Make a country greenhouse. DIY greenhouse: the best projects from A to Z
A greenhouse built with your own hands on the site is a source of pride for a gardener and a guaranteed opportunity to get environmentally friendly early vegetables, herbs, and berries to the table. Homemade greenhouses and hotbeds are made of wood, metal, and scrap materials; the structure is usually covered with polycarbonate, sometimes with film - this is a more budget-friendly option.
The main types of homemade greenhouses - design, materials, features
Before you make a greenhouse with your own hands, you need to decide on the shape, materials, type of structure, make a project or drawing, and select a site for construction.
Design features
The most popular homemade designs have the form:
- arched;
- rectangular under a single-, gable-, arched roof;
- pyramidal;
- round, trapezoidal, multifaceted, such products are often made from scraps of material.
A homemade greenhouse can be free-standing or adjacent to a house, bathhouse, or garage.
We offer interesting experience For gardeners, how to make a greenhouse with your own hands, the video informs in detail what should be taken into account when building in regions with a cold climate.
Materials
The easiest way is to make a wooden greenhouse with your own hands; depending on the size, timber with ribs of 50-150 mm is suitable for rafters pitched roof– edged board 40*100-150 mm. Sometimes on wooden frame arrange an arched roof, it can be made using a special technology from wood, or welded metal truss from pipes 20*20,40,60, 25*25, 40*60 mm, with a wall thickness of 1.5-2 mm.
A homemade greenhouse made from a profile pipe is considered more reliable and durable, but you will need a welding machine. It is advisable to make the base from a 60*40 mm profile. If there is no equipment, then you can make it collapsible/dismountable metal structure, in this case the parts are secured with bolts. More often, a greenhouse made of metal is crowned with an arched truss; buildings with a pitched rafter system made of wood are less common.
Lightweight and inexpensive structures can be made from plastic water pipes, but they are inferior to wooden and metal products in terms of strength and reliability. A homemade greenhouse made from old window frames is perhaps the most economical option, they are usually installed in summer cottages.
After assembling the frame, the home greenhouse is covered with polycarbonate or film with your own hands.
Homemade polycarbonate greenhouse, rectangular structure under an arched roof
Dimensions
A homemade greenhouse made with your own hands should be ergonomic for ease of working in it. The dimensions are determined by the needs of the owners, but it is important to consider the format of the sheets with which the structure will be sheathed:
- height 1.9-2.4 m;
- width -3 m;
- length – 2, 3, 4, 6.12 m.
Foundation
A homemade greenhouse can be installed on the ground, but in order for it to stand firmly and last a long time, it is necessary to make a foundation:
- Non-buried strip, height 400-700 mm, width 300-400 mm - rubble, brick, block, monolithic concrete, made of bars. Suitable for flat areas.
- A columnar foundation is economical, does not require much time, the supports can be made from pipes - cement-asbestos, metal, rolled from roofing felt, laid out from brick, stone, or simply placed flat stones or foam concrete blocks under the frame.
- The pile foundation can be screwed or driven; it is made mainly in swampy, relief areas. It is advisable to use screw piles for a buried foundation with a monolithic concrete, wooden, metal (from a channel) grillage, under a permanent structure. For a homemade greenhouse, you can cut a channel or corner 700-1000 mm long and hammer it in.
Scheme of how to properly make a strip foundation
Project
To clearly understand how to make a greenhouse with your own hands, you need to complete a construction drawing:
- determine a place on the site - open, preferably level, without tall plants and buildings, draw a plan;
- choose the type of foundation;
- choose the direction of location, it is recommended from east to west along the length;
- draw a frame, indicating the dimensions, key components - gables, side elements, doors, vents, roof, think over fastening methods.
Based on the drawing, you should calculate the amount of materials.
Drawing of a homemade polycarbonate greenhouse, optimally - take a ready-made standard project and modify it based on individual requirements
Do-it-yourself greenhouse - from theory to practice
We will have a homemade greenhouse made of wood 3*4 m, under a gable roof, total height 2.6 m + foundation made of timber 100*100 mm. We will make the frame from 50*50 mm bars. Next, step-by-step instructions on how to properly make a greenhouse.
How to make a foundation
We clear the site of plant debris, stones, and roots. We make markings: we hammer pegs in the corners, pull the rope, check the marking geometry, the diagonals must be equal. We remove soft soil, a layer of 200-400 mm over the entire area of the pit (you can only along the perimeter to form a trench 150-200 mm wide). Level the bottom if high groundwater cover it with geotextiles, this will prevent siltation. We fill in crushed stone 100-200 mm, sand 100-200 mm, tamp. We retreat 100 mm from the external size of the perimeter in the corners, hammer in reinforcement 700 mm long, and deepen it 400-500 mm into the ground.
We saw down the ends of the 100*100 mm bars, make a recess 100 mm in length, 50 mm in width. Cooking homemade solution, in a ratio of 1:1 bitumen + mining, coat the wood well on all sides, additionally wrap it with polyethylene and roofing felt. On the site, we insert the sawn ends of the timber into each other, check the angle of 90°, inner part must rest against the clogged fittings. We drill 2 beams through and tighten them anchor bolts, additionally reinforced with galvanized corners on self-tapping screws.
How to make a foundation from timber
Frame
There are two ways to assemble the frame:
- make gables, sides, trusses on the ground and then install on the base;
- gradually assemble the greenhouse on the site - this method is most preferable for home-made greenhouses; each part can be adjusted to the location.
How to make vertical posts for a homemade greenhouse
We install corner vertical posts - timber 50-100*50-100 mm, height 2-2.1 m. You can use:
- metal glasses for timber, they are pre-attached to the foundation;
- make cuts;
- fix the supports on galvanized corners.
For strength, we cut out a block 1 m long, cut the edges at an angle, and make jibs.
An example of how to make a jib
We install intermediate racks, the recommended distance from each other is 1.5-2 m, but taking into account the format of the covering sheet, cellular polycarbonate is 2100 mm wide, which means the racks must fit exactly under the edge of the sheet. For strength, it is better to install supports every meter.
We check the geometry of the supports with a vertical plumb line, then we make the top trim that will hold the frame together. We divide the vertical stand into 2-3 parts in height, install the transverse elements, and fasten them to the corners with self-tapping screws.
Rafter system
It is better to make trusses on the ground, then install them on a frame. The distance between the rafters is 600-1000 mm; for a homemade greenhouse 4 m long you will need 5 pieces, 2 end, 3 intermediate.
We cut the bottom belt, timber 5 pcs. 3 m each, central perpendicular – 5 pcs. 0.5 m each. We make a T-shaped part. We take the timber, apply it to the finished element, mark the corner, and file it. Apply it again, mark the other end, cut it off. Using this template we make the rest rafter legs. We assemble a wooden truss using self-tapping screws.
Homemade greenhouses, photo of how to make a simple wooden farm
We install the trusses on the frame, align them flush with the frame, and fix them on galvanized corners. We make a ridge on top.
Do-it-yourself greenhouses, in the photo, how to install a rafter system
Windows and doors
In a homemade greenhouse, a certain microclimate should be maintained, optimal humidity 70-90%, temperature 20-40 o C. Therefore, it is necessary to make vents. We cut 4 beams to the size of the opening, tighten them around the perimeter with brackets, install hinges and fasten them to the frame. It is better to equip them with automatic lifts; you can buy a ready-made mechanism or make it yourself.
