Hey there! Have you ever looked at your backyard and thought, “What can I do with this unused space?” Well, I’ve got an idea for you – why not transform it into a charming backyard greenhouse?
With some careful planning and a touch of creativity, your neglected backyard can become the talk of the town with its very own greenhouse.
Imagine the joy of growing your own plants and vegetables right in your backyard!
In this article, I’ve put together a complete guide on how to build a backyard greenhouse attached to your home. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on. I’m confident that by the end of this article, you’ll have all the answers you need to get started on your backyard greenhouse project.
Ready to turn your backyard into a green oasis? Let’s dive in!
What Is A Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a house structure that is typically made of transparent glass or plastic. So that it can trap heat and moisture to create suitable weather for some plants.
The Science behind a greenhouse is very simple. It allows sunlight to enter through the transparent glass and heat up the surface. And maintain that heat through the day and night.
It is mainly used to grow plants in a controlled environment. Especially if you live in an area with a very cold winter then you can build a greenhouse in your backyard to grow heat-loving plants.
Is Having A Greenhouse In Your Backyard Even Worth It?
Yes, Absolutely. If you live in a cold region then a greenhouse will allow you to extend your growing season. Plus it will help you to grow plants that would not otherwise thrive in your climate.
How To Grow Plants In A Backyard Greenhouse?
Generally, growing plants in a backyard greenhouse is same as growing in a normal garden. But It totally depends on the plant.
If you live in a cold region but want to have tropical plants or heat-loving vegetables then you need to follow process and precautions for that kind of plants.
Types Of Greenhouse
There are several types of greenhouses depending upon the budget of construction, structure, covering materials, and utility. You can choose any type of greenhouse for your backyard considering your needs.
You can check out my other article on types of greenhouse and their functionalities to get a clear idea.
How Much Space Is Required To Build A Small Backyard Greenhouse?
A small backyard greenhouse can be as small as 5 feet by 7 feet. However, you can increase the size as per need and budget.
If you are a beginner or you are not sure if you are ready to spend a huge amount of money or you are concerned about the required space, then I would suggest you start small. It will allow you to understand the nitty-gritty and you will be able to decide whether you liked the result or not.
Factors To Be Considered For Building A Backyard Greenhouse
When building a backyard greenhouse, there are several factors to consider to ensure its success:
Find A Suitable Area:
Choose a flat area in your backyard for building the greenhouse. The floor needs to be even to accommodate racks and automation equipment.
Location In The Backyard
Select a sunny location that will provide ample direct sunlight for your plants, avoiding potential shading in the future.
Structure and Materials:
Select the appropriate greenhouse structure and materials based on your budget, climate, and personal preferences.
Arrange For A Water Reservoir:
Installing a water reservoir in your greenhouse can help reduce water wastage and provides an opportunity to store rainwater, which can be beneficial for your plants.
It is also beneficial if you live in a freezing climate because it ensures uninterrupted water supply.
Plan For Costing:
Greenhouses require optimal climatic conditions, often achieved through automation.
Consider the costs associated with installing coolers, heaters, LED lights, and a solar system for energy storage.
Calculate the potential expenses for the smooth functioning of the greenhouse, including recurring costs like electricity bills and equipment servicing.
Ensure Proper Drainage:
Proper drainage is crucial since excessive water can be detrimental to greenhouse plants.
Make necessary arrangements to drain excess water and prevent waterlogging.
Easy Access:
Position your greenhouse in close proximity to your home for easy access. Regular monitoring is essential for greenhouse plants, as it helps prevent contamination and ensures their well-being.
Maintain Hygiene:
Greenhouse plants are more susceptible to diseases and contamination due to the enclosed environment.
To promote healthy growth, maintain proper hygiene by regularly cleaning the greenhouse and practicing good sanitation practices.
By considering these factors, you can create an ideal backyard greenhouse that provides optimal conditions for your plants’ growth and allows for convenient monitoring and maintenance.
Pest and Disease Management:
Implement strategies to prevent and manage pests and diseases within the greenhouse.
This may include installing screens or netting to keep out insects, practicing good sanitation, and using organic pest control methods when needed.
Precautions To Be Taken For Backyard Greenhouse
When it comes to your backyard greenhouse, taking precautions is essential for the health and well-being of your plants. Here are some important precautions to keep in mind:
Soil Mixing:
Ensure hygiene and safety when mixing soil in the greenhouse.
Wear gloves, a face mask, and protective clothing to maintain cleanliness.
Store the soil in a dry place, protecting it from rain, storms, heat, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Avoid long-term storage, as it may affect soil quality.
Tender Care for Seedlings:
Seedlings require proper care and an adequate supply of nutrients for healthy growth. Opt for organic fertilizers to provide nourishment to your backyard greenhouse plants.
Avoid Excess Water:
Overwatering can be detrimental to greenhouse plants.
Chlorinated water can harm soil organisms, so it’s best to avoid it.
Similarly, water treated with softeners may lack essential minerals. Use water that is suitable for the health of your plants.
Pest Control:
Continuous monitoring is key to keeping pests away from your greenhouse plants.
Instead of relying on inorganic pesticides, consider introducing beneficial plants that help control pests naturally.
Disease Prevention:
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to plant diseases.
Regularly monitor your plants for any signs of contamination or disease. Promptly remove unhealthy and diseased plants.
Using sterilized seeds can also minimize the risk of plant diseases.
Structural Maintenance:
Regularly monitor the greenhouse for any damage, wear, or leaks. Repair or replace damaged parts as early as possible to maintain structural integrity.
Clean the greenhouse regularly to prevent the attacks of pests and any kind of viral and bacterial contamination.
Fire Safety:
Ensure that electrical connections are properly installed and follow electrical safety guidelines.
Check the electrical equipment regularly from the expert electrician.
