A Complete Guideline On Planning A Greenhouse For Garden A2z

A complete guideline on planning a greenhouse for garden with planting guide: Your greenhouse project will open up a new world even in colder or unpredictable environmental conditions to extend your season to all the year-round. You can cultivate healthy, strong, and contamination-free crops and vegetables in your personal greenhouse ecosystem. Now we will discuss the greenhouse planting guide step by step!

Site Selection for planning a greenhouse

The closer to the house your greenhouse is located, the more you are likely to use it easily. And consider access to electricity and water,  both of which you’ll probably need. For site selection, some more important points should be considered as follows.

Adequate land: a minimum of 2-5 acres of land is required to allow all facilities for this like outdoor growing area, access, parking, and buffers, etc. The soil should be of good drainage.

Quality water: The required amount of water depends on several factors like climate, irrigation system, crops are grown. In general, a supply of 0.3 gallons/day/sq ft of growing space is appropriate for a greenhouse system.

Topography: the greenhouse site should have a gentle slope to the south that increases solar gain. And the site should provide good drainage of rain and runoff. A site with 1% to 3% is suitable because it reduces the cost of preparation of the greenhouse.

Orientation: solar entrance is required for a long time of a day and a year to supply enough energy for photosynthesis.

Layout: facilities master plan,  parking and access, storage, and outdoor production areas should be analyzed properly in their own site for the greenhouse growers.

Study on plants for greenhouse

For good maintenance of a greenhouse plant study should be continued. For different information or questions, search the internet to make yourself better to build a greenhouse. If you are interested in buying a greenhouse it is also important to know about the greenhouse in case of buying. Otherwise, it could cause some trouble for you. Because it is a long time investment project.

Benefits of Growing Plants in a Greenhouse

Greenhouse gardening is not like conventional gardening. It is a new modern scientific way to produce crops and vegetables. So there are benefits. Some are discussed below.

Healthy and toxic-free foods: a lot of time many people find their foods bought from the market are not toxic materials free. By greenhouse gardening, anyone can solve this problem easily.

Longer growing season: since we can customize all climatic conditions in a greenhouse, it is possible to grow all crops at any time of the year.

Keep beneficial insects inside: there are many insects that are beneficial for a selective crop. The beneficial or harmful insects can be controlled in a greenhouse as required.

Customization is easy: it gives you facilities that you can grow any of the crops you want.

Save energy: it gives you the space to conserve energy sources like water.

Relaxation and stress relief:  in conventional gardening, stress is always with you. But greenhouse planting reduces the stress for your crops. And gives you the opportunity to enjoy your life.

Save from pests and predators: Pests and predators like moles, deer, and squirrels, certain rodents can be easily kept out.

Planting in summer or winter

The warm weather/summer crop cultivation can be very costly during cold periods of the year and vice-versa. The energy costs alone are enough to turn most greenhouse growers away from off-season production. But both warm and cold weather crops can be a fun and delicious project for greenhouse growers. During the cold months of December or January, plant heartier vegetables like beets, leafy greens, chard, spinach, onions, carrots can be transplanted almost year-round, leaving plenty of opportunity for continued growth well through the spring and summer.

Types of greenhouse

The design of the greenhouse is an important factor in the success the greenhouse production.

A greenhouse can be classified into two categories as follows. 

Freestanding greenhouse 

 A free-standing greenhouse can have a Quonset, gable roof shape.  The Quonset (hoop) is the least expensive and available in widths to 34′.  Gable roof shape designs have higher light transmission and shed snow easier.  Gable designs may use trusses to span width up to 60′. The free-standing design is usually the best choice for the small grower planning on less than 10,000 sq ft of growing space.  It is easy to build additional greenhouses.  