For proper ventilation, the area of the vents should be 25% of the total area homemade greenhouse
The doors are installed from the gable; for winter homemade greenhouses it is recommended to attach a vestibule. Door size:
- width – 700-900 mm;
- height – 1900-2000 mm.
The frame is made according to the same algorithm as the window; for reinforcement we add 1-3 transverse crossbars. Next, we measure the outer perimeter, add 3-5 mm on each side, and make a frame for the door. We nest the finished elements into each other, install the hinges, mount finished design to the pediment.
How to make a greenhouse yourself, ready-made frame
Polycarbonate sheathing
We cut the sheets to size, first attach them to the roof, then sheathe the sides. You can attach it in 2 ways:
- Joint to joint through a connecting strip with a plug, edges on thermal washers.
- Overlap by 100 mm, on thermal washers.
On the gables, we make the carbonate and frame flush; on the sides, the sheets should be 50 mm larger. How to make polycarbonate on the roof:
- on the ridge we connect through a corner plastic profile, you can make a homemade ridge or strips of galvanized steel bent lengthwise at the desired angle;
- the lower edge should have an overhang of about 100 mm, which we seal with a special perforated tape.
Look interesting way, how to sheathe homemade polycarbonate greenhouses; in the video, the craftsman shares his experience on how best to secure the sheets.
Also watch the instructions on how to make a greenhouse with your own hands; the video describes in detail the stages of building a homemade arched structure from rebar.
In summer cottages you can find various forms of greenhouses in which both vegetable and flower plants are grown. Thanks to this, you can grow non-seasonal crops throughout the year. The success of the business will depend not only on the design of the greenhouse, but also on what material was used in its manufacture. Our goal is to tell you what types of greenhouses there are, and what material can be used in their construction, and we will also look at how the process of constructing a greenhouse on a summer cottage occurs.
Depending on the design features, greenhouses can be:
- arched;
- single-pitched;
- gable.
The first type of design is characterized by an arc-shaped roof, which allows plants growing inside the greenhouse to receive more daylight. The big advantage of this form is the absence of snow in winter period, so you are not in danger of deformation or damage to the structure. 
If you decide to install a greenhouse close to any country house building, then you suitable option with a pitched roof. This model is very economical, since, in addition to reducing the cost of materials, you also save free space on the site. The only drawback of this design will be the accumulation of snow in winter, which will have to be cleared off to protect the structure from deformation. 
The most common option is the gable form of the greenhouse, which is very spacious for plants and people. In some cases, summer residents equip a kind of recreation area in such buildings, which allows them to combine business with pleasure. 
Types of greenhouses, their advantages and disadvantages
Today, summer residents have several options for materials that can be used to cover greenhouses and greenhouses. They differ in their structure, price and performance characteristics, so you can choose the material according to your capabilities and requirements.
The most popular material for covering greenhouses will be:
- glass;
- polycarbonate;
- film.
If you are not limited in funds, then the best option There will be glass and polycarbonate greenhouses, which differ in their strength and performance characteristics. Film is a budget option for greenhouses that has been used for several decades.
You can see what your greenhouse should be like in the video below:
Advantages and disadvantages of greenhouses made of various materials
To figure out which material is better for greenhouses, it is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Glass
This material is considered the most suitable option.
Its advantages include:
- transparency, which allows you to provide the greenhouse with daylight;
- resistance to chemicals, even if they get on glass, they are easily washed off;
- when exposed to sunlight, the material does not emit harmful toxic substances;
- wind resistance.
Its disadvantages include:
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a polymer plastic that is increasingly used in greenhouse coverings.
Its advantages include:
- strength;
- transparency;
- high thermal insulation rates;
- protection of plants from UV rays;
- ease of care.
Its disadvantages are:
Film
This material is distinguished by its ease of use and budget-friendly qualities, especially since the experience of using such material has been confirmed for decades.
Its advantages include:
Its disadvantages include:
- windage;
- poor resistance to frost, which is why it has to be removed after summer use;
- short service life.
DIY greenhouse construction
Summer residents are forced to build greenhouses for growing vegetable or flower crops, firstly, to get a harvest earlier than usual, secondly, to grow crops that are not suitable for a particular climate, and thirdly, to increase the amount of harvest.
Greenhouses allow you to create favorable conditions for the growth of any plants. If it is not possible to purchase a ready-made structure, then you can always build it yourself, using all your skills.
The first question you will have is where to start? So that you don’t have to rack your brains for a long time, we have drawn up an action plan for you, following which you can easily build a greenhouse on your site.
Place for a greenhouse
The first thing you need is to choose a place to locate the greenhouse. To do this correctly, pay attention to the following requirements:
Dimensions and shape of the greenhouse
The second issue you need to decide is the size of the greenhouse. To calculate everything correctly, think about how much and what you will plant in the greenhouse. If you plan to plant tall plants, then the best shape of the greenhouse will be arched or gable, the height of which will provide you with convenient care for your crops. You can calculate the dimensions yourself, or take as a basis the proposed version of a rectangular greenhouse with a gable roof. 
The base of the greenhouse can be anything, round, square, rectangular or trapezoidal, it all depends on your capabilities.
Greenhouse frame
The frame is the main part of the greenhouse, so special requirements are imposed on the choice of material. It must be strong and durable, so for its manufacture choose:
- galvanized profile;
- steel profile;
- profile made of galvanized steel, with a square section;
- wooden beams.
The choice of material also depends on your capabilities; even the most budget option - wood - can last quite a long time.
How to make a greenhouse from cellular polycarbonate can be seen in the video:
Greenhouse foundation
In addition to its direct purpose, the foundation plays the role of a pocket in which several high beds are placed. If its construction was carried out incorrectly, this can lead not only to its destruction, but also to cracking of the greenhouse coating. To avoid this, you need to listen to our advice:
It is necessary to install formwork around this trench, lay metal reinforcement bars in it and fill it all with concrete. The height of the foundation must be at least 20 cm.
By following these rules you will create a strong and reliable foundation under the greenhouse, which will not be subject to ground movement.
Frame production and coating
The manufacture of the frame begins with marking the future greenhouse. You have already calculated what size your structure will be and even poured a foundation for it, now you can start assembling the main structure:
Ventilation
Inside the greenhouse, under the influence of sunlight, a greenhouse effect is created. To create an ideal microclimate for plants, greenhouses must be equipped with a ventilation system. 
Ventilation can be provided by vents located on the sides of the greenhouse or doors. Ventilation helps plants planted in a greenhouse get sick less after being transplanted into open ground. But drafts must be avoided so as not to harm them.
When placing such vents in the roof of the greenhouse, you can ensure the movement of warm air to the street, and open doors, will ensure the passage of cool air. There will be no draft, and the air will change.
If you have a small greenhouse, then for good air exchange two vents located on the roof of the greenhouse will be enough.
To make air exchange faster, instead of roof vents it is better to equip side vents, which will be located above the ground.
Conventional ventilation cannot be used to grow tropical plants, so ventilation can be equipped with vents similar to blinds.
Greenhouse tricks
Summer residents who have been working in greenhouses for several years can tell you a lot of tricks on which the yield of vegetables or other crops depends. But everyone, without exception, will answer that growing plants depends on the crop itself, on the amount of heat supplied, on the length of daylight hours, on ventilation, on proper watering and regular feeding.
We will share with you some of these subtleties and tricks:
From all of the above, we can conclude that several types of material can be used to make a greenhouse, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you are planning to make a greenhouse yourself, then by adhering to our action plan, you will accomplish this without much difficulty. Remember that equipping a greenhouse with vents is just as necessary as watering the plants.
