How to Choose a Greenhouse Kit?

Are you looking for a way to extend the growing season? If so, greenhouse kits are the most convenient solution for creating a microclimate and growing your favorite veggies and flowers even in cold weather.

The assortment of greenhouse kits is vast, available in a variety of sizes, frame materials, glazing materials, and accessories. The size of your yard, as well as your climate, are important to consider when selecting a kit. There are hundreds of gardening websites, such as gardeningwithconfidence.com, providing gardeners with useful greenhouse kit reviews.

Make sure you follow these tips to choose the best one.

Pick the right size

The first consideration when shopping for a greenhouse kit is the size of the structure. These kits are available in plenty of sizes, ranging from models capable of fitting on your balcony to hothouses large enough to take up the entire yard space. Individuals having a yard are advised to consider its size prior to choosing a greenhouse kit in order for it to fit perfectly.

For instance, a mini hothouse would look great on your terrace but it’ll look too small in a spacious yard. In contrast, selecting a massive model that takes up the entire yard space also isn’t considered a good idea, as it’ll look unsightly. Therefore, make sure to take the necessary measurements and give thought to the number of plants you intend to grow. 

Additionally, homeowners with small-sized yards would be best suited with a 4’x 4’ hothouse, as it’s the perfect size for growing a small vegetable garden and a variety of flowers. Besides the size, you’re expected to choose a proper site for the structure. When picking a site, make sure the greenhouse doesn’t obstruct the field vision of your neighbors in order to avoid complaints.

Municipality laws are also worth considering before installing such a structure. Some municipalities require homeowners to obtain a permit for erecting a hothouse on their residential properties even though the building is erected on private, not public property.

Select the right materials

Once you’ve selected the best size of a greenhouse for your yard, continue the quest by choosing the best frame and glazing materials. Greenhouse kits are available in a number of different frame materials, such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and steel.

For example, wood frames are perhaps the nicest-looking alternative because of the cozy look they give to the garden. Wood has enough power to provide support to any type of glazing, as well as provide excellent anchorage. Nevertheless, unlike the other materials, wood is prone to rot if not maintained properly. You’ll need to ensure proper drainage in order for the wooden frame of your hothouse to last for years. Click here to learn some helpful tips for preserving wood.

Aluminum frames, on the other hand, are touted for their lightweight and longevity. Since aluminum is a heat conductor, the structure will be incredibly hot over the summer period, as well as become warm more quickly in the winter period. Due to the lightweight of these frames, individuals need to attach them to a heavy frame placed on the ground, made from steel.

Moreover, steel frames aren’t susceptible to damage but require regular maintenance. These are the best choice for greenhouse kits of smaller sizes. Another popular frame material suitable for small kits is plastic. These structures are incredibly lightweight, hence requiring a steel frame to keep them anchored to the ground.

As far as glazing is concerned, hothouses are available in glass, polycarbonate, and polyethylene material. Glass glazing is undoubtedly the most appealing choice, providing the structure with a vintage look. Individuals can usually choose between tempered and untampered glass glazing. The former is amazingly durable and heavy but rather expensive. The latter is of lower-cost but it’s prone to breaking and discoloration.

When shopping for greenhouse kits with glass glazing, the thickness of the glass should be taken into consideration, as it’s directly related to its resistance against damage. For instance, glass glazing should be a minimum of four millimeters thick so as to prevent damage.

In case you dwell in an area prone to winter storms, glass might not be the best choice for greenhouse glazing. Even tempered glass is likely to break when exposed to piles of snow and below-zero temperatures. Also, glass has to be coated with a special film to allow light to reach the plants.

Polycarbonate is a popular greenhouse glazing solution because of its lightness, durability, and strength. Its translucent character allows plants to receive the necessary light, essential for their growth. This type of glazing provides solid insulation, as it’s available with double and triple walls.

Ultimately, polyethylene is the lowest-cost type of hothouse glazing. It’s the best option for greenhouses with plastic frames. Anyhow, this material is susceptible to fading and becoming yellowish, which means you need to have it replaced after using it for three years. Polyethylene is not only prone to yellowing but also to tearing when exposed to extremely hot and cold temperatures, snow loads, and harsh winds. 

Consider the accessories

Another important aspect to take into account is the choice of accessories, which allow buyers to extend the growing season. Grow lights are a sought-after accessory in greenhouse kits, as they helps individuals grow plants in cold weather. Not only cold temperatures but also the short daylight period is responsible for the inability of plants to grow. Hence, grow lights provide the plants with the required amount of light and help them thrive in cold weather.

People living in cold climates should look for greenhouse kits with heaters to enable plants to grow in the winter period. Without a heater, seedlings won’t be provided with enough heat to mature before fall arrives. Also, in order to ensure proper air circulation, make sure to choose a kit with a fan.

Final word

Buy a greenhouse kit that suits your yard size and climate. You can grow your favorite plants all year round!