Wintergarden

Greenhouse Step by Step

Planning for your new greenhouse should be a fun and rewarding experience. 

Take a little time to review these considerations and your goals will become clear. Then download this guide to have a thorough reference on hand.

Do not hesitate to call or email to go over any questions you may have. contact us via phone or email

Attached or Freestanding?  

Advantages of an Attached Greenhouse
One of the biggest advantages of an attached greenhouse is that they are generally more energy efficient. This is because one wall is already heated by the home. Another advantage of an attached greenhouse is accessibility. Many attached greenhouses are accessible from the living space which makes entering the greenhouse especially convenient. Attached greenhouses can also add aesthetic value to a home. In many cases, a greenhouse will enhance and/or complement the architecture of the home.

Disadvantages of an Attached Greenhouse
The disadvantages of an attached greenhouse are that attached structures will require a frost-free footer and a foundation. This can be an added cost to the project. Also, building codes are generally more stringent for structures attached to living spaces.

Advantages of a Freestanding Greenhouse
Perhaps the biggest advantages of a freestanding greenhouse are that there are less limitations regarding size, height, and style. Another significant advantage is that freestanding greenhouses usually have better lighting conditions because they can allow light to enter on all four sides of the greenhouse.

Disadvantages of a Freestanding Greenhouse
A disadvantage of a freestanding greenhouse is an increased heating cost during colder months. Due to all four sides being exposed to the elements, freestanding greenhouses are less energy efficient compared to an attached structure. Freestanding greenhouses are less convenient to access because the gardener must go outside to enter the greenhouse.

Which side of the house is best for an attached Greenhouse?

Full Sun is Not Necessarily the Best Location for Your Greenhouse. 

A Southern exposure will require shade cloth to keep from burning plants in the summer. 

A West is best, but east is fine.

Northern exposure may be too shady for many tropical plants. 

Choose the Location that will Best Complement Your Home or Garden and give you ease of access.

Different types of plants require different amounts of sun, but there is a lot of flexibility to control the amount of light inside a greenhouse with glass and roof panel materials and shading.

What is the best size?

Take the time to think about the space and how you will use it.  We can help you decide and ensure that you are getting good advice; not buying more than you need or not enough.

Think about what you want to grow and how much of it. If you are only interested in ornamentals like flowers, you may need less area than if you want to have a supply of certain types of fruits and vegetables.  You can also increase growing area by using tiered planting benches. 

Plan Your Aisles, Benches and Plant Areas. Potting benches are a nice convenience, but can also increase your planting area if they are tiered.  Wider Sizes increase the cost because they require more structural support in the roof.  It is usually more cost-effective to increase the length than the width.

Single aisle greenhouses are typically 8, 10 or 12 ft. wide. 

Aisles should be at least 3 ft. wide. 

Standard planting benches are 3 ft. deep x 32 inches high. 

It is usually more cost effective to increase the length than the width. 

POPULAR SIZES

8 foot widths  (typically single aisle)

8x12

8x16

8x20 

Many “hobby” greenhouses are available in 8-foot widths. Eight feet is the greenhouse’s outside dimensions. The actual width on the inside will be a little less than 8 feet. Eight-foot widths typically have 2 foot wide benches on either side of a 3 foot wide aisle. Although this may be big enough for some hobbyists, many horticulturists will quickly fill up the bench space and wish they had more room.

10 Foot Widths 
10x16

10x20

10x24 

Ten-foot-wide greenhouses are very popular among hobbyists because they instantly give 30% more bench space than an 8 foot wide greenhouse. A typical set up in a 10-foot-wide greenhouse is to have 3-foot-deep benches on either side of a 3 foot wide aisle. A 3-foot wide bench is the perfect size because it provides sufficient space for plants while not being so deep that the user can’t reach the plants. All in all, a 10-foot-wide greenhouse is a nice, comfortable width for hobbyists.

12 – 20 Foot Widths

12 x 20

12 x 24

12 x 32

Often these are double aisle Greenhouses from 12 – 20 feet wide are a good choice for more expansive growing work. They allow growers to use more than benches. 

Growers who want to use raised beds or who have a collection of tropical plants which need additional height will find this width range more suitable to their needs. However, Greenhouses of this width are also nice for hobbyists who want to add a seating area, water feature, or some other unique addition to their garden spaces. 

20+ Foot Width and Custom Sizes

20x24 

20x32 

20x40

Larger greenhouses (20+ feet wide) are usually double aisle greenhouses. The 20-foot width allows 3 ft. benches around the perimeter and a large center bench of 6 – 8 feet.

This size is often used for educational or commercial applications, but large home sites and estates frequently need the extra capacity.  Larger sizes require more structural support for the roof.

These wide greenhouses can have two 3-foot aisles with 3 foot benches on the outer sides and a bench in the center. These greenhouses are best for optimizing space for production, 

Foundation requirements

Foundation Requirements Footers and Bases ν Freestanding glass-to-ground or polycarbonate models require a concrete pad or wood frame base. ν Freestanding kneewall units require a 12”x12” surface footer. ν Attached greenhouses require a 36" or 42" deep foundation

Knee wall Options

Retaining wall block is finished inside and out.

Stone facing can be beautiful.

Architectural Design Enhancements

Paint Options

Select a powder coat finish to complement your home.

Roof Pitch

Customize the pitch of your roof to complement your home. 

Cresting & Finials 

Add a Victorian style to your freestanding or attached greenhouse. 

Stonework 

A wide range of brick and stone options can really accent your new greenhouse and tie it in to your home.

Landscaping ν 

Landscaping around your greenhouse is the most distinguishing characteristic