Support for optimal temperature conditions important role in the operation of closed ground structures. Heating a greenhouse with your own hands is not easy, since this requires taking into account the characteristics of the climate, plants and the structure of the protected ground itself. You will find the best projects for heating a greenhouse using hot water, gas or stove heating in this article.
A detailed description of various heating methods will tell you how to heat a greenhouse in winter. Both traditional and alternative heating methods are presented, so you can easily choose a project that suits the characteristics and labor costs.
Heating a greenhouse with your own hands
At first glance, heating the soil in a greenhouse is not necessary, because Sun rays with the arrival of spring they will help warm the closed ground. However, this is not entirely true, since the spring soil is quite frozen, and to melt it you will need a large number of energy. Therefore, the sun alone cannot cope with such a difficult task, especially if the structure is covered with film or glass.
The situation with polycarbonate is a little simpler, because it is the warmest covering material, and therefore it is much easier to heat such a room. This article describes methods for heating greenhouses in different time of the year.
Basic methods of heating a greenhouse
There are several ways to maintain optimal temperature conditions with your own. The best heating projects using warm air, gas, biofuels and water will be described in detail below.
Using gas
This method is implemented using gas heaters that burn gas inside the greenhouse (Figure 1). In such a heating system, air, mixed with external and recirculation flows, enters the heating areas. Air flows can be supplied either using separate gas burners or using special hoses. To increase efficiency, a whole complex of burners is used, which are located throughout the premises.
Note: It is important to know that during the operation of gas equipment, emissions of carbon dioxide and steam occur into the air space of the greenhouse, which can lead to drying out of the air and burning out of oxygen. This phenomenon is quite dangerous for plants, so it is necessary to ensure uninterrupted operation of ventilation systems, especially in greenhouses covered with polycarbonate.
When operating a small home greenhouse, you can use gas cylinders; large industrial-scale structures are connected to a common gas pipeline system. In any case, extreme caution must be exercised when heating with gas, since in the event of a leak due to problems with the appliances, the person working inside may get burned.
Figure 1. Arrangement gas heating
The advantage of gas heating is the stability of the gas supply. In addition, modern heaters are equipped with special protective devices, giving a signal when gas supply to the burner stops. Heating devices with mesh are considered the most effective. In them, carbon dioxide is burned until it is completely oxidized, which means it can no longer harm a person in an unventilated room.
Heating the soil with air
Do-it-yourself winter heating can also be done by supplying warm air. The use of air heating of the soil makes it possible to quickly achieve the desired result at low cost, that is, to warm the soil to the required temperature.
Figure 2. Fans for heating a greenhouse with air
Heat sources can be either mobile convectors or heat fans equipped with thermostats (Figure 2). These devices heat the air well and penetrate shallowly into the soil. Their significant drawback is the drying of the air, so such heating devices can only be used in combination with a humidification system.
Biological
The oldest and most reliable is the biological method. In addition, it is the simplest and most unburdensome. It is necessary to change the compost from time to time (Figure 3).
Note: It is known that during the decay process a large amount of heat is released. Horse manure is best suited for this purpose, as it can heat up to +60-70 degrees in just a week and maintain this temperature for about 4 months. It is important to know that adding straw to horse manure reduces its effectiveness, while such an addition is required for pig and cow manure.
In the absence of manure, you can use various available materials: tree bark, straw, sawdust. The so-called artificial manure is widely used: finely chopped straw, lime-ammonium nitrate and superphosphate (10:0, 2:0.3 kg) are laid in layers, spilling each layer hot water and compacting. All layers are covered with earth, resulting in a layer of biofuel 25 cm high.
Figure 3. Biological heating device
To obtain plant humus you will need a barrel or wooden box. Freshly cut grass is placed in the prepared container with the addition of a 5% solution of urea or other nitrogen fertilizer. The container is closed with a lid and placed under a press. After 2 weeks, the plant humus is ready for use.
Another type of biofuel is household waste, half of which consists of paper and rags. This fertilizer takes a long time to heat up, but then reaches the same high temperatures as horse manure and retains heat for a long time.
A significant advantage of the biological method over others is the fact that with this method the atmosphere is saturated not only with carbon dioxide, but also with other microelements no less important for plants. At the same time, the air does not dry out and a normal level of humidity is maintained.
Solar
Heating using solar energy is new and promising. A significant advantage of this method is its environmental safety and low cost. The essence of this method is that the sun's rays penetrate through the transparent coating, warming up the soil and structural elements, which in turn give off heat to the air, thereby warming it up. The heat cannot escape back due to the dense structure and quality of the covering material (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Procedure for arranging solar heating
A significant disadvantage of this method is the variability of solar energy. Therefore, the main task of the owner of a greenhouse with solar heating is to make maximum use of solar heat and skillfully retain it. Therefore, the location of the structure, its shape, the quality of the coating, design features, as well as the use of various methods of energy storage are of no small importance.
Water
If your home greenhouse is already equipped with stove heating, it can easily be converted to water heating. To do this, install a water heating boiler on the stove, from which pipes are laid to the water intake tank. Hot water flows from the tank inside through a pipe located under the ridge of the roof (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Features of water heating
The central pipe branches at the far wall into four more, which go down along the walls and then return back to the boiler. This ensures continuous circulation of hot water through the pipes, which allows maintaining a constant temperature in the greenhouse.
Using an infrared heater
Nowadays the most popular are special infrared heaters, which act on the same principle as the sun's rays (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Infrared heating device
Unlike solar heating, infrared evenly distributes heat over the entire surface of the ground, and it does not depend on weather conditions. Modern infrared heaters consume little electricity, and they do not take up any useful space since they are mounted on the ceiling.
Using electricity
Today, soil heating using electricity is increasingly being used. The convenience of this method is that the heat generation device is located underground, which means it does not take up a separate space. As a result of electrical heating, both the soil and the air are well warmed up. In addition, it is possible to use different temperature conditions at different stages of plant development or set automatic temperature control (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Types of devices for electric heating
A separate option for electric heating is the use of air heaters. However, it is worth knowing that when using them there is no normal air circulation, as a result, some areas do not receive enough heat. Therefore, preference should be given to heaters with already built-in fans for complete air circulation.
Heating a greenhouse using solid fuel (stove heating)
You can also heat the room using a solid fuel boiler or stove that runs on wood waste, firewood, waste oil, and sunflower husks (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Installation of stove heating in a greenhouse
The ease of use is that the fuel is easily accessible, and the heating itself does not depend on weather or economic conditions and opportunities.
Do-it-yourself heating of a greenhouse in winter
When wondering how to heat a greenhouse in winter, there are several key features to consider.
Winter heating depends, first of all, on the climate in which the structure is located. However, there are several points that do not depend on this factor (Figure 9):
- The coating must be transparent and clean - this ensures that heat is retained inside.
- Windows should be equipped with at least double glazing for more effective thermal insulation.
- It is better to make a double coating, for example, use cellular polycarbonate, consisting of a large number of closed cells filled with air.
If the greenhouse is located in a warm climate zone, then in winter only good thermal insulation is required. This can be achieved through the correct selection of coating material. Cellular polycarbonate, double glazing or polyethylene film stretched in two layers work best. The sun does the main job of maintaining heat, but you should stock up on a fan heater with a thermostat in case the temperature drops significantly. The shape of the greenhouse and its location relative to the sides of the horizon also play an important role. It is best if it has an elongated shape and is located in the direction from east to west.
Note: If the temperature in the winter months drops slightly below zero, that is, you live in a warm temperate climate, then the best option There will be a biological heating method using manure or compost under the beds. One such bookmark is enough for three cold winter months. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to organize a backup heating source in case of severe frosts.
In temperate climates, that is, when temperatures drop in winter to -20 degrees, infrared heaters and heat air pumps will be the most effective. You should know that automatic heating control in IR heaters is difficult, but heat pumps are capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 15-17 degrees.
Figure 9. One of the winter heating options
In cold, harsh climates, it is most difficult to organize heating of a greenhouse in winter. Here, the best option would be a permanent structure covered with polycarbonate. It will be great if you can place it adjacent to one of the sides of the house, which is heated by water heating. In this case, for heating, you can use a metal-plastic pipe laid in the ground, which opens the return pipeline of the heating system.
A domestic gas boiler with low power and an underground ground heating system will be more expensive. The advantage of such heating is the complete autonomy of the greenhouse. With the same success, you can use a conventional solid fuel boiler and convectors located around the entire perimeter of the greenhouse.