A greenhouse is an indispensable element in any summer cottage. Thanks to this relatively small but very necessary structure, you can provide favorable conditions for the rapid growth of seedlings, protect tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as others from frost. horticultural crops, get an early harvest - the greenhouse will always take care of your plantings. It can be of any shape, among which you can easily choose the one that suits you and your site best. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to buy this house for plants - you can make a greenhouse with your own hands quickly and easily, if you know how.
Before you go to the barn to assess the availability of materials and tools or to the store to purchase them, you need to inspect the garden plot and choose the place where the greenhouse will be built. Of course, the structure can be portable, but most often it is made stationary. In addition, the size of the structure will depend on the choice of location and the availability of free space, and this factor greatly influences the amount of materials required for construction.
The location for the greenhouse should be selected according to the following principles.
- This should be a flat piece of land. Installation of the structure on steep slopes is unacceptable. If there are snags and stumps in the area allocated for the greenhouse, then they must be uprooted and all holes filled with soil.
- Growing and fruiting plants need good lighting. That is why a greenhouse is not installed where shadows from trees, shrubs, greenhouses, houses and other buildings fall on the ground. Lack of light will negatively affect both seedlings and adult crops.
- It should be convenient for the gardener to carry out all the work in the greenhouse. Therefore, you need to try to calculate the location in such a way that there is sufficient passage around the structure and the greenhouse can be easily opened.
On a note! If the greenhouse is planned to be used for permanent cultivation of plants, for example, then care should be taken to build a second greenhouse, if space allows. The fact is that it is undesirable to grow the same crops, especially tomatoes and cucumbers, in the same place year after year. Usually the plantings are swapped. In this case, a second greenhouse would be very useful.
The optimal time to build a greenhouse is mid-spring. The snow has already melted, but the plants are not growing much yet. Although if there is nowhere to rush, then you can build a greenhouse at any time of the year, except winter. In winter, it is very difficult to carry out any construction, not only because of the cold, but also because of the hard ground.
Greenhouse dimensions
In general, the size of any greenhouse depends entirely on the desires and capabilities of the gardener, as well as on the types of crops that will be grown in it. If a greenhouse is needed only for acclimating seedlings to the street, but not for permanent place residence, then it can be completely small or assembled hastily without any special material costs. But if this design is meant to be capital, then it is best to make some calculations so as not to get upset later and not throw up your hands in case of a lack or excess of space.
You should start making calculations by developing a structural diagram (we will consider types of greenhouses below). Thanks to it, it will be easier to calculate the necessary parameters and the amount of materials.
On a note! Typically, greenhouses are made about 1 m wide and no more than 2-3 m long. The height is approximately 50-60 cm. Such dimensions will be as comfortable as possible both for carrying out work inside the structure and for growing seedlings, as well as low-growing crops.
You can also take the number of plants that will live in the greenhouse as a basis for calculations. For example, no more than 3 cucumber or tomato bushes can peacefully coexist on 1 m2. Based on this, you can calculate the dimensions of the structure you need.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of the material that will be used to build the structure. Sometimes it is easier to make a couple of small greenhouses than one long one, which can only be achieved by joining the material.
Types of greenhouses
Greenhouses for dachas come in the most various forms. To decide what type of greenhouse yours will be, you should get acquainted with the main ones.
Table. Types of greenhouses.
| Type of greenhouse | Description |
|---|---|
| A greenhouse that opens like a regular breadbox. It can be factory-made or home-made. It is convenient because the lid does not tend to fall down and does not need supports, unlike, for example, a “butterfly”. |
| One of the simplest greenhouse options. Several plastic or wire arcs are stuck into the ground along the bed and covered with spunbond or polyethylene. It is quickly disassembled and assembled, and this process can be carried out by almost any gardener. |
| The lower part of this structure - the base - is recessed into the ground; only the greenhouse lid is on the surface. This method of arranging a house for plants allows you to retain heat inside the structure longer. |
|
| The greenhouse is arched or like a house, has two doors that open outward. Can be produced in a factory or made by hand. Provides uniform access to plantings on both sides. |
| One of the simplest types of greenhouse is two battens connected at the ridge and covered with polyethylene or other material. It is installed quickly and easily, but is unstable and is used more often as a temporary portable structure. |
Each of the above types has certain variations, supplemented by one or another element. For example, an ordinary greenhouse-breadbox can be installed not on the ground, but on the base, thereby making it taller. There are also a lot of greenhouses - for this, ordinary sports hoops are used, window frames, headboards and much more. Sometimes it’s enough to rummage around in the barn at the dacha, where unnecessary things are stored, and find several items that can easily get a new life in the form of a greenhouse frame. All you need is a little skill and imagination.
Greenhouse materials
It's time to discuss the main types of materials from which it is easy to create a greenhouse with your own hands. The frame itself can be of three types.
- Metal. This material is the longest-living and durable compared to others. He is not afraid of either wind or snow. Metal arches can support more weight than plastic or wooden ones. Metal has two main drawbacks: difficulty in processing (certain devices are needed to work with it) and a tendency to corrosion (this drawback can be corrected if the frame is painted). Also, if the greenhouse falls, the metal base will simply crush the plants.
After constructing the frame, it must be covered with a covering material that will retain heat and protect the plants from wind and cold. Let's consider the possible options.
- Glass. Heavy, but high-quality and durable material with increased fragility. It is easily damaged by impacts, breaks when dropped, but does not bend, and therefore can only be used for greenhouses with smooth walls. Does not retain ultraviolet radiation and retains heat worse, difficult to process.
- Polycarbonate. Recognized as one of the best covering materials. It has a certain strength, it is not afraid of moderate wind/snow loads, it bends well, and therefore can be used for the construction of curved structures. The material has a protective layer that prevents penetration into the structure ultraviolet rays, and due to the honeycomb structure it retains heat perfectly. The service life is shorter than that of glass, but in some ways the material is even stronger, since it is not so fragile and will not break if dropped from a small height. Polycarbonate is also very easy to process.
Cucumbers are demanding when it comes to growing conditions and produce a good harvest only when the air and soil temperatures are stable. Providing cucumbers with the necessary microclimate is quite simple: you need to install a permanent or seasonal greenhouse in the garden. We will tell you how to make a greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands in.
Also, to connect individual elements, you may need angles, self-tapping screws, washers, corner profiles, and clamps. To make it easier to open greenhouses with doors, handles and awnings are used.
Prices for cellular polycarbonate
cellular polycarbonate
Greenhouse "house"
A gable portable greenhouse is one of the simplest options that you can build with your own hands. It is a “roof” with two slopes, placed on the ground and covered with film. It can be made easily and quickly from a wooden beam approximately 5*5 cm, metal corners and screws or nails.
Step 1. We create two frames by connecting bars with a length equal to the length of the greenhouse, and shorter ones.
Step 3. We connect the two frames together at the top using a ridge strip. The approximate connection angle is 90 degrees.
Step 4. At the bottom of the frame we connect the elements with longitudinal slats. We have a frame.
Step 5. Now the frame needs to be covered with film so that it can rise to ventilate the plantings. To do this, we cut off the piece of covering material we need, slightly larger in length than the sum of the two side parts of the greenhouse.
Step 6. We cut out two triangular-shaped pieces of polyethylene the same size as the sides of the frame. We nail them with small nails on the sides.
Step 7 We nail a large piece of polyethylene onto the ridge strip.
