A greenhouse is a necessary building for all owners of summer cottages, since this design allows not only growing strong seedlings, but also getting an early harvest of vegetable crops. In addition, plants demanding care can be grown in it, since such a building allows you to shelter them from frost and pests.
It is not difficult to build a greenhouse with your own hands, since it is much smaller than a greenhouse, and its design is simple, so you can not buy special building materials for construction, but use those that are already on the farm. In this article, we will consider the technology of building a greenhouse with our own hands, as well as consider the main materials that can be used for this purpose.
DIY greenhouse
Before building a greenhouse, you should decide how it differs from a conventional greenhouse. Based on this, you can not only choose the appropriate design option, but also choose inexpensive, but strong enough materials for construction.
A greenhouse differs from a greenhouse in the following features:
- A greenhouse is a temporary structure in which only seedlings and early vegetable and fruit crops can be grown, while a greenhouse can be used year-round;
- Heating equipment is not installed in greenhouses, and the optimal temperature is maintained by the sun or with the help of compost and manure that are in the ground;
- Greenhouses are usually low, so they are only suitable for growing low-growing crops, while shrubs and even trees can be grown in a greenhouse.
It should also be borne in mind that greenhouses differ from greenhouses in that they can be stationary and portable, and almost any available materials can be used for their construction.
Note: As a rule, arcs are used as a frame for such structures, which are covered with a film, but such a building can also be built from improvised materials.
There are a lot of options for building greenhouses from improvised materials (Figure 1). For example, old window frames can be used for this purpose. They can be mounted horizontally on a wooden box, or placed vertically to create a triangular shape. A simple model can also be made from an ordinary old barrel by covering its upper part with a cut plastic canister or film.
Figure 1. Design options from improvised materials Ordinary wooden or plastic boxes can also be used as a small portable greenhouse: all you have to do is cover the top with thick plastic wrap.
The choice of material for assembling a greenhouse or greenhouse
Despite the fact that such a building can be made from improvised materials, it is better to use more durable and reliable materials, especially if you want the created structure to last for several years.
Next, we will consider the main materials that can be used for the construction of the frame and as the outer covering of the building. Using this information, you can choose the most suitable option for yourself.
Polycarbonate
This material is considered one of the most modern and is widely used for the construction of greenhouses. The technical and operational characteristics of polycarbonate fully justify its cost. The fact is that sheets of such material are much more expensive than a conventional film, but at the same time, the finished structure will have high strength and will last for many years, and due to the transparency of polycarbonate, enough light will get inside. In addition, this material makes the building airtight, so the plants inside will develop more evenly (Figure 2).
Note: If you plan to use polycarbonate as a cover, it is better to use sheets with a thickness of 4 mm. They are strong enough, but at the same time lightweight and suitable for installation on any frame.
Figure 2. Polycarbonate structures The size of the sheets can be any: polycarbonate can be easily cut into pieces of the required area, depending on the characteristics of the frame. However, it should be borne in mind that for fixing the material it is necessary to use special self-tapping screws and thermal washers, which will not only ensure the reliability of fastening, but also prevent cracking of the sheets.
profile pipe
Recently, profile pipes have been actively used for the construction of greenhouse frames. This is due to the fact that this material can be freely sawn into any parts and create a structure of any shape and size.
To build a frame from a profile pipe, you will need a tape measure to take the necessary measurements, a level and a plumb line, as well as metal scissors and a screwdriver for cutting and fastening parts.
The construction of a frame from a profile pipe is carried out as follows:
- Using self-tapping screws, a guide profile is attached to the foundation.
- The top beam should be positioned so that all side sections are evenly distributed. In this case, the beam must be securely fixed and not move.
- The side beams are attached to the central one, adhering to a step of one third or a fourth of the length of the polycarbonate sheet.
Structural elements can be fastened with self-tapping screws, but if you are going to use the structure for a long time, it is better to weld them to increase strength.
Polypropylene or PVC pipes
If you need to quickly build a closed garden bed, or you do not have the opportunity to buy and cut the profile correctly, you can always use polypropylene or PVC pipes as a frame material.
The advantage of using such pipes is that they can be given almost any shape with minimal physical effort. In addition, such material is relatively inexpensive, and if construction work has recently been carried out in your country house, the remains of pipes can also be used for construction (Figure 3).
Note: The flexibility of the pipes and the ease of their installation make it possible to create not only stationary, but also portable models, since the finished structure can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the new season.
The technology for building a frame from plastic pipes looks like this:
- On the prepared site, metal pins are dug in, adhering to the area of \u200b\u200bthe future structure and the layout of the arcs. In addition, each such pin should protrude above the ground by about 30 cm.
- A pipe is put on the protruding edge of the pin and bent, giving the desired shape.
- The second end of the pipe is put on a pin located at the opposite end of the future building.
- After that, you need to fix the arcs among themselves, attaching them to the central pipe, the length of which should correspond to the length of the entire building. If you do not have pipes of a suitable length, you can use two pieces of material, but they must be securely fastened together.
Figure 3. Assembling the frame from plastic pipes The final stage of construction will be covered with a dense plastic film or polycarbonate sheets. The instructions above show the construction technology of the simplest arched model, but if you wish, you can build a triangular structure.
Greenhouse from window frames
A small but functional greenhouse can be built from old window frames. However, it should be borne in mind that such a design will not have the tightness of a model made of film or corrugated board, but it is quite suitable for growing a small amount of seedlings, early vegetables and greens.
With minor drawbacks of window frame structures, they also have several important advantages. Firstly, you significantly save on construction, since you do not have to buy any materials for the construction of the building. Secondly, the technology for building such a room is quite simple, and even beginners can handle this task (Figure 4).
Note: If there is glass in the old window frames, they can be left as a covering. If the frames are empty, after installation they can be covered with a film.
To build a model from window frames, you must first build a foundation. To do this, you can simply mount the frame of wooden boards or beams. A bar with a section of 50x50 mm or boards with a thickness of 40 mm is considered optimal. The frame frame is formed by uprights, upper and lower trims made of boards of the same size. In this case, the step between the strapping must exactly match the size of the window frame.
If you plan to build a triangular-shaped structure, you should additionally install a central rack of timber, the length of which should correspond to the length of the closed bed. Such a gable design will prevent the destruction of the building under the weight of snow.
Figure 4. Drawings of structures from window frames The window frames themselves are attached to the supports using conventional nails or screws. To increase the strength of the structure, the frames are fixed at four corners, not only outside, but also inside. The resulting cracks are sealed with mounting foam.
Film
Despite the fact that the film is considered an outdated material for covering greenhouses, it is still popular due to its low cost and ease of installation. In addition, film models do not need a foundation, and the light weight of the film does not carry a serious load on the frame.
