Green House Articles

When planning to build your own greenhouse there are several things you should research and understand. Whether taking steps toward developing a new hobby, or starting your own business, knowing what type of greenhouse will suit your needs is essential to your success. Building the proper greenhouse is the first step.

There are two basic types of greenhouses: attached and free-standing. Attached greenhouses come in either lean-to or even-span. Both are built so they are attached as a part of your house. They are convenient because you can step out your door and into your greenhouse without ever setting foot outside. This is preferable when weather is bad. If you have an outside wall facing south or southeast, the attached greenhouse can be energy efficient, and in colder months can contribute to the heating of your home.

A free-standing greenhouse usually provides room for further expansion and is less expensive per square foot. It also allows for more flexibility in greenhouse placement. It is important to figure out which style best suits your needs before beginning the building process.

Greenhouse kits are available in many different sizes from small portable buildings that can easily be disassembled, moved, and reassembled, to large units that serve as year round houses built to withstand all types of weather. Choosing the type of pre-fabricated building you need is important and will eliminate the cost of architects and builders.

A pre-fab greenhouse kit comes with materials especially suited to the humidity of a greenhouse environment. They are all engineered to fit and work together to create an effective building to house plants, flowers, and herbs. The kit also includes all the hardware you need, with options for adding accessories as needed.

The materials used to frame your greenhouse can range from steel to wood, while the covering can be made of glass or fiberglass. There are several types of frames and coverings to choose from, and each type can serve different needs. It is important to know what you need before choosing a kit. By conducting the proper research, and perhaps consulting kit manufacturers, you will be on your way to building a quality greenhouse.

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

The ultimate dream of many gardeners is to have their own greenhouse. In your own personal greenhouse, you can provide a perfectly nourishing environment, and watch your plants thrive. In rain or shine, you may take your time attending your plants, or simply use the space as a place to disappear from your hectic daily grind.

Smaller greenhouses offer all the benefits at a reduced price. Supplies and materials are available to accommodate virtually any budget. On the other hand, larger greenhouses provide room to grow bigger crops of vegetables, and a wider variety of flowers and orchids.

If you’re considering building a greenhouse to develop and propagate more plants or extend your growing season, consider these factors to maximum the productivity while minimizing your expenses:

* If you’re thinking about building a larger greenhouse, consider using salvage materials. Re-using building materials will help you keep the construction budget on track. The money you save will allow you to invest in more plants or greenhouse supplies.

* Be sure to keep the natural climate of your area in mind before you build. If you live in a cold climate, plan on insulating your greenhouse, and budget for a good heating system. Those living in warmer places need to have shade control in place to shelter plants from too much sun and heat.

* You have the option to choose the kind of foundation you’d like to build. Concrete foundations offer the most security, but it is possible to improvise to stay within your budget. Railroad ties can be secured to the ground and used as a base for your greenhouse. Choosing the materials really depends on the size of your budget.

* Sunlight is essential for every greenhouse, and all plants within. Be sure that the location of your greenhouse receives an ample amount of direct sunlight. Shady areas will not receive enough light and heat for the plants to thrive. A solar greenhouse for vegetables and exotic fruit bearing plants should be situated where there is east-west exposure to sunlight.

* Your greenhouse will need proper ventilation, air circulation, pest control soil, humidity control devices and heaters for winter season. Don’t plan on growing just one variety of plant, as your tastes and interests can change. Make your greenhouse a suitable environment for all types of plants.

* It is also important to consider the roofing and wall covering materials to be used. Glass and fiberglass are the most expensive options, but also most advisable. These materials provide the highest degree of durability, and do not deteriorate as quickly as plastic coverings. Glass and fiberglass also create more warmth and humidity within the greenhouse.

* Allow ample storage room in your greenhouse plans. You’ll need a space to tuck away potting soil, tools, fertilizer and other greenhouse essentials. Have storage cabinets or shelving available, and place a tool rack near your potting bench. This will make it easier (and less messy) to transfer soil from storage to pots. Buckets can also be used to hold tools when they are not being used.