Gutter connected greenhouse 

This greenhouse is a series of Quonset arches connected together at the gutter base.  Individual bays vary from 12′ to 30′ in width and have a clearance of 10′ – 16′ at the gutter.  Bays can be put together to get the desired width.  Lengths up to 300′ are available.  A gutter-connected greenhouse offers the greatest flexibility.  The vertical sides give good space utilization. Gutter-connected greenhouses are usually most efficient and economical in a size of at least 10,000 sq ft. Utilities are centralized and easier to install.

Glazing 

Double poly is a low-cost material with a life of 4 years.  Polycarbonate and acrylic structured sheet glazing provides greater insulation but increases initial cost.  Although initially more expensive, wide pane glass is the preferred glazing where high light levels are required during the winter.

Selection of sheds for planning a greenhouse

Wooden shades are popularly used. It depends on your requirements that what type of shade is better for you. Because different shades are suitable in different types of greenhouse production. So it is important to know the types of greenhouse shades. 

Types of sheds of greenhouse

There are mainly three types of greenhouse shades. These are described as follows.

Resin shades

Resin sheds are one of the most recent types of sheds. They are made from different types of materials. Some are vinyl and others are made from polyethylene or other resin materials. Vinyl. Therefore, many people lump them together. Vinyl sheds tend to be more durable. Vinyl sheds do not crack easily and are more weather resistant. They can usually withstand extreme temperatures better than other plastic sheds. This is a great choice for those who live in hot and humid climates.

Advantages of resin sheds

• Easy Cleaning

Relatively maintenance-free and cleaning your plastic shed is easy. To do this just use soap and water.

•  Rot, Insect, and Rust Resistant

You never have to paint it, sand it or treat it with insect repellant.

•  Easy To Move

It’s easy to move and transport a plastic shed, as they generally weigh less than their metal or wood counterparts.

Disadvantages of resin sheds

•  Less Sturdy

Though they are durable, they are not as strong as metal or wooden sheds. Buying a vinyl shed will ensure a stronger frame, though it may still be weaker than metal or wood.

• Less Customizable

Plastic sheds may be difficult to customize. Plastic sheds cannot bear as much weight on their walls as a wooden shed, limiting the number of shelves or hooks you can add on. You cannot change or add shingles, paint, or customize the exterior to match your house.

• Pricing

Plastic sheds tend to be well priced, even for larger sizes. 

Wooden Sheds

Advantages of wooden sheds:

• Most Visually Attractive Option

These are considered the most attractive and the most customizable.

• Varieties Of Designs And Sizes

Wooden sheds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often with different window and door styles.

• Easy Customization

You can easily shingle or paint your wooden shed to match your house. It is relatively simple to install a window or extend a wooden shed on your own.

• Very Strong & Durable

A high-quality wooden shed is also extremely strong and durable. A well-built shed will have a sturdy frame able to withstand even the strongest winds.

Disadvantages of wooden sheds

•  Requires Maintenance

Unlike metal and plastic sheds, wooden sheds do require some maintenance.

•  Requires Insect Resistant Wood

Insects may decide your shed looks like a good home. Buying a high-quality shed made from a natural insect and rot-resistant wood, such as red cedar, will help your wooden shed last longer.

• Price

Smaller, simple wooden sheds range in price from $900.00 – $2000.00. Large wooden sheds range in price from $2500.00 – $4000.00. Very large wooden sheds can cost $5000.00+.

Metal Sheds

Advantages of Metal sheds:

• Durable

Metal sheds are durable. They do not rot and are insect resistant. You can place them in direct sunlight or severe cold conditions without any consequences.

• Requires No Maintenance

Like plastic sheds, metal sheds require little maintenance. A metal shed does not require painting, sanding, or treatment for insects.

Disadvantages of Metal sheds:

•  Hard To Customize

Hard to customize, often requiring heavy-duty tools the average homeowner does not have.

•  Prone To Rust

Metal sheds are also prone to rust and corrosion. Rust will be more problematic in cooler and wetter climates. If you live in a dry, warm area, you may not see problems with rust for a long time.

•  Often Not Very Sturdy

Though metal sheds are durable through all kinds of weather, they sometimes seem flimsy.