It should be borne in mind that film buildings do not have a long service life. Even with careful handling and the absence of serious negative effects of precipitation, such a building will last at best one or two seasons. However, for growing seedlings and early greenery, such structures are often used. Wooden beams can be used as a frame, to which the film is attached with nails or screws. In addition, you can build a simple arched model by installing supports made of thick wire or plastic pipes, on which you can then simply stretch the film.
Do-it-yourself drawings and projects of a greenhouse
If you do not have skills in building drawings, but have a desire to get your own greenhouse, you can always use ready-made drawings and projects of similar structures.
Figure 5. Finished drawings of various types of models Figure 5 below shows some simple options for small indoor structures that you can easily build with your own hands.
How to assemble a greenhouse yourself on the video
Many summer residents refuse the idea of building a greenhouse with their own hands, fearing that the structure will not be strong enough and airtight, and the plants inside will die. To master the necessary practical skills for the construction of such structures, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video, which shows in detail all the stages of construction.
As a rule, planting is done in the spring, but you need to take care of the conditions, in particular, we are talking about protection from low temperatures. Especially when it comes to vegetables.
Greenhouses and greenhouses do an excellent job with this task. How to make it from almost improvised materials and see below.
How is a greenhouse different from a greenhouse?
Before delving into the question of how to make a greenhouse, let's decide what is the difference between a greenhouse and a greenhouse:
- The greenhouse is used for growing seedlings and further planting in open beds, while plants can be in the greenhouse all year round;
- The required temperature level in the greenhouse is maintained due to the presence of compost or manure in the soil, while in the greenhouse there is an additional, third-party heating source;
- It is possible to grow trees in a greenhouse, but this cannot be done in a greenhouse.
What are greenhouses?
A greenhouse can be stationary or portable (a photo of a greenhouse in the country is presented below).
A stationary greenhouse can have all kinds of shapes, the most common model is a butterfly (it got its name due to the doors opening on both sides).
Portable more often in the form of a tunnel. The main material in both cases is a polymer film.
From all this it follows that it is quite possible to make a greenhouse with your own hands, this is the same creative process as growing cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.
Material selection
Before considering how to make a greenhouse with your own hands, let's deal with the issue of choosing a material.
When choosing a material, it must be borne in mind that it must meet the following requirements:
- Good light transmission;
- Resistance to various kinds of deformations, with strong gusts of wind, for example;
- Easy to install and assemble the whole structure;
- Durability.
As for the materials used, the cheapest, and most importantly practical, is the film, and here are its types:
- polyethylene;
- stabilized film;
- polyvinyl chloride.
Covering materials include:
- agril;
- lutrasil.
In order to finally decide and understand which material is preferable, it is necessary to compare them, and consider the pros and cons of each.
Glass
The advantages of glass include: it transmits approximately 94% of the light, serves for a long time, retains heat.
By cons: it gets very hot in the summer, a strong load on the main frame.
Film
The advantages of this material include: low cost, low weight, no foundation is needed.
Note!
By cons: fragility, difficult to wash.
Polycarbonate
Pros: good light transmission, high level of thermal insulation, lightweight and durable.
What to use to make a frame for a greenhouse
The frame is a kind of basis for a greenhouse, most often it is made of wood or plastic, less often of metal pipes.
wooden frame
The main plus is its environmental friendliness. It is also worth noting that it is very simple in terms of installation.
For installation, you will need the following tools: a hammer, a screwdriver, a saw, nails, rubber as a sealing element, wooden bars, a ruler.
Note!
It is advisable to cover the wooden elements of the future structure with drying oil before the installation process.
Execution sequence
First of all, a beam is attached to the mortgage mount, which will then become the base. Then the main beam is placed around the perimeter of the foundation, and temporarily everything is fastened with nails.
Side and corner beams are fastened with a bar diagonally. The door frame is installed to the side pillars. The cornice is attached to the top of the side and corner beams.
Roof
In the area of \u200b\u200bthe points where the vertical beams are fixed, it is necessary to remove a beam, the length of which is 2 m. The roof beams must be fixed at an angle equal to 30 degrees, they are connected to each other by a beam. In the area of \u200b\u200bthe end points, they must be supported by vertical guides.
The final fixing of the roof frame is done with the help of corners and strips on self-tapping screws.
Note!
Doorway
The door frame is attached first. Do not forget in the middle and upper part of the opening is fixed with special stiffeners.
Application of metal pipes
A greenhouse, as mentioned above, can be made from metal pipes, and also with your own hands. This design is more durable.
You will need: a welding machine, a hammer, a grinder, a special nozzle for working with metal (disk).
The pipe is divided into two identical parts. Tees are welded to the edges of the base pipe, crosses are welded every half a meter. The cut off elements must be welded to the crosses.
Special tees are attached to the arc to secure the door pillar.
Covering the greenhouse
After the frame is ready, you can start covering.
Film
The easiest material to use is film. It is necessary to cover the entire structure, leaving a margin of 15 cm, and then cut off.
Polycarbonate
The front side of polycarbonate, the one where the picture is shown. First you need to cut the sheets. Seal the cuts from above with sealing tape, perforated from below.
First, polycarbonate is attached from above, then on the sides. Mounted on the frame with a special profile, as well as rubber gaskets.
At the end, a seal and door fittings are installed.
Ventilation
In greenhouses, in order to create ventilation (ventilation), you just need to open the doors, but it is advisable to do this in warm weather.
A greenhouse is an indispensable thing for a gardener who is going to harvest a large crop of tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables in the future, by approaching the design wisely and following all the instructions, everything will definitely work out.
DIY greenhouse photo
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the 3 most popular and simple ways to make a greenhouse with your own hands: manufacturing option from pipes, from polycarbonate and a budgetary method of manufacturing from improvised means. Each method has photo instructions and a detailed description of the manufacturing process.
To diversify your diet, provide your family with real natural vitamins before the new crop appears on the market, and with the right approach, even to deliver fresh vegetables and berries to the table all year round, you need to build
However, before starting work, you need to carefully think through all the nuances of the future process, thoroughly understand the issue:
- To begin with, you should immediately decide what area can be allocated for it.
- The second thing to decide is the functionality of the building - whether the greenhouse will work all year round or will it start to be used only in the spring. The year-round option will require much more effort and materials, as it will require the installation of heating, lighting, water supply and good ventilation.
- The next step is to select the type of greenhouse construction and the material from which it will be built.
And in order to decide which of their structures to build, you need to consider some of them in more detail.
Types of greenhouses
There are many types of greenhouses, and besides, on the basis of the general principle of their device, many craftsmen come up with own options for greenhouses or individual elements of this agrotechnical structure. Greenhouses can be conditionally divided according to different criteria, such as the shape of the structure, material of manufacture, stationarity or temporary construction.
