How to Build the Best Frame For Your Greenhouse
So, you’ve decided you want to build a greenhouse. At this point, you may be wondering what to do next. Well, I’ll tell you. Decide what type of greenhouse you want, gather your materials, and get started on building the frame for your greenhouse.
Keep in mind there are many greenhouse designs out there that may suit your needs. Whether you want it big, cold temperature, or a lean-to, your first priority is to the plant life you want to grow inside. For this particular occasion, we’re going to discuss a popular option in greenhouse construction: the cold frame greenhouse. These greenhouses are compact and lightweight, so mobility is never a problem.
For an idea of what you’ll be building, imagine a grill. Now imagine that grill is wooden and instead of housing coal, it houses soil and plant seeds. Next you’ll need to know what materials you need to build the greenhouse frame. Now, for the contractor who wants all his pieces in one place, you may opt to use a greenhouse frame kit. There are multiple kits out there, most of which make their frame from plastic or aluminum. To find out which greenhouse frame kit is right for you, do a little searching and you should find a kit for all types of plants –tropical and temperate climate fruits alike.
Now if you’re the type who likes to get your hands dirty, use power tools, hammers, and nails, then skip the greenhouse kit and get ready for some quick instruction. The construction of these greenhouses is fairly straightforward, depending on how much time you put into it. Firstly, you need to know what type of materials you’re working with.
You’ll need measuring tape, a power drill with assorted bits, a handsaw, a table saw, and clamps. You’ll also need various lengths of a certain type of timber (preferably cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine), plywood, rust proof head screws, a Plexiglas sheet, waterproof polyester glue, brass hinges and handles, a chain for the cover, sand, and soil. Keep in mind this list varies depending on what kind of project you’re doing. If you wish to construct a cold frame greenhouse of aluminum or plastic, the supplies you enlist will vary significantly.
To build the frame you’ll have to first get in mind the type of design you want for your greenhouse. Cut the wood and drill holes to fit in your screws. Once you’ve got the frame in mind, this should be a cinch. The success of your greenhouse frame relies heavily on what kind of wood you use and precise measurement. Pay close attention to your measurements and your cutting. Being even a tenth of an inch off will cause your frame to be faulty and your greenhouse will eventually collapse.
Now, be reasonable. If a cold frame greenhouse is too big of an endeavor, don’t put yourself out. As I said before, there are hundreds of greenhouse designs to choose from. Your first priority shouldn’t be how elaborate a greenhouse you construct, but how your fruits and vegetables will react to the environments in which you place them. Don’t be afraid to do a little digging (no pun intended) for the greenhouse that’s right for you.