The video shows in detail how you can make winter heating for a greenhouse.
How to heat a polycarbonate greenhouse in spring
Spring heating of a greenhouse, just like winter heating, depends on a number of factors, including: the size of the greenhouse, the type of its covering and operating conditions, as well as technical and financial capabilities. Only taking into account all the nuances will it be possible to choose the most suitable heating option in the spring. Among the methods described below, various combinations are possible depending on your specific needs. So, let's take a closer look at some of them.
Solar heating is effective only during the period of active solar heat, that is, in late spring and summer. A polycarbonate greenhouse allows the heat of the sun to pass through well, which first heats the soil and then the air. In it you can build a special oven from stones. The principle of operation of a solar oven is that the stones are heated by the sun during the day and give off heat at night.
It is worth considering that when choosing this heating option, the location of the greenhouse relative to the sides of the horizon is important. The most optimal is the southern side of the site. The shape of the structure itself plays an important role: arched, spherical structures are best heated by the sun.
To enhance the effect of heating by sunlight, it is recommended to make the northern side of the greenhouse opaque: paint it with white paint or cover it with foil.
The biological heating method is labor-intensive, but low-cost. It can be used all year round, including in spring. The essence of the method is the preparation of raw materials that generate heat. Manure mixed with chopped straw is best suited for these purposes. In the spring, even before adding biofuel, it must be preheated. To do this, the manure is placed in a pile in which holes are made. Pour into the resulting holes hot water, then cover the stack with dense material and leave for 3-4 days until the decomposition process begins. After this, the biological material is ready for use.
An important point in biological heating is adherence to a certain technology:
- Removing the soil layer from the racks;
- Laying organic matter on the bottom, filling a third of the shelves with it in height;
- Covering the manure with a layer of soil.
You should know that the duration of maintaining the temperature depends on the material used as fuel: from 2 weeks for sawdust and up to 4 months for horse manure.
The biological method of spring heating of a greenhouse has its undeniable advantages:
- Helps saturate the soil with nutrients;
- The soil is moistened naturally as a result of evaporation from rotting processes;
- Does not dry out the air;
- Ideal for spring heating to maintain temperature.
If the greenhouse is used seasonally, that is, only in spring or autumn, it would be irrational to install expensive technical devices for heating in it. Simple means, such as ovens, will do just fine here.
Stove heating is best suited for winter and early spring. In addition, using the stove, you can warm up the room from time to time after the onset of warm spring days to maintain the microclimate.
You should know that it is customary to install stoves at the end of the building with a horizontal chimney laid around the perimeter of the building. Thus, the heat is evenly distributed over the entire area of the building. However stove heating unable to warm the soil. Therefore, racks with soil must be isolated from the main soil, the temperature of which can be maintained using biological or technical means.
Stove heating can easily be converted to water heating by installing a water heating boiler on the stove. It is also possible to ensure water circulation around the entire perimeter using a solid fuel, gas or electric boiler, while pipes can pass not only on the surface of the soil, but also under it. It is also possible to connect the greenhouse to the heating system of a residential building, provided that it is located close to it (no more than 10 m) and the boiler has sufficient power.
Figure 10. Using candles for warmth
If warm air is used as a coolant, then we are dealing with air heating of the greenhouse. In this heating system, heated air is distributed through a system of air ducts located around the entire perimeter of the building. This method provides rapid heating, but the humidity level is significantly reduced.
If opportunities permit, you can use gas burners or air heaters located throughout the room. To ensure uniform heat distribution, the building must also be equipped with fans. The positive side of gas heating is its convenient use specifically for seasonal greenhouses. But constant monitoring of gas appliances, the problem of uniform heat distribution and the need for ventilation greatly overshadow the attractiveness of this method.
If you have access to electrical power in or near the greenhouse, you can use electric heaters. In spring, the electric method is the simplest, because you have the opportunity to change the heat flow simply by rearranging electrical appliances. Among the disadvantages is uneven heating when using only one device. In addition, you need to constantly ensure that hot air from electric heaters does not fall directly on the plants.
When the soil is still frozen and unsuitable for planting, it will be effective to use a heating cable, which is laid in advance under the soil layer. The advantages of this method are that it significantly reduces energy consumption, and the system itself allows for even distribution of thermal energy, heating both the soil and the air.
Heating using special infrared lamps or thermal film is more economical compared to electrical appliances.
Is it possible to heat a greenhouse with candles and bottles?
When deciding how to heat a polycarbonate greenhouse in the spring, many owners use unconventional methods, for example, using bottles.
Often in the spring there is a situation when a sudden cold snap occurs. What to do if the heating has not yet been started, but the plants have already been planted? For such cases there are emergency methods temperature rise. Among them there is a fairly simple method that uses plastic bottles filled with water. They are placed throughout the room, but the caps on the bottles are not screwed on. During the day, bottled water is heated by the sun's rays, and at night heat transfer occurs, accompanied by evaporation of moisture.
The method of heating with candles is quite interesting (Figure 10). In the bed with plants, arcs are installed, which are covered with dense material, for example, spunbond. A lit candle is placed inside such a cover, protected by a cap made of metal cans, located at a height sufficient for combustion. The cap is necessary for protection from open flames and for heat accumulation. Heated metal walls give off heat to the environment.
Methods for emergency heating of a greenhouse with your own hands are shown in the video.
Which greenhouse heating option is best to choose?
To summarize, we can say that the choice of heating method depends on many factors, including climatic conditions, design features and the quality of the coating of the structure itself, the purposes for which it is used, as well as the technical and financial capabilities of the consumer.
Imagine: . Building a greenhouse with your own hands is not so difficult if you look at projects of winter greenhouses for growing vegetables.
Why do you need a greenhouse in winter?
What would you like to eat in winter? The first and most necessary thing is greens. It is full of vitamins, so with fresh onions, dill, lettuce or parsley, weakness and blues will not overcome you on dark snowy days. But for greenery it is not at all necessary to build a greenhouse in winter. If you are not going to grow it on an industrial scale for sale, home heating and a little land will help you grow it at home. But for growing vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cucumbers and other crops, the presence of such a greenhouse is justified. Of course, such a device will require you to spend a lot of money, primarily on heating. . : the greenhouse must be built in such a way that it is a continuation of the residential building. Then symbiotic heating will occur: the house will transfer part of the heat to the greenhouse, and on sunny days, vice versa.
The construction of a greenhouse will require you to know many nuances. First you need to determine what it will be -. There is also the option of a conservatory on the top floor of the house. What the appearance, or rather, the geometry of the greenhouse will be, is also important: single-slope, gable, arched, wall-mounted. The material also plays an important role - you can build a greenhouse from wood, metal, brick, PVC, or choose glass or polycarbonate as a material that transmits light.
If in the summer you can afford to save money and choose film or non-woven fabric as one of the materials, then you cannot build a winter greenhouse from them. . This requires durable material that can withstand snow, rain, and wind. And, of course, he should miss perfectly sunlight. Glass or polycarbonate are in trend. The latter has recently received special love from summer residents.
Why? Firstly, polycarbonate is a lightweight material, but it is 200 times stronger than glass. In addition, there is no need to build a solid foundation. Polycarbonate transmits about 90% of the rays, scattering throughout the entire area. It retains heat well. But one of its most important qualities is the resistance of polycarbonate to unfavorable climate. If you decide to build a polycarbonate greenhouse, rest assured - +40 degrees. Unlike many materials, the shelf life of such a greenhouse reaches 20 years or more.
Polycarbonate is becoming more and more affordable, although it cannot be called a cheap material. Despite the fact that you will have to invest in the purchase of polycarbonate, the money spent will be worth it. .
Heating
Despite the fact that you can choose polycarbonate, which perfectly retains heat and dissipates it inside the greenhouse, its construction will still require heating sources. .
Firstly, this is cable heating. When you build a winter greenhouse, you place special cables at the bottom of the pit that will supply heat. You lay sand on them, and then soil on top. Such a system should perfectly provide heating for even a large winter greenhouse.
Secondly, heating the greenhouse with a fan heater. In this case, heating will occur through air.
Thirdly, this is infrared heating. Special devices are placed under the ceiling and radiate heat. By the way, this kind of heating allows you to warm up the building twice as fast and spend much less energy. Compared to many heating methods, infrared heating is the most advanced way to create comfortable conditions inside a greenhouse. The best projects have just such heating.
