Greenhouse Installation - Tips for Home Hobby Greenhouses
Preparing and installing your greenhouse can be a cinch, or it can take lots
of planning and preparation time. If you are planning on buying a portable
greenhouse, like the Germinator and many Flowerhouse models, little or no
preparation is needed. These portable models will go up and be taken down
after a rather short period of time. Larger, permanent greenhouse take more
planning, as they will be a permanent fixture in your yard..
Building Permits
A greenhouse that is anchored to the ground will likely require a building
permit from your town, prior to installation. A portable greenhouse, probably
will not require a permit. We suggest that you talk with your local town
building department prior to installing any greenhouse, to identify
any potential issues or requirements.
Greenhouse Site Selection
Selecting the perfect site for your greenhouse should be tops on your mind,
prior to selecting and buying one. Here are some key things to consider:
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Sunlight- You will want to position your greenhouse to allow as much sunlight
as possible.
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Protection from wind is important with smaller units, and those with plastic
windows. The ideal placement is a spot in full sunlight, yet on the leeward
side of a house, garage, hedgerow, or other objects that can break,
or deter, the full effect of high winds.
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Proximity to trees- Broken branches could fall and cause damage. This is
especially true of a plastic greenhouse. Even polycarbonate window may be
scratched or damaged by heavy branches.
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Proximity to your house and/or gardens.
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Proximity to power, if you are planning to use electricity inside of the
greenhouse.
Preparing the Site for your Greenhouse
We tell people that the most important thing about preparing the site is
making it level. Whether it's a small Guarden Raised Bed Greenhouse, or a
full-sized walk-in Juliana model, the ground needs to be leveled off. The
appearance of your unit says a lot about you and your gardens. Being level,
will also make it easier to use. Doors and entryways will work better. Worktables
and benches will fit better inside.
Cleanup brush, shrubs and bushes around the site. It will make the whole
area, including your new greenhouse, look great. You may also need to trim
branches of nearby trees or shrubs to let in additional sunlight. This
should be done before you install your greenhouse...not afterwards.
Protection from the Wind
As described above, smaller and plastic walled models need some protection
from the full force of high winds.
Your greenhouse should also be anchored to the ground to prevent damage from
high winds. Portable greenhouse are usually anchored with long spikes into
the ground. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to the number of spikes.
Usually, they are included with the kit.
Larger greenhouses should also be anchored to the ground or the foundation
in some manner. Anchor bolts should be used with cement foundations. Large
screws or bolts work well with landscaping timber. Many units, like Rion
and Juliana, greenhouses, have bases that are sold separately. The
bases are buried into the ground with the tops art ground level. Then, the
greenhouse is attached to the base as it is built.
Never set a greenhouse onto the ground without properly anchoring it securely.
Or, during he next high wind, you may find it "Gone with the Wind".
Greenhouse Floors
Greenhouse floors can be grass, dirt, stone or gravel, brick, wood chips,
sawdust or a cement foundation. Select the floor that is best for you and
your greenhouse.
Regardless of the choice, we recommend that the floor level be slightly above
the ground level around your greenhouse. This is true, even for cement
floors. A slightly elevated floor is less likely to get muddy, soggy, or
experience water from excess rainfall or sudden snow melt.
Installing Electrical Power
Many growers want electricity in their new greenhouse. This first step
in this endeavor, is to contact your town and identify the proper codes and
requirements. It almost certainly will require underground electrical cable.
We recommend a certified, or licensed electrician to install the electrical
work properly and safely.
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