Greenhouse structures
- The frame of the greenhouse can be made of boards, and the useful volume is protected by a lid in the form that can be opened. This type of greenhouse is suitable for growing seedlings or greenery, for its early delivery to the table.
- Another temporary type of greenhouse installed only for the spring-summer period, arranged from a wooden frame, fiberglass reinforcement and polyethylene film.
The simplest - temporary tent greenhouses Such a greenhouse can last for many years, if for the winter period it is disassembled into parts and cleaned indoors. Changing the film to a new one will not present much work and high costs.
Video: the simplest greenhouse on a fiberglass frame
- Some craftsmen arrange a greenhouse in a large old barrel - it is also usually used only in the spring, but you can not remove it from the site for the winter, but use it as an open garden bed or flower bed.
- More difficult type of greenhouse amenable to forced heating, and it can be used immediately after the snow melts. This design is made of boards, metal-plastic fittings and a dense plastic film or. The advantage of this greenhouse is that you can go inside the building to monitor and care for the plants.
- Capital greenhouse, which is equipped with all the necessary equipment to provide the desired microclimate, allowing it to be used throughout the year. For it, you need to make a shallow foundation, a brick base and good insulation.
This version of the greenhouse can be attached to the wall of a residential building - then it will be easier to carry out all communications into it. It will be more convenient to take care of the plants at any time of the year - the entrance to such a greenhouse can be done directly from home.
- To save money in the winter, they often arrange a so-called thermos greenhouse. For him, a foundation pit is dug with a depth of 1700-2000 mm, which is then covered with a transparent roof. In this version of the greenhouse, the correct installation of the ventilation system is very important.
Although the work on arranging such a greenhouse is quite laborious, but this design will help save a lot on paying for energy resources.
roof shape
When choosing the shape of a greenhouse, you need to be able to understand the question of which of the roof structures will be the most effective for growing plants.
- gable roofs
Greenhouses with a gable roof are quite popular, as they are spacious, and it is comfortable for not only plants, but also gardeners to be in them. With the right design, installation and choice of material, the room will be illuminated by sunlight all day long.
Such greenhouses are often used as a winter garden, planting them not only and not even so much with vegetables, but with exotic plants. However, it will be possible to implement such an option if all the necessary conditions are created - there are reliable heating, irrigation and lighting systems.
- arched roof
This version of the arched greenhouse is easier to install than a greenhouse with a gable roof. In addition, this form, covered with polycarbonate or polyethylene film, perfectly scatters the sun's rays around the room, which allows plants to get maximum natural light.
A very important point is that due to the arcuate shape, precipitation in the form of snow does not accumulate on the roof, which means that the risk of deformation and damage from high loads in winter is eliminated.
A shed roof is well suited for greenhouses that adjoin one wall to a more massive building - to a house or a high stone fence, always on the south side.
You can save money on the construction of this greenhouse, since one of its sides will be a ready-made wall, to which it will adjoin. In addition, it will be easier to carry out all communications in the greenhouse.
When designing a greenhouse with a shed roof, you need to choose the right slope so that the snow does not linger on the roof surface, since an excessively high load can damage the coating.
Greenhouse covering material
Different greenhouse designs will require different materials, but there is always one thing in common - the material for covering walls and roofs must be transparent, allowing daylight to pass through.
This table contains information on the characteristic physical, technological and operational qualities of the three most used materials, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene film and ordinary silicate glass.
| Technical and operational parameters | Cellular polycarbonate | Glass | Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation complexity and weight | Lightweight, self-supporting material. It makes it possible to reduce the number of frame parts and even completely abandon the foundation. | Glass is a heavy material, therefore, if it is chosen for coating, the building must have a strong frame and a reliable foundation (foundation). | A very lightweight material that needs to be securely fastened to the frame. |
| Durability | The operational period of a covering checked by practice - about 20-25 years, the producer gives a guarantee for 10 years of its service. Polycarbonate, due to its rigidity, is itself an element of the load-bearing structure. Once fixed, it does not give deformation and distortions. | The material is durable if protected from mechanical stress and heavy loads (snow and hail). | The service life of the film is very short, at best - two to three years, as it is destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet rays. |
| Noise isolation | The material, thanks to its honeycomb structure, suppresses wind noise well. | With poor-quality installation, the wind can penetrate into the greenhouse, and the glass can make a ringing or rattle. | It almost does not create sound insulation, and in strong winds, it rustles in the wind itself. |
| Appearance | The aesthetic and modern appearance of the material will make the greenhouse even to a certain extent a decorative element of a suburban area. | Glasses have a fairly neat appearance if installed according to all the rules. | The material looks neat only in the first year after it is fixed, then the film becomes cloudy and collapses, especially if it is left on the frame for the winter. |
| Safety | Polycarbonate is safe, does not break when dropped. It is 200 times stronger and at the same time 15 times lighter than fragile and fairly heavy glass. | Glass shards are very dangerous if they hit the ground, as they can cause very serious injury. Therefore, for safety reasons, glass installation must be carried out with strict observance of all safety rules. | In terms of injury, it's completely safe. |
| Care | Dust is almost imperceptible on the surface of the material, and if it is heavily soiled, it is enough to wash it with water from a hose. | Raindrops can linger on the surface of the glass, and then, when they dry, they leave muddy marks. To wash off these stains from the surface, you will have to make a lot of effort. | It is not recommended to wash the film, as it will leave cloudy stains that will prevent the penetration of light. |
| Created microclimate | Polycarbonate perfectly insulates the room. The drops formed as a result of condensation of ascending vapors flow down the walls of the greenhouse, and do not fall on the plants or on the gardener's head. The material transmits and diffuses sunlight very well. The heat released by plants and soil does not escape through greenhouse covers, and therefore the necessary greenhouse effect is formed. | Glass does not provide the same high thermal insulation as polycarbonate, so the greenhouse effect is significantly reduced. The material transmits light well, but does not scatter it, and low-quality glass often starts to work like a lens, which is undesirable for plant leaves. | The new dense film creates good thermal insulation, but after working for one season, it becomes thinner and cloudy, therefore it loses its ability to completely retain heat and transmit light. |
Given all these parameters, you can choose the material suitable for a particular greenhouse, which will best match the design of a particular greenhouse.
Prices for various types of greenhouses and arcs for them
Greenhouses and arcs
Preparing to build a greenhouse
Location on site
It is very important - to choose the right place for a greenhouse Expert opinion:
Demidova O.V.
Florist. Landscape designer.
In order for the plantings in the greenhouse to receive the light necessary for their development for as long as possible during the day, it is necessary to correctly position and orient the building on the site. The yield of plants largely depends on how long the beds will be illuminated with natural light. Therefore, most often greenhouses established in a completely open space or a transparent surface to the south.