Unfortunately, not the entire territory of Russia is conducive to growing your own vegetables and fruits for many months. In most climatic zones of the country, the dacha season is extremely short, while many people strive to grow as many crops as possible on their plot for subsequent harvesting. In this connection, gardeners and gardeners willingly use greenhouses, with the help of which the growing season is extended, which makes it possible to harvest an earlier and more abundant harvest. In some cases, if you have a well-built greenhouse, self-grown crops can be consumed all year round.
Of course, for these purposes it is necessary to take into account a number of features, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
Peculiarities
A greenhouse built with one’s own hands always warms the gardener’s soul. The design can be of very different sizes and shapes, and homemade greenhouses are no worse in use and functionality. The device can be easily viewed in diagrams and drawings; materials for manufacturing may be different. Often, fiberglass reinforcement is used as a frame; there are also no problems with removable covering material - basically this polyethylene film, glass or polycarbonate. Taking into account all these features, it is possible to erect such a structure on a site in one weekend, and homemade buildings are in no way inferior in quality to those purchased in a store.
Advantages and disadvantages
Convenient homemade greenhouses are very popular among summer residents. An undoubted advantage is the fact that a self-made greenhouse at the dacha will be relatively cheap. A budget greenhouse can be made from different materials, the most important thing is to equip it with an opening roof and take care of the quality of lighting for plants. Speaking about the disadvantages, of course, it should be taken into account that you will have to spend time studying the types and designs, as well as familiarizing yourself with the drawings and construction plans at the dacha.
Kinds
Greenhouses are designed taking into account the botanical characteristics of the plant species for whose needs the greenhouse is being built. These also include the amount of light transmitted and the temperature inside. The greenhouse can be either year-round or used during a certain season. In general, all types of greenhouses are suitable for growing a variety of crops - be it Chinese cabbage or flowers.
At first glance, greenhouses can be divided into the following categories:
- single-pitched;
- gable;
- teardrop-shaped;
- dome;
- polygonal;
- Dutch.
- In most cases pitched roofs used in the construction of greenhouses or winter gardens, since this type of building has a passage. As a result, you can easily enter the premises without regard to weather conditions. This type of greenhouse is best installed on the south side of a residential building.
- Greenhouses with gable roofs are very popular in our country and are currently the most common design.
- The teardrop-shaped greenhouse is a very durable structure with excellent permeability sunlight, does not retain precipitation in the form of snow on the surface, but it is quite difficult to install, so such greenhouses are rarely made independently.
- The dome greenhouse has a spectacular appearance and does not require high flow rate materials, but its main advantage is that, due to its design features, it can be installed in areas with seismic hazard. The main tasks during construction are good sealing and high-quality insulation.
- Polygonal greenhouses are pleasing to the eye, transmit light well and are not afraid of gusty winds. The difficulty during installation is that it is necessary to carefully organize the space in order to evenly distribute the heat inside.
- The Dutch version of greenhouses is reliable and durable. Due to the sloping walls, sunlight penetrates inside, which can significantly increase the yield. Among other things, this option is also quite budget-friendly.
- Recently, the so-called “booths” - a greenhouse that looks like a tunnel - have become widespread among summer residents. Most often it is erected for growing tomatoes and peppers. This type of greenhouse is functional, convenient, does not require large expenses, and allows you to consistently get a good harvest, which allows us to call it the optimal type self-built Location on.
Greenhouses are also divided according to the principle of movement:
- folding;
- stationary.
Folding greenhouses began to gain popularity relatively recently. Their advantage is that the lightweight frame can be easily folded and moved to another place in the garden if necessary. At the same time, the greenhouse itself is very ergonomic and has a low cost, which is what deserves the attention of summer residents.
Stationary greenhouses, on the contrary, have long become classics of the genre. To install a structure of this type, you will need an underground foundation and a metal frame. Many people have long preferred this type of greenhouse because long years operation in the most different conditions These designs have gained fame as strong and durable devices. There are no particular difficulties in installing such a greenhouse; maintaining it is also quite easy.
Greenhouses can also be divided according to the type of initial characteristics - these types of greenhouses are named after the name of their creator:
- greenhouse according to Kurdyumov;
- greenhouse according to "Mitlider".
Kurdyumov's greenhouse is an autonomous unit, otherwise it is called “smart”. This design is distinguished by the ability to automatically maintain the temperature inside itself; a special advantage is the presence of drip irrigation of plants, which does not require human intervention. This type of structure supports the possibility of natural restoration of soil in beds or containers with plants. Mitlider greenhouses are considered a special subspecies of greenhouses. Its distinctive features are know-how in indoor air ventilation systems, the special arrangement of the frame - beams and struts create a durable structure for the covering material. Typically, such greenhouses are located from east to west, which opens ample opportunities for plants to perceive sunlight.
Natural boards are usually used as the main material for a Mittleider greenhouse., which allows you to “breathe” and prevents the formation of condensation. As a rule, such greenhouses are large in size, which provides an additional opportunity to create a special microclimate for the plants inside. Typically, a greenhouse looks like a low structure with a gable roof with a difference in height. Another possible option is an arched building with a two-level roof.
Another option for greenhouses is a three-row greenhouse. As a rule, such buildings occupy a medium or large area; the beds in them are located in three levels, with two passages located between them.
A farm greenhouse consists of a metal frame over which a film covering is stretched. This type of greenhouse is very popular among the population because it is low cost, moisture-proof and resistant to environmental influences.
Many summer residents fell in love with the spherical greenhouse for its unusual appearance and excellent transmission of sunlight.
Characteristics
When choosing Supplies For future construction, be sure to pay attention to what time of year the greenhouse will be primarily used.
Winter greenhouses must be equipped with a heating system, it is better to install them close to heating system Houses. In another case, as additional equipment, you can install a stove in the greenhouse room, but this will create additional difficulties - the stove requires additional attention, it needs to be heated and, most importantly, to ensure that it does not overheat, which is fraught with temperature fluctuations. A winter greenhouse must be installed on a solid foundation; among other things, this type of construction requires additional strengthening of the frame and roof to avoid possible damage due to heavy snowfalls.
There is also the opportunity to build a so-called “thermos greenhouse” on the site - this structure can boast of being particularly durable, since its foundation goes two meters into the ground. However, installing such a structure has a number of additional difficulties - it is necessary to dig a pit, the foundation must be separately reinforced to avoid deformation, thermal blocks are usually used as a material for walls, which will subsequently need to be insulated. All this is quite expensive, so such greenhouses are rarely found on personal plots.
Summer greenhouses in the vast majority of cases consist of a frame on which a polyethylene film is stretched. This option for external cladding is the most budget-friendly, and with careful use, the film is quite capable of lasting two seasons.
Creating the simplest greenhouse on your summer cottage with your own hands requires certain preparatory work.
The first thing to take care of is preparing the site for construction. Try to choose an area that is as level as possible; it is also highly desirable that there are no obstacles to the sun’s rays. Next, the site is properly compacted. If a tree is chosen as the base, then the prepared boards are treated with an antiseptic solution and knocked down around the perimeter. Reinforcement is installed in the corners of the boxes as additional reinforcement. If for some reason it is not possible to allocate a separate place for the construction of a greenhouse, alternative option one wall of the greenhouse will be adjacent to any building - it could be a residential building or some kind of utility room.