Fourthly, biofuel, which is so popular in the summer, can be used to grow vegetables. If you live in southern latitudes, then you can provide heating using it. This heating option is the most economical of all. Horse manure is one of the most popular examples of biofuel - +38 degrees for about three months. The cow will heat the greenhouse to +20 and will do this for 100 days. The straw will heat up to +. Biofuel must be placed under a fertile layer and ensure good aeration and humidity up to 70%.
It must be arranged in such a way as to accurately calculate both the thermal insulation and the power of the boiler. It is also necessary to build a pipeline within which hot liquid will circulate.
The construction of a winter greenhouse with your own hands must be provided with good ventilation - either supply or exhaust. Excellent tightness must also be maintained.
The best designs have heating partially in the vestibule.
Foundation and its nuances
Whatever winter greenhouse projects you choose, special attention should be paid to the foundation. Naturally, it must be durable. It is necessary to correctly calculate the weight of the structure. Thus, a foundation on a wooden frame may well be a screed, while capital construction will require a monolithic version. Suitable for a frame strip foundation, and the frame end will need to be attached to it with self-tapping screws. . Such a device is necessary to avoid snow retention. As for its other parameters, they depend on the plants that will grow in it.
Best projects
But the best projects, made with your own hands and time-tested, are as follows: lean-to with backfill, wall-mounted, gable buildings with a transparent roof and main walls.
Construction of a greenhouse with backfill
In this case, we are dealing with a building for growing crops, the foundation of which is deepened. Its construction consists of creating a pit in such a way that its length reaches 12 m, its width reaches 4 m, and its depth is 80 cm. At its bottom it is necessary to make rectangular marks, not forgetting about a 50 cm distance from the walls. Then a rectangle framed with pegs, wrapping a cord around them around the perimeter. We divide this device into two parts for beds and passage. Moreover, the first part should be twice as large as the second.
Now you can install 18 pillars, which should be at a distance of 2.1 m from each other. 6 of them will be needed for the front wall, 6 for the back, 6 pillars will be in the middle. Don't forget to treat the bottom parts of the bases with antiseptic or resin to prevent them from rotting.
After this, lay log frames with a diameter of 15 cm. In order to correctly install the frames around the inside perimeter, you need to make a groove. Next, nail the logs horizontally to the posts and cover the walls with earth. . Having finished installing the racks and trim on top with your own hands, a special template needs to be inserted into the created groove, so that the side perpendicular to the other is horizontal. After this, according to the template, you need to install the racks along the edges, and then, aligning them with them, the remaining ones.
The design of this greenhouse is suitable for stove heating, which, in principle, can also be used as heating. We also note that the length of this option should be 10.5 m. Note that the vestibule wall should be made below the racks that are in the middle, by 30 cm. The flow material may be different, but it is better to choose wood or slab. . Their thickness should be 50 cm.
The thickness of translucent materials must be at least 5 mm. Polycarbonate must be placed not like glass in a groove, but in a sheathing made of bars. The thickness of the polycarbonate in this case for winter conditions should be 9 mm.
How to build a gable version?
When creating it, the following nuances must be taken into account:
- The cross-section of its foundation should be 40 cm by 40 cm;
- The wall must be built into 30 cm bricks, and then place beams with a section of 15 cm by 15 cm on them;
- The cross-section of the rafter part must be 10 cm by 10. It is best to connect the rafters with beams placed on the walls with a ridge beam with a cross-section of 12 cm by 12 cm.
At the end of the construction, you need to install a galvanized profile on the canopy, and sew up the inter-frame gaps with your own hands with slats.
How to build a thermos?
This is a greenhouse, lined with another layer from the inside. In terms of its thermal insulation qualities, it will resemble a thermos. Of course, heating is also necessary in it, and it is better to stick to the water heating option.
In this case you double it usable area. It is better to place the racks at a height of 80 cm: wood, plastic, and reinforced concrete.
- these are thoughtful and well-planned buildings in which every little detail is calculated, from the foundation to the cross-sectional size of the beams. It is important to pay great attention to the heating system, which will be the main player in creating comfort for plants. The strength of the materials is also important. .It is better to build such a greenhouse with your own hands in the fall. Don’t forget to disinfect both materials and soil. It is in a reliable greenhouse that you can grow the vegetables that you love most, and even think about producing them on an industrial scale.
Unfortunately, not the entire territory of Russia is conducive to growing your own vegetables and fruits for many months. In most climatic zones of the country, the dacha season is extremely short, while many people strive to grow as many crops as possible on their plot for subsequent harvesting. In this connection, gardeners and gardeners willingly use greenhouses, with the help of which the growing season is extended, which makes it possible to harvest an earlier and more abundant harvest. In some cases, if you have a well-built greenhouse, self-grown crops can be consumed all year round.
Of course, for these purposes it is necessary to take into account a number of features, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
Peculiarities
A greenhouse built with one’s own hands always warms a gardener’s soul. The design can be of very different sizes and shapes, and homemade greenhouses are no worse in use and functionality. The device can be easily viewed in diagrams and drawings; materials for manufacturing may be different. Often, fiberglass reinforcement is used as a frame; there are also no problems with removable covering material - mainly polyethylene film, glass or polycarbonate. Taking into account all these features, it is possible to erect such a structure on a site in one weekend, and homemade buildings are in no way inferior in quality to those purchased in a store.
Advantages and disadvantages
Convenient homemade greenhouses are very popular among summer residents. An undoubted advantage is the fact that a self-made greenhouse at the dacha will be relatively cheap. A budget greenhouse can be made from different materials; the most important thing is to equip it with an opening roof and take care of the quality of lighting for the plants. Speaking about the disadvantages, of course, it should be taken into account that you will have to spend time studying the types and designs, as well as familiarizing yourself with the drawings and construction plans at the dacha.
Kinds
Greenhouses are designed taking into account the botanical characteristics of the plant species for whose needs the greenhouse is being built. These also include the amount of light transmitted and the temperature inside. The greenhouse can be either year-round or used during a certain season. In general, all types of greenhouses are suitable for growing a variety of crops - be it Chinese cabbage or flowers.
At first glance, greenhouses can be divided into the following categories:
- single-pitched;
- gable;
- teardrop-shaped;
- dome;
- polygonal;
- Dutch.
- In most cases, shed roofs are used in the construction of greenhouses or winter gardens, since this type of building has a passage. As a result, you can easily enter the premises without regard to weather conditions. This type of greenhouse is best installed on the south side of a residential building.
- Greenhouses with gable roofs are very popular in our country and are currently the most common design.
- A teardrop-shaped greenhouse is a very durable structure, perfectly transmits sunlight, does not retain precipitation in the form of snow on the surface, but it is quite difficult to install, so such greenhouses are rarely made independently.
- The domed greenhouse has an impressive appearance and does not require a lot of materials, but its main advantage is that, due to its design features, it can be installed in areas with seismic hazard. The main tasks during construction are good sealing and high-quality insulation.
- Polygonal greenhouses are pleasing to the eye, transmit light well and are not afraid of gusty winds. The difficulty during installation is that it is necessary to carefully organize the space in order to evenly distribute the heat inside.
- The Dutch version of greenhouses is reliable and durable. Due to the sloping walls, sunlight penetrates inside, which can significantly increase the yield. Among other things, this option is also quite budget-friendly.
- Recently, the so-called “booths” - a greenhouse that looks like a tunnel - have become widespread among summer residents. Most often it is erected for growing tomatoes and peppers. This type of greenhouse is functional, convenient, does not require large expenses, and allows you to consistently obtain a good harvest, which allows us to call it the optimal type of self-construction on the site.
Greenhouses are also divided according to the principle of movement:
- folding;
- stationary.
Folding greenhouses began to gain popularity relatively recently. Their advantage is that the lightweight frame can be easily folded and moved to another place in the garden if necessary. At the same time, the greenhouse itself is very ergonomic and has a low cost, which is what deserves the attention of summer residents.
Stationary greenhouses, on the contrary, have long become classics of the genre. To install a structure of this type, you will need an underground foundation and a metal frame. Many people have long preferred this type of greenhouse, since over many years of operation in a wide variety of conditions, these structures have gained fame as strong and durable devices. There are no particular difficulties in installing such a greenhouse; maintaining it is also quite easy.
