Greenhouse Types, Designs, and Energy Management

By David H Dudley

Everything you need to know about greenhouses. All different kinds of greenhouse covered. What you need to know before building or buying a greenhouse. How to make money with a greenhouse. Tips for owning a hobby greenhouse. Easy plants for greenhouse beginners. Making a greenhouse a profitable commercial operation. Options for watering plants.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Howard Publishing
• Release date: Apr 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735005553

David H Dudley

The author, David H Dudley, PMP, PE, is a professional aquaculture and aquaponics consultant who has helped many individuals and organizations develop aquaculture and aquaponic systems. His accomplished career in aquaponics and aquaculture includes serving as the Construction Manager of the Oklahoma Aquarium, Engineering Manager of the nation's largest caviar producing company, overseeing life support systems of four large aquaculture facilities, designing a $5M aquaculture operation for white sturgeon, and Project Manager of a large fishing clinic facility for the U.S. Department of Wildlife. David also holds advanced degrees in civil engineering and nutrition/dietetics, owned a commercial nursery, and has several decades of experience in vegetable gardening. David understands every facet of aquaculture and aquaponics and clearly communicates in a way that truly helps others.

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Greenhouse Types, Designs and Energy Managment

Copyright © 2021 by David Dudley, PMP, PE

All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

ISBN: 978-1-7350055-4-6 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-7350055-5-3 (epub)

Also available for Kindle.

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Chapter 1

Overview of Greenhouses

Do you need a controlled plant-growing

environment (a greenhouse)?

No matter how good your climate, plants will not thrive and produce to the optimal level possible unless conditions are right 100% of the time. A controlled environment greenhouse can provide natural sunlight, proper temperature, humidity and ventilation. Greenhouses can be designed for every climate, from the tropics to northern climates with extreme winters. Artificial lighting can also be utilized for up to a few hours each day during winter months allowing for production of any crop. Greenhouses can also include bio-security features.

Bio-Security

Bio-security is a combination of equipment and procedures that you implement to keep your food safe. Essentially, bio-security is an implemented process that keeps pathogens and pests out of the greenhouse so that plants stay healthy and your food is never contaminated via air-borne pollutants. It is astonishing to learn about all of the air-borne contaminates that can settle on our fruit and vegetables when planted outdoors. Needless to say, the more we can do in regards to taking precautionary measures to prevent pollutants and toxins from coming into contact with our food, the better. Greenhouses provide an extra measure of security against toxic food.

Greenhouse Basics

A greenhouse is used to increase crop production and ensure that produce can be enjoyed throughout the year. It can also be a means of giving plants a head start on spring outdoor planting.

The costs of building a greenhouse can vary from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Likewise, operating costs can be relative low or very high depending upon location, regional climate, type of greenhouse constructed, materials used, energy supply system(s), and how much additional heating, cooling, or lighting is required.

A greenhouse can be built using traditional methods, purchasing a kit, or installed by a contractor. Before you decide whether to build or buy, determine your needs in regards to preferred size, available space, and desired level of production. A greenhouse is a long-term investment that should provide the growing area and service desired while blending well with the home and landscape. Also, keep in mind the option to expand the greenhouse size at a later date, should such be a possibility. With an open mind, examine as many greenhouse styles and equipment options as possible in person, books, and through the Internet before making a decision.

Greenhouse Kits

Kits are the most common method of establishing a greenhouse. Greenhouse kits are available in a wide range of costs and with a wide range of features. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to well over $25,000 depending on the size, style, accessories, and type of construction materials. Manufacturers can be found in the yellow pages of a telephone book, advertisements in gardening magazines, by searching the World Wide Web, or by contacting the Hobby Greenhouse Association (8 Glen Terrace, Bedford, MA 01730-2048). Compile a list of manufacturers, and request information on different models. Compare costs and features for the style and size you are interested in. Generally, plastic-covered greenhouses are easier to assemble than glass houses. If any aspect of the assembly is beyond your skills and/or available time, many manufacturers and contractors will erect their products on-site for an additional fee.