Keep flammable materials away from heaters or other heat sources.
Personal Safety:
Prioritize your safety when working in the greenhouse.
Take appropriate protections like wearing gloves, masks, and eye protection.
Be cautious of sharp tools, hot surfaces, or any potential hazards.
By following these precautions, you can maintain a healthy and thriving environment for your backyard greenhouse plants, ensuring their optimal growth and productivity.
Advantages Of A Backyard Greenhouse:
Having a greenhouse in your backyard offers numerous benefits that go beyond just growing plants. Here are some additional advantages to consider:
Continuous Supply of Fresh Produce:
With a backyard greenhouse, you can enjoy a steady and uninterrupted supply of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Harvesting directly from your greenhouse ensures that you have access to chemical-free, nutritious produce all year round.
Pest and Insect Control:
Growing plants in a controlled environment helps protect them from pests and insects.
This means fewer instances of infestations and a reduced need for pesticides, resulting in healthier and safer produce.
Seasonal Variety:
Say goodbye to waiting for specific seasons to enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables.
In a greenhouse, you can create the ideal conditions for growing various seasonal crops throughout the year.
Enjoy the taste of summer berries in the middle of winter or savor fresh tomatoes during the cooler months.
Engaging Hobby:
Building and maintaining a backyard greenhouse can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby.
It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about plant cultivation, and witness the growth and development of your own food source.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
A greenhouse adds beauty and charm to your backyard.
It becomes a focal point and complements the overall aesthetics of your home.
The vibrant colors of the plants, the structure itself, and the sense of greenery can create a visually pleasing environment.
Climate Control:
With a greenhouse, you have greater control over the growing environment.
You can adjust temperature, humidity, and ventilation to create optimal conditions for different types of plants.
This flexibility is especially beneficial in regions with unpredictable climatic conditions.
Protection from Pests and Diseases:
A greenhouse provides a physical barrier that helps keep pests, insects, and larger animals away from your plants.
It also reduces the risk of plant diseases, as the enclosed space limits the exposure to pathogens that can be carried by wind or rain.
Plant Diversity:
By having a controlled environment, you can grow a wider range of plant species that might not thrive in your local climate.
This opens up possibilities for experimenting with exotic or delicate plants, extending your gardening repertoire.
Improved Plant Health:
The controlled environment in a greenhouse helps create optimal growing conditions, resulting in healthier, more robust plants.
It minimizes stress factors and provides protection from extreme temperatures, frost, or drought, which can lead to stronger and more productive plants.
So, if you’re looking for a rewarding and productive hobby while enhancing the appeal of your home, a backyard greenhouse is a wonderful choice. Embrace the joys of growing your own fresh produce and reap the benefits it brings to your lifestyle.
Disadvantages Of A Backyard Greenhouse:
While there are many benefits to having a backyard greenhouse, it’s important to consider some of the challenges associated with it:
High Initial Installation Cost:
Building and setting up a greenhouse can be a significant investment.
The cost of materials, structural components, covering materials, and other necessary equipment can add up, making it a substantial upfront expense.
This may make it financially unfeasible for some individuals.
Recurring Costs:
Beyond the initial installation, there are ongoing costs to consider.
These include electricity bills for lighting, heating, and cooling systems, servicing charges for automation machinery, and regular maintenance costs.
These recurring expenses can accumulate over time and should be factored into your budget.
Installation of Automation:
Greenhouses often rely on automation technology for optimal plant growth.
The installation and setup of automation systems can be complex and require additional investment.
It’s important to consider the cost and compatibility of automation equipment to ensure its effectiveness in maintaining the desired climate and conditions for your plants.
Constant Monitoring:
Greenhouse plants require regular monitoring and attention.
You’ll need to keep a close eye on factors such as temperature, humidity, watering, and pest control.
This ongoing commitment to monitoring can be time-consuming and may require daily or weekly adjustments to maintain the ideal growing conditions.
Pest and Disease Management:
While greenhouses provide some protection against pests and diseases, they can still be susceptible to contamination and outbreaks.
The enclosed environment can create favorable conditions for certain pests, and diligent monitoring and management are necessary to prevent and address issues effectively.
Environmental Impact:
The materials used in greenhouse construction, as well as the energy consumption required for temperature control, can have an environmental impact.
Consider using sustainable and recycled materials where possible like solar systems, as well as implementing energy-efficient practices to minimize the ecological footprint.
While these challenges exist, it’s important to evaluate them in the context of the benefits and rewards that a backyard greenhouse can offer. If you have the resources and dedication to overcome these challenges, the ability to grow your own fresh produce and enjoy the many advantages of a greenhouse can make it a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion & Take Away!
I hope you enjoyed all aspects of having your own backyard greenhouse. If you have any questions let me know in the comment section below.
So what are you waiting for? Bookmark this page for future use and share it with your gardening buddies now!
If you’re curious about other cool farming methods or the best veggies and herbs for your home garden, check out my other articles in the “Related” posts section below and the “Recent Posts” section.
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Misty S is the founder and lead writer at GrowOrganicGreens.com, a comprehensive gardening resource dedicated to helping people cultivate beautiful and sustainable gardens. She has a Master’s degree in Economics and specialized studies in agricultural economics, horticulture, and soil science. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience, Misty shares practical gardening tips on soil preparation, organic manure composting, fertilizers, plant care, and indoor gardening, making her advice accessible and helpful to gardeners of all levels.
Despite having an high-demanding 9-5 job, Misty dedicates her personal time to researching and exploring various gardening topics. Her keen interest in gardening has grown into a passion, driving her to help new gardeners and anyone interested in starting their gardening journey.
Follow Misty’s work and the latest gardening insights and updates on Pinterest. You can reach out to Misty at mistysblogging@gmail.com.