How to Choose a Greenhouse

When buying a greenhouse, there are many things to think about. If you're new to greenhouse gardening, it might be best to start with a small and affordable one to test the waters. Or, if you're already using a basic starter greenhouse and want something bigger and better, it's important to carefully consider your needs before looking for greenhouses for sale. Whatever your goal may be, taking the time to think about what you truly need will help you make the right decision when buying a greenhouse.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the greenhouse buying options, don't worry! This article outlines the important things to think about when choosing a greenhouse, so you can pick the best greenhouse kit for your plants and your lifestyle.

1. Look for a greenhouse that diffuses light for healthy plant growth

Everyone knows that sunlight is important for plant growth. It may surprise you to know, however, that natural sunlight is not always the best light for plants. In fact, direct light can even damage plants. The same harsh rays that cause sunburns in people also can burn your favorite foliage. Studies show that diffuse light is the best light for growing. Growth rates increase 20 to 30 percent under diffuse light when compared to plants grown under direct light. Too much light causes excessive heat in the greenhouse. As a consequence, plants waste energy through transpiration, much like sweating. This stresses plants and reduces photosynthetic rates.

Diffuse light reaches your plants from all angles and produces fewer shade spots. That means plants don't have to strain to reach towards available light. As a result, the plants develop healthy, compact growth in your greenhouse.

Light diffusion of greenhouse coverings differs greatly. Glass and most single-walled greenhouse covering materials provide minimal, if any, diffusion. Polycarbonate greenhouse covering provides partially diffuse light . With 100% diffusion, Solexx greenhouse panels provide the best diffuse light available. Even on a cloudy day, a Solexx greenhouse is bright inside. Unlike other greenhouse covering materials, Solexx greenhouse covering reflects the light throughout the entire greenhouse structure.

Just as you wouldn't allow your children or grandchildren to play outside without sunscreen or leave them inside a hot car, it's essential to protect your plants from intense heat too. Solexx greenhouse panels provide this protection to your plants.

2. Find a greenhouse that functions well in all seasons

A good greenhouse should allow you to grow throughout the entire year. In order to do this, select a greenhouse that is well-insulated and has adequate ventilation. The greenhouse covering should hold heat in your greenhouse, naturally keeping it warm when cold weather hits and allowing you to heat your greenhouse inexpensively if desired. In warmer months, it's important to keep your greenhouse cool. A greenhouse design that allows you to add exhaust fans, additional base vents and solar powered louvers is important to prevent your greenhouse from overheating in the spring and summer months. Light diffusion also keeps temperatures down. Solexx greenhouses are excellent in the cold and in the heat, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobby all year.

3. Select a greenhouse that can be modified

Greenhouse gardening is addictive! As your greenhouse hobby develops, it is likely that your needs will change as you discover the many ways that you can fully utilize your greenhouse. A good greenhouse should offer versatility to add components down the road. Whether it is adding extra accessories to enhance productivity in your greenhouse or adding an extension kit to give you even more growing space, when you select a greenhouse make sure you can customize it easily. With the right greenhouse, you can grow everything from succulents to tropicals and herbs to flowers - in the same greenhouse!

4. Search for a greenhouse that is sturdy and long-lasting.

A good greenhouse should be able to stand up to daily living and harsh weather without any problems. Falling tree branches, rocks thrown from lawn mowers and stray baseballs can all be hazards to greenhouses. Severe weather such as wind, snow and hail can also pose a challenge to greenhouses with poor construction.

Look for greenhouses with low-maintenance frames. Ideally, you should have something that is easy to clean, such as the strong composite frame found on Solexx greenhouses. This ensures that you can eliminate any disease or pests that enter your greenhouse.

The greenhouse paneling should be equally durable. It should be scratch-resistant and also offer excellent impact strength. If you live in an area with lots of snow or other harsh weather, it's important that the greenhouse covering be strong enough to support the heavy snow.

5. Ask about the greenhouse's UV (ultra-violet) warranty

Your greenhouse should be a hassle-free experience. You shouldn't have to waste your time repairing the greenhouse year after year. Since greenhouses are exposed to harsh direct sunlight, they must be built to withstand these conditions and last a long time. For optimal durability, ensure the greenhouse frame and covering materials are UV-resistant. Look for greenhouses that come with a warranty against UV damage. Also check to find out how much it would cost to buy replacement parts or if they are even available. This way, you can ensure that your greenhouse will provide long-lasting performance without unnecessary headaches.

6. Find a greenhouse with ample interior space for growing plants

Your perfect greenhouse should fit the available space in your yard and accommodate your plants. When choosing a greenhouse kit, keep in mind that no matter what size greenhouse you buy now, you will likely fill it up within a year. You will want to make sure that you allow for enough growing room.

The available space in your yard may limit the size of the greenhouse you can choose. However, a greenhouse equipped with built-in benches and hanging rods can help you grow more with a smaller footprint. A Solexx greenhouse allows for vertical growth by eliminating shadows through the use of diffuse light. This means that plants on the top shelves won't block light to the plants on the bottom shelves, creating more vertical space for growing.

7. Select a greenhouse that is easy to maintain

Cleaning and maintaining your greenhouse should be simple. Look for greenhouse materials, that do not scratch, mold or mildew, or water etch. Also, remember that some greenhouse coverings have a UV coating on the outside and you have to be careful not to damage the outer coating. Find out what is involved in upkeep of the greenhouse. You want to have your greenhouse for many years, so make sure it will keep looking good and working good for years to come.

8. Buy from a greenhouse manufacturer with a proven track record

It is crucial for a home greenhouse to be made by a reputable company. A reputable company can provide better assurance of product quality, safety, and durability, as well as offer reliable customer support and warranty services. Choosing a greenhouse backed by a reputable company can also save time and money in the long run by avoiding potential problems and costly repairs associated with low-quality or poorly designed greenhouse structures. Consider how long the company has been in business. Call and speak to a customer service person to get an idea of their knowledge and company values.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a greenhouse. The best greenhouses are constructed of durable materials, provide diffuse light for better plant growth and offer insulation to protect plants from cold and intense heat. In addition, choose a greenhouse made in the USA for greater confidence in long-term support and access to replacement parts. Whether you're looking to simply start some plants in the spring or if you want to heat your greenhouse for year-round growing, you should carefully select the best greenhouse for your situation. Once you know what what to look for in a high-quality greenhouse, you'll be set to enjoy years of hassle-free growing.

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