* The greenhouse you build should meet or maximize its full potential. While you’re building as a place to grow plants, you should also create your personal oasis. Add benches to provide places to sit back and marvel and the beauty you’ve created. Include features that will take care of some of the work for you, like automatic watering, temperature control, ventilation and heating systems. These bonuses that will tend the basic needs of your plants, so you can spend more time pruning, propagating and harvesting them.

* Natural predators are a wonderful alternative to chemical pest controls. Good bugs can be incorporated into the greenhouse environment to prevent and control an infestation of harmful insects. If you do find insects in your plants, you’ll have to try to isolate those plants (ideally outside of the greenhouse) to keep the pests from harming all of your crops.

There is no denying the fact that gardening is one of the most relaxing hobbies and essential food for the soul. In your private greenhouse you can happily tend your plants, and in turn you’ll find the plants will take care of you.

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David Wilson enjoys writing for several Internet magazines, on outdoor recreation and hobbies and recreation themes.

An unheated greenhouse will extend your growing season - a heated one will extend it even further.

A heated greenhouse is normally designed to maintain a temperature of 4-7 degrees C (40-45 degrees F) over winter.

It will also ideally contain an automatic ventilation system.

As the temperature inside the hothouse rises above 21 degrees C (70 degrees F), a ventilator in the roof is partially opened by a special temperature-sensitive device. If the temperature continues to rise, the vent will be fully opened.

Shading can be provided by draw-down blinds on the inside of the glass or plastic, pulled down manually when there is strong sunshine. If the sun becomes hidden by clouds the blinds can be rolled back up. It’s possible to get automatic blinds for the outside of the greenhouse, but these are expensive as they have to be custom-built to fit your greenhouse’s dimensions.

If the internal temperature falls below 4-7 degrees C (40-45 degrees F), an automatic heating system can kick in - a thermostat will switch on an electric fan heater of, say, 2.5 kilowatts.

The greenhouse could contain, in one corner, a small mist propagator for rooting cuttings. A cheaper alternative might be a heated propagating case without a mist unit - but this would be less effective for cuttings which are difficult to root. However, a heated propagating case could also come in handy for germinating seeds in February or March (later in the year most seeds can be germinated in a pot covered with glass or plastic.)

There might also be staging along the greenhouse side supporting rows of cuttings which have already rooted. These can be put into a cold frame for hardening later in the year, before being transplanted to the garden the following spring.

More staging can hold potted plants in trays of wet sand to provide for automatic watering.

It’s quite common to have frames outside the greenhouse. Frames heated by electric cables make good environments for young plants such as calceolaria, cineria, and solarum capsicastrum. Frames without artificial heating might be used to grow fruits such as melons.

A heated greenhouse may be more costly to set up and maintain than its unheated cousin, but it opens up many new gardening possibilities.

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For tips and articles on all aspects of greenhouse gardening, visit http://www.greenhousesblog.com now!

Few personal joys can match the feeling of owning a home, and tending your little piece of the world. Most homes have a yard in the front, back or both. Many have flowerbeds and landscaping plants in place, and homeowners are free to make changes to enhance the beauty of his or her property. Gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, and greenhouse gardening offers a new dimension to this favorite pastime.

Take a good look at your property. If you really want to build a greenhouse but you’re not sure if you have the space to commit to a freestanding structure, consider attaching a greenhouse as an addition to your home.

The first thing to do when planning your greenhouse is to measure the area. Be sure that the location you choose is exposed to enough sunlight, and also have an adequate amount of shade. Observe your property at different times of the day to determine the best location for your greenhouse.

Ventilation systems are essential for greenhouses, as they provide not only warmth and air circulation, but also carbon dioxide for the plants and sufficient oxygen for the gardener. Further, a heating system is an absolute must for greenhouses located in cold climates. Find out exactly what sort of heating and ventilation systems will be required before you proceed with the construction of your greenhouse. If you are installing a heater, you have a choice of gas, oil or electricity as the fuel. Choose the fuel that’s most accessible and cost-efficient for your needs. Electric heaters can easily provide enough warmth for a relatively small greenhouse, but remember that water and electricity don’t mix. Be very careful when choosing where to place your electric heaters.

