by Ken Lund

So, you’ve decided to take on the task of building your own greenhouse huh?…You’re probably so excited to get started growing your favorite plants, fruits, and veggies, you can hardly contain yourself, right? Heck, I’ll bet you even have the site picked out in your backyard too. And if you already have some kind of budget in mind…well, you pretty much have all the basics covered. So now what do ya do? Easy…the next step is to decide what type of greenhouse plans, are ideal for your needs.

Now, before you jump the gun and spring for the first set of greenhouse blueprints you find on the internet, you need to realize that not all plans are created equally. Everything gets back to the focus of your greenhouse endeavours. Namely, what kind of plants you want to grow. Keep in mind that depending on your climate, location, and the kind of stuff you want to grow, your greenhouse building plans are going to differ from someone else’s. For instance, if you’re looking for something in which to germinate your seedlings, you’ll want to seek out plans that are specifically designed for cool climate plants. These plans are going to be substantially different from those that are designed for cacti, which thrive in warmer climates.

If you’re in the market for more of a hobby house, you might want to seek out some wooden greenhouse plans. Hobby houses are just what they sound like –greenhouses for the casual gardener. If that describes you to a T, then your best bet is to go with a house that requires an inexpensive wood (cedar or birch) and an inexpensive cover (polyethylene fits just fine, but plexiglass is ideal). These houses are not for someone who has or even wants a serious lifetime investment in the gardening industry. Don’t let your ambition get bigger than your ability. If you’re looking for something to do casually on the week-ends, this kind of greenhouse is perfect for you.

Not sure you want to build your greenhouse all on your own? That’s perfectly fine. Where there are greenhouses and materials there are greenhouse kits. A quick search on the internet will unearth –no pun intended– some classic, beautiful, and highly functional greenhouses for your ecological needs. But also be wary of which kind of kit you purchase. Not only are these more expensive, they’re highly specialized and will not allow for any mistakes. Be aware of what you’re purchasing at all times. Personally though, if you have a weekend to spare, I always recommend building your own greenhouse. With a clear set of plans they’re very easy to make (essentially just the cost of materials), and that adds up to being a fraction of the cost of a kit or prefabricated greenhouse any day.

If you have the cash to purchase your own fully-fledged greenhouse, then you’re in great luck. Though as with kits and self-construction these houses vary, if you’re having someone transport the house to your backyard, you can just as easily find someone to point you in the right direction of the greenhouse that’s perfect for your plants.

A word for the wise: ask loads of questions. If you find yourself in a quagmire over what kind of greenhouse is going to allow your plants to thrive, search the internet or, better yet, head over to your local hardware store. Those who specialize in gardening will know exactly what it is you need to make your dreams of gardening grandeur come to fruition.