When appropriatly located and maintained, greenhouses can provide beautiful gardens year round.
Whether you just want to get a jump on the growing season, or you live in a cold climate, a greenhouse becomes the gardener’s dream come true. Imagine hot-house flowers and fresh vegetables year round, right in your own backyard.
The location of a greenhouse is very important. Choose a spot that has consistent sunlight for the majority of the day. The most recommended location is either the south or southeast side of trees or a building. This location takes full advantage of the morning sunlight, which encourages the plant’s food production process to get an early start. Choose a location with good drainage as you will be watering plants often. You want a spot that is easy to access, especially in bad weather.
You will want your contractor to run adequate plumbing and electrical to your greenhouse for maximum functionality. You will need lighting, as well as a heat source for those extra cold nights.
A greenhouse can be either attached or free-standing. An attached greenhouse can be a lean-to design, a window model, or an even-span large room built onto the back of a house. The pros of an attached greenhouse are you don’t have to run separate utilities. Free-standing greenhouses can be any size and shape. Their best asset is that they can be placed to fully capitalize on the available sunlight. They will require separate utilities.
Greenhouses are typically const...
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
