Greenhouses

Passive Solar Greenhouse

The passive solar greenhouse is ahead of the game when it comes to personal greenhouses. These greenhouses differ from active solar greenhouses essentially for the fact that they don’t use machinery. Active solar greenhouses use pumps and fans to keep the greenhouse at a desired temperature. A passive solar greenhouse doesn’t use machinery. They instead use natural energy flow to transfer thermal energy in, throughout, and out of the greenhouse. Typically, drums of water or concrete are used to contain the heat. They tend to be best in moderate climates that have a good amount of sun exposure. They do allow the gardener to garden all year long. Similar to the traditional greenhouse, passive solar greenhouses can be purchased as kits and assembled by the buyer. It may be more desirable to simply purchase plans for the greenhouse and to come up with the supplies on your own. They can be free standing, but many people have found the benefit of adding passive solar greenhouses attached to their homes. The benefits of heat absorption from the greenhouse can actually be let out of the greenhouse and used to, at least partially, heat the home.

Build Your Own Greenhouse

Greenhouse kits are quite easy to procure. The easiest way would probably be to order one over the internet. You can simply buy plans for a greenhouse, or if you’re lucky you may be able to find free plans online. You would then have to read the blueprints and procure the necessary materials yourself. You can also buy a kit which is naturally the less cost-effective method, but the ease of assembly these kits offer makes this a tempting option for many. The option to build one’s own greenhouse is often an appealing one for gardeners of all kinds. They can enable people to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. all year long. This is especially appealing to those living in climates with cold winters. Even hotter regions can benefit from greenhouses, for these areas often grow too hot in the summer for growing many types of plants. The cost of the greenhouse can vary quite a bit, and the greenhouse’s size is a factor. Additionally, if you choose a traditional, active greenhouse, you will need to buy machinery for water and heat, and will therefore have to wire the greenhouse for electricity. Glass is typically the preferred covering, but this will also raise the cost of your greenhouse. Plastic sheeting is the cheapest, but it will need to be replaced more quickly.

Mini Greenhouse

You don’t need an acre of land to have a greenhouse. Mini greenhouses are about the size of a large tent, are naturally cheaper than their larger cousin, and the kits are easy to assemble.