Having chosen the desired version of the greenhouse, finding a suitable place for it on the site, correctly calculating your strengths and capabilities, you can proceed to drawing up a sketch and a small drawing.
greenhouse project
It is not necessary to draw all the elements along the ruler, adhering to the strict rules of drawing art. If the owner plans to build everything on his own, and makes a project for himself and his assistants, then it will be enough to draw a greenhouse by hand in such a projection in which one could see all sides of the building and put down the dimensions of all the main elements on them.
Territory marking
After drawing up the project, you can start marking the territory. This is especially important if you are building a thermos greenhouse or a winter greenhouse on the foundation, since both options involve a considerable amount of earthmoving.
The marking is done with the help of a rope and pegs, which are driven in along the perimeter of the future pit.
Pit and foundation
- If the option of a greenhouse-thermos is chosen, which can work all year round, then before you start digging a pit, you must carefully remove the top fertile soil layer from the marked area. This soil is laid in a separate pile, as it will then be needed for laying in a greenhouse.
When deepening the pit, if layers of clay are caught, then it is also folded separately from the mixed soil under the fertile soil. Clay can be useful for making adobe bricks, which can be used to insulate a greenhouse.
The depth of the pit should be at least 1700 mm, but usually it is deepened by 2000 mm. Exactly at this depth the natural geothermal heat rising from the earth is preserved, since here the soil never freezes. (Of course, provided that the greenhouse is not arranged in the northern regions of the country, where permafrost dominates relatively shallow from the surface).
The recommended width of the pit is from 2000 to 5000 mm, and the length is chosen as desired. You should not make the greenhouse wider, as it will quickly cool down, and much more electrical or other energy will be required for its heating and lighting.
In addition to the pit itself, a smooth descent is excavated, where the front door to the greenhouse will subsequently be installed.
- If a place is marked for the all-season version of the greenhouse, then a trench is marked and dug under the strip foundation with a width and depth of 300 mm.
Such a depth is quite enough, since the structure is not heavy and does not put a heavy load on the foundation. In height, above the ground, the foundation can be raised by 200 ÷ 500 mm, although sometimes it is poured only by 100 mm, and the rest of the wall is subsequently raised from brick.
Further, sand is poured into the trench and compacted, with a layer of 50 ÷ 70 mm, then crushed stone, with the same layer. After that, a formwork is installed along the trench, with a small recess in it, which is subsequently filled with mortar. Need to trace so that the concrete is poured tightly, without leaving air cavities - you can avoid this by “bayoneting”, piercing the freshly poured mortar with a bayonet shovel.
In some cases, support posts made of metal pipes are immediately embedded in the foundation, on which the remaining elements of the greenhouse will be attached.
- The third version of the base for the greenhouse is a wooden frame made of timber, which is impregnated with antiseptic compounds and placed on a sand cushion.
The simplest greenhouse base is a wooden frame on a sand cushion Installation of greenhouses
Having dealt with the base for greenhouses, you can proceed to the installation of the selected option.
Do-it-yourself greenhouse rating
| A photo | Name | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
|
Greenhouse on a wooden frame | ⭐ 70 / 100 | |
| #2 |
|
Greenhouse thermos | ⭐ 84 / 100 | |
| #3 |
|
Greenhouse on the foundation | ⭐ 96 / 100 | |
3. Greenhouse on wood frame
- no concrete foundation required;
- easy to do by hand.
- strong winds can destroy the structure.
A greenhouse that does not require a concrete foundation, and a solid wooden frame is the basis, is the easiest to install.
- The base box, made of timber with a cross section of approximately 200 × 150 mm, is laid on a flat prepared area covered with sand. The base should fit snugly to the surface of the earth with its entire area. Therefore, if a gap is found between it and the soil surface when laying the frame, then it will need to be repaired with stone linings. It is necessary to level the frame according to the level, otherwise the greenhouse will stand unevenly and unstable.
- After the box is leveled, pieces of reinforcement 700 mm long are driven into the ground along its inner corners. This measure is necessary to fix the base in place.
- The next stage along the box along its long side, pieces of reinforcement are driven into the ground, which should go into the ground by 700 ÷ 800 mm, and 600 ÷ 700 mm should remain above the surface.
The fittings are driven in at a distance of 500 ÷ 700 mm from each other and exactly opposite the same rods driven in from the other side of the box, as they will become the basis for fixing the pipes.
- Further, pre-prepared metal-plastic pipes of the required length are put on the fittings sticking out of the ground. It turns out a kind of arcade, which will become the basis for a transparent coating.
- In order for the pipes to stand tightly in one place, it is recommended to fix them with metal loops, which are screwed to the box with self-tapping screws.
... and fixing them to the box - If the structure turns out to be voluminous, then it must be strengthened along the end sides, since they must stand rigidly. This frame will not only add rigidity, but also form a doorway.
To do this, bars are vertically installed with a section of 50 × 50 mm, and then they are fastened in several places with horizontal crossbars.
Sometimes, knowing that transverse fasteners are indispensable, pipes for arches are fastened with cross adapters, into which pipe sections are installed horizontally.
Greenhouse prices
Another option for stiffening the structure is to fasten the entire arcade at the top of the vault with one common pipe.
Sometimes one central “ridge” pipe is enough Fastening is carried out with wire, plastic clamps - “ties” or construction tape.
Fastening pipes together with a plastic clamp - "tie" - Further, the frame obtained from the pipes is covered with a very dense polyethylene film. It is laid with an overlap of 200 ÷ 250 mm. In the lower part, the film is fixed to a wooden box using a construction stapler and staples.
First, the film is stretched onto the arcade, and then attached to the end sides. In the doorway, the film is bent inside the greenhouse.
- The door to the greenhouse should be light, but at the same time have a rigid structure. It is mounted from a bar 50 × 30 mm, and to prevent its deformation, one or two slats are fixed diagonally. Then the resulting "door leaf" is covered with plastic wrap.
The door is hung on appropriate, prepared for her opening with hinges. In the same way as the door, window openings are also mounted, which are located closer to the ceiling on the opposite side of the greenhouse from the doorway. This should create a flowing natural air circulation.
Video: an easy-to-use version of a compact seasonal greenhouse
2. Thermos greenhouse
- the ability to grow crops and harvest until late winter;
- long service life.
- high cost of materials;
- long and labor-intensive construction process.
Foundation for walls
- After the foundation pit for the greenhouse is ready, it is necessary to create along its perimeter. To do this, a trench is dug, and then all actions are carried out, similar to those described above, where the issue of the foundation for the winter greenhouse was considered.
- When the foundation is completely ready, you can proceed to laying the walls, not forgetting to install one or two ventilation pipes. They are mounted in the lower part of the end side of the building, opposite the front door, at a height of 500 mm from the floor.