When choosing materials for the frame, it is necessary to take into account all their characteristics. We must not forget that the frame itself and the doors must have special strength so that the structure cannot be damaged by winds, temperature fluctuations and snow masses during the winter period. None of the frame elements should be massive and prevent the penetration of light. If a collapsible structure is intended, it should consist of lightweight materials and be able to be dismantled without additional effort.
Frames for greenhouses can be made of the following materials.
- Tree– the most environmentally friendly and easy-to-use material that does not require the use of any professional equipment and does not require specialized skills during the work. Since wood tends to rot, special attention should be paid to its pre-treatment.
- Aluminum profiles involve the creation of a rigid but light frame, while it is durable. This material has a higher cost; its use requires the use of equipment to fasten the parts together.
- Plastic(as well as metal-plastic) parts have a low specific gravity, are quite durable, and are not subject to external influences such as rotting or corrosive changes. Due to its flexibility, it is possible to change the shape of the parts, which provides ample opportunities for creating greenhouses with arches or two slopes. But it is necessary to take into account that plastic elements require mandatory connection to the foundation or soil.
- Steel frames are also quite widespread, but they require a strip foundation. If the elements are galvanized, they will last longer as they are not subject to rust and corrosion.
- Drywall It is a successful combination of light weight material and ease of work. Practice shows that a frame made of this type of material is inexpensive, easy to use, lasts a long time and is easy to disassemble. It is used to perfectly create gable and arched greenhouses, as well as Mittlaider greenhouses.
Sometimes window frames are used as frames - which are characterized by excellent thermal insulation and relative ease of installation. However, it is worth considering their relative fragility - even with careful care, their service life is unlikely to exceed five years.
After choosing a suitable location, the next step in the greenhouse construction process is choosing a suitable foundation. Its type directly depends on the weight of the planned structure, since in most cases the greenhouse frame weighs little, and the covering material additionally adds windage to the building, which often causes destruction due to strong gusts of wind.
- A brick foundation is easy to install, reliable and quite suitable for most greenhouses. But it is necessary to take into account that laying a brick foundation requires specific skills and is quite expensive.
- Stone foundations are rightfully the most durable and strong. You can install heavy metal frames on it. This option cannot be called budgetary; as a rule, foundations for permanent greenhouses are created from stone.
- Concrete is inexpensive and hardens quite quickly, but requires the creation of formwork and frame fastenings.
- Wood is often used as a foundation, but it is worth considering that a wooden foundation is not suitable for capital construction, since it is unlikely to last longer than five years even with the most careful care.
- In some cases, when constructing a greenhouse, it is quite possible to do without a foundation. We are talking about small portable greenhouses, the windage of which is reduced by attaching them directly to the ground with small pegs.
When choosing a coating material, it is necessary to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of different types of materials.
Basically, the following options are used:
- polyethylene film;
- glass;
- polycarbonate
The most affordable type of covering material is stretch film, however, it cannot boast of durability and even the highest quality coatings require replacement every three years. A greenhouse with arches or bows is usually covered with two layers of film, which creates excellent conditions for the plants inside the building. The material perfectly transmits sunlight, but for the same reason it is subject to rapid wear and, as a result, a decrease in light transmittance. In addition, very often condensation forms on the inner surface, which can also be attributed to the disadvantages of this type of coating. There are also options for polyethylene film, additionally equipped with reinforcement. This option is stronger, more resistant to gusts of wind and will last longer.
Glass can safely be classified as a traditionally used material when making greenhouses with your own hands. Glass coatings are durable and have excellent thermal insulation, but it should be remembered that glass heats up very quickly and at the same time weighs quite a lot. Replacing broken glass is a particular challenge.
Polycarbonate is a type of hard, transparent plastic, the structure of which is a material with large cells. It has sufficient impact resistance and light transmittance, is very flexible, and is therefore suitable for constructing greenhouses with arched vault or in the form of a tunnel. Since this type of coating consists of air-filled cells, it can be argued that it is the most heat-insulating among all possible options.
When considering this type of covering for a potential greenhouse, also consider the following disadvantages:
- when exposed to sunlight, the material will inevitably deteriorate;
- when conducting installation work do not forget that polycarbonate tends to expand greatly when heated;
- in the absence of protective elements at the attachment points, the honeycombs of the material will quickly fill with dust or mold, which will render the coating unusable.
When fastening, also consider the following features:
- install the material in such a way that water can flow along the longitudinal strips from the inside;
- there is an ultraviolet filter on one side of the material - this side should be located outside the greenhouse;
- fasten the polycarbonate on specialized self-tapping screws with a thermal washer on them, pre-drill holes in the sheets.
Also take note of the following rules:
- Only transparent polycarbonate is suitable as a covering material. Despite the great aesthetic appeal of the colored one, it transmits the sun's rays much worse, which can lead to the greenhouse not fulfilling its intended purpose.
- Be sure to check the presence of a layer with a UV filter.
- Choose the layer thickness depending on the season in which the greenhouse will be used. In summer and autumn, the thickness of the sheets should be approximately 10-15 mm, in winter - at least 15 mm. Also, this value directly correlates with the strength of the frame - the greater the thickness, the stronger the supporting structure should be.
- When connecting sheets, use special profiles; the use of nails is strictly prohibited.
- Sheets cannot be overlapped.
- Pay attention to the components and do not try to save money on them - the use of an end profile and end strips will significantly extend the durability of the greenhouse.
When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturer. Do not forget that the stingy pays twice, so it is better not to purchase Chinese materials, despite their attractive cost. Among the well-established ones on the market in last years We can mention the domestic company Kinplast. This company offers a range of different coatings - from inexpensive to premium options.
Sheets made by the Russian company Aktual will last about 8 years.
This is an inexpensive option, has a fairly soft structure, and is easy to install.
- The Russian-Israeli production Polygal Vostok offers a material that is characterized by rigidity, flexibility, ease of installation, but also has a high price tag.
- "Winpool" is made in China, very soft, fragile, inexpensive, you can count on a service life of 3 years.
- "Sanex" is also a representative of the Chinese market, it is quite tough to work with, is not very convenient during installation, and will last about 4 years.
- “Marlon” is brought to Russia from the UK, the material is quite expensive, but will last for at least 10 years if the operating rules are followed.
Since the market currently has a huge number of options, you can get confused and choose among them not of very high quality.
To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the following points:
- The surface of the sheets must be uniform and smooth, without any protrusions, irregularities or chips. Also, it should not fall apart into layers.
- The ribs should be positioned at a 90 degree angle and should not be wavy in any way.
- Try to find out from the seller under what conditions the material was stored. Improper storage conditions will quickly reduce its service life. The sheets should lie horizontally, but if they were stored in a vertical position with emphasis on the edge or rolled up, this may reduce the quality of the material.
- Some summer residents prefer a mixed type of covering materials. With this option, the side walls are usually glazed and the ceiling is covered with film. Some farmers prefer to cover the frame with spunbond sheets.
Separately, it is worth noting that it is not recommended to grow different types of crops at the same time in the same greenhouse - simply put, the same room is not suitable for seedlings and fruit and berry crops at home. This aspect must be taken into account when choosing the type of greenhouse. Arched greenhouses that occupy a wide area will not bring much benefit. Optimal size A simple greenhouse is 3 by 6 meters - it will not take up much space; in such a greenhouse you can easily grow enough strawberries, cucumbers or tomatoes for a family.
Preparation of materials
Before you start work, carefully study the most best projects and drawings from those provided in open access resources - this will allow you to see the most complete picture of the opportunities provided. Of course, you can create a scheme yourself, but remember that this will require not only the investment of additional time and energy resources. In addition, an error may creep in during calculations, which can lead to the greenhouse losing its quality characteristics.