Greenhouses can also be divided according to the type of initial characteristics - these types of greenhouses are named after the name of their creator:
- greenhouse according to Kurdyumov;
- greenhouse according to "Mitlider".
Kurdyumov's greenhouse is an autonomous unit, otherwise it is called “smart”. This design is distinguished by the ability to automatically maintain the temperature inside itself; a special advantage is the presence of drip irrigation of plants, which does not require human intervention. This type of structure supports the possibility of natural restoration of soil in beds or containers with plants. Mitlider greenhouses are considered a special subspecies of greenhouses. Its distinctive features are know-how in indoor air ventilation systems, the special arrangement of the frame - beams and spacers create a durable structure for the covering material. Typically, such greenhouses are located from east to west, which opens up wide opportunities for plants to perceive sunlight.
Natural boards are usually used as the main material for a Mittleider greenhouse., which allows you to “breathe” and prevents the formation of condensation. As a rule, such greenhouses are large in size, which provides an additional opportunity to create a special microclimate for the plants inside. Typically, a greenhouse looks like a low structure with gable roof with a difference in height. Another possible option is an arched building with a two-level roof.
Another option for greenhouses is a three-row greenhouse. As a rule, such buildings occupy a medium or large area; the beds in them are located in three levels, with two passages located between them.
A farm greenhouse consists of a metal frame over which a film covering is stretched. This type of greenhouse is very popular among the population because it is low cost, moisture-proof and resistant to influence. environment.
Many summer residents fell in love with the spherical greenhouse for its unusual appearance and excellent transmission of sunlight.
Characteristics
When choosing consumables for future construction, be sure to pay attention to what time of year the greenhouse will be primarily used.
Winter greenhouses must be equipped with a heating system, it is better to install them close to the heating system of the house. In another case, as additional equipment, you can install a stove in the greenhouse room, but this will create additional difficulties - the stove requires additional attention, it needs to be heated and, most importantly, to ensure that it does not overheat, which is fraught with temperature fluctuations. A winter greenhouse must be installed on a solid foundation; among other things, this type of construction requires additional strengthening of the frame and roof to avoid possible damage due to heavy snowfalls.
There is also the opportunity to build a so-called “thermos greenhouse” on the site - this structure can boast of being particularly durable, since its foundation goes two meters into the ground. However, installing such a structure has a number of additional difficulties - it is necessary to dig a pit, the foundation must be separately reinforced to avoid deformation, thermal blocks are usually used as a material for walls, which will subsequently need to be insulated. All this is quite expensive, so such greenhouses are rarely found on personal plots.
Summer greenhouses in the vast majority of cases consist of a frame on which a polyethylene film is stretched. This option for external cladding is the most budget-friendly, and with careful use, the film is quite capable of lasting two seasons.
Creation on summer cottage The simplest DIY greenhouse requires certain preparatory work.
The first thing to take care of is preparing the site for construction. Try to choose an area that is as level as possible; it is also highly desirable that there are no obstacles to the sun’s rays. Next, the site is properly compacted. If a tree is chosen as the base, then the prepared boards are treated with an antiseptic solution and knocked down around the perimeter. Reinforcement is installed in the corners of the boxes as additional reinforcement. If for some reason it is not possible to allocate a separate place for the construction of a greenhouse, an alternative option would be to adjoin one wall of the greenhouse to any building - it could be a residential building or some kind of utility room.
When choosing materials for the frame, it is necessary to take into account all their characteristics. We must not forget that the frame itself and the doors must have special strength so that the structure cannot be damaged by winds, temperature fluctuations and snow masses during the winter period. None of the frame elements should be massive and prevent the penetration of light. If a collapsible structure is intended, it should consist of lightweight materials and be able to be dismantled without additional effort.
Frames for greenhouses can be made of the following materials.
- Tree– the most environmentally friendly and easy-to-use material that does not require the use of any professional equipment and does not require specialized skills during the work. Since wood tends to rot, special attention should be paid to its pre-treatment.
- Aluminum profiles involve the creation of a rigid but light frame, while it is durable. This material has a higher cost; its use requires the use of equipment to fasten the parts together.
- Plastic(as well as metal-plastic) parts have a low specific gravity, are quite durable, and are not subject to external influences such as rotting or corrosive changes. Due to its flexibility, it is possible to change the shape of the parts, which provides ample opportunities for creating greenhouses with arches or two slopes. But it is necessary to take into account that plastic elements require mandatory connection to the foundation or soil.
- Steel frames are also quite widespread, but they require a strip foundation. If the elements are galvanized, they will last longer as they are not subject to rust and corrosion.
- Drywall It is a successful combination of light weight material and ease of work. Practice shows that a frame made of this type of material is inexpensive, easy to use, lasts a long time and is easy to disassemble. It is used to perfectly create gable and arched greenhouses, as well as Mittlaider greenhouses.
Sometimes window frames are used as frames - which are characterized by excellent thermal insulation and relative ease of installation. However, it is worth considering their relative fragility - even with careful care, their service life is unlikely to exceed five years.
After choosing a suitable location, the next step in the greenhouse construction process is choosing a suitable foundation. Its type directly depends on the weight of the planned structure, since in most cases the greenhouse frame weighs little, and the covering material additionally adds windage to the building, which often causes destruction due to strong gusts of wind.
- A brick foundation is easy to install, reliable and quite suitable for most greenhouses. But it is necessary to take into account that laying a brick foundation requires specific skills and is quite expensive.
- Stone foundations are rightfully the most durable and strong. You can install heavy metal frames on it. This option cannot be called a budget option; as a rule, foundations for permanent greenhouses are created from stone.
- Concrete is inexpensive and hardens quite quickly, but requires the creation of formwork and frame fastenings.
- Wood is often used as a foundation, but it is worth considering that a wooden foundation is not suitable for capital construction, since it is unlikely to last longer than five years even with the most careful care.
- In some cases, when constructing a greenhouse, it is quite possible to do without a foundation. We are talking about small portable greenhouses, the windage of which is reduced by attaching them directly to the ground with small pegs.
When choosing a coating material, you need to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages different types materials.
Basically, the following options are used:
- polyethylene film;
- glass;
- polycarbonate
The most affordable type of covering material is stretch film, however, it cannot boast of durability and even the highest quality coatings require replacement every three years. A greenhouse with arches or bows is usually covered with two layers of film, which creates excellent conditions for the plants inside the building. The material perfectly transmits sunlight, but for the same reason it is subject to rapid wear and, as a result, a decrease in light transmittance. In addition, very often condensation forms on the inner surface, which can also be attributed to the disadvantages of this type of coating. There are also options for polyethylene film, additionally equipped with reinforcement. This option is stronger, more resistant to gusts of wind and will last longer.
Glass can safely be classified as a traditionally used material when making greenhouses with your own hands. Glass coatings are durable and have excellent thermal insulation, but it should be remembered that glass heats up very quickly and at the same time weighs quite a lot. Replacing broken glass is a particular challenge.
Polycarbonate is a type of hard, transparent plastic, the structure of which is a material with large cells. It has sufficient impact resistance and light transmittance, and is very flexible, so it is suitable for constructing greenhouses with an arched vault or in the form of a tunnel. Since this type of coating consists of air-filled cells, it can be argued that it is the most heat-insulating among all possible options.
When considering this type of covering for a potential greenhouse, also consider the following disadvantages:
- when exposed to sunlight, the material will inevitably deteriorate;
- when conducting installation work do not forget that polycarbonate tends to expand greatly when heated;
- in the absence of protective elements at the attachment points, the honeycombs of the material will quickly fill with dust or mold, which will render the coating unusable.
When fastening, also consider the following features:
- install the material in such a way that water can flow along the longitudinal strips from the inside;
- there is an ultraviolet filter on one side of the material - this side should be located outside the greenhouse;
- fasten the polycarbonate on specialized self-tapping screws with a thermal washer on them, pre-drill holes in the sheets.
Also take note of the following rules:
- Only transparent polycarbonate is suitable as a covering material. Despite the great aesthetic appeal of the colored one, it transmits the sun's rays much worse, which can lead to the greenhouse not fulfilling its intended purpose.
- Be sure to check the presence of a layer with a UV filter.
- Choose the layer thickness depending on the season in which the greenhouse will be used. In summer and autumn, the thickness of the sheets should be approximately 10-15 mm, in winter - at least 15 mm. Also, this value directly correlates with the strength of the frame - the greater the thickness, the stronger the supporting structure should be.