• Visually Unappealing

Because of their material, metal sheds are not aesthetically pleasing. They are made to get the job done, not to impress. They are still the least attractive shed type.

• Price

These sheds are the cheapest option, usually ranging in price from $300.00-700.00 for a medium-sized shed.

Which Shed is for you?

If you want a shed to look nice and have a unique use, wooden sheds are the best choice. Resin sheds are best when you potentially need to move your shed frequently or if you have insect problems on your property. Metal sheds are best when you are on a tight budget and just need a shed for basic storage needs.

Environment Control in a greenhouse

• Heating

If you are in a cold climate, you may need to insulate your greenhouse to help keep your plants warm. While a lot of sunlight will come in during the day, an uninsulated greenhouse will cool off quickly at night. In this case, a heating system may be called for.

• Shading

When the sun is directly hitting the greenhouse, shading can keep plants from getting burned by reducing the amount of summer heat. Polypropylene shade cloth, roll-up screens of wood or aluminum, vinyl plastic shading, or paint-on materials can all be used to shade plants.

• Ventilation

Vents can be hand-cranked, but you’ll need to monitor temperatures closely. There are electric and temperature-sensitive hydraulic vents that automatically open and close. Plants can get too hot even during cold or cool weather, so good greenhouse ventilation is crucial. 

• lighting 

Many greenhouses need artificial lighting to properly light the plants. If your greenhouse isn’t naturally lit most days, or your plants need longer days than are generally available at your location for fluorescent.

Necessary practices

• Water the right way

Keep a bucket filled with ambient-temperature water – chilly water from outdoors can give plants a shock. It’ll also boost humidity on hot days. If your outdoor tap is some. In a greenhouse, you have three main options on where to grow your plants – in pots, growing bags, or border soil. 

• Sanitation

It is vital for the greenhouse. There’s nothing more frustrating than fungus, bacteria, bugs that infiltrate a greenhouse, causing chaos and ruining a whole season of plants.

• Irrigation

Large greenhouses often employ drip irrigation, but a smaller setup may be able to be fully watered by hand with a watering can. Avoid watering plants directly with a hose-sprayer, since this can encourage and spread mold spores. 

Related article: Methods of watering plants

• Drainage

Drainage is also vital, so make sure your benches are slightly slanted to keep the water-shedding, or designed with lots of holes or slats to allow water to drip through.

• Fertilizer application

Many prefer the organic route, but the difficulties with organic seeds may bring frustrating results during your first attempt. Finding natural fertilizers or composted soil is a good alternative.

• Pesticide application

It is recommended against the use of pesticides for indoor growth. A proper greenhouse will protect against outside contamination by pests and diseases.

Greenhouse Planting Schedule

You can determine a planting schedule supporting the foremost effective times to put specific vegetables in your garden. There are some seeds that only take 2 weeks for germination, while others require up to 11 weeks.

• Hardy Vegetables

As usual frost-tolerant vegetables include beets, leafy salad greens, Swiss chard, spinach, bulb onions, turnips, and carrots. Beets and carrots are often continually reset from March through August-September. other types of onions like bulb onions are usually transplanted early January.

• Cool-Season Crops

Advised cool climate crops include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower including lettuce. These prefer average growing temperatures of 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Warm-Season Vegetables

Include other favorites like tomatoes, vining beans, cucumbers, legumes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, peas, corn, and melons. You must also follow the planting schedule for starting warm-season annual flowers.

• Second Crops

In temperate climate territory, you will be able to start a second crop in preparation for the cooler climate. You must start these in case of your greenhouse during the time of July and August. You will harvest these later in autumn through the subsequent early spring.

A short guide on greenhouse planting

Since the significant amount of time, effort and research is applied, the benefits of growing your own food should be very clear. Self-sufficiency, high-quality maintenance, and better growth year-round are just the beginning. As you learn and grow along with your crops, you’ll be able to expand on your expertise.