When it comes to choosing a greenhouse, the free-standing one is the best choice for a start-up business or an expansion of a small operation.
Having a greenhouse allows you to keep gardening even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. You can keep on propagating seeds and plants even if the season doesn’t go well.
The standard free-standing greenhouse is commonly used in gardens. It has a rectangular or square shape and can be designed with benches at the back and sides.
Wall or lean-to greenhouses are great for people who have limited space in their backyard. They are very energy-efficient and can be easily connected to the power supply.
Have you ever thought about the various shapes that are used in greenhouse structures? There are a few guidelines that will help you choose the right one for your greenhouse.
Before Choosing a Style
Whatever greenhouse design you choose, make sure to opt for a structure with the most strength and stability. Your greenhouse must:
- Be able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds and heavy snowfall.
- Have enough space for grow lights, sidewall shelves, and hanging baskets.
- Have complex details such as hinged screened storm doors and huge side or individual roof vents.
There are various greenhouse styles and sizes available. If you’re not sure which one will work for you, consider the extensions that can be added later.
Free-standing greenhouses
A free-standing greenhouse can be constructed with a hoop or a Quonset roof shape. The gothic roof style is the most popular, as it allows for easier snow removal.
Width
Wide hoop house designs are available in varying widths. These designs feature a collar tie or a truss to support the roof load. Gable designs are typically constructed to a 60 feet clear span.
Length
Gable houses are typically 8 or 10 feet between frames. These are ideal for enclosing a greenhouse with polyethylene film. Standard lengths are 48, 96, and 144 feet.
Non-level sites
Although it’s best to build a free-standing greenhouse on a level site, it’s also important to avoid building one on a lower one.
Expansion
It’s easier to add to the growing space of a business by having individual greenhouses. This method allows the owner to expand the space without disturbing the plant production.
Before starting a project, plan out the location of the future greenhouses. Also, arrange them so that they can be connected to a head house. This will improve their labor efficiency.
Glazing
Depending on the style and greenhouse cost, the choice of glazing can be made. Gothic and hoop designs are usually covered with either flexible or polyethylene film.
Heavy snow areas
Free-standing greenhouses can allow snow to slide off and into the houses, allowing the light to enter.
Free-standing greenhouses are ideal for growing plants that require varying temperatures. They can also provide separate cooling and heating systems.
Construction costs
Free-standing greenhouses are less expensive to build as site preparation and erection costs are less. A hoop house can cost less than $10 per square feet.
Winter shut down
When fuel prices are high, it’s easier to close individual greenhouses. Instead of draining and blowing out the hot water pipes, use a hot air furnace.
Gutter-Connected Greenhouse
A Gothic or gable-connected greenhouse is constructed with post lines and drains connected to the roof or the gutter. These are typically used for larger gardens.
The Right Shape for Your Greenhouse
There are so many different shapes in a greenhouse that it can be hard to tell which one is the best one for your project. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the factors that you should consider when choosing the right shape.
- The purpose. The shape of your home is very important, as it can affect the way you function. For instance, if you are planning on starting a tree nursery, then you need a shape that will support the various shelves.
- Location. It’s important to consider the location of your greenhouse when it comes to planning. Not only does it affect the area where it’s placed, it also affects the space required for the structure itself.
- Lean-to. This type of greenhouse is typically built into a building or structure that has already been built. It is also easy to make, and it provides many of the same features as a traditional greenhouse.
- A-frame. A frame greenhouse is typically a smaller version of a house, and is also very easy to build. This type of structure can be built in sections that are working the ground up.
- Span roof. The span roof greenhouse is typically the most agricultural looking greenhouse. It features a barn-like appearance and is used to promote the growth of various plants. Aside from being used to protect the plants, it also serves as a storage space for gardening equipment.
- Gothic Arch. The Gothic Arch greenhouse is commonly used in professional nurseries and is designed to look like the windows of a Gothic cathedral. It features a frame that’s almost identical to the windows in these structures.
Once you have decided on the shape of your greenhouse, the next step is to build it. This can be done by either planning and building the structure yourself or hiring someone else to do the work for you.
Basic Designs of a Greenhouse
Gable Greenhouse
This type of structure is usually attached to a wall or a garage using only half of the gable design. It has sloping and vertical sidewalls, and it uses flat roof panels.
Barn Style Greenhouse
A barn-shaped greenhouse is a type of greenhouse that has a wide roof and short walls. This design can be used in a variety of settings and can be built in a garden or attached to another greenhouse.
Dome Greenhouse
This design is similar to a dome, but instead of being attached to a structure, it is placed directly on the ground. It can only be made as a freestanding type and is a bit expensive to make.
Gothic Style Greenhouse
This type of design features a gothic appearance, with the walls and roof forming a continuous form, which allows snow to fall easily. It can be attached or detached.
Hoop Greenhouse
This type of design is usually made with a metal pipe or a plastic covering that’s enclosed with a plastic hoop. It’s very cost-effective initially, but the maintenance can add up.
Some people also use Galvanized steel, which is lightweight and can be used on a variety of surfaces. Wood can also be used, but make sure that it has been treated with a pressure-treated lumber.
Conclusion
In general, a free-standing greenhouse is the greatest option for someone just starting out in company or extending a small operation. The gutter-connect is ideal for a larger established business with solid markets. Here are some things to think about to help you make a decision.
Site selection is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing a greenhouse. This is because the facility can be used for a variety of purposes, such as growing vegetables and fruit.
A greenhouse is a great way to keep gardening even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. It allows you to keep growing plants and seeds even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
A wall or lean-to greenhouse is a great alternative for individuals who don’t have enough room in their backyard. It can be installed quickly and is energy-efficient.