While artificial elements can meet some of your plants’ needs, nothing can compare to the benefits of natural sunlight. Plants need the sun to grow, so you have to be careful in choosing the material for your greenhouse panels. Ask an expert or research to find out what materials are best to create the roof and windows of your greenhouse. Glass has long been the traditional choice of material for greenhouse panels, but research has shown that glass can allow harmful rays, which may actually damage or kill the plants. Panels made of plastic film or Plexiglas are better options for filtering sunlight.

Think about the types of plants you’ll be growing, as that will have a factor in your greenhouse gardening requirements. Annual flowers, orchids, fruits, vegetables and cacti may all have unique temperature, moisture or irrigation needs. Ideally, your greenhouse will be designed to provide optimal conditions for a variety of plants. Just because you love cacti today doesn’t mean that you won’t want to grow tomatoes next year. Visit your garden center to read the requirements posted on individual plant tags, or seek advice from trusted sources.

When you’ve done your research and you know all of the requirements, you have two options available to you. Draw the design, visit a supplier and build the greenhouse yourself, or hire a landscape architect or contractor to draw up the plans and take care of the construction. Paying a professional is not an option for many homeowners, but it’s hard to know where to start with such a huge project. Look at gardening magazines for ideas and inspiration, or drive around the neighbourhood and speak directly with someone who has a greenhouse on their property.

Before you begin construction, be sure to first prepare the soil. This is to enclose the area in case there are established plants in place. Purchase all of the essential equipment and supplies for your greenhouse. Equipment can be purchased at most gardening centers. Stock up on supplies, and make sure that you have a storage area handy for them.

Budget greenhouse gardeners can begin by erecting the basic structure, then improving it over time. For example, once you have a secure greenhouse with proper heat, ventilation, lighting and soil, you might want to add a hydroponics system. When you have the time and money available, the soil used in your greenhouse gardening can be removed and replaced by channels. Water mixed with nutrients runs through the channels to feed the plants.

Many farmers are now increasing crop production by using hydroponics.

Finally, buy a lock for your greenhouse and keep it secure at all times, to keep children from wandering in to a potentially dangerous situation.

The potential to enhance your property and increase its value are practically limitless. Manicured lawns and landscaped gardens can beautify your grounds, but adding a greenhouse really makes your home stand out. Learn more about greenhouse gardening and you’ll find it’s an affordable way to hone your gardening skills, while incorporating a sunny new addition to your home.

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James Anderson is a writer for several popular online magazines, on recreation advice and sports and hobbies topics.

Like any construction project, a greenhouse should be planned and built with great care. Building a greenhouse that will last season after season is not a weekend project, so take the time to define your requirements, look over plans, compare materials and come up with a game plan before you begin swinging your hammer.

Greenhouses must be more than glass buildings housing some plants. They should be thought of as freestanding ecosystems, independently built with climate control and watering systems accommodate the needs of the plants. Take the time to design and build your greenhouse properly, so as not to encounter problems with the supply or maintenance of materials and essential elements.

Your greenhouse plans should include an automatic misting and watering system. This is essential to grow and propagate healthier plants. The system should be able to automatically maintain humidity and moisture in the air. If your schedule does not always allow you to water your plants on a regular basis, set automated misters in the greenhouse. Your plants need the right temperature and humidity, right down to their roots; so even if you are on hand to provide daily watering, an automated misting system can take the worry out of keeping an optimal atmosphere. Timers and meters can be set to provide a constant and reliable source of moisture when your plants need it.

Rain systems are another important consideration in your greenhouse plans. Rain systems conserve precious rainwater, which is in turn passed into an automated watering system. The water is pumped into the system as required. In order to properly implement a rain system, be sure that your greenhouse plans include properly placed gutters and downspouts to channel, and a reservoir to collect the rainwater. As a backyard greenhouse gardener you’re likely concerned about our environment. A rain system allows you to conserve a natural resource, and save money on watering costs.

The electricity in your greenhouse should be planned to provide enough power to heat and light your plants, especially during cold climates. You might find that you require grow lights to increase spectrum in your greenhouse. Otherwise, your plants might not grow and your investment could be wasted.

