Sizing

A number of questions should be addressed when determining the size of your greenhouse. What plant species will you grow? How much space is needed to grow the amount you desire? Is the greenhouse just for growing or will it be used for additional living space, as is the case with sunrooms? If the greenhouse is attached and is providing solar space heating, how much heat would you like to gain? The larger the greenhouse, the more heat is gained. Note that plants, soil and water in attached greenhouses actually absorb the majority of the winter solar heat gain. To
gain sufficient heat to supplement the adjacent structure, a south facing sunroom is best. These structures also do not use misting systems, making the air drier and more suitable for transfer to the main living space. A final sizing note is to give yourself a little extra squarebest to close off the greenhouse or sunroom from the house. This will help in maintaining sufficient temperature levels. A gas or electric heater may be used to provide backup heat for maintaining desired temperature levels inside your greenhouse or sunroom. If you would like a greenhouse close to the garden, a freestanding design may be best. Foundations can be very basic and permits are seldom required. Swimming pool enclosures are becoming very popular. Polycarbonate is a low cost and economical way to cover these large s footage. People love their greenhouses and welcome the extra space.

Style

Decide whether you would like an attached or a freestanding structure. South facing attached greenhouses are excellent passive solar collectors, providing substantial heat for the greenhouse. The soil, plants and moisture absorb most of the heat. Do not plan on moving hot air to the adjoining structure. Often this air is moist and might adversely affect your home. This warm room addition will dramatically reduce the heat loss on this side of your house, so there is actually a net gain. The solar gain in a south facing sunroom will often be enough to heat the sunroom, with additional heat transfer to the adjoining living space via doors, windows or a room-toroom fan. On cool days with little sun, and during the hours of no sun, it is often best to close off the greenhouse or sunroom from the house. This will help in maintaining sufficient temperature levels. A gas or electric heater may be used to provide backup heat for maintaining desired temperature levels inside your greenhouse or sunroom.

If you would like a greenhouse close to the garden, a freestanding design may be best. Foundations can be very basic and permits are seldom required.

Swimming pool enclosures are becoming very popular. Polycarbonate is a low cost and economical way to cover these large structures.

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