No season transforms the landscape of Atlanta like spring. Homeowners head outdoors to put new plants in the ground, trim shrubs and decide which home improvement should move to the top of the list as the weather grows warmer.
One home addition not often considered is a greenhouse, and spring is the perfect time to construct one. They’re ideal for wintering houseplants, propagating and having a year-round place to garden. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering a greenhouse as your next home improvement.
Attached versus detached. Attached greenhouses make running power, gas and water simple. They’re also beneficial for avid indoor gardeners because a door can be installed to allow homeowners access from inside the house. Detached greenhouses offer more flexibility as far as placement goes and more options for surrounding paths, windows and exterior landscape.
Temperature control. To be usable throughout the year, you’ll need a cooling system for the warmer months and a heating system for fall and winter. Proper moisture is necessary to keep plants healthy; therefore, ventilation is also required to prevent too much water from accumulating in the air.
Construction. Use proper materials such as lightweight metals – aluminum or galvanized steel – for the frame. Wood is an option but must be treated to prevent rotting from the moisture. Firm, shatterproof plastics are an economical covering. Plastic films are appropriate for warmer climates and glass is ideal, but more costly. Concrete, gravel and mulch are excellent flooring solutions.
A few tips for the novice gardener and first-time greenhouse owner:
Install a sink and planting table. You’ll find not having to run multiple hoses into your greenhouse or make trips inside for water a convenience.
Build in layered benches. Shade plants grow happily under more sun-loving plants and feed fine of the runoff they receive from the tier above them.
Misters and fans are not only great for balancing heat, air flow and humidity, they make a greenhouse more pleasant for people during hot months.
Be sure you have an entryway large and packed enough for a wheelbarrow or garden cart. It will make moving plant materials much easier and save you several trips.
You can purchase greenhouse construction kits or gather the materials yourself; however, hiring a contractor with experience in home additions and improvements will ensure that every standard is met professionally and you receive the best greenhouse possible.