Where you live is a determining factor in your greenhouse plans. As you know, climate determines the growing season and directly affects plants. In winter, the days are shorter and the air is colder, so plan on adding enough heat and light sources to help your plants prosper. Lighting plays a key role in the growth of plants, as they may not have adequate exposure to sunlight in winter. If you live in a warmer climate you should still be concerned with lighting. Long, cloudy spells can have a negative effect on your healthy plants.

Aesthetic appeal is a contributing factor to the design of your greenhouse. You want it to be an attractive element of your overall landscape. If you’re searching for design ideas, there are many free greenhouse plans available on the Internet. These diagrams, instructions and building tips will help you plan your greenhouse with supply systems to help your plants reach their optimal growing potential. Some sites will take you step-by-step through the construction process, while others offer instructional methods on how to build and maintain a hydroponics operation. Search websites for greenhouse plans to build a freestanding, or lean-to structure.

If you’re still in the planning stage of building your greenhouse, consider the basic outline to get an idea of the materials you’ll need. These guidelines are based on a small greenhouse:

* Your shopping list should include 15 to 20 squeeze clips, 3 rolls of heavy-duty 3M clear tape, 1 roll duct tape, 6 mm clear plastic to cover the structure, 18 ratcheting tie downs, 4 to 8 T-posts, a 10 x 20 Universal canopy, as well as grow lights and heaters. Those on a budget can build a small greenhouse by using these basic materials.

* Ask a few friends to help you set up the greenhouse frame. Insert the pieces to the frame to make the connection, and be sure the connection points are properly wrapped with duct tape. At this point, pipes will be place in position according to where you’d like them to be in your greenhouse.

* Use the tie-downs to connect the upper part of the frame, and then use four T-posts to support the four corners of your structure. Adding an extra T-post can add extra support. T-posts should be drilled at least 12″ into the ground.

* Make two separate plastic coverings to fully cover the structure. It’s advised to cut the plastic in 30′ lengths. Use a ladder to cover the greenhouse from top to bottom, and anchor the plastic at the base of the foundation with gravel. Be sure that the plastic covers all end caps.

Having a backyard greenhouse is a dream come true, but not necessarily an unattainable one. Use these greenhouse plans as a basis for your budget and design. Your moderate investments of time, effort and cash today will pay off in a big way through gorgeous plants and years of enjoyment.

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Daniel Thomas contributes articles to several Internet magazines, on recreation and sports topics.

Anyone can grow plants, but to grow plants well takes a combination of knowledge, skill and the right location. A greenhouse creates the perfect atmosphere for plants to flourish; so many people are building greenhouses on their properties, and stocking them with the right greenhouse supplies.

Many factors are required to create a productive greenhouse. The greenhouse supplies will determine these factors. In other words, to have a really successful greenhouse, it is important to have the proper accessories and supplies to maintain it. Read on to learn which greenhouse supplies are vital to creating a nourishing environment for your plants:

A greenhouse serves as a nourishing home for young and tender plants, particularly those grown out of their normal season. Greenhouses are designed to create a proper environment for the plant to grow and be successfully cultivated. All kinds of plants will grow well in a greenhouse. Cacti, citrus trees and orchids do especially well in the greenhouse environment. Greenhouses are also ideal venues for scientists to conduct plant research.

A typical greenhouse is constructed with walls and a sloping roof, all built from glass or plastic panes. This structure provides the light, temperature and moisture needed for plants to grow in balanced conditions. Ideally, natural sunlight sufficiently supplies the requirements of plants, especially in temperate regions. When winter comes, however, it is necessary to provide added light and heat sources to encourage growth in your plants. The heat source generally is created by a steam or hot-air circulating system.

During the summer, the greenhouse panes are covered to reduce the intensity of the light. The structure of the greenhouse allows heat to be easily reduced. Whitewashing the panes and opening the ventilators are two ways to reduce greenhouse heat.

Most plants grow well with a certain amount of humidity in the air, which is maintained by the water supplied in the soils. The floors are sprayed with water to create more humidity when required. Orchids and other potted plants are set on racks with moistened residues.