- When connecting sheets, use special profiles; the use of nails is strictly prohibited.
- Sheets cannot be overlapped.
- Pay attention to the components and do not try to save money on them - the use of an end profile and end strips will significantly extend the durability of the greenhouse.
When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturer. Do not forget that the stingy pays twice, so it is better not to purchase Chinese materials, despite their attractive cost. Among the well-established ones on the market in last years We can mention the domestic company Kinplast. This company offers a range of different coatings - from inexpensive to premium options.
Sheets made by the Russian company Aktual will last about 8 years.
This is an inexpensive option, has a fairly soft structure, and is easy to install.
- The Russian-Israeli production Polygal Vostok offers a material that is characterized by rigidity, flexibility, ease of installation, but also has a high price tag.
- "Winpool" is made in China, very soft, fragile, inexpensive, you can count on a service life of 3 years.
- “Sanex” is also a representative of the Chinese market, it is quite tough to work with, is not very convenient during installation, and will last about 4 years.
- “Marlon” is brought to Russia from the UK, the material is quite expensive, but will last for at least 10 years if the operating rules are followed.
Since the market currently has a huge number of options, you can get confused and choose among them not of very high quality.
To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the following points:
- The surface of the sheets must be uniform and smooth, without any protrusions, irregularities or chips. Also, it should not fall apart into layers.
- The ribs should be positioned at a 90 degree angle and should not be wavy in any way.
- Try to find out from the seller under what conditions the material was stored. Improper storage conditions will quickly reduce its service life. The sheets should lie horizontally, but if they were stored in a vertical position with emphasis on the edge or rolled up, this may reduce the quality of the material.
- Some summer residents prefer a mixed type of covering materials. With this option, the side walls are usually glazed and the ceiling is covered with film. Some farmers prefer to cover the frame with spunbond sheets.
Separately, it is worth paying attention that it is not recommended to grow at the same time in the same greenhouse different types crops - simply put, the same room is not suitable for seedlings and fruit and berry crops at home. This aspect must be taken into account when choosing the type of greenhouse. Arched greenhouses that occupy a wide area will not bring much benefit. He considers the optimal size of a simple greenhouse to be 3 by 6 meters - it will not take up much space, in such a greenhouse you can easily grow enough strawberries, cucumbers or tomatoes for a family.
Preparation of materials
Before you start work, carefully study the best designs and drawings from publicly available resources - this will allow you to see the most complete picture of the possibilities provided. Of course, you can create a scheme yourself, but remember that this will require not only the investment of additional time and energy resources. In addition, an error may creep in during calculations, which can lead to the greenhouse losing its quality characteristics.
If we present a diagram of the work performed point by point, the general description of the construction stages will look like this:
- determining the required type of construction;
- preparation of the diagram;
- creating a frame;
- carrying out preparatory work on the area of soil where the greenhouse is planned to be installed;
- laying the foundation;
- mounting the supporting frame;
- fastening of a translucent coating.
During independent design or selection among already ready-made options take into account the requirements for the finished structure, as well as available materials and preferences in the choice of plant crops. Most often, arched structures with a frame made of polyvinyl chloride pipes are located on personal plots - this is an inexpensive type of greenhouse, quite simple to implement. If a flat site is chosen for construction, it is best to choose a model with two slopes. In the case where you plan to install a greenhouse adjacent to the wall, it is more logical to make it lean-to. The base can be a geometric figure of various shapes - a square or rectangle, a trapezoid.
Before purchasing the materials needed for construction, it is necessary to make a calculation. This will help prevent unnecessary expenses in the future.
When the design is completed and the greenhouse manufacturing scheme has been selected, it is necessary to start preparing necessary components for future construction.
If we take the simplest option, which can be built in a couple of days, the set of materials will be as follows:
- Boards soaked in antiseptic, treated with drying oil or burned with a blowtorch. Please note that if you want to save money, you don’t have to buy specialized products, but use time-tested, old-fashioned methods of processing wood and timber. If funds allow, of course, you can purchase factory-made chemicals.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Before making a frame, calculate the required amount of material for construction. After making the calculation, add 10% in reserve, especially if you have to make a pipe bender.
- Durable polyethylene film - the more wear-resistant the material is, the longer it will not require replacement with a new one. You can also use polycarbonate sheets if desired.
- Metal rods or pieces of reinforcement one meter long.
- Self-tapping screws and nails.
- Hinges for fastening windows and doors.
- Accessories – handles for doors and windows.
- Special loops for fastening pipes.
If you decide to use HDPE pipes to form the frame, consider their following features:
- Pipes help create tightness inside the building, which creates favorable conditions for the ripening of crops.
- This material is easy to use and does not require special skills.
- With the help of fasteners, pipes are easy to install and dismantle if necessary. Thus, the frame can be easily assembled for a warm climate period and removed again when the greenhouse is not in use.
- There is no need to use additional reinforcement. The pipes themselves have good characteristics and self-sufficient in use.
- Plastic, unlike wood or metal, is much less susceptible to environmental influences. Finished products do not need to be treated with anti-corrosion and other protective substances.
- The building may well last at least a decade.
- Since the material has a low specific gravity, the greenhouse can swing during strong gusts of wind. In this case, it is necessary to install additional metal elements in the ground to strengthen the structure.
Please note that metal corners can be used to strengthen the foundation, they will give the structure strength. This element is attached with inside at the junction between the boards. If the base is made of timber, it is better to use metal brackets for fastening, which are mounted on the outside. The finished foundation should fit tightly to the soil. If cracks appear, cover them with soil.
Assembly and installation
When installing the frame into a finished foundation, metal reinforcement is driven into the ground from the outside at a distance of no more than a meter. Parts pre-cut to the required length are placed on these blanks. plastic pipes. To fasten them together, as well as to mount them on a wooden base, use screws or nails, self-tapping screws. To install elements horizontally, as a rule, pre-drilled plastic couplings, angles and crosses are used from the inside, allowing pipes to cross the connecting elements.
When polycarbonate sheets are used as a covering material, the actions will be as follows:
- The protective film is removed from the sheets, and the top side is marked with a marker. For convenience in carrying out work, it is better to make several marks on each sheet.
- Make blanks for the end walls - for these purposes, a standard size sheet is cut into three equal parts 2 by 2 meters. One of the parts is applied to the end so that all cavities are located vertically. The left side of the sheet is aligned to the left edge, and the outline of the required arc is outlined with a marker. A similar manipulation is performed with the right edge, as a result of which the sheet takes on the contours of two semi-arches. After which they are cut out using a jigsaw, leaving a tolerance of 3-5 cm, and the right end of the building is cut out in the same way.
- The cut out parts are attached to self-tapping screws at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other. Try not to squeeze the material too much. The excess is cut off with a knife.
- The third part of the sheet is used for the door and windows. The sheet is applied vertically to the doorway. The outline of the door is outlined with a margin, the blanks are cut out and attached. The remainder is used to cover the space above the door. It is better to fasten the joints with special profiles.
- To cover the top of the greenhouse, the sheets are laid on arcs, aligned with the bottom edges and trimmed. The sheets should protrude slightly above the end of the building, then they are fixed in the corners.
- The second sheet is laid overlapping the first at the joint, the corners are secured and placed on screws from the bottom edge at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other.
If it is decided to cover the greenhouse with plastic film, the stages of work will be as follows:
- The film is attached to the frame with staples or wooden slats. Secure it in such a way that there are no tears in the fabric.
- It is necessary to cover the front and back parts of the frame with film. In the part where the door is planned to be made, the film is folded inward.
- Re-measure the doorway, then you need to assemble the frame from the tubes. A film is attached to the resulting frame, the excess is cut off and the door is hung using hinges, the windows are designed according to the same principle. If you are planning glass doors, carefully study the fastening of glass to metal.
- This greenhouse option is only suitable for summer. The next and final stage after building a greenhouse is preparing the soil and planting seedlings.
As mentioned above, for the winter version of the greenhouse it must be equipped with a heating system. Despite the apparent complexity, it is not so difficult.
Among the types of heating are the following:
- solar;
- technical;
- biological.
Technical, in turn, is divided into the following subtypes:
- water;
- gas;
- stove;
- electric.