If we present a diagram of the work performed point by point, the general description of the construction stages will look like this:
- determining the required type of construction;
- preparation of the diagram;
- creating a frame;
- carrying out preparatory work on the area of soil where the greenhouse is planned to be installed;
- laying the foundation;
- mounting the supporting frame;
- fastening of a translucent coating.
During independent design or selection among already ready-made options take into account the requirements for finished building, as well as from available materials and preferences in the choice of plant crops. Most often, arched structures with a frame made of polyvinyl chloride pipes are located on personal plots - this is an inexpensive type of greenhouse, quite simple to implement. If a flat site is chosen for construction, it is best to choose a model with two slopes. In the case where you plan to install a greenhouse adjacent to the wall, it is more logical to make it lean-to. The base can be a geometric figure of various shapes - a square or rectangle, a trapezoid.
Before purchasing the materials needed for construction, it is necessary to make a calculation. This will help prevent unnecessary expenses in the future.
When the design is completed and the greenhouse manufacturing scheme has been selected, it is necessary to begin preparing the necessary components for future construction.
If we take the simplest option, which can be built in a couple of days, the set of materials will be as follows:
- Boards soaked in antiseptic, treated with drying oil or burned with a blowtorch. Please note that if you want to save money, you don’t have to buy specialized products, but use time-tested, old-fashioned methods of processing wood and timber. If funds allow, of course, you can purchase factory-made chemicals.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Before making a frame, calculate required amount material for construction. After making the calculation, add 10% in reserve, especially if you have to make a pipe bender.
- Durable polyethylene film - the more wear-resistant the material is, the longer it will not require replacement with a new one. You can also use polycarbonate sheets if desired.
- Metal rods or pieces of reinforcement one meter long.
- Self-tapping screws and nails.
- Hinges for fastening windows and doors.
- Accessories – handles for doors and windows.
- Special loops for fastening pipes.
If you decide to use HDPE pipes to form the frame, consider their following features:
- Pipes help create tightness inside the building, which creates favorable conditions for the ripening of crops.
- This material is easy to use and does not require special skills.
- With the help of fasteners, pipes are easy to install and dismantle if necessary. Thus, the frame can be easily assembled for a warm climate period and removed again when the greenhouse is not in use.
- There is no need to use additional reinforcement. The pipes themselves have good characteristics and self-sufficient in use.
- Plastic, unlike wood or metal, is much less susceptible to environmental influences. Finished products do not need to be treated with anti-corrosion and other protective substances.
- The building may well last at least a decade.
- Since the material has a low specific gravity, the greenhouse can swing during strong gusts of wind. In this case, it is necessary to install additional metal elements in the ground to strengthen the structure.
Please note that metal corners can be used to strengthen the foundation, they will give the structure strength. This element is attached from the inside at the joint between the boards. If the base is made of timber, it is better to use metal brackets for fastening, which are mounted with outside. The finished foundation should fit tightly to the soil. If cracks appear, cover them with soil.
Assembly and installation
When installing the frame into a finished foundation, metal reinforcement is driven into the ground from the outside at a distance of no more than a meter. Parts of plastic pipes pre-cut to the required length are placed on these blanks. To fasten them together, as well as to mount them on a wooden base, use screws or nails, self-tapping screws. To install elements horizontally, as a rule, pre-drilled plastic couplings, angles and crosses are used from the inside, allowing pipes to cross the connecting elements.
When polycarbonate sheets are used as a covering material, the actions will be as follows:
- Removed from sheets protective film, the top side is marked with a marker. For convenience in carrying out work, it is better to make several marks on each sheet.
- Make blanks for the end walls - for these purposes, a standard size sheet is cut into three equal parts 2 by 2 meters. One of the parts is applied to the end so that all cavities are located vertically. The left side of the sheet is aligned to the left edge, and the outline of the required arc is outlined with a marker. A similar manipulation is performed with the right edge, as a result of which the sheet takes on the contours of two semi-arches. After which they are cut out using a jigsaw, leaving a tolerance of 3-5 cm, and the right end of the building is cut out in the same way.
- The cut out parts are attached to self-tapping screws at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other. Try not to squeeze the material too much. The excess is cut off with a knife.
- The third part of the sheet is used for the door and windows. The sheet is applied vertically to the doorway. The outline of the door is outlined with a margin, the blanks are cut out and attached. The remainder is used to cover the space above the door. It is better to fasten the joints with special profiles.
- To cover the top of the greenhouse, the sheets are laid on arcs, aligned with the bottom edges and trimmed. The sheets should protrude slightly above the end of the building, then they are fixed in the corners.
- The second sheet is laid overlapping the first at the joint, the corners are secured and placed on screws from the bottom edge at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other.
If it is decided to cover the greenhouse with plastic film, the stages of work will be as follows:
- The film is attached to the frame with staples or wooden slats. Secure it in such a way that there are no tears in the fabric.
- It is necessary to cover the front and back parts of the frame with film. In the part where the door is planned to be made, the film is folded inward.
- Re-measure the doorway, then you need to assemble the frame from the tubes. A film is attached to the resulting frame, the excess is cut off and the door is hung using hinges, the windows are designed according to the same principle. If you are planning glass doors, carefully study the fastening of glass to metal.
- This greenhouse option is only suitable for summer. The next and final stage after building a greenhouse is preparing the soil and planting seedlings.
As mentioned above, for the winter version of the greenhouse it must be equipped with a heating system. Despite the apparent complexity, it is not so difficult.
Among the types of heating are the following:
- solar;
- technical;
- biological.
Technical, in turn, is divided into the following subtypes:
- water;
- gas;
- stove;
- electric.
Solar type is based on greenhouse effect, which is formed when natural light enters the greenhouse space. This heating option is used only in summer when the sun is active. In the cold season, to achieve the best result, a mixed type is used - a biological-technological option.
The biological species is used both in winter and summer to heat the soil. The soil is removed from the racks, after which manure is placed on the bottom; horse manure is best suited, since its decomposition releases a large amount of heat. Soil containers are filled one third with manure. In addition to manure, you can also use compost - one of its components is also a waste product of horses. Pour all the soil back into the shelving. When the decomposition process begins, the plant roots will begin to warm up. In addition, it will serve as an excellent fertilizer, since manure and compost contain many minerals for plant growth.
The electric heating method is also easy to use. For these purposes, a heating cable laid in a special way is used. Read the instructions first. Please note that the thermal cable can be purchased along with a temperature regulator, so creating the optimal temperature for the seedlings will be quite simple.
Water heating is arranged as follows: the entire perimeter of the greenhouse is laid with a double row of pipes, which are looped into an electric boiler. To connect the boiler, you need to lay electrical cable. Please note that the boiler can be located inside the greenhouse or can be taken outside of it. Experts insist that the boiler must be taken outside and pre-insulated. These manipulations are done with the aim of more uniform heating. You can also warm up the room using a heat generator. The boiler itself can be purchased in a store or you can make it yourself, but keep in mind that in the second case you cannot do without special knowledge and skills. Further, the procedure is similar - pipes are laid from the boiler under the racks, which are looped. Any solid fuel can be used as fuel: coal, firewood, wood waste.
