Climate change is being experienced across the globe, impacting every aspect of our lives, especially in farms and gardens. Bad weather conditions make it hard for plants to thrive well. As the weather changes, individuals need to embrace new farming techniques, and a good example is the greenhouse structure. Greenhouse means a structure with walls and roof made primarily of glass or plastic. It provides shelter to the growing plants during storms.
There are many greenhouses kits on the market today. Due to this, it’s hard to tell which one is the right one. Below are the basic questions one can consider when looking for a favourable greenhouse.
Sizing
In size, you need to know what kind of greenhouse you want. Is it a starter or a grower? The other thing to look into is your aim. The price of seedlings keeps on hiking daily, and some varieties are varnishing. Your goal might be to consider growing your seeds from scratch. The only way to do this is through a starter greenhouse.
Alternatively, you may be considering increasing your garden production. Consider having a greenhouse as your primary farming tool, where your plants will expand and bear more fruit in a controlled environment. In this case, you will require a grower set-up kit.
Glazing Choices
You will have to choose what kind of panels you require, transparent or opaque. There are many options available for greenhouse panels; they are clear, diffused and semi-diffused. These options are the key determiners of the amount of light getting inside the greenhouse. If you plan to grow and transplant seedlings to an outdoor environment, consider buying the clear panel structure, as it will support seed sprouting.
On the other hand, diffused light is much better if you are into growing plants to maturity. In a diffused panel, plants will achieve the required level of photosynthesis and develop into the right shape. Plants become more balanced and compact. Your plants will not be tall and leggy due to the struggle to find the sun.
Insulation and Design
Insulation and design largely depend on the climate conditions in the area that you live in. If you are based in an icy region and are into vegetables, then you need a well-insulated greenhouse structure. The best option to go for is the multiple-walled polycarbonate.
You don’t need serious insulation in mild winter regions, and you want a season extender: an environment where you can grow and nurture young plants. You need something like tempered glass panels or opt for the single-walled polycarbonate. Glass panels work well and can last longer under intense sunlight but cannot in areas that experiences hail storms or heavy winds.
In Windy areas, don’t think of the standard polyethene film; go for a tough woven polyethene. You can also consider the glass greenhouse with the heat-retaining coating and make it on the northern side of the structure.
Reputation and Service
It doesn’t matter the size of the greenhouse, be it a bigger or small one; they are all costly and require time and effort to set up. Therefore before buying one, get to know the company that deals with these structures. You can also look for advice from individuals who have done their research. Read the company’s fine print until you understand the following:
• Duration in which the company has been in business.
• The type of warranty they offer and the issues that are covered
• The available technical assistance
• Mode of shipment and packaging of the structure
• Shipping cost
The best way to know all the above considerations is through gardening clubs or online farm forums. Here, you get a chance to interact with some experienced growers, and they can offer you advice from different perspectives.