- The pipes, after installing the roof, are raised to a height above the ground, by about 1000 mm.
Wall masonry
Masonry can be made from adobe bricks, or from fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam blocks, the cavities of which are filled with ordinary cement mortar.
- If the latter option is chosen, then insulated walls can be immediately obtained, but in this case the resulting structure will need to be separated from the ground with plastic wrap.
After the erection of stone walls, the gap between the soil and the masonry must be filled with clay, which should be well tamped. The scheme of the thermos greenhouse is well shown in the figure.
- The walls rise from the foundation above the ground by 500 ÷ 600 mm. If fixed formwork was not used for the walls, then they must be insulated to the depth of soil freezing (taking into account the climatic features of the region where the greenhouse is being built).
- Insulation can be laid on the outside of the wall, that is, between it and the ground. Therefore, the gap between them will have to expand and separate the insulation from the ground with a waterproof film.
If expanded polystyrene is chosen for insulation, and it will rise above the soil surface from the outside of the building, then it must be covered with waterproofing, and then with an external decorative coating. It is best if it is a material that is not subject to decay when moisture gets on it. For example, a plastic lining is suitable.
- Closing the insulation can be done in a different way - it is covered with expanded clay from the outside, and covered with roofing material on top. For this, corrugated board is well suited, which is fixed below polycarbonate or glazing. In this case, plastic film for roofing is not suitable.
Frame installation
The next step is the installation of the frame under the wall and ceiling covering with polycarbonate, since it is much easier and safer to mount it.
The frame is erected from wooden blocks or a rigid metal profile.
- First, on the walls raised from the pit, bars are laid and fixed with anchors, having a section size of approximately 100 × 150 mm. The rafters and the ridge beam must have the same cross-sectional size as the beams installed on the walls.
- A rare crate is attached to the rafters, about two to three bars per slope. In this case, it is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the structure.
- Further, sheets of polycarbonate are fixed to the crate. They are screwed with special self-tapping screws with a large cap (press washer) and a rubber gasket.
- Having completed the installation of the roof covering, the end sides of the greenhouse are sheathed with polycarbonate, and then the finished door is installed. It is desirable that it also has a glazed part.
- In addition, the upper part of the ventilation is mounted almost under the roof itself - a hole is made and a pipe is installed.
Building insulation
- It must be said that it is very important to leave open to the sunlight that slope of the roof that faces the south side, since the sun stays there the longest during the day.
- The second roof slope is covered from the inside of the greenhouse, which will reflect the light that enters it through the transparent part of the roof. For this purpose, polyethylene foam 5 mm thick with a foil surface is well suited.
Approximate scheme for warming a thermos greenhouse - 2 Attach it to the roof rafters with wide-headed self-tapping screws. At the junction, the insulation is bent onto the wall.
- Further, all the walls of the greenhouse are insulated in the same way. Insulation on vertical stone surfaces is fixed on “liquid nails”, or a crate of thin laths is arranged on the wall and polyethylene foam is attached to them with self-tapping screws.
Insulated thermos greenhouse - inside view The task that the foil coating should perform is not only in the reflection of lightinsidepremises, but also the preservation carbon dioxide, moisture and heat, which are vital for the photosynthesis processes that occur in plants.
Providing heating
To keep the heat inside the greenhouse for a long time, it is necessary to install doors on the ventilation openings.
The room can be heated in different ways - the electrical system "warm floor", convectors, and if the greenhouse is located near the house, then water heating can also be carried out from a gas boiler.
- If a “warm floor” system is installed, then before placing it, the bottom of the greenhouse must be prepared so that the energy does not go into the ground in vain. The system is usually mounted only under the beds, although, if necessary, it is sometimes placed under the paths between them.
The preparation goes as follows:
- a heat-insulating coating is laid on the ground. It is better if it is foil;
- a reinforcing mesh with cells of 30 × 30 mm is superimposed on top of the sand;
- a heating cable is fixed on it;
- it is covered with a sand cushion of 50 mm;
- a reinforcing mesh is laid on top of it again;
- 300 ÷ 400 mm of soil is poured on it.
All these layers are laid in formed beds, the sides of which are boards or bricks.
Most often they arrange along the walls, but if the greenhouse is very wide, then one more, additional, can be installed in the middle. It is advisable to make the beds at a slight angle so that the soil surface is slightly turned towards the transparent southern slope of the roof.
Polycarbonate prices
polycarbonate
- Recently, convectors have been increasingly installed in greenhouses to heat it.
Convectors - effective maintenance of the desired air temperature in the greenhouse They have a number of significant advantages that are ideal for greenhouses and greenhouses:
- they dry the air much less than any other heaters, as they are designed in such a way that they artificially circulate warm air;
- ease of installation - the convectors are hung on brackets installed in the wall, plugged into the socket, and the desired temperature is set on the thermostat;
- a big plus - automatic switching on and off of the heater according to the selected temperature regime - and this is a considerable energy saving;
— the convector is compact and has an aesthetic modern look.
Before buying a large room, you need to look at the characteristics of the device and its power - only after that it will be known how many heaters will be needed for a specific area.
- Another heating option can be a long-burning cast-iron boiler with a water circuit.
Heating a greenhouse with a water circuit - an approximate diagram To install such a system, you will have to work hard:
- It is necessary to install the boiler itself. Its installation is carried out in the greenhouse itself or in an adjacent room.
- A chimney pipe should be laid, which must be raised to a height of about 5000 mm.
- To pass the pipe through the hole arranged for it, it is necessary to well isolate the combustible materials of the greenhouse from the high temperature during the combustion of the boiler.
- Fill the system with water, install a temperature sensor in the greenhouse room.
Installation of this system can be called, probably, the most difficult of all other options, including - in comparison with the converter heating system.
When heating a greenhouse, you need to know that for the normal development and growth of plants, you need to maintain the air temperature within 25 ÷ 30, and the soil temperature - about 20 ÷ 25 degrees. In addition, an optimal level of humidity must be created in the greenhouse room.
1. Greenhouse on the foundation
A greenhouse installed on can easily function year-round if all the necessary conditions for this are created in it.
In this case, the assembly of the structure must be carried out with the utmost care, as the structure must be essentially airtight, except of course for the ventilation system installed.
- the longest service life;
- resistance to strong winds and hurricanes.
- high cost of materials;
For the frame of such a greenhouse, it is best to choose wood, since it conducts cold to a lesser extent than a metal profile, which is guaranteed to create “cold bridges”.
The frame for this type of greenhouse is mounted as follows:
- On stone or adobe, plastered walls erected 500 ÷ 700 mm above the ground, waterproofing material is laid. As a rule, this is an ordinary ruberoid.