Installing the right type of flooring is beneficial to the greenhouse owner in a number of ways. Flooring can offer an aesthetic quality to enhance the ambience and polish the image of the greenhouse. To be functional, and safe on watering days, the flooring should be made of non-skid material. Choose flooring that is easy to clean, and make sure the material will endure the high moisture in the greenhouse atmosphere.

Keep these essential elements in mind when planning your backyard greenhouse. It can mean the difference between simply growing plants, and helping your plants to flourish to be their most beautiful best.

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Michael Davis is an author for several popular online magazines, on outdoor living and recreation topics.

If you are a gardener who doesn’t want your level of success to be determined by the weather, setting up greenhouses may be your solution. Not only will your crops not be subject to damage from the weather, you can actually control the climate in a greenhouse.

Having the ability to manage the environment in your garden can make it possible for you to cultivate plants that don’t normally grow in your climate. By controlling the conditions, you can even produce out of season. This is really an avid gardener’s fantasy. Greenhouses unlock the barriers to gardening by making it viable to grow anything, anytime, no matter where you live.

There are several things that you need to know when planning on setting up greenhouses. Taking care to plan will increase your potential while saving you money. It requires a little research, lots of thought and that loathed process of budgeting, but all in all, it is lots of fun, especially when the planning is done and you can make your ambition of being a phenomenal gardener a reality.

There are five things to be considered in the planning process:

• Different types of greenhouses
• Greenhouse accessories
• Needs assessment
• Location
• Budget

After building the knowledge, determining your needs, selecting a location, and setting your budget, you will be ready to devise a plan and put it into action!

Types of greenhouses
Building your knowledge concerning the different types of greenhouses will make the process so much easier. There are various different types including different sizes, shapes and building materials. Whether you are planning for a huge garden, a small garden, or an herb box, there are greenhouses available for you. Hobby gardening to commercial gardening can be accommodated.

Greenhouses are available in several sizes. They range from a window box to a full-size building. You can select an attached greenhouse (attached to your house or another building), or a free-standing greenhouse. There are even portable greenhouses, or hobby greenhouses, that can easily fit on your porch.

A lean-to shape is common with attached greenhouses, although an even-span can be attached too. A window-mounted greenhouse is a small, attached greenhouse. Free-standing greenhouses can take any shape and size.

What is more to important to some than shape or size is the building materials used in the construction of a greenhouse. The materials used will determine the cost, the durability and the level of maintenance that will be required to keep the greenhouse in good shape. Some materials will require a permanent foundation; while some that are intended to be portable, won’t require a permanent foundation.

The frame of a free-standing greenhouse can be made of wood or pipe with choices of different grades of wood, plastic, aluminum, or galvanized steel pipe. The type of framing material may be dependent on your choice of coverings. For coverings you may choose tempered glass, fiberglass or plastic film. In selecting the materials, you should consider the pros and cons of each as well as the cost, maintenance requirement and durability.

If you are building the greenhouse yourself, you should check with your local building inspector to find out about recommendations for materials in your area and whether or not a building permit is required.

Greenhouse accessories
It is best to become familiar with greenhouse accessories before you select your greenhouses or develop your budget. In order for your greenhouse to work, there are some accessories that you will definitely need. Other accessories are for convenience.

One of the most important accessories to consider is watering devices, because plumbing may be required. Plumbing can really cut into your budget. So, it is a good idea to check out the options for watering your plants inside your greenhouse. Of course, you can carry water and hand-water your plants if you have the time, but there are watering devices that will automatically water as instructed.

The next most significant knowledge to build is about climate and light control equipment. This includes equipment that will help you to control the environment in your greenhouse. Temperature control equipment such as heating systems and solar panels will allow you to control the heat, while evaporative coolers, humidification devices and shade cloths can help to cool and humidify the area. Ventilation and air circulation equipment may be necessary too. Artificial lighting can be used to compensate for sunlight if the greenhouse doesn’t get enough sunlight.

Control equipment really adds potential to your greenhouse. It can actually create an environment that best suits your garden, regardless of your climate or the weather. Control equipment can be automated, where it takes care of itself, or it can be manually implemented as needed.

