Building My Greenhouse

All buildings in northern zones must have footings (foundation extensions) which extend below the frost line. Greenhouses are no exception. In my area, footings must be dug to a depth of 3 feet so frost will not heave the foundation and crack the greenhouse glass.

We dug and poured the footings ourselves (a measure of economy), but we hired a cement contractor to lay the actual foundation and the greenhouse walk or aisle. The foundation is made of cement blocks; it is 5 cement blocks high and 6 long. The walk is made of cement slabs. This work and the materials cost $285.00 and the job was finished in 1 day. Within 2 days the cement had set and we went on with the rest of the construction. The actual details of fastening supports and cross-pieces, installing doors, ventilators, and so forth are not relevant here. In the first place, they would require endless pages of text and diagrams-and such data are easily obtained from any number of commercial greenhouse construction sources. Also, there is no one “best” way to build a home greenhouse-there are dozens! The construction as well as the type will depend on the requirements of your climate and what you desire (and can afford). Incidentally, construction guides are available from lumber firms as well as greenhouse builders. I will offer, how-

4. This view of the south side of my Minneapolis home greenhouse
shows the double decking. (Note shading compound on glass.) Large
plants including a lemon tree, grow on the sunny top deck of the bench,
gesneriads on the shaded lower deck. (Photograph by Roger Groff)

ever, certain points of information that are generally helpful, whether you build your own greenhouse or have it built by a construction firm.

For instance, we chose redwood, sturdy and rot-resistant, for the greenhouse framework. It has proved to be a wise choice. Trenglaze, a non-hardening putty, was used to bed and seal the glass panes (called “lights” in the trade). We used non-rusting brass screws throughout. Also, we used double-strength greenhouse glass. This costs about 20 per cent more than single strength, but it is many times more durable. In the 4 years I have had this greenhouse not a single pane has broken or cracked. The lights, cut to fit by the manufacturer, measure 20 inches wide. On the roof the lower ones are 20 by 42 inches. These are larger than many greenhouse builders use, but they mean much less construction work, admit maximum light to the plants, and minimize drafts. A layer of pea rock covers the ground flanking the walks.
Finally, we painted the outside cement blocks pale green, the framework white, to blend with our green-and-white stucco home.

Tags: home greenhouse

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