- Thick wooden bars are fixed on it with anchors. Their width depends on the width of the walls, and the height can vary from 50 to 150 mm.
- The gaps between the wall and the bars (or metal profiles) must be sealed with mounting foam.
- Further, the work takes place depending on what material is chosen for the greenhouse - it can be the installation of ready-made metal-plastic frames or the construction of a wooden or metal frame.
- Then, double or even triple-glazed windows are installed in metal-plastic frames, in a wooden frame - frames from wood, with glasses already installed in them, or also double-glazed windows, and polycarbonate is most often fixed to the metal frame.
The foundation, floor and lower part of the greenhouse wall must be very well insulated. Therefore, in this case, you can take the "warm floor" system, the device of which is described above, but in addition to it, it is also recommended to install convector heating. It will maintain the desired temperature in the room well.
If the greenhouse is located in regions with very snowy winters, then when cleaning the yard from snowdrifts, it is recommended to fold the snow to the bottom of the greenhouse walls. Snow is a very good insulation and will help save on heating the building in winter.
For walls, you can choose thick glass 5 ÷ 7 mm or cellular polycarbonate 10 ÷ 15 mm thick. The honeycomb material has an air gap between the two main planes, which will work as a heater.
greenhouse lighting
Any greenhouse used in the cold season must be additionally illuminated in order to create a “spring” state in the room, since both the length of daylight hours and the intensity of winter solar radiation will not be enough for this.
In order to save energy, light emitting diode (LED) lamps are used as lighting devices. They can have different shapes, but it is recommended to place them at the highest point of the greenhouse ceiling. Of course, if desired, you can equip the room with lamps, which are most often fixed at the junction of the roof and walls or high on the walls themselves.
It is possible for the clock to put a control unit with a timer and program on it the time when the light in the greenhouse should turn on and off. Such a system will help save energy and create the most comfortable conditions for plants.
If a greenhouse is used only in the spring and summer, then it is not difficult to build it, since it does not require the creation of any special conditions for insulation and lighting. The winter version of the greenhouse, on the other hand, is rather complicated in calculations and construction, and even in everyday maintenance, and usually such complexes are satisfied by those site owners who are professionally engaged in floriculture, vegetable growing or growing exotic plants. In this case, without
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Every owner of a summer cottage sooner or later asks the question of how to increase the yield of the garden and optimize financial and physical costs. As a rule, it is after this that they begin to consider affordable greenhouses with their own hands: the best projects and features of their implementation. This article will discuss successful greenhouse designs, materials for construction and coating, as well as a detailed description of the process of building a building.
Before you start building a greenhouse, you need to decide on several fundamental aspects that will determine the size, type and location of the structure. First of all, you should think about what you plan to grow in it. For example, a greenhouse for tomatoes should match the height of adult plants, while growing seedlings exclusively does not require a large structure.
Another important point is the material from which the construction will be carried out. The most popular option, which is used in most cases, is wood. But today, wood has given way to lighter and more affordable modern materials, such as plastic pipes and covering material. But this does not mean that wooden frames were abandoned altogether. Wooden and metal greenhouses can still be found quite often.
In addition, the symmetrical arrangement of all buildings, fences and paths will help to give the site a neat appearance. But the most important thing is that at the same time, the greenhouse should be located correctly and do not close the windows of the house, do not block the passage, etc.
DIY wooden greenhouses and greenhouses: photos, instructions and material features
Wood is one of the most affordable and popular materials that is used for various construction. Of course, one cannot deny the fact that it is wood that is more than all other materials subject to the influence of external factors, however, this does not stop many owners of summer cottages who want to build a greenhouse with their own hands.
Soft wood species are acceptable for the construction of temporary structures. In this case, pine, alder, spruce, aspen or linden are suitable. For more reliable and permanent structures, it is better to use other deciduous trees or swamp cypress, larch.
In the process of building a greenhouse, the frame of which is made of wood, it is very important to prepare a reliable foundation that will become a solid foundation for the structure.
Do-it-yourself foundation options for a greenhouse and a greenhouse for a summer residence
Depending on the design features, one or another version of the foundation can be made, which will be suitable for this type of structure:
- foundation of railway sleepers or timber. To do this, you need to prepare a trench in which the sleepers or timber are laid. All these elements are connected with metal brackets. Then, a finished greenhouse frame is installed on top;
- for places where there is often windy weather, it is preferable to mount a columnar foundation. Due to the presence of a concrete base, this design can withstand severe wind loads, and even hurricanes. For this purpose, pipes with a diameter of more than 20 cm are required. They are dug in to a depth of 90 to 120 cm so that they do not freeze during the cold season;
- a block foundation is another solution to the issue of installing a base for a greenhouse or greenhouse. In this case, sand and gravel are first poured into a previously prepared trench, and then concrete blocks are placed. All this is poured with cement mortar and then a frame of bars is fixed on top;
- strip foundation is practically not used for greenhouses, as it is designed for more serious loads. A concrete pad 30-50 cm thick is located in a not too deep trench. The main advantage of this option is an extremely long service life, which allows you to change structures by installing them on the same base.
Do-it-yourself greenhouse frame assembly
Having figured out what is the difference between a greenhouse and a greenhouse, and having established the type of foundation suitable for you, you can proceed directly to the construction of the frame itself. As mentioned earlier, there are several options that you can implement yourself, such as arched or gable construction. It all depends on your preferences, as well as the features of the area on which the installation will be carried out.
Most often in summer cottages you can find rectangular greenhouses or greenhouses with a gable roof. Making wooden greenhouses with your own hands is quite simple, and their use will be quite comfortable if you think through all the nuances.
Features of each stage of construction. How to choose and fix covering material. Advantages of PVC pipe constructions.
Installation always begins with the support beam, which is attached to the foundation and is usually somewhat thicker than the rest of the wood used for the frame itself. In this case, all elements are necessarily processed with a protective antiseptic.
All fasteners must be reliable, so reinforcement, anchor or metal bolts can be used for this purpose. Another important aspect is the integrity of the timber, which is used as a base. It must be solid, without cracks and traces of decay, since the stability of the structure depends on this.
The construction of a greenhouse made of wood with your own hands is carried out according to the drawing you have chosen. But, in general, the scheme of work is as follows: it is necessary to assemble two side and two end walls, which are then fastened together with self-tapping screws, corners, metal profiles or clamps.
When the "box" is ready, you can proceed to the installation of rafters. Their number depends on your preferences, however, it should be understood that the more there are, the easier it will be to fix the covering material and the stronger the overall structure will be.
When all the rafters are fixed, you can proceed to the installation of the roof ridge, which is attached to the upper groove of the rafters. At the same stage, it is worth fixing the wind boards, for which the side grooves of the rafters are provided. You can see more details on exactly how to do this in the drawing or diagram. All these elements must be made of solid material.
