The Ultimate Guide for Planning Greenhouse in 10 Easy Steps

Author: Saiqa Najeeb
Last Updated On: June 27, 2023

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Are you a gardening enthusiast looking to take your hobby to the next level?

A greenhouse allows you to extend your growing season and experiment with a wider variety of plants and provide a peaceful and relaxing space to spend time in nature.

However, planning greenhouse requires careful consideration of various factors, from location and materials to climate control and plant selection.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your dream greenhouse. So you can grow your food, cultivate exotic flowers, or enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening year-round.

Let’s get growing!

Determine your goals while planning greenhouse

If you want to grow plants throughout the year, your greenhouse should be well-insulated and have efficient heating and cooling systems.

You may need a smaller greenhouse with adequate light and temperature control to start seeds early in the season.

If you plan to grow exotic or tropical plants, ensure that your greenhouse can maintain the specific climate requirements for those plants.

Choose a suitable location

Here’re some factors to consider when choosing a suitable location while planning greenhouse:

Sunlight availability: To achieve optimal photosynthetic efficiency, it’s essential to ensure that your greenhouse receives a minimum of 6 hours of constant sunlight per day, particularly during the winter months.

Accessibility: Choose a site close to your home or garden shed to facilitate easy access to essential tools, water, and electricity supplies.

Drainage: Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and associated plant health issues. Select a well-drained site or invest in appropriate drainage solutions.

Wind protection: A natural windbreak or constructed barrier can help protect your greenhouse from strong winds and minimize heat loss.

Decide on the size and design of greenhouse

Determine the number of plants you want to grow and ensure enough space for each to thrive.
Plan for shelves, cabinets, and a workspace for potting and other gardening tasks.
When planning your greenhouse, consider the possibility of future growth to avoid the need for extensive modifications down the line.
Include cabinets or bins for storing tools, pots, and other gardening supplies.

Choose a greenhouse structure

Freestanding: These greenhouses are separate from your home and provide flexibility in size and design.

Attached: Also known as lean-to greenhouses, these structures are attached to your home, utilizing existing walls for insulation and support.

Hoop: These greenhouses have a curved frame, are typically made of PVC or metal, and are covered with plastic film. They are often affordable and easier to construct.

A-frame: A-frame greenhouses have a simple, triangular structure that provides good stability and efficient use of space.

Select the appropriate materials

While planning greenhouse, keep in mind all the options for the frame and glazing materials. You can choose the ones, which most fit with your goals and your plants choices.

Frame materials

These are the most common frame materials used for greenhouse:

Wood – Natural and attractive, but may require maintenance.
Metal – Strong, durable, but may conduct heat.
PVC – Affordable, lightweight, but less durable.

Glazing options

Here’re given most common glazing material options for the greenhouse :

Glass – Classic, high light transmission, but heavy and fragile.
Polycarbonate – Strong, lightweight, good insulation, but can scratch.
Plastic film – Affordable, easy to install, but less durable and with lower insulation.

Plan for ventilation, heating, and cooling

Determine the level of insulation needed to maintain a stable internal temperature, particularly in regions with harsh winters.
Include roof vents, side vents, or automatic vent openers to allow hot air to escape and fresh air to enter.
Consider using gas or electric heaters, a solar heat collector, or a passive solar design.
Incorporate shade cloths, evaporative coolers, or fans to lower temperatures during hot weather.

Budget and Gather Resources

Initial investment: Establish a budget for constructing and equipping your greenhouse, taking into account expenses for permits, site preparation, and labor.
Maintenance and operating costs: Estimate ongoing expenses like heating, cooling, and water consumption. Implement energy-efficient strategies and sustainable practices to minimize costs and reduce the environmental footprint of your greenhouse.

Assemble and construct

DIY construction: If you have the skills and tools, consider building your greenhouse yourself, following detailed plans or a greenhouse kit’s instructions.
Professional help: If you need more time, hire a contractor or greenhouse specialist to help with construction.
Assistance: Enlist friends, family, or neighbours to help with tasks like digging, assembling the frame, or installing the glazing.

Install systems and utilities

Run electricity to your greenhouse for lighting, heating, and any automated systems you use.
Guarantee a consistent supply of high-quality water for your plants. Consider sustainable options like rainwater harvesting to reduce your reliance on municipal water sources.
Choose a suitable irrigation method (drip, overhead, or manual) based on your plants’ water requirements, resource availability, and water conservation goals.
Consider adding automated temperature control, irrigation, or shading systems to simplify greenhouse management.
Maintain a clean, clutter-free greenhouse to minimize the risk of disease outbreaks and discourage pest infestations.

Choose the right plants for your greenhouse

Climate and light requirements: Opt for plant varieties that flourish in your greenhouse’s specific conditions, taking into account light intensity, temperature, and humidity levels.
Space considerations: Be mindful of the available space when choosing plants, ensuring adequate room for growth and air circulation.
Crop rotation and companion planting: Implement crop rotation and companion planting strategies to enhance soil health, deter pests, and maximize yield.

Prepare soil and growing media

Use high-quality, well-draining soil or growing media suited to your plants’ needs.
Improve soil quality and fertility by incorporating organic matter, slow-release fertilizers, and micronutrients to provide an ideal growing environment for your plants.
Choose from pots, raised beds, or hydroponic systems, depending on your plants and growing preferences.
Install stakes, trellises, or hanging systems to support plants that need additional structure.
Investigate soilless cultivation methods like hydroponics or aeroponics for efficient nutrient delivery, water conservation, and the potential to grow plants in limited space.

Plant and Maintain

Planting: Transplant established plants or sow seeds directly into your greenhouse’s growing media.
Maintenance: Regularly water, fertilize, and prune your plants, and monitor for pests and diseases.
Environmental monitoring: Use a thermometer, hygrometer, and soil moisture meter to track temperature, humidity, and soil conditions, adjusting your systems as needed.
Cleaning and sanitizing: Regularly clean and sanitize surfaces, tools, and equipment to preserve a healthy, disease-free environment within your greenhouse.
Structural and equipment inspections: Conduct periodic checks to ensure the structural integrity of your greenhouse and assess the functionality of all equipment, making necessary repairs or replacements as needed.

Keep the Records

Plant growth and performance: Track the progress and yield of your plants to make informed decisions about future plantings, cultivation techniques, and environmental adjustments.
Pest and disease monitoring: Maintain records of pest and disease occurrences to facilitate proactive management, prevention, and early intervention.
Environmental conditions: Monitor temperature, humidity, and light levels to optimize growing conditions and identify any issues requiring attention.

Monitor and improve

Periodically evaluate your greenhouse’s effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement or changes in your plants’ needs.
Consider upgrading systems, insulation, or materials for better energy efficiency, durability, or ease of use.
Stay informed about greenhouse gardening best practices and new technologies to optimize your greenhouse’s performance and enjoyment.

To Wrap up

Planning greenhouse is an excellent investment for any gardening enthusiast who wants to extend their growing season, experiment with different plants, save on grocery bills, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

By following the tips and guidelines in this ultimate guide, you can create a functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing greenhouse that meets your unique needs and allows you to grow healthy, nutritious, and beautiful plants year-round.

So what are you waiting for?

Start planning your dream greenhouse today and experience the joy of gardening like never before!