Drivhus

How to choose a greenhouse?

After winter comes spring - and then it's time to think about the new garden season. Those who want to grow their own vegetables must buy seeds, pre-cultivate and plan the year's contents in the greenhouse. Don't own a greenhouse and are thinking of buying one? Then we give you some good tips and advice here.

Which type of greenhouse should you choose?

Greenhouses are classified by shape and can be divided into two types: curved greenhouses and slanted greenhouses. The choice of shape is often determined by two factors: aesthetic (the greenhouse has a specific place on the plot and is clearly visible, it must be in harmony with the surroundings and visually appealing to the owner) and functional (depends on whether there are low or tall plants to be cultivated). Arched greenhouses are easy to build because of their simple shape. They are cheaper than greenhouses with a more complex inclined structure that takes more time to build, but the end result can look very aesthetic and attractive.

What size greenhouse should you choose?

It is recommended to choose the size of the greenhouse considering which and how many vegetables will be grown in it. If you plan to grow only dwarf plants (dwarf tomatoes, radishes, lettuce), a low greenhouse with 1.30 - 1.40 meter high walls is sufficient. If you plan to grow tall plants (cucumbers, tomatoes), it is recommended to choose a greenhouse with 1.60 - 1.80 meter high walls. The experts say that the bigger the greenhouse, the better it is for the plants. More space, freer air circulation and smaller temperature fluctuations inside. When growing tomatoes and cucumbers in the same greenhouse, you should be aware that they require slightly different conditions, so tomatoes should be planted closer to the entrance where there is more fresh air, and cucumbers at the back of the greenhouse where the humidity is higher and better preserved.

Which material should you choose for the roof and walls of the greenhouse?

There are three main materials for roofs and walls in greenhouses: polyethylene, channel polycarbonate and glass.

Polyethylene has been the most popular coating for a long time for several reasons. Because of the relatively low price, the easy cleaning and the fact that it is easy to cover and remove from the greenhouse. When growing vegetables in a greenhouse covered with polyethylene film, it is necessary to carefully monitor the ventilation, as the temperature in such a greenhouse can rise to over +40 degrees.

The polycarbonate channel coating has good thermal insulation, requires little maintenance, is UV resistant and therefore protects the plants from overheating.

Glass is aesthetic, but it is limited in terms of shape (only an inclined shape is possible), it is not resistant to impacts and does not have as good insulation properties as duct polycarbonate.

What type of frame material should you choose for your greenhouse?

Before you start assembling the greenhouse, it is very important to prepare the foundation. It must be horizontal and level, otherwise it will be difficult to mount the greenhouse on it and cover it with the coating. The strength of the greenhouse is determined by the frame. There are several popular frame options: wood, aluminum and galvanized steel.

For those looking for a highly durable and corrosion-resistant alternative, an aluminum frame is recommended. It is also light and aesthetic. 

For those who want good protection against corrosion, a galvanized steel frame is recommended. Please note that these frames are sensitive to saline environments.

For those who prefer a luxurious and aesthetic look, wooden frames are well suited.

Where should the greenhouse be placed?

Vegetables grown in greenhouses must receive as much sun as possible, and the greenhouse should therefore be placed in the sunniest part of the garden. If you have a tree that provides wandering shade on the greenhouse so that it doesn't get as much sun in the middle of the day, that's the best. It is ideal to build a greenhouse in a north-south direction, so that the entrance is from the south and the back of the greenhouse faces north. This is important to take into account if you want to grow plants along the wall on the long sides, as you reduce the risk of the panels shading each other.