Of course you will need planters, pots or containers, unless you plant right in the ground. Plant stands and shelves will allow you to plant more in less space. You will also have to have the basic gardening supplies including hand tools.

These are a few of the necessary greenhouse accessories. In your research, you will become familiar with lots of accessories that make gardening in a greenhouse a whole lot simpler and more enjoyable.

Assessing your needs
It is very important that you assess your needs. Otherwise, you will likely end up getting something that doesn’t meet your needs. When that happens, you will end up spending loads of money to revamp your plan after you find out that greenhouses you have selected aren’t sufficient.

After you have done all of the research on types of greenhouses and greenhouse accessories, you will know what is available. You will probably know what you want, but you need to make sure that it will meet your needs.

Now is the time to decide if you want a large greenhouse, or maybe more than one small greenhouse. It all depends on what you are planting and the best environment for the plants. For example, if you are planting plants that grow best in dry environment along with plants that require humidity, it will be best to have two greenhouses so that you have the ability to control environment appropriately.

Decide what you are going to plant and do the research to determine the best growing conditions for the plants. This will help to establish what you need in terms of greenhouses and accessories for controlling the environment.

Selecting a location
Location of the greenhouse will dictate what gardening accessories are needed in regard to lighting control. Some plants don’t require a lot of light, while some require sunlight for the whole day. Positioning your greenhouse will determine whether or not you need artificial lighting. Choose a location where the greenhouse gets sunlight all day if you can. If you can’t, be sure to plan for artificial lighting to compensate for shady hours in the day.

Budgeting
Budgeting is usually the first thing you do when planning a project. You probably had some idea of how much money you could spend on your greenhouse project, but after doing all the research, you are likely to find that you need more money to get exactly what you want.

Now is the time to separate your wants from your needs. This may include formulating two budgets, one for now and one for later. For now, take your current budget and plan to purchase the things that you need to get your greenhouse going. Your budget may decide whether you will buy prefabricated greenhouses, have your greenhouses built, or built them yourself. It may decide what accessories you can get now, and what conveniences you will have to put off until later. Later, you can always add-on or buy additional accessories to enhance your gardening experience.

Be sure to put your greenhouse plans in writing including drawings of what your long-term plan includes. This will help you or your contractor to remember what you are shooting for throughout the project. With good written plans, you won’t accidentally place things where they will have to moved or torn down to expand your greenhouse. Of course, things can be moved, but moving them can be expensive and can jeopardize the strength and durability of the materials.

Planning before you start to build greenhouses is vital. It can save you lots of money and make budgeting so much easier. It can actually set long-term plans to create the perfect gardening atmosphere, one that you will be proud of and enjoy working in.

Every gardener has a dream. Make the vision a goal, and you’ll definitely realize it. Making the gardener’s dream come true is promising with a little research, a lot of planning, patience, and hard work. It may not be something that you can have tomorrow, but you can start small and build-up over time until you have the garden that you never imagined possible.

If you have done a good job of planning, the future won’t include wasting your money by tearing down your insufficient greenhouse. Your greenhouse will be an investment in your long-term gardening plans.

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David Beart is the owner of http://www.professorshouse.com. Our site covers such topics as gardening, flowers, teenagers, family, cooking and other household issues.

Even a small greenhouse opens up new gardening horizons - from orchids to early vegetables. With equipment in ready supply it’s possible to create a complete controlled growing environment which will run on auto pilot.

One of the biggest advantages of a greenhouse is that it frees a gardener from dependence on the weather. Inside the hothouse, under cover of glass (or plastic) you can grow plants which would suffer badly from the rain, wind and cold if grown outside.

Greenhouses can be heated or unheated. An unheated greenhouse offers no protection against frost, but it will provide your plants with more warmth during the growing season. The extra heat trapped by the greenhouse speeds up the ripening period and produces better flowers from decorative plants. Unheated greenhouses also offer protection against the elements - wind and rain - and shield your crops from attack by birds, pests and animals.

A major advantage of greenhouses is that they extend the growing season. Plants can start growing early in spring, and either be kept in the greenhouse or later transferred to the garden. In the greenhouse they will continue growing well into fall.