The solar type is based on the greenhouse effect, which is formed when natural light enters the greenhouse space. This heating option is used only in summer when the sun is active. In the cold season, to achieve the best result, a mixed type is used - a biological-technological option.
The biological species is used both in winter and summer to heat the soil. The soil is removed from the racks, after which manure is placed on the bottom; horse manure is best suited, since its decomposition releases a large amount of heat. Soil containers are filled one third with manure. In addition to manure, you can also use compost - one of its components is also a waste product of horses. Pour all the soil back into the shelving. As the decomposition process begins, the plant roots will begin to warm up. In addition, it will serve as an excellent fertilizer, since manure and compost contain many minerals for plant growth.
The electric heating method is also easy to use. For these purposes, a heating cable laid in a special way is used. Read the instructions first. Please note that the thermal cable can be purchased along with a temperature controller, so creating the optimal temperature for the seedlings will be quite simple.
Water heating is arranged as follows: the entire perimeter of the greenhouse is laid with a double row of pipes, which are looped into an electric boiler. To connect the boiler, you need to lay an electrical cable. Please note that the boiler can be located inside the greenhouse or can be taken outside of it. Experts insist that the boiler must be taken outside and pre-insulated. These manipulations are done with the aim of more uniform heating. You can also warm up the room using a heat generator. The boiler itself can be purchased in a store or you can make it yourself, but keep in mind that in the second case you cannot do without special knowledge and skills. Further, the procedure is similar - pipes are laid from the boiler under the racks, which are looped. Any solid fuel can be used as fuel: coal, firewood, wood waste.
If there is gasification on your garden plot, heating can be arranged using gas burners or air heaters; for this purpose they need to be placed around the entire perimeter of the building. With a small greenhouse area, it is quite possible to use gas cylinders. If the greenhouse occupies a large area, then it is necessary to connect it to the general gas system of the house. Gas burners create carbon dioxide, which plants need. To ensure that heat is distributed evenly, fans are installed in the building. The burners can also be replaced with a gas factory boiler, but be sure to look at its country of origin.
Radiators made of aluminum or electric convectors, which are installed at equal distances along the entire perimeter of the building or located on both sides if the greenhouse area is rectangular in shape. This type of system is connected directly to the power supply or heat supply system.
You can also make a stove in the greenhouse, which is best located at the end of the building. A horizontal chimney is laid from the stove along the entire perimeter of the greenhouse. Metal pipes or brickwork are suitable for these purposes. When connecting the chimney and the vertical riser of the stove, you need to make a small rise at the junction. The higher the riser, the better, because the stove will have good draft. With this type of heating, do not forget to prepare fuel in advance. You can place the stove in a pre-made depression in the ground.
In addition, you can make a water oven from a regular oven. For this purpose, a water heating boiler is installed on it, from which pipes will go to a water tank. The pipes and boiler are looped using wiring around the entire perimeter of the room. There is also another option - to collect pipes along each of the racks, thereby providing distribution to four different pipes.
We must not forget that plants require the creation of a special microclimate for their successful development and growth; special equipment will help improve these indicators inside the greenhouse, with the help of which you can increase the productivity and yield of grown crops. Additional equipment involves not only additional heating, but also the possibility of ventilation, watering and lighting. As you know, watering plants is a rather labor-intensive process. Automatic system will help relieve the owner of a summer cottage from this hard work, while saving time and water.
Good room ventilation is extremely important in a greenhouse., as it prevents condensation and improves the overall microclimate, which undoubtedly benefits the plants. Properly created air exchange will protect crops from overheating. For natural air movement, it is enough to open doors and windows; an additionally installed fan or hood will increase air circulation.
With short daylight hours, you can’t do without sources of additional lighting. Special lamps will help seedlings get enough light in early spring or late autumn.
Best projects
Be sure to check out the best and most common options, and perhaps you’ll come up with your own ideas.
For cucumbers
Separately, I would like to consider making a greenhouse for cucumbers as one of the most favorite vegetables. Any summer resident knows that cucumbers need warmth and high humidity. With proper organization of protected soil, this vegetable is less susceptible to diseases and can produce a larger harvest.
To obtain a rich harvest, the following requirements are necessary:
- daytime air temperature – no more than 30 degrees, night – no less than 16;
- soil temperature - about 23 degrees;
- calm air without drafts;
- humidity about 80%;
- high degree of illumination;
- insect access if the variety involves bee pollination;
- durable structures for vertical movement of seedlings.
Due to the large number of parts, it is difficult to create the required climate in one room. Let's consider the general disadvantages and advantages of each type of greenhouse for a specific purpose - growing cucumbers.
The advantages include simplicity of design, ease of creation from scrap and existing materials. The small area and internal volume will provide good heating, it is well lit and easily accessible to insects for pollination. Among the disadvantages, one can note such characteristics as low planting density - you can place a maximum of three pieces per square meter, inconvenience when cultivating the soil and harvesting. If you water plants with a watering can, the water reaches the leaves, which can cause burns. The greenhouse needs to be constantly opened and closed, otherwise the crops will overheat and die.
Arch type with film
The advantages of this type of greenhouse are that it is easy to construct and does not require expensive materials; it has sufficient internal space for growing vertical bushes. The film coating retains moisture well, promotes rapid heating of the soil and air, and transmits light well. Disadvantages: the film is a short-lived material and requires regular replacement; it has poor thermal insulation properties, so in the event of early frosts, the greenhouse will have to be covered additionally. When building a greenhouse of this type, it is necessary to have vents, since drafts will inevitably arise when the doors are opened.
Polycarbonate covered
Pros: high structural strength of the frame, high ceilings and sufficient interior space. Polycarbonate perfectly transmits sunlight and has an excellent ability to diffuse it. Provides convenient conditions for watering plants and cultivating the soil, making it easy to harvest. The provided vent openings provide good ventilation and absence of drafts.
Disadvantages: large financial costs for purchasing materials or finished products. Polycarbonate reflects light strongly, causing energy loss. The covering and frame require constant maintenance; in winter, snow must be cleared from the greenhouse. Difficult access for pollinating insects.
Gable with glazed wooden frames
The advantages are as follows: a noteworthy design, which has already become a classic, demonstrates high thermal insulation properties. Good heating of the entire interior space of the room. Glass has excellent light transmittance; when placing vents on the roof, the possibility of drafts is eliminated. The ability to plant a large number of plants, having convenient access to them. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that the heaviness of the frame requires preliminary laying of the foundation. Wood requires mandatory preliminary and regular subsequent treatment, otherwise the frames will quickly begin to rot. It is also worth considering that glass is a fragile and traumatic material, and also does not have any scattering properties, which can lead to burns to plant leaves.
With one ramp
Positive characteristics: it is always attached to a house or barn on the north side, which ensures that the slope faces south to receive the maximum amount of sun rays. The room assumes rapid warming up and long-term heat retention, and also gives scope when choosing materials for construction. Negative characteristics: if the sun is active, it will be difficult to avoid overheating; curtains and a high-quality ventilation system are needed. If a greenhouse is built next to a house, a prerequisite is good waterproofing and protection of the greenhouse from snow and ice.
Mittleider
An undoubted advantage is the special location of the vents - they are located in the roof and face south, which leaves no possibility of drafts and helps maintain an optimal microclimate. The greenhouse is large, has high ceilings and a lot of space inside.
The disadvantages are related to the complexity of the design and the inability to build it yourself without having accurate drawings and installation skills. If the doors are closed, insects will not be able to get inside; either self-pollinating varieties are suitable for such a greenhouse, or additional bait varieties will have to be planted. Among other things, a greenhouse requires close care.
Pyramid shaped
Pros: The central part is ideal for growing cucumbers vertically. Excellent lighting, easy to install, only budget materials are needed.
Cons: small area, inconvenient to care for plants. Insect access is difficult. The structure is unstable and can easily be blown away by the wind.
For tomatoes
Polycarbonate greenhouses create ideal conditions for the harmonious ripening of fruits. Tomato is a crop that loves sunlight and warmth, optimal temperature regime for growing them - 22-25 degrees. If the soil has a high clay content, then humus, sawdust or peat must be added to the soil at the rate of one bucket per square meter.
Planted seedlings must be watered frequently until they are fully developed. If the nights are quite cool, it is better not to water the plants after sunset so as not to overcool the soil. It makes sense to water from a watering can during the hottest time of the season. Next, the seedlings need to be pruned and tied, thereby ensuring uniform lighting and ventilation of the beds. With this growing option, tomatoes ripen much faster and it is possible to reap a good harvest. The plants are then secured to wire trellises or stakes, giving them space to grow further.
