Designing A Greenhouse: Considerations and Challenges

Season 3: GreenhouseGreenhouses can come in a variety of forms:Cold FrameHoop HouseMini GreenhouseGreenhouse KitAttached 3-sided StructureIndependent Structure3 Things Required for GreenhouseVentilationHeat SourceThermal mass from other structureHeaterWater BarrelsSunlightThings to ConsiderFlooringDrainagePosition of the house relative to sunrise/setAccess Orientation- traditionally greenhouses direct N-S. (Mandi’s does not and we explain why it still works!)ChallengesContained pests include aphids, scales, mealy bugs, gnatsMold and mildewHeating if necessaryWays to heat a greenhouse- likely one of the biggest challenges we face. Some folks compost in the greenhouse- you have to have a large enough one and I am not convinced it would work too well. You can double window. Put up sheet insulation- like the kind some folks do on their windows. - may not be rated for humidity though. Mandi uses an electric heater. It keeps the greenhouse around 40 degrees- even when it is about 16 outside. As you listen to the entire episode, you will hear that we chat about many ways to do the same thing. It sure doesn't have to be fancy, because the end goal is all the same! Thank you for listening. Angela and Mandi