation.

A foundation is an important part for your backyard greenhouse. All garden greenhouses should have dimensions listed on the ordering or packaging material, make sure you get the “outside” dimensions if not provided. It is crucial that you cross-measure the foundation from corner to corner, and should be identical each way. A square and level foundation is essential for your green house kit.

If you are in a climate that has extreme winter conditions, make sure you know where your frost line is. Building your foundation below the frost line is recommended to avoid damage from the ground heaving.  If you are uncertain about where your frost line is located, contact your local Building Permit Agency and they should be able to provide you with that information.

To assist in minimizing heat loss through the soil you should consider the following. Insulate your foundation with 1″ of foam to your frost line or 2 ft down. This will help with the help lower the cost of heating.

A few definitions:

R-Value:  R-Value measures the effectiveness of thermal insulation. The higher the number the greater heating and cooling efficiency your greenhouse kit will provide.

U-Factor: U-Factor measures the amount of heat loss through the material. The lower the factor the less heat is escaping from your garden greenhouse.

About the Author

Garden greenhouses have always been a passion of mine. I have spent decades growing organic vegetables for my family and friends to enjoy.  With years of experience, I found the polycarbonate greenhouse kit to be much more durable than your standard green house kit . This is due to the large-diameter garden greenhouse frames. It is important to me that we grow organic vegetables to provide the proper nourishment without all the controversial chemicals.

VW type 1 cylinder head cc measure kit