For greenery
During the cold winter months, there is nothing better than a bunch of fresh herbs, especially if you grow them yourself. What’s especially nice is that greenhouse greens are not too demanding to care for and produce several harvests a year. You can choose the type of greenery based on your own preferences.
Most people who use winter greenhouses to grow greens prefer dill, celery and parsley.
- When growing dill, it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature regime - the thermometer should not fall below 15 degrees. In addition, dill needs constant spraying and does not tolerate drafts and cold winds, so be extremely careful when ventilating the greenhouse. The first harvest can be obtained in just two months with proper care.
- When growing parsley, there are several more nuances - firstly, this type of plant can be grown in the form of roots or seeds. In the first option, the root crop must first be kept in sand, the temperature of which does not exceed two degrees, after which it is planted in heavily moistened soil. If you plan to grow parsley from seeds, the seeds, previously kept in a damp cloth, are planted in the soil. As a rule, germination takes no more than ten days. The harvest is about one and a half kilograms of greenery per square meter.
- Celery loves well-fertilized, soft soil; cow or chicken manure is perfect as a fertilizer. The temperature in the greenhouse should be between 15 and 20 degrees. Plants need to be watered infrequently, but as abundantly as possible, and care must be taken that the water does not touch the leaves of the seedlings. Pay special attention to lighting, since the amount of harvest directly depends on the length of daylight hours.
- Many people love mint and enjoy using it in cooking. This type of plant tolerates frosts down to eight degrees below zero, while sprouting at the lowest temperatures above zero. Experts recommend using hydroponics or biological heating of the soil with peat as soil. Carefully monitor the soil moisture; drying it out is strictly unacceptable. If you plan to grow mint, it is best to equip the greenhouse with a drip irrigation system.
- Mint, like most crops, does not tolerate temperature changes, not only because sudden changes can destroy the plants, such moments can lead to a dangerous disease - powdery mildew. Also extremely dangerous pests for mint are spider mites and greenhouse whiteflies. You can defeat them by spraying the crop with industrial means or time-tested folk recipes.
For better rooting of seeds in the soil, you must first dry them in a draft. If you cannot plant the seeds directly, it is quite possible to grow seedlings at home and then plant them in the ground for 10-14 days.
Not all summer residents have the time and desire to understand the intricacies of the technology for constructing a greenhouse on a site with their own hands. At the moment, the market is filled with ready-made greenhouses of the most different options. The first thing you need to do is decide for what purpose the greenhouse is being purchased. If we are talking about growing crops for family consumption, this is one thing, but if a summer resident considers a greenhouse as a way to increase his income and wants to put the resulting crop up for sale, the situation will be different. In the first case, you can get by with an inexpensive option, in the second, of course, the financial investment will be much higher and the cost of maintaining the greenhouse will also increase.
Heated winter greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular. And all because their use will allow you to cultivate vegetables and herbs even in the Urals all year round, despite severe frosts in winter. Read on to learn how to build a winter greenhouse to provide care for your plants.
Pros and cons of the best projects
A greenhouse for growing plants in winter is optimal choice for the modern gardener. Perhaps, many would like to have a corner with greenery in their summer cottage, which will delight them during the cold season. First of all, you need to decide on the design of the future greenhouse. Some farmers prefer classic types (with a gable or single-pitched roof), others choose non-standard shapes (dome or triangular). The key advantage of winter greenhouses is the presence of a heating and lighting system.
One of the popular types among winter greenhouses is the thermos greenhouse. Such a structure is advantageous in that it is isolated from unfavorable external conditions and even from the ground. It has its own unique microclimate, allowing for the cultivation of exotic plants. This professional construction is not too expensive to maintain, has excellent thermal insulation characteristics, and its coating allows sunlight to pass through well.
Such a do-it-yourself winter greenhouse will be an acceptable solution for a gardener living in a region with any climatic conditions. However, we should not forget that even the best winter greenhouse projects are always costly and labor-intensive. You will have to spend a lot of time and money to build such a building.
Video “Winter greenhouse”
From this video you will learn how to build a winter greenhouse with your own hands.
Important design features
How to make a winter greenhouse yourself, you need to figure it out step by step. First of all, you should understand what features your greenhouse structure will have.
The principle of its operation is standard, but you should take into account the following points about winter greenhouses:
- availability of high-quality coverage. Film is used for the most part only in the construction of summer greenhouses. The best solution for a winter copy is glass, since it is this that guarantees optimal thermal insulation. You can also use double polycarbonate, but do not forget that this material is slightly inferior to glass, so having a high-quality heating system is simply a must;
- foundation thickness. If summer greenhouses are most often installed directly on the ground, without any foundation, then winter structures should be built on a solid foundation - brick, concrete or aerated block;
- roof with a slope. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a single-slope or double-slope option, the angle of inclination should be sharp enough so that snow masses do not linger on the roof of the greenhouse;
- installation of lighting and heating systems. In winter, you cannot do without these auxiliary functions if you want to grow herbs and vegetables;
- presence of a strong frame. A metal profile or wooden beams are the best choice for a winter greenhouse.
Take into account the features of such structures, and as a result you will get a reliable and warm greenhouse.
Step-by-step instruction
It’s not difficult to figure out how to properly build a greenhouse for growing plants in winter. The main thing is to take into account all the important points and then purchase quality materials. Let's take a closer look at what this labor-intensive process includes in order to clearly understand how the construction of a winter greenhouse is carried out.
Design
A winter greenhouse with double polycarbonate or glass will last you quite a long time if you take the project seriously. If you have drawings, you can easily determine the amount of materials needed. In addition, the entire installation process will take place without unnecessary difficulties. In the diagram you created, indicate the dimensions of the building that are optimal for the summer cottage.
Selection of materials
When the capital structure project is ready, it's time to start selecting materials. First of all, you need a strong frame, so it is better to use wooden beams or metal profiles to assemble it. Pipes are also used, but for a large winter greenhouse they will not be stable enough.
As for the cladding, it should also be chosen in advance. A budget option– polyethylene film, but it is not particularly durable. It is better to opt for a polycarbonate structure or glass. In this case, building a greenhouse will give a good result.
Laying the foundation
It doesn’t matter whether you decide to build an industrial greenhouse or a home one, having a strong foundation is a must if you want to grow vegetables and herbs in winter. Wooden beams, stone, brick - all this is suitable for creating a foundation. The most reliable option is considered to be a strip base. First, dig a trench around the perimeter of the future greenhouse, then make wooden formwork. There must be a compacted layer of sand at the bottom, on top of which you pour concrete.
Heating installation
The heating system is installed at the very beginning of construction.
Most often, gardeners prefer to install a stove and run pipes through the building in several rows. Stove heating of a greenhouse is the most common option. However, do not forget that in this case you will not be able to regulate the temperature yourself.
Construction of the frame
A large winter greenhouse must have not only a strong foundation, but also a reliable frame. If you decide to assemble it from metal profiles, the connection of the lower parts can be done directly on the base of the greenhouse. They are secured with bolts or anchors.
The next stage is the installation of vertical racks. Best used during the process welding machine, then the frame will be much more reliable. Next you will need to build roof racks.
Roof and siding
Winter home greenhouses made of polycarbonate with heating will become the pride of any gardener if you implement your project correctly. Those who decide to use cellular polycarbonate must first measure out the sheets. Then align and mount them to the posts. Another key point: upon completion of the sheathing, you need to thoroughly seal all joints from the inside. Do not forget about the need for vents in the greenhouse.
Lighting and watering
How to heat a greenhouse is clear. At the final stage of greenhouse construction, you need to decide on the lighting option. If you want to plant greens, you can safely install ordinary incandescent lamps. To cultivate berries you will need LED lamps. Also worry about installing a drip irrigation system. In this case, the container with water should be heated.
Soil delivery
When your greenhouse project is complete and all additional features have been taken into account, install the beds here. To do this, the greenhouse must have a layer of good, fertile soil. In this case, growing greens and vegetables will be a success for you.
People who like to dig in the soil at their dacha, supporters of proper nutrition, and those who want to make money selling vegetables and berries usually think about creating a greenhouse with their own hands.