If on your personal plot there is gasification, heating can be arranged using gas burners or air heaters; for this purpose they need to be placed around the entire perimeter of the building. At small area In a greenhouse, it is quite possible to use gas cylinders. If the greenhouse occupies a large area, then it is necessary to connect it to the general gas system of the house. Gas-burners create carbon dioxide, which plants need. To ensure that heat is distributed evenly, fans are installed in the building. The burners can also be replaced with a gas factory boiler, but be sure to look at its country of origin.
As a heat source for electric heating of a room, aluminum radiators or electric convectors are used, which are installed at an equal distance along the entire perimeter of the building or located on both sides if the greenhouse area is rectangular in shape. This type of system is connected directly to the power supply or heat supply system.
You can also make a stove in the greenhouse, which is best located at the end of the building. A horizontal chimney is laid from the stove along the entire perimeter of the greenhouse. Metal pipes or brickwork are suitable for these purposes. When connecting the chimney and the vertical riser of the stove, you need to make a small rise at the junction. The higher the riser, the better, because the stove will have good draft. With this type of heating, do not forget to prepare fuel in advance. You can place the stove in a pre-made depression in the ground.
In addition, you can make a water oven from a regular oven. For this purpose, a water heating boiler is installed on it, from which pipes will go to a water tank. The pipes and the boiler are looped using wiring around the entire perimeter of the room. There is also another option - to collect pipes along each of the racks, thereby providing distribution to four different pipes.
We must not forget that plants require the creation of a special microclimate for their successful development and growth; special equipment will help improve these indicators inside the greenhouse, with the help of which you can increase the productivity and yield of grown crops. Additional equipment involves not only additional heating, but also the possibility of ventilation, watering and lighting. As you know, watering plants is a rather labor-intensive process. The automatic system will help save the owner summer cottage from this hard work, saving time and water.
Good room ventilation is extremely important in a greenhouse., as it prevents condensation and improves the overall microclimate, which undoubtedly benefits the plants. Properly created air exchange will protect crops from overheating. For natural air movement, it is enough to open doors and vents; an additionally installed fan or hood will increase air circulation.
With short daylight hours You can’t do without sources of additional lighting. Special lamps will help seedlings get enough light in early spring or late autumn.
Best projects
Be sure to check out the best and most common options, and perhaps you’ll come up with your own ideas.
For cucumbers
Separately, I would like to consider making a greenhouse for cucumbers as one of the most favorite vegetables. Any summer resident knows that cucumbers need warmth and high humidity. With proper organization of protected soil, this vegetable is less susceptible to diseases and can produce a larger harvest.
To obtain a rich harvest, the following requirements are necessary:
- daytime air temperature – no more than 30 degrees, night – no less than 16;
- soil temperature - about 23 degrees;
- calm air without drafts;
- humidity about 80%;
- high degree of illumination;
- insect access if the variety involves bee pollination;
- durable structures for vertical movement of seedlings.
Due to the large number of parts, it is difficult to create the required climate in one room. Let's consider the general disadvantages and advantages of each type of greenhouse for a specific purpose - growing cucumbers.
The advantages include simplicity of design, ease of creation from scrap and existing materials. The small area and internal volume will provide good heating; it is well lit and easily accessible to insects for pollination. Among the disadvantages, one can note such characteristics as low planting density - you can place a maximum of three pieces per square meter, inconvenience when cultivating the soil and harvesting. If you water plants with a watering can, the water reaches the leaves, which can cause burns. The greenhouse needs to be constantly opened and closed, otherwise the crops will overheat and die.
Arch type with film
The advantages of this type of greenhouse are that it is easy to construct and does not require expensive materials, has sufficient internal space for growing vertical bushes. The film coating retains moisture well, promotes rapid heating of the soil and air, and transmits light well. Disadvantages: the film is a short-lived material and requires regular replacement; it has poor thermal insulation properties, so in the event of early frosts, the greenhouse will have to be covered additionally. When building a greenhouse of this type, it is necessary to have vents, since drafts will inevitably arise when the doors are opened.
Polycarbonate covered
Pros: high structural strength of the frame, high ceilings and sufficient interior space. Polycarbonate perfectly transmits sunlight and has an excellent ability to diffuse it. Provides convenient conditions for watering plants and cultivating the soil, making it easy to harvest. The provided vent openings provide good ventilation and absence of drafts.
Disadvantages: large financial costs for purchasing materials or finished products. Polycarbonate strongly reflects light, causing energy loss. The covering and frame require constant maintenance; in winter, snow must be cleared from the greenhouse. Difficult access for pollinating insects.
Gable with glazed wooden frames
The advantages are as follows: a noteworthy design, which has already become a classic, demonstrates high thermal insulation properties. Good heating of everything internal space premises. Glass has excellent light transmittance; when placing vents on the roof, the possibility of drafts is eliminated. The ability to plant a large number of plants, having convenient access to them. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that the heaviness of the frame requires preliminary laying of the foundation. Wood requires mandatory preliminary and regular subsequent treatment, otherwise the frames will quickly begin to rot. It is also worth considering that glass is a fragile and traumatic material, and also does not have any scattering properties, which can lead to burns to plant leaves.
With one ramp
Positive characteristics: it is always attached to a house or barn on the north side, which ensures that the slope faces south to receive the maximum amount of sun rays. The room assumes rapid warming up and long-term heat retention, and also gives scope when choosing materials for construction. Negative characteristics: if the sun is active, it will be difficult to avoid overheating, curtains and quality system ventilation. If the greenhouse is built next to the house, prerequisite is good waterproofing and protection of the greenhouse from snow and ice.
Mittleider
An undoubted advantage is the special location of the vents - they are located in the roof and face south, which leaves no possibility of drafts and helps maintain an optimal microclimate. The greenhouse is large, has high ceilings and a lot of space inside.
The disadvantages are related to the complexity of the design and the inability to build it yourself without accurate drawings and installation skills. If the doors are closed, insects will not be able to get inside; either self-pollinating varieties are suitable for such a greenhouse, or additional bait varieties will have to be planted. Among other things, a greenhouse requires close care.
Pyramid shaped
Pros: The central part is ideal for growing cucumbers vertically. Excellent lighting, easy to install, only budget materials are needed.
Cons: small area, inconvenient to care for plants. Insect access is difficult. The structure is unstable and can easily be blown away by the wind.
For tomatoes
Polycarbonate greenhouses create ideal conditions for harmonious fruit ripening. Tomato is a crop that loves sunlight and warmth; the optimal temperature for growing them is 22-25 degrees. If the soil has a high clay content, then humus, sawdust or peat must be added to the soil at the rate of one bucket per square meter.
Planted seedlings must be watered frequently until they are fully developed. If the nights are quite cool, it is better not to water the plants after sunset so as not to overcool the soil. It makes sense to water from a watering can during the hottest time of the season. Next, the seedlings need to be pruned and tied, thereby ensuring uniform lighting and ventilation of the beds. With this growing option, tomatoes ripen much faster and it is possible to reap a good harvest. The plants are then secured to wire trellises or stakes, giving them space to grow further.
For greenery
During the cold winter months, there is nothing better than a bunch of fresh herbs, especially if you grow them yourself. What’s especially nice is that greenhouse greens are not too demanding to care for and produce several harvests a year. You can choose the type of greenery based on your own preferences.
Most people using winter greenhouses For growing greens, they prefer dill, celery and parsley.
- When growing dill, it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature regime - the thermometer should not fall below 15 degrees. In addition, dill needs constant spraying and does not tolerate drafts and cold winds, so be extremely careful when ventilating the greenhouse. The first harvest can be obtained in just two months with proper care.
