Backyard greenhouses are becoming more and more popular these days, as people look for ways to grow their own food, flowers and plants. But when it comes to selecting the right size backyard family greenhouse, there are several factors that should be taken into account.
Advantages of Having a Backyard Greenhouse
There are many advantages to having your own backyard greenhouse. For starters, it gives you direct access to fresh produce all year round, regardless of the season or climate. This means less money spent on groceries, plus healthier options that are free of pesticides and chemicals. You’ll also save time on trips to the grocery store since everything will be right outside your door! Additionally, greenhouses provide protection against wildlife and pests, reducing risk potential damage to your crop.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
The first factor is how much space you have available in your backyard. You want to make sure that the size of the greenhouse you select is not too small or too large for the area you have available. If it’s too small, you won’t be able to fit enough plants in and if it’s too large, it will take up more space than necessary. It’s important to measure the area you want the greenhouse to go in and then select a size accordingly.
Think About What You Want to Grow First
Before you go out and buy a greenhouse or the materials to build one, you need to think about what type of plants or flowers you plan on growing in your greenhouse.
Different types of plants require different amounts of space. For example, if you’re growing vegetables, you’ll need more room than if you’re growing flowers. So, it’s important to consider how many plants you plan on having and how much space they’ll need in order to determine the appropriate size greenhouse for your family. Here are some factors to consider that could change the design and orientation of your greenhouse:
Size and shape
The size and shape of the greenhouse can be influenced by the types of plants you plan to grow. Some plants require more space than others, and the greenhouse should be designed accordingly. For example, if you plan to grow tall plants such as tomatoes, you may need a taller greenhouse with more headroom.
Orientation
The orientation of the greenhouse can affect the amount of light and heat that enters. For example, if you plan to grow plants that require a lot of sunlight, you may want to orient the greenhouse to face south to maximize sun exposure. On the other hand, if you plan to grow plants that are sensitive to heat, you may want to avoid direct sunlight and orient the greenhouse to face east or west instead.
Ventilation
Different plants require different levels of humidity and air circulation. A greenhouse designed for high-humidity plants such as tropical fruits may need more ventilation to prevent excess moisture buildup, while a greenhouse designed for low-humidity plants such as cacti may need less ventilation to retain moisture.
Heating and cooling
Some plants require specific temperature ranges to grow properly. A greenhouse designed for plants that require warmer temperatures may need a heating system to maintain the appropriate temperature during colder months, while a greenhouse designed for plants that require cooler temperatures may need a cooling system to prevent overheating during warmer months.
Lighting
Some plants require more or less light than others, and the greenhouse should be designed accordingly. For example, if you plan to grow plants that require a lot of light, you may need to install additional lighting fixtures or choose a greenhouse with larger windows to let in more natural light.
Climate
Finally, it’s important to take into account the climate of where you are when selecting the size of your greenhouse. If it’s a particularly warm climate, you might want to get a larger size in order to accommodate more plants and keep them better regulated. On the other hand, if it’s a cold climate, you might opt for a smaller size in order to conserve energy and keep things from freezing over.
The Best Size Greenhouse for a Family of 4
As mentioned above, there are many factors that go into determining the size of your backyard greenhouse. The size of your family is just one of thing to consider.
Generally speaking, for a family of four looking to grow vegetables or flowers in their backyard greenhouse, a size between 8×10 feet and 10×12 feet would be an appropriate choice. This will give you enough space to house several types of plants and have plenty of room to tend to them.
Once you have your greenhouse set up, there are some key tips for maintaining a healthy greenhouse. First, you should make sure that the temperature stays between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit at all times as this will give your plants the best chance of growing and thriving. Secondly, ensure that your greenhouse gets ample sunlight and ventilation to avoid any buildup of heat or moisture which could damage the plants. Finally, be sure to regularly water and fertilize your plants in order to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Building Your Backyard Greenhouse
The size and design of your greenhouse will depend on how much space you have available in your backyard, as well as what types of plants you want to grow inside it.
If possible, choose materials that are durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy snowfall; these could include steel frames and Polyethylene covers for added durability and insulation. It may be tempting to save money here, but spending more on good materials will save you time and money in the long run.
It’s also important to equip your backyard greenhouse with adequate ventilation so that air can flow freely inside it; this helps regulate temperature during hot summer days when too much heat can damage delicate crops such as lettuce or tomatoes.
You also may need to add a greenhouse heater during the coldest winter months. Make sure you pick an appropriate location and allow access for a power supply to your greenhouse.
Also along the lines of location, you want to build in a place in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight and, if possible, is shielded from the wind.
Finally, consider adding features like automated watering systems or benches for potting up plants—these are handy additions that make gardening easier!
Caring For Your Greenhouse Plants
You’ll want to do some research on the plants you want to grow in your greenhouse so you know how to care for them properly. Some plants won’t be able to grown in your plant hardiness zone, regardless of you having a greenhouse or not:
Light requirements
Different plants require different levels of light. Some plants require full sun, while others prefer partial or filtered light. Make sure you know how much light your plants need and position them accordingly in your greenhouse.
Temperature requirements
Most plants have a specific temperature range in which they thrive. Make sure you know the temperature requirements of your plants and maintain the appropriate temperature in your greenhouse. This may require a heating or cooling system depending on the plants you are growing.
Humidity requirements
Some plants require high humidity, while others prefer low humidity. Make sure you know the humidity requirements of your plants and adjust the humidity level in your greenhouse accordingly.
Watering requirements
Different plants have different watering requirements. Some plants prefer to be kept moist at all times, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. Make sure you know the watering requirements of your plants and water them accordingly.
Soil requirements
Different plants have different soil requirements. Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil. Make sure you know the soil requirements of your plants and use the appropriate soil mix in your greenhouse.
Fertilizer requirements
Most plants require regular fertilization to thrive. Make sure you know the fertilizer requirements of your plants and fertilize them accordingly.
Pest and Disease Management
Even in a greenhouse, pests and diseases can be a problem. Make sure you know how to identify and treat common pests and diseases that may affect your plants.
A Useful Video for Starting a Greenhouse
Conclusion
By following these tips, you should have the perfect size greenhouse for your family of four that will provide plenty of space to grow a variety of plants while being easy to maintain. With proper care, your backyard greenhouse can provide years of fresh and healthy food, flowers, and plants.