The final stage of construction can be called the installation of a doorway, as well as a vent, which is provided for ventilation. After that, it remains only to cover the frame with a covering material, and you can begin operation.
Useful advice! One of the most effective ways to protect against rodents is to lay a chain-link mesh with small cells under the greenhouse. This must be done before installing the frame.
The most comfortable do-it-yourself greenhouses. Photos of models made of polycarbonate and plastic pipes
One of the modern and inexpensive options for building a greenhouse is the use of plastic pipes. Depending on the manufacturing technology, they are divided into polypropylene, metal-plastic and PVC.
The last option is slightly cheaper than all the others. But metal-plastic, although the most expensive, are able to provide a much higher level of strength. Therefore, in this case, you should be guided by your preferences and financial capabilities. As an example, you can see photos of greenhouses in the country with your own hands.
The main advantages of a plastic greenhouse frame over a wooden one are ease of installation and the ability to give the structure any shape. As in the case of wood, you need to start construction with site selection and site preparation. Having decided on the purpose and size of the greenhouse, you can proceed to the drawing of the scheme and the purchase of the appropriate amount of necessary materials.
Often, plastic pipe structures are made temporary, since they can be easily dismantled and reassembled several times. The type of foundation to be laid depends on whether the greenhouse is stationary or collapsible. In the first case, it is better to use tape or columnar. For a temporary structure, you can not make a foundation at all, but simply dig in metal pins and strengthen the site with boards.
With the help of pins, the base is made as follows:
- Strong metal pins are dug into the ground. They should protrude about 30 cm above the ground.
- One end of the pipe is put on the pin.
- The pipe is bent in such a way that the second edge can also be put on the pin, which is dug parallel to the first.
How to economically build a greenhouse with your own hands from plastic pipes
Everyone can make a simple greenhouse with their own hands without much financial investment and effort. To do this, you only need to purchase all the necessary materials, according to the selected drawing and follow a fairly simple algorithm:
- After the base arcs are installed, it is necessary to fasten them together. To do this, you need to use a pipe, the length of which will correspond to the length of the entire greenhouse.
- A long pipe (or two short ones fastened together) is located in the center of the arcs standing on the base, and is fixed as tightly as possible with clamps or ropes. On this, the assembly of the frame can be considered certified.
- As a coating, it is best to use polycarbonate or polyethylene film. In the first case, the thickness of the polycarbonate must be at least 4 mm, and the size of the sheet can be any, since this material can be easily cut and adjusted to the size of the greenhouse. In the second case, the film is cut into strips and attached to the arcs using double-sided tape, stationery binders or special pipe mounts.
- Fastening of polycarbonate or film must be overlapped. To connect the sheets, you can use self-tapping screws with wide caps or thermal washers. The main thing is to pay due attention to the sealing of the joints. To do this, you can use a special tape.
Small ones for greenery can be built with your own hands from improvised materials
Greenhouse made of covering material: which is better, polycarbonate or film
The technical and operational characteristics of polycarbonate have allowed it to take a leading position among the materials that are used to create greenhouses and hotbeds. It is quite simple to cut and fasten, and at the same time it is resistant to external factors. In addition, it has excellent light transmission, providing plants with the necessary amount of sunlight.
It is worth considering that this durable and reliable material is much more expensive than the usual and affordable polyethylene film, which is still widely used to cover greenhouses.
Everyone can figure out how to cover a greenhouse with a film. The main thing is to fix it on the frame as securely as possible and fix it below, sprinkling the edges with earth and laying heavy boards or bricks. When deciding which film to choose for a greenhouse, you should first of all be guided by its strength. But in any case, most likely, it will not last more than one season. The price of a film for a greenhouse is affordable, so you can replace it without much effort and investment.
As for the features of fastening polycarbonate, it is worth noting the presence of several different methods. So, in addition to conventional screws, you can use aluminum staples or special plastic earrings.
Another option involves the use of profiles for this purpose. In this case, you need to drill holes in advance that will allow you to attach the coating to the metal frame.
Useful advice! The use of thermal washers in the process of fixing polycarbonate is a mandatory measure, since this is what allows the material to maintain integrity and prevents condensation.
Greenhouse "Do it yourself" from window frames: how to equip a place for growing seedlings
In garden plots, you can often find small greenhouses assembled from old window frames. Of course, such a design is hardly suitable for growing tall and large crops, but it is more than useful as a do-it-yourself greenhouse for seedlings.
The main advantage of this option is financial savings. All you need is old window frames. If they have glasses, then you can leave them and use them instead of the standard coating. If the frames are empty, then after installation they can be covered with plastic wrap or cut polycarbonate sheets can be inserted.
Even for such a small and light greenhouse, it is necessary to prepare the foundation in advance. For this purpose, a wooden frame made of boards or timber is mounted. Best suited for this purpose is a beam of 50x50 mm or a board with a thickness of 40 mm.
The frame will consist of racks, as well as upper and lower straps, which are made from the same boards. Racks, at the same time, must be installed at such a distance from each other that the window frame can enter between them.
For the roof, timber is best suited, as it is more durable and minimizes the risk of the greenhouse being destroyed under the weight of snow in winter. Also, gable structures are more durable, which is also worth considering.
As for attaching the frames themselves to the supports, this can be done using nails and screws. It must be fixed on all four sides, both from the outside and from the inside. All remaining gaps must be sealed with foam.
Like the walls of the greenhouse, it is best to cover the roof with polycarbonate or wrap it with a film. This will provide the plants with the maximum amount of light.
Useful advice! It is best to start the installation of the coating from the roof, gradually moving down. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging already covered areas by hitting them in the process.
Do-it-yourself greenhouse under a film made of galvanized steel profile
Profile is another material that has recently been actively used for the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses. The main advantage of this method is the ability to give the structure absolutely any shape and size, not limited to any standard sizes.
Useful advice! In order to build a beautiful and reliable greenhouse with your own hands from a profile, videos, calculations and step-by-step photo instructions offered on the Internet can serve you well. Do not neglect the advice of experts, as well as the recommendations of users who have already had to work with such buildings before.
To work, you will need the following tools: a measuring tape, a building level and a plumb line, scissors designed to work with metal and a screwdriver.
Installation of the frame begins with fixing the guide profile, which is attached to the foundation with self-tapping screws. One upper beam should connect all sections to each other, which should be at such a distance that the structure is sufficiently rigid. As a rule, the step is the third and fourth part of the length of the polycarbonate sheet.
By the same principle, you can make a galvanized greenhouse under the film. You just need to think in advance how to fix the film on the greenhouse. Otherwise, the technology does not differ from that used for wooden structures and greenhouses made of plastic pipes.
