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Introduction

Plants intolerant of freezing or near freezing temperatures require winter protection from the various cold fronts that sweep through and drop temperatures below or near freezing for short periods of time. And when trying to start your new
plants early spring a Hobby Greenhouse is a must.

In order to ensure healthy continuation of growth for such plants, a hobby greenhouse is virtually a necessity for the serious plant collector.

This page will offer useful advice on this subject in regard to design, construction, operation and maintenance of a Hobby Greenhouse.

The following assumptions will be used to discuss this topic. A hobby greenhouse will not exceed 8'by12'in size, and used only for hobby/plant collection purposes, and be located on an average residential lot.

I will assume that the expense of building and operating a hobby greenhouse is a luxury to a family's budget and therefore a concern.

MATERIALS

A hobby greenhouse can be framed in wood, PVC, or any other durable product. The most important element is the clear covering which can be either glass, fiberglass, polyvinyl or poly wrap.

Unless The greenhouse is being constructed as an attached add-on to your home for use as a surname or conservatory, glass is not a preferable alternative. It is the most aesthetically pleasant choice, but the easiest to damage.

Aluminum framing also generally is associated with attached greenhouses. Aluminum and glass are also the most expensive alternatives. On the other extreme there is PVC and Wood.

Its advantage is easy up and easy down when needed and not needed. Polyvinyl is also considered a temporary or seasonal greenhouse solution, but it does work effectively. Polyvinyl is used by most commercial nurseries because is relatively cheap.
My choice, by deduction, is PVC and Fiberglass, not any, but UV coated greenhouse grade PVC and Fiberglass of fairly rigid thickness.

The UV coated PVC and Fiberglass blocks harmful ultra-violet rays and produces a more useable, less damaging form of light. An aluminum storm door works well with a wooden frame and is more durable over time.

SHEETING

Greenhouse coverings have come a long way since the Roman emperor Tiberius had his mica-covered "specularium" built in 30 A.D. Choices today include plastics, fiberglass, polycarbonates, polyethylenes. The latter three being the most popular choices.

Your choice of material depends on personal preference and a few other considerations.Is the material fire-resistant, hail-resistant, and energy-efficient? Will the roof hold up under a load of snow? Is it designed to maximize the sunlight for full and even plant growth? How long will it last? The life span of most plastics is anywhere from one to 20 years, but one perfectly placed baseball can literally knock a hole in
your greenhouse operation.

Choose the material and check the warranty carefully, just in case. Until a few years ago, plastic film only lasted for one year. New technology now produces films that last two to three years before they need replacement. Special mending tape can be applied to punctures and tears in the interim to prevent the damage from spreading.

Films come in a wide range of thicknesses, sizes, and special properties. Some films even aid in disease control and act as light diffusers to eliminate leaf scorching and help prevent moisture from condensing on the walls.

YOUR WORKPLACE

Your greenhouse interior should allow enough room for potting plants and moving about comfortably. Also take into consideration the height of the benches and tables you plan to use.

And don't forget aesthetics, do you have a enough display area for your showcase plants?

How tall are the plants you intend to grow? If you want a sink, where will you put it? Will you have storage space for tools? All of these questions should be dealt with before you begin to build or purchase a kit.

Potting benches can be designed to fold down when not in use. They're usually slotted so dirt can fall to a collection bin below. Redwood is a good choice for the interior benches, but if you're concerned about the use of this wood, ask your local lumber yard about other rot-resistant woods. Avoid pressure-treated lumbers, since they are impregnated with highly toxic arsenic. To make the job easier, try a do-it-yourself bench kit with aluminum framework pieces-just add wood.

Greenhouses are essential for the commercial grower to keep pace with the demand from garden centers and floral distributors. But they are also a great boon for the home gardener, allowing for an extended growing season for all climates.

You don't have to invest alot of money in one of the greenhouse kits that you might find on the internet or in your home town to get a great greenhouse.You could exspect to spend a minimum of $1000.00 dollars for a kit and still have to build it yourself.

If you decide to go that rout you can expect to
spend three times the retail value on the price
of materials in your kit. Thats alot of thier factory overhead you will have to pay.

You can go down to your local building supply and get some great deals on greenhouse type materials
often for less than the greenhouse manufactures
buy them for.

I'll even bet if you have ever aranged a flower bed or build a planter box, you can build your own greenhouse from a set of plans and save alot of money.

With us you can purchase thus far 3 different sets of "You build it" Greenhouse plans. Our plans meet the needs of those interested in just learning to grow inside, and those who have been gardening enthusiest for years.

It doesn't end with receiving our plans in the mail! We give you "THE DIRT"; that is answering questions or concerns you may have by contacting us; via e-mail or at our mailing address(Snail*Mail).

As you know shopping over the Internet is an activity engaged in by literally millions of people everyday. We here at Sierra Sun Greenhouses have made it safe and easy for you to make a wise purchase over the internet.

Do you have your own Greenhouse ideas? Let us help you draw out your own set of plans and select the most cost efficient yet quality parts for your success!