Building Your Own Greenhouse

A kit, although common, is certainly not the only way to go. A greenhouse can be constructed easily and inexpensively by anyone able to use simple hand tools. Most of the construction materials can be purchased at building supply stores. Materials may also be available inexpensively at construction sites, through Craigslist, Facebook Market Place, and building supply salvage yards. If any aspect of the construction is beyond your skills, you can hire a local carpenter or handyman to help. Plans for different styles of hobby greenhouses can be acquired online and through most libraries.

When you do decide to build a greenhouse, choosing the type of structure, covering, and environmental control equipment can be confusing. This book will empower you with a user-friendly approach that will address your needs your needs can help you organize the planning and implementation of your hobby greenhouse.

Greenhouse Needs

When deciding upon a greenhouse you need to consider what type of plants you prefer to grow, what seasons of year you will use the greenhouse, and how a greenhouse fits into your lifestyle. For example, you might want to use the greenhouse in one of the following ways:

To start vegetable or flower seeds or propagate cuttings in the spring to plant in the garden. On a small scale, this can be accomplished with a structure as simple as an outdoor cold frame or hotbed. A freestanding greenhouse can also be used for this purpose. This would be a simple and inexpensive model.

To grow year-round tropical foliage in a conservatory setting. A greenhouse for this purpose will probably be more permanent and formal.

To grow specialty flowers or ornamentals. Many greenhouses are constructed because owners develop an interest in specialty flowers or ornamentals that have unique requirements, such as orchids, African violets, or bromeliads. These greenhouses should be designed with the needs of the particular plant in mind.

A greenhouse can be a part of your home in the form of a sun-room or porch. Sunrooms or porches usually have clear covering on one or more sides but not on the roof. A greenhouse can also be attached to the house, with an entrance to the living area. Plants, walks, furniture, a water pond, or a fountain may also be included and arranged formally or informally as an extended living room. Plants may spill over from the greenhouse through a sliding glass door into the living area of the home. This type of greenhouse can be used for relaxing, reading, or family gatherings.

A greenhouse can be used as a production facility providing year-round produce. In this case, it is also good to consider allocating a portion of the greenhouse as a work area.

Greenhouse Location Importance

Often, there may be a limited choice of locations that will have adequate sunlight, adequate soil drainage, easy access for people and materials, access to utilities, and a pleasing blend with the landscape. For many homeowners, the appearance of the structure is most important, so compromises must be made to meet other location requirements. The exact size and shape of the property will have a direct impact upon the size of greenhouse that can be erected.

An extremely important location considerations is sun exposure. Many plants require full sun to perform well. A freestanding greenhouse for these plants should be constructed with the long sides of the building facing southeast to southwest (Figure 3). Vegetable and flower seedlings for transplanting outdoors in the spring need maximum sunlight, so choose a location that receives full sun. For plants requiring less light, the greenhouse can face northeast to southeast or northwest to southwest.

Exposure is particularly important for attached greenhouses. Consider these locations in order: first—south or southeast, second—east, third—southwest, fourth—west, and last—north.

Keep in mind that a western exposure can be too hot in summer, and a northern exposure usually does not receive enough light for most plants. Also, be aware that tall structures and trees near the greenhouse may block light for parts of the day.

Falling limbs can also be a major problem if the greenhouse is located too close to trees.

Other location considerations include ensuring that the site is level and that the soil drains well. Many locations may have to be graded to ensure that the foundation is level. Slope the soil away from the greenhouse to drain rainwater away. If drainage is a problem, consider installing drainage tile before constructing the greenhouse.

Avoid low areas with poor air circulation, especially those surrounded by woods or buildings. Cold, humid air can stagnate in these locations and increase heating costs. Conversely, avoid high elevations with direct exposure to strong