- When growing parsley, there are several more nuances - firstly, this type of plant can be grown in the form of roots or seeds. In the first option, the root crop must first be kept in sand, the temperature of which does not exceed two degrees, after which it is planted in heavily moistened soil. If you plan to grow parsley from seeds that have previously been kept in damp cloth seeds are planted in the soil. As a rule, germination takes no more than ten days. The harvest is about one and a half kilograms of greenery per square meter.
- Celery loves well-fertilized, soft soil; cow or chicken manure is perfect as a fertilizer. The temperature in the greenhouse should be between 15 and 20 degrees. Watering for plants is necessary infrequently, but as abundantly as possible, and care must be taken that the water does not touch the leaves of the seedlings. Pay special attention to lighting, since the amount of harvest directly depends on the length of daylight hours.
- Many people love mint and enjoy using it in cooking. This type of plant tolerates frosts down to eight degrees below zero, while sprouting at the lowest temperatures above zero. Experts recommend using hydroponics or biological heating of the soil with peat as soil. Carefully monitor the soil moisture; drying it out is strictly unacceptable. If you plan to grow mint, it is best to equip the greenhouse with a drip irrigation system.
- Mint, like most crops, does not tolerate temperature changes, not only because sudden changes can destroy plants, such moments can lead to dangerous disease– powdery mildew. Also extremely dangerous pests for mint are spider mites and greenhouse whiteflies. You can defeat them by spraying the crop by industrial means or time-tested folk recipes.
For better rooting of seeds in the soil, you must first dry them in a draft. If you cannot plant the seeds directly, it is quite possible to grow seedlings at home and then plant them in the ground for 10-14 days.
Not all summer residents have the time and desire to understand the intricacies of the technology for constructing a greenhouse on a site with their own hands. At the moment, the market is filled with ready-made greenhouses of a wide variety of options. The first thing you need to do is decide for what purpose the greenhouse is being purchased. If we are talking about growing crops for family consumption, this is one thing, but if a summer resident considers a greenhouse as a way to increase his income and wants to put the resulting crop up for sale, the situation will be different. In the first case, you can get by with an inexpensive option, in the second, of course, financial investments will be much higher and the cost of maintaining a greenhouse will also increase.
Russia has vast territories that are located in different climatic zones. Climatic conditions in most parts of the country they do not allow harvesting throughout the year.
The natural wisdom and ingenuity of the Russian people made it possible to significantly increase the growing season of plants. By productively using greenhouses of various shapes and designs, amateur gardeners have the opportunity to obtain early and late harvests.
A more competent approach to greenhouse construction will allow you to obtain crops throughout the year. In this article we will try to tell you how to make a greenhouse with your own hands.
Design features
A greenhouse made into reality, made with one’s own hands, occupies an important place on a summer resident’s plot. A greenhouse made by yourself does not mean that it will be less effective in its functionality.
Photos and drawings of greenhouses for making with your own hands can be viewed and studied on thematic websites. The design of the greenhouse and its shape will depend on the purpose of the object.
The most popular materials for the construction of greenhouses are fiberglass or galvanized metal profile pipes, which serve as a load-bearing role for the structure. Glass, polyethylene film, polycarbonate can be used as a coating.
Exterior of the greenhouse
Typically, a greenhouse is designed according to the botanical species of the plant. Factors such as light transmission capacity are taken into account coating material and maintaining the required indoor temperature.
The shape of the greenhouse is:
- with one slope. It could be winter Garden or greenhouse. A passage is provided along the entire length, usually adjacent to the southern wall of the house;
- with two slopes. This is the most common form throughout Russia. Offers a variety of interior design options;
- in the form of a drop. A fairly stable design, but difficult to install;
- domed. It has a very impressive appearance with a modest consumption of materials;
- polygonal shape. They look great in a garden plot and can easily withstand strong winds.
Classification of greenhouses
Objects that ensure the maintenance of an artificial climate within themselves can be classified as collapsible and stationary greenhouses. Folding greenhouses quickly occupied their niche in the market for gardeners.
The ultra-light frame has standardized parts that can be assembled and disassembled by a person without special training. The price of such a kit will not put serious pressure on the family budget.
The coating for this design is usually a special polyethylene film. If handled carefully, it can be used for several years.
A stationary greenhouse design is considered a kind of classic for summer residents. In this case, the steel supporting frame rests on the foundation structure. Window windows are installed for ventilation, at equal intervals of wall glazing sections.
Greenhouses are also divided according to the type of characteristic features depending on the author of the project. The design of the greenhouse, the author of which is Kurdyumov, provides for watering the plants using the drip method. Greenhouses also have the ability to maintain the desired range of temperature and air humidity.
The greenhouse design, authored by Mitlider, is a durable construction made of natural wood. As a rule, such greenhouses are installed in the direction of the sun. This ensures better illumination for the plants.
Preparatory work
In order for the most simple greenhouse done manually, it is necessary to carry out the necessary preparatory measures.
When choosing a location for a greenhouse, you should be guided by the fact that there is no interference with direct sunlight. The site should be as level as possible, and it is advisable to have protection from strong winds.
Please note that you will need water for irrigation and electricity for lighting. Therefore, the greenhouse should be located on the site within acceptable proximity to these sources.
Choosing material for the greenhouse frame
When considering the choice of material for the supporting structure of a greenhouse, it should be noted that each of them is good in its own way. The following materials are considered the most popular today:
Wood. Wooden structures are easy to manufacture and do not require professional skills. Antiseptic treatment of the structure is required.
Aluminum. The low specific gravity of the metal and sufficient strength give the frame an aesthetic appearance, stability and durability. The high price of the profile is the main obstacle to widespread use.
Plastic. Metal-plastic profile due to its small specific gravity, of sufficient strength, has gained popularity among summer residents. The relatively low price and high performance characteristics have become the hallmark of this material.
Steel. Galvanized steel profiles are quite popular in the construction of greenhouses. Installation of a frame made of galvanized profile pipe does not require special training or equipment. Under such a frame it is necessary to arrange a strip foundation.
Installation of the supporting frame of the greenhouse and covering
A reliable frame design will be the key to protecting plants from the hot rays of the sun and heavy rains.
After the concrete in the foundation has gained the necessary strength, the frame elements can be prepared for assembly. The elements of the lower chord and the stand are connected to each other with bolts.
The elements of the upper chord and roof slopes are sequentially connected into a spatial structure with rigid connections. Entrance door located on the leeward south side.
Effective swirl ventilation should be ensured by placing opening vents in the roof structure.
When covering a greenhouse with your own hands from polycarbonate, the sheets are attached to the frame with anodized steel screws. A rubber sealing gasket is placed between the polycarbonate sheet and the frame element.
Glass coating is the most traditional material. However, high operating costs have pushed it out of the greenhouse materials market.
Film coating is characterized by low price and ease of use. It should be noted the low durability of this material.
Plumbing, electricity, greenhouse heating
After the greenhouse frame, covering, and ventilation are completed, you can begin installing the electrical network, heating and water supply.
Considering that the humidity in the greenhouse will be high, all electrical work must be performed taking into account the requirements of the relevant standards and rules for performing special work.
Can be considered as a heat source for the room stove heating, electrical energy, gas The issue of efficiency will depend on the regional location of the facility.
For productive work, it is advisable to bring water into the greenhouse. For this, a plastic pipe with a diameter of 1.5 inches is usually used. The riser is located at the entrance to the room.
DIY greenhouse photo