Recently it has become popular to build, but glass and plastic film are also used as materials in the “old fashioned” way. When building a greenhouse with your own hands, the initial drawing should be a drawing: without it, work is unproductive, distortions and other unpleasant moments are possible.
The greenhouse design must also include lighting, without which the process of growing vegetables will be incomplete.
Types of greenhouses:
- "arched";
- “house” with vertical walls;
- greenhouse with sloped walls;
- greenhouse with a mansard roof.
- A lean-to greenhouse is an ideal type of structure when it is important for a dacha owner to save space on his or her personal property.
DIY lean-to greenhouse
Most often, lean-to greenhouses are erected against the wall of the house facing south, with mandatory further glazing or sheathing with polycarbonate sheets or polyethylene film (which is less common). Moreover, in modern dachas it can be wall-mounted or as a single independent structure.
- A gable greenhouse is a traditional form of free-standing greenhouse, all of the walls of which are made at right angles to the ground. At the same time, the angle of inclination of the roof is 30-40° and depends directly on the lighting conditions and climatic features in the region. The more snowy the winter, the greater the angle of inclination.
DIY gable greenhouse
Greenhouse according to Kurdyumov
Characteristics of an autonomous design or a smart greenhouse with your own hands according to Kurdyumov:
- automatic temperature mode inside the building;
- drip irrigation (without human intervention);
- independent soil restoration in containers or beds.
Mitlider's greenhouse
It is considered a special type of greenhouse. You can also make a Mittleider greenhouse with your own hands. Main characteristics:
- innovative ventilation system;
- durable frame due to the presence of spacers and frequent beams;
- location from east to west, which provides plants with sunlight, warmth and light;
- the use of wood as the basis of the structure, which eliminates condensation;
- large dimensions - 12x6x2.7 m, which creates an optimal microclimate for plants.
The standard type of greenhouse according to Mitlider is a vertical building with a gable roof of different heights. Another common option is in the form of an arch with a two-level roof.
- Three-row greenhouses are classified in size as medium and large greenhouses, with a three-row arrangement of beds and two aisles between them.
- Farm greenhouses are structures under film, which are a metal frame covered with film material. A greenhouse is also installed at the dacha. Advantages: affordable price, waterproof and resistant to biological negative processes.
Dacha owners are interested in ensuring that the costs of building a greenhouse with their own hands are minimal, and that its design is cheap and simple. To summarize, the construction is possible from scrap materials, using double-glazed windows, then the greenhouse will be the cheapest.
How to make a greenhouse with your own hands?
Glass greenhouse
So we come to the question of how to build a greenhouse with your own hands - do it at home and correctly. Domed greenhouses are usually built if they want something original.
But most often they focus on simple and cheap, but warm and good greenhouse. And it is not at all necessary to build a large greenhouse on your personal plot - a mini one, preferably heated, is enough for a family.
How to build a mini-greenhouse with your own hands quickly and on a budget?
Glass mini-greenhouse
If you don’t have a summer house, then a mini-greenhouse for an apartment is perfect option. A design on the balcony is also possible, where small containers with soil are installed and something is grown in them.
Greenhouse options:
- from timber;
- from film;
- greenhouse-thermos;
- with a removable roof for cucumbers and tomatoes;
- glass.
It is possible to build any of these types of greenhouses at your dacha with your own hands, the main thing is to build the frame correctly.
IMPORTANT! Manufacturing and installing greenhouses is a simple type of work if the drawings are drawn up correctly. So we build boldly and excitedly await an environmentally friendly harvest in the garden beds.
Do-it-yourself automatic watering and hydraulic cylinder in a greenhouse
Not everyone can appear at the dacha every day, but ventilating the greenhouse and watering the plants in it is very important. To do this, install a hydraulic cylinder and automatic watering.
How to build an automatic watering system with your own hands:
The essence of the hydraulic automatic machine is as follows: when the temperature in the greenhouse rises, this device opens the vents, and when it decreases, it closes them. The hydraulic cylinder does not rely on electricity.
IMPORTANT! The foundation for a greenhouse and ventilation in it are the key to a rich future harvest.
Make a greenhouse with your own hands - photos of the best projects
DIY metal greenhouse
Drawings, diagrams and layouts for arranging a greenhouse with your own hands have been prepared, then we proceed to installation. Best projects:
Do-it-yourself greenhouse from a profile
Small gable glass greenhouse
How to make a greenhouse from a profile and what pipes to use? Any homemade design necessarily requires a frame. For its manufacture can be used different materials, but a drawing and diagram are required.
The reliability of a greenhouse directly depends on the material of the profile frame; the most popular are greenhouses made of PVC, wooden elements and steel profiles.
The algorithm for constructing a greenhouse is almost the same for all cases. Let's consider self-installation polycarbonate structures on timber:
Step 1 - We build the foundation of the greenhouse from timber Step 2 - We fix the lower frame of the greenhouse to the wooden base with bolts Step 3 - We assemble the frame in accordance with the instructionsOn the ground:
Greenhouses are also often built with their own hands from:
- plastic and polypropylene (propylene) pipes;
- aluminum profiles and pipes;
You can build a greenhouse with your own hands from polyethylene pipes.
How to make arcs with your own hands:
How to weld the frame components and how to bend the arcs:
A frame made of HDPE is the lightest of all structures, and the production of a greenhouse using corrugated pipes is possible in any area and geometry.
DIY window frame greenhouse
Greenhouses are built from everything, even from old window frames. A pyramid greenhouse is another type that is very easy to build on your site. In this case, a roof is not needed at all, since it is not necessary with this shape. In order for such a greenhouse to stand firmly on the ground and all its structures to communicate with each other, it should be made according to all the rules.
IMPORTANT! Drawings and correct dimensions are required.
Those who don’t want to bother can build a structure on the windowsill and grow either herbs or seedlings. For example, a mini-greenhouse can be made from plastic boxes or containers.
DIY winter greenhouse: fresh vegetables all year round
A greenhouse for the winter with your own hands is the dream of every owner of a personal plot, building which is not a problem. The main thing is that it is warm.
The greenhouse can be:
- wall;
- thermos;
- snowdrop;
- bread box;
- vegetarian.
Mini greenhouse made of wood
The “bread box” shape looks like an ordinary bread box used in everyday life for storing bread. It's not difficult to make. It is ideal for seasonal growing of herbs and vegetables.
DIY greenhouse in the ground
This refers to underground and tunnel types of greenhouses.
An underground greenhouse is considered the most rational option when constructing permanent structures and is excellent for cucumbers.
Tunnel greenhouses (“booths”) have recently become popular. Their design serves as protection from bad weather and gusty winds, which guarantees a high and stable harvest with minimal investment. An excellent option for growing peppers and tomatoes.
Of course, a heated greenhouse preserves and increases productivity. And heated floors are often installed in a thermos greenhouse.
To keep the greenhouse warm, water heating is often used. The soil is heated by a water floor. It is very economical. In this case, heating is carried out using water pipes, which are laid either in the ground or in pallets.
DIY greenhouse made of wood
To build a wooden greenhouse you need detailed diagram and drawings. Step-by-step instruction how to build a frame from 50x50 timber:
An arched greenhouse made of wood, covered with cellophane, is very practical and least susceptible to the influence of winds. Moreover, in winter, snow does not accumulate on its surface due to its shape.
DIY metal greenhouse
To build a metal greenhouse, a corner is used, which allows you to correctly calculate the cost and build it with a minimum of costs.
DIY film greenhouse
Film is used for insulation and side ventilation. Farms also often resort to using film. Another format is insulation made from stretch film; the greenhouse is not exposed to natural irritants such as fungus and mold. Stretch film is completely non-toxic.
A do-it-yourself film greenhouse made from reinforcement is characterized by convenient installation and low price.
Types of film:
- unstabilized;
- heat-retaining polyethylene;
- reinforced;
- polyvinyl chloride.
The film is attached to the frame in two ways:
- using a clip;
- use of coarse mesh.
Do-it-yourself greenhouse automation
Wooden greenhouse
More and more often, greenhouses are being automated and equipped with various systems, including ventilation, for which a window and door opening are provided.
Greenhouse for growing
- tomatoes (tomatoes);
- cucumbers;
- greenery;
- peppers;
- strawberries;
- mushrooms;
- seedlings;
- flowers (roses)
will provide you with vegetables all year round. Just make sure in advance that the beds in it are well-groomed and the floors are warm.