Locating the Greenhouse

• Situate the greenhouse where it will receive the proper amount of sun and shade, and be protected from direct winds. The amount of sun or shade necessary is dependent upon zone. Southern structures should be shaded during the heat of midday, whereas northern structures should have full day sun access.
  
  

Greenhouse Materials

• Plastic and polycarbonate sheets are the least expensive materials to use. Glass is the traditional building material, and it has several benefits including insulation properties, good light transfer and durability. Glass or polycarbonate windows are used in conservatory styled hot houses. However, the plastic style greenhouses have been developed for high standards and are used by commercial farms due to their satisfactory light transfer, durability if set up tight enough to shed snow and rain, ease of transport and deconstruction. Many of these plastic and transept greenhouses can be purchased for under $1,500. In cold regions, a heater will be necessary; in hotter climates, a ventilation fan as well as retractable panels may be necessary to prevent overheating of the plants. Optional equipment includes hydroponic set-ups, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, misters and overhead water pipes for automatic watering and drip-type hoses.
  
  

Flooring

• Without a proper foundation, the greenhouse will allow rodent and insect entrance, weed growth and possible disease introduction to the crop. Cement foundations prevent these issues but are expensive. A layer of stone dust with pea gravel or thick mulch makes an excellent substrate. Mulch may be an issue in high termite or moisture areas. Masonry can be used as well; whether brick, stone or cement pavers, this is an attractive but often labor intensive or costly footing choice. Heritage gardeners may want to include a hot-bed system by excavating sections of floor under the plant shelves and filling these trenches with manure. The fresh manure heats the greenhouse as it decays.
  
  

Plant Choice

• Use tier shelving techniques to maximize space. Full sun plants can grow on top shelves while shading the plants underneath. Choose plants with similar heat needs. Growing lemons and lettuce or cole crops would not be practical. Plants with varying moisture and humidity needs, like cacti and watercress, should not be grown together. Compatible plants such as tomatoes and basil or marigolds and lettuces or beans work well. Some gardeners save hot houses for specialty plantings such as orchids or tropical fruits, and for seasonal uses like seed starting or tempering seedlings before planting outdoors.