Are you one of the many gardeners that get excited to see the first few blooms of the season?
With birds chirping, flowers blooming, and spring air abound, the excitement can’t be contained! From planting new flowers or sprucing up ones that made it through the harsh winter season, the possibilities are endless for how you can enjoy those spring-filled afternoons. But wouldn’t it be a gardener’s dream to avoid the seasons changing checklists?
What gardener doesn’t dream of building their own custom greenhouse to extend their growing season or cultivate delicate and exotic plants throughout the year?
Designing and building a greenhouse may seem like a daunting project, but it can actually be a fun process with just a little work, insight, and guidance.
Below, we have compiled a list of things to consider as you embark on getting your own greenhouse:
How will you use your custom greenhouse?
Will you primarily start seedlings and propagate or do you want to utilize the space to cultivate a more eclectic and perhaps exotic collection? Will this strictly be for your personal potting/planting use or could perhaps the space also function as an informal entertaining area for family and friends to enjoy your plant collections? Answers to questions like these will help in your planning for size, shape, and the overall need for the space.
Where is the perfect location for your greenhouse?
Location, location, location! For optimal growing conditions, the best choice for the orientation of your greenhouse is south or southeast. All-day sunlight is best and the early morning sunlight jump-starts the photosynthesis process that will then continue throughout the day! If a southern orientation is not possible, the next best is an east-side orientation. Ideally, end walls should face East-West so that the sun runs the ridge from sunrise to sunset.
How will you design your custom greenhouse?
Wood or Steel? Classic or Modern? One of the great benefits of a custom-built greenhouse is design freedom! Get creative with it – use this as an opportunity to really create something unique to you. Material selection is also a big consideration. Aside from the look, the benefits of wood versus steel can largely depend on your property location, design intent, and overall maintenance tolerance. We would encourage you to speak with an expert to explore which solution would be best for you and ensure potential issues such as moisture, condensation, native insects, etc. can be properly addressed and incorporated into your design so that you can enjoy your greenhouse worry-free for many years. If you are looking for a covering for your greenhouse, you might be interested in exploring a shading system to help control heat gain within the space.
Are you incorporating systems into your greenhouse?
Greenhouse systems can include everything from automatic watering systems, fog systems, energy/shade curtains, vents, and supplemental lighting to a control system that automatically controls the heating, cooling, lighting and watering via remote internet access. The level of detail and attention again goes back to how you will use the space and the budget you have allotted. Systems are not required to have a successful growing season in your greenhouse, but they can be a luxury to ensure the environment is optimal for your plants.
Are your creative thoughts racing?? Do you have any additional questions about greenhouses? Check out our custom greenhouse portfolio for more inspiration or give us a call at 410 479 4700 or even fill out our contact form to talk with a member of our team!