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Thinking about a greenhouse kit . . .
read on-
Greenhouse Kits
This text may not be used
or reproduced in any manner without permission © 2000, 2004 by Shane
Smith
A greenhouse kit offers a finished, workable design. It is also easier
for anyone who lacks building experience. Still, it helps to have a bit
of do-it-yourself in your blood or be ready to con a friend or pay a
contractor into helping. Setting up most any kit has its built-in
frustrations. I have yet to see a kit that doesn't frazzle the best of
carpenters a bit. Still, most companies offer good technical assistance
to help you through the difficult parts of the process. Some also
include helpful videos. With the exception of the portable tent-like
greenhouses- plan on it taking as long to set up a level and square
foundation for the greenhouse structure as it does to set up the kit
greenhouse itself. This is even true if you are setting your greenhouse
on wood timbers.
Having a quality frame and
door are also important. This is hard to determine from photos. If you
are considering the purchase of a particular kit, ask the seller if you
can find a similar kit already set up in your vicinity that you could
visit. If this is not possible check if they have references whom you
could call about the kit.
You will find that the
manufacturers offer many different size options and will often allow you
to order custom sizes. What size should you order? It is rare that a
greenhouse gardener doesn’t eventually wish for more space. Purchase the
largest greenhouse you can afford and/or have space for.
Most kits are constructed
with either wood or aluminum frames. Wood has an inherent appeal but
often requires some basic regular maintenance. Aluminum greenhouses can
be either fragile or sturdy, depending upon the model. Aluminum lasts
virtually forever, but is a great conductor of cold outside temperatures
into the greenhouse space, unless an effort has been made by the
manufacturer to create "thermal breaks" in the structure. A thermal
break is where the outside metal is not directly connected to the inner
metal structure keeping the inside a bit warmer.
Solar Heating for Kit Greenhouses
Speaking of warmth, many
people wonder if their kit greenhouse is solar heated. I have yet to see
one marketed as such. You can, however, retrofit the kit greenhouse to
be more energy efficient even to the point it maintaining a temperature
above 32 degrees F. without a heater! A good solar design requires that
you insulate the north wall, insulate the foundation with Styrofoam at
least a foot deep; using double or triple thick insulated glazing;
sealing every nook and cranny to prevent air leaks; make sure the vents
and doors are weather-stripped and caulked; add some thermal storage
such as drums filled with water; have a proper orientation with the
glazing facing south; and possibly even installing a night curtain for
extremely cold climates. See the discussion in chapter one of my book
Greenhouse Gardener's Companion, titled the "Solar heating
greenhouse checklist" for further details on these retrofits. Also see
the page on energy conservation for greenhouses.
Personally, I think
that you can come up with a better, more energy efficient (solar) greenhouse if
you are willing to build it yourself. Read the first few chapters of my book
before you begin. Then visit greenhouse supply companies like
Sundance Supply or Charley's for a
great site for do-it-yourselfers. There you'll find plans and
calculators. All you really need to buy is the glazing material,
everything else you can find at your local lumber yard! In the end, it
is much more of a greenhouse that you really want and if you do it
right, will consume less energy!
 Kit
Options
Some kits are designed for attaching to a structure such as a house or
garage. If you can attach it to the south side of a structure you can
take full advantage of possible solar heating of both the greenhouse and
the attached structure. Also, having a greenhouse attached or even close
to your home insures you'll enjoy and take better care of the greenhouse
than if it is way out in the yard. Still, having a greenhouse out in the
yard is better than not having a greenhouse at all. If you must locate
your greenhouse out in the yard try to get it close to a door for better
access.
You may also
be presented with other options such as the number and types of vents,
fans and paint options. I usually go for the most venting possible
unless you live in a place with cool summers. If you live in a an area
with a warm climate cooling is a major issue. You will likely need a fan
and possibly even a swamp cooler or air conditioner. Many manufacturers
offer custom painting of the framing structure. Painting is a matter of
personal preference, but keep in mind that white reflects the most light
and seems to wear the longest. More information on venting can be
found in the book
Greenhouse Gardener's Companion
Check Out the Company
Finally, always check into
the integrity of the company from which you are thinking about
purchasing the kit. You can find many companies that sell kits listed on
our kit suppliers page.
Know BEFORE YOU Grow - Questions to ask a potential
kit seller:
-
How long have they been in
business?
-
How many kits have they sold?
-
What is their warranty
(on both glazing and frame)?
-
Do they
make the kit themselves - or are they simply a retail outlet for kits?
-
If they
don't manufacturer the kit you are interested in, who did manufacture it,
where was it made and can you contact the manufacturer directly?
-
Does the
company have a toll free number?
-
What technical help do they
provide?
-
Do they
provide free technical help on weekends when you are liable to run
into trouble setting it up?
-
Ask if you can look at the manual
to see if it is written in a simple manner?
-
Does the kit require any special
tools?
-
Can you get a custom size?
-
How is the greenhouse shipped and
packaged?
-
What will
they do if the kit arrives damaged?
-
Do they provide any other free
options?
-
Many companies offer free growing
books, thermometers, potting benches, fans, or other goodies as
enticements to purchase their kit-
Sometimes you have to ask in order to receive
this stuff!
A greenhouse can be a big investment. You should feel comfortable with
the company you choose to go with so don't be afraid to ask questions!
O.K. It is your turn: If you have
purchased a kit and want to comment on it I will post that comment here!
Click here to post your comment about a kit you have used
Please list subject line as
"kit comment"
* all comments become
property of this web site
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