This lengthened growing season is achieved by the heat of the sun being trapped by the glass or plastic covering during spring, and, in the fall, warmth accumulated in the soil and brickwork during the hot season is released back into the greenhouse.

A typical use of unheated greenhouses is to grow tomatoes during spring and summer, and, in fall, when the tomatoes have been discarded, late flowering chrysanthemums can be cultivated to brighten the approach of winter. It’s also quite common nowadays for gardeners to grow grapes and melons in unheated greenhouses.

Unheated greenhouses are also suitable for a wide range of half-hardy shrubs, lilies, gladioli, annuals, and other bulbs which will produce the finest blooms.

Lettuces, radishes, French beans, carrots, potatoes, and all out-of-season vegetables which are normally grown in cloches or frames are equally suited to growing in unheated greenhouses.

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Matthew Martins is a regular contributor to http://www.greenhousesblog.com. Drop by the blog to check out the information and resources on all aspects of hobby greenhouse gardening.

There has been much discussion, both among experts and lay people about the ‘greenhouse effect.’ The greenhouse effect is a term that refers to changes in the Earth’s atmospheric composition, which have been related to the warming of our planet. There is a growing amount of evidence that human activities, particularly those relating to the burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal, are major contributors to the greenhouse effect. The predicted consequences for the planet as a result of the greenhouse effect are extremely serious. They include major changes in the climate that will have an impact on food production and rising sea levels, which will put many coastal and other low-lying communities under water.

Additional information that we have learned about the planet Venus provide a frightening example of the greenhouse effect. Venus has a very dense atmosphere made up of gases. The planet has what has been described as a ‘runaway greenhouse effect.’ It has surface temperature of about 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Experts generally point to gases like carbon dioxide as the main contributors to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide, which is a gas that is exhaled by everyone, can absorb infrared radiation. This type of radiation is heat that is radiating away from a warm object. During the day, the Earth is warmed by sunlight, and at night, the Earth cools off by radiating the heat back into space in the form of infrared radiation. Carbon dioxide, and other gases to some extent, absorb this radiation and limit its exit into space. Therefore, the natural cooling mechanism is thwarted.

While it may seem that eliminating the greenhouse effect would be the best strategy, this is not what we want to do. Water vapor represents another element in the heat-absorbing process. There is a great amount of water vapor in the atmosphere at all times. This is why we experience rain. We need the water vapor in the atmosphere to keep the Earth at its normal, comfortable temperature. Without the warmth created by water vapor, the planet would freeze, and that would be the end of life as we know it. Therefore, we need to have some degree of the ‘greenhouse effect’ in order to maintain life on Earth.

We need to strike a balance. Mother Nature is telling us, again, what we should already have learned by now – in any situation, extremes of any kind cause harm.

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To learn more about our environment and the world we live in visit http://environmentadvice.com

Greenhouses can provide hours of entertainment. Greenhouses are a lovely diversion for people who love to garden and want to be able to do so any time of the year.

There are several questions to ask yourself if you are considering the purchase of a greenhouse. Greenhouses are a wonderful choice for many people and the only person who can decide if a greenhouse is the right choice is YOU!

Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are seriously thinking about buying a greenhouse:

Greenhouses question #1: Do you truly enjoy working with flowers, vegetables or herbs? Are you really sad when the growing season is almost over or extremely anxious in late winter when you are not able to get outside and work?

Greenhouses question #2: Are you ready for a hobby that will take quite a bit of time? If you have a greenhouse of any size you will need to make a commitment to spending time almost every day taking care of the plants.

Greenhouses question #3: Have you thought about where you will put the greenhouse? Do you know that even if you have only a small piece of property or a rooftop, you have room for a greenhouse?

Greenhouses question #4: Have you done any research on greenhouses? If not you may want to check online sites and read up on what is available. You will also be able to get a good idea of the greenhouse accessories you will need and learn about proper ventilation, watering, heating and cooling the greenhouse.

Greenhouses question #5: Size, it does matter and it is a valid question you need to ask yourself. Many people make the mistake of building a greenhouse that is already too small the day it is completed.

Ask yourself these greenhouse questions and you may decide that a greenhouse is exactly right for you!

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Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com