Very often, a galvanized profile is used for a greenhouse for tomatoes. It is quite simple to build it with your own hands, and at the same time, the design has the proper strength. Moreover, every summer resident, interested in the question of how to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse, will definitely come across the fact that the temperature in the greenhouse for tomatoes should not fall too low. Therefore, it may be worth thinking about the heating system at the design and construction stage.
How to care for the structure and how to prepare a greenhouse for planting
Regardless of whether you prefer a greenhouse under a film or a more fundamental structure using polycarbonate, a number of procedures must be carried out before planting plants. First of all, this concerns the preparation of soil and beds in a greenhouse with your own hands. Photos and diagrams of how to properly arrange everything inside clearly demonstrate that having calculated everything in advance, you can ensure the convenience and ease of working with plants.
When wondering how to treat a greenhouse in the spring before planting, it is worthwhile to study in detail all possible methods in order to protect the plants and the building. First of all, it should be a high-quality antiseptic that will destroy all dangerous microorganisms living in the soil.
Considering the question of which is better, a greenhouse or a greenhouse, it is also worth considering that the first option is often installed on open ground, and from year to year the structure can be moved to a new location. And the greenhouse is a stationary structure, and it will not be possible to move it without effort.
Another important point is how to make beds in a greenhouse. Here you need to build on what kind of crop you plan to grow. For example, if you start building a greenhouse for peppers with your own hands, then the width of the beds should be at least 80 cm. At the same time, the paths should be thought out in such a way as to provide free access to each plant.
The most convenient do-it-yourself greenhouse: video instructions for making
After reviewing the video, a do-it-yourself greenhouse will no longer seem like an impossible task to you. Following simple recommendations, you can easily make a greenhouse from covering material with your own hands, which will meet all your needs, and is perfect for the effective cultivation of vegetable crops.
Some crops cannot be harvested on open land. Heat-loving plants need special conditions - greenhouse or greenhouse.
Usually the summer resident himself decides how, from what to make a greenhouse. It can be either wood, glass or metal.
The main thing is that it be durable even with small sizes, reliably protect seedlings from the last spring frosts.
Accommodation features
In the process of designing a greenhouse, you need to pay attention to important points:
- It is better to navigate to the cardinal points, choose the southern part of the garden plot. The northern one will not work at all for placing a greenhouse;
- The absence of a shadow during the day is a very important point that should be given enough attention. Ideally, when the greenhouse will not be shaded, and the seedlings will receive the sun's rays without hindrance;
- Wind protection is another important point to consider when designing and placing a greenhouse. If there is no fence or wall of the building on the south side, then fairly tall bushes can be planted;
- Make sure that the greenhouse will be away from the trees, their roots will not penetrate into it and dry out the fertile soil on which the seedlings grow. Plus, they will create shade that will interfere with normal plant growth.
Temperature regime
The greenhouse is being built to provide crops with optimal conditions for development. Temperature plays an important role in this. It should fluctuate to a minimum. To do this, the greenhouse needs to be heated in one way or another:
Use solar energy. A significant drawback - on cloudy days, at night, when the temperature drops, additional heating will be needed;
The use of a "warm floor" - a heating cable mounted in the greenhouse itself at the very base. The wire is laid with a snake over a layer of rubble with sand, sprinkled with a layer of sand. A stainless steel iron sheet is placed on top of it and nutrient soil on top. It is important that the cables are waterproofed, and the sand layer is sufficient so that the metal does not come into contact with the wires;
Heating with natural biofuels (manure, straw, hay, humus). A significant drawback is that you need to apply enough of it to last for a period of intensive plant growth. The temperature cannot be controlled.
Heating with electricity turns the greenhouse into. Most often, simple natural heating under direct sunlight is used in combination with the use of pasture biofuels, which can be found in the country.
What is a greenhouse made of?
Basically, this type of structure is made by hand according to one or another drawing from available inexpensive materials: wood, metal, fiberglass, fittings, wire, pipes. It does not make sense to use anything ultramodern in the conditions of a holiday village.
Depending on the material used, the greenhouse is:
- Arc (tunnel shelter);
- From a wooden frame-lattice;
- Stationary;
- Metal;
- Made from old window frames;
- With a recess in the ground;
- Greenhouse greenhouse.
From the very beginning, a frame is built on the selected bed, which is then covered with polyethylene or glass on top. At the same time, the greenhouse can have any shape - arc, triangular, square, elongated. Be high or low.
It is important that it is durable and can withstand gusts of wind.
Dimensions
In the process of designing and manufacturing a greenhouse, one thing is important to consider: convenience. Seedlings in it should be located so that it can be easily reached, loosen the ground, weed from weeds.
The easiest way to determine the correct size is to sit near the base, see how far you can reach out from the side of the greenhouse.
When the frame is made from old window frames, then you need to focus on their width, lay out the sides so that they fit snugly against each other, are at an angle to drain water.
Considering that cats are very fond of jumping on a greenhouse, it is better to use reinforced polyethylene, use a coating of transparent plastic or plexiglass.
Step-by-step instructions for making greenhouses
There are many master classes on making a comfortable greenhouse from improvised do-it-yourself tools. Most often, a layer of soil is first removed along the contours, a small hole is dug into which a box with a frame is placed. If window frames are used as a coating, then they are simply superimposed on top of the supports prepared in advance for them.
When a tunnel-type greenhouse is made, half rings are attached to the box at a certain distance from each other. A polyethylene film is stretched over them.
Welded metal structures are more reliable and durable. From such a greenhouse, you can make a full-fledged greenhouse, or - a collapsible mobile structure, which is disassembled when it is no longer needed.
When there is no time to dig a trench and make a stationary greenhouse made of wood, metal, or plastic, you can get by with a mini version of it: fill a plastic basin, bathtub or some other round or rectangular container with nutrient soil, plant seedlings and - cover with polyethylene on top.
At the same time, when the sun is very hot, do not forget to ventilate the seedlings, slightly opening your “mini-greenhouse”.
seedling care
In addition to maintaining the optimum temperature, plants need to be watered, fertilized, and weeded. To do this, you need to make sure that there are no unnecessary problems.
The greenhouse should be comfortable and compact. In addition, so that the seedlings do not “forbid” it needs to provide ventilation on hot sunny days.
Usually greenhouses are used as an intermediate link, after which the seedlings are finally planted on the beds. To do this, she must grow up, get stronger. Some crops are best left to grow in greenhouse conditions, while others can be safely transplanted. It all depends on what is grown.
Ultimately, the manufacture of a greenhouse is a simple process that does not require special knowledge and experience. The simplest designs can be made from improvised means. More complex ones, of course, already require some skill in handling wood, metal, and a welding machine.
Photo examples of do-it-yourself greenhouses for summer cottages
