Backyard gardeners and hobby greenhouse owners share a passion for gardening. The fundamental difference between the two is that one is able to garden year round while the other is forced inside for the whole of winter and spring. When you become a greenhouse owner the first step to success will be proper setup of your greenhouse. Listed below are ten essential steps for setting up hobby greenhouses.

Step One: Select the best location, one where the greenhouse will have the maximum light exposure.

Step Two: Determine which greenhouse design will work best within that location (freestanding or lean to). A lean to is a great choice where available space is limited.

Step Three: Discuss with you local building department what snow and wind loads will have to be met by the structure. Ensure the manufacturer of the hobby greenhouses can provide you with everything you will need to satisfy your building department’s requirements for issuing a building permit.

Step Four: Identify a competent local contractor that can erect the foundation and greenhouse.

Step Five: Prepare your site for construction.  Ensure that your site is suitably level and pour the necessary foundation.  A knee wall may make a nice architectural statement.

Step Six: Erect the frame of the hobby greenhouses, install all glazing and hang the door. 

Step Seven: Install lighting, ventilation, heating and watering systems.

Step Eight: Check the installation to ensure that all lights, ventilation, heating and watering systems are fully operational.  If heating units or ventilation components fail to work properly plants could be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Step Nine: Design a layout for the greenhouse taking into consideration the light requirement and heights of your plants.  Taller plants and those that can climb should not overshadow smaller plants.

Step Ten: Setup shelving, tables and benches leaving ample space to reach plants and move about the greenhouse.

Step Eleven: Determine what type of climate you will maintain. Cool hobby greenhouses with a minimum temperature of 45˚ F will allow you to over winter frost sensitive crops and grow most plants year round.  Warm greenhouses with a minimum temperature of 65˚ F will allow you to maintain tropical plants year round.

Step Twelve: Calibrate all heating and ventilation equipment to maintain the desired temperature range in the greenhouse.

Step Thirteen: Start planting and enjoy your greenhouse.

The above thirteen steps will ensure that your first year in the greenhouse is productive and enjoyable.

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For information: www.nationalgreenhouse.com
Contact: andrewg@nexuscorp.com
t. (800) 303-1543 ext.533

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