How do I determine if my yard has sufficient sunlight and protection to support a greenhoouse?
We typically recommend that the greenhouse area have a long-wall facing south with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and yet be sheltered from extreme winds and heat.
Since heat is the number one killer of greenhouse plants, extreme heat/sunlight needs to be prepared for by proper ventilation, misting systems and shadecloth too, as needed. Winter temps can usually be accommodated by simply increasing the number of heaters but regulating summer temps will require the most careful consideration.
How do I pollinate in the greenhouse?
You can shake the plants gently.
Some people use a feather and go from one plant to another moving the pollen around.
You can raise your own bees and introduce them into your greenhouse environment.
By leaving the door open, you should get bees and wind into the greenhouse which will also aid in the pollination process.
How does one keep a greenhouse cool enough in a high temp/high humidity environment?
First for your sunny, hot and high humidity area, I'd suggest choosing a greenhouse with the maximum recommended roof windows/vents and I'd also suggest investing in the auto openers to open and close those windows as necessary.
Then, to help keep your greenhouse temps at the proper levels for growing vegetables in southern Florida, I'd suggest that with your greenhouse purchase, you invest in shade cloth too and an exhaust fan/ventilation system to keep the air moving & the humidity at a manageable level.
You might also search your local garden stores for a good greenhouse shade paint for those particularly sunny summers.
I can't find the prices to your greenhouses, Where are they?
Just click on the photo of the greenhouse that you're interested in. The page that comes up next will have prices, available sizes, accessories and even more information on the greenhouses.
I live on the East Coast,where tempetures can get really cold to say the least. What is the best greenhouse for this climate?
There are a number of greenhouses that are designed to be used year-around in cold temperatures.
I would suggest that you consider greenhouses with a strong frame and at least an 8mm polycarbonate since this double-walled glazing material will also aid in insulation and assist in maintaining your winter temps.
The Juliana Premium series are designed to withstand the extreme conditions in northern climates, with up to 50% stronger construction than other frames. It's made for cold winter climates and with the upgrade to 10mm polycarbonate should help maintain the desired temperature in your winter greenhouse and keep your plants safe and your heating bills affordable.
I may be interested in a greenhouse. However, I live in a area where it's over 100 degrees in the summer. What will I need to keep the greenhouse cool? Would shade cloth be used? Any ideas?
Yes, shadecloth would be a necessity for those temps; shadecloth can lower greenhouse temperatures by up to 20 degrees so shadecloth'd be helpful. You may also wish to consider some additional ventilation utilizing optional (extra) roof vents with automatic openers and an exhaust fan system. A circulation fan to move the air inside the greenhouse would help cool the air too. And depending upon the area's humidity level, I might recommend adding in an automatic misting system (these can lower inside temps by up to 15 degrees too.) These items would all contribute to lowering the inside temperatures and extending the greenhouse growing season.
I was just wondering if you guys have a step by step plan on how to build your green houses?
Each of the greenhouse kits that we offer include step-by-step assembly instructions.
Is polycarbonate the best choice for a greenhouse?
Well the vast majority of our customers think so!
Polycarbonate gives you the "real greenhouse feel and look" without the cost of glass. And it lasts many more years than Polyethylene Film.
Polycarbonate panels come in double walled sheets with many structural walls separating its two flat sides. Imagine a see through cardboard box.
Virtually unbreakable polycarbonate is the same high-tech plastic used in aircraft windshields and helmets. Temperature extremes don't affect its impact resistance. Hail and baseballs bounce off. Its impact strength is 30 times greater than acrylic and 200 times greater than glass. After glass, polycarbonate is the most flame resistant glazing.
Is there an extension kit for the Juliana Compact 6.5?
Extension Kits are currently available only for the Juliana Basic Greenhouse; these are not currently available for the Compact 6.5.
Please provide a list of recommended items for complete greenhouse needs.
For optimal use of your greenhouse, here is our recommended list of greenhouse accessories:
1) an exhaust fan system to help remove hot air from the greenhouse and improve ventilation. An exhaust fan system can be seen on our site at: www.greenhousekit.com/julianaacc.htm. Note: Motorized exhaust fan systems typically require an 110v electrical outlet.
2) auto vent openers allow hot air to escape from the roof windows, improve ventilation and help regulate greenhouse temps. We offer auto vent openers are solar-powered; no electricity required.
3) shelving and benches for your greenhouse use.
4) shadecloth is invaluable since shadecloth can lower greenhouse temperatures by up to 15 degrees.
5) a fan or an air circulator helps with ventilation and assists in regulating temps by circulating the greenhouse air.
6) a heater; Depending upon your winter weather, you may want to utilize the heating calculator on our site (http://resources.greenhousekit.com/heat.html) to calculate heating requirements and plan for any electrical requirements of the heater.
7) misting systems cool inside temperatures on warm summer days;
8) And, then, you'll also need to consider water requirements for the plants that you'll be growing. Is there a water supply nearby? Will you be utilizing a drip watering system or a gravity-fed system or a hose-type system?
Please tell me more about Aluminum Framed Greenhouses.
Aluminum is used primarily with glass or polycarbonate in hobby greenhouses. It can be anodized in a variety of colors (Juliana has a green kit) and it has low maintenance requirements.
Aluminum is not as strong as steel frames so the kits normally have more pieces to ensure the same quality strength.
What are the reasons to have a greenhouse?
Some of those reasons are: to extend your growing season, to add beauty and extra growing space to your home, to start or grow your own vegetable plants, to control the climate of an area to better suit desired plants, to grow bedding plants for your flower beds, to sell your plants and make some extra money, to have an area of their own to relax in, to smell the gardening smells during cold winters, to save money in their gardening efforts. The list of reasons and the importance of having a greenhouse goes on and on.
Most greenhouse gardeners become greenhouse gardeners because of their love of growing plants and their desire to be able to control the environment in which they're growing their plants, whether its flowers or veggies.
What is the width and depth of the Mini-3 greenhouse?
The Juliana Mini is 6'3" x 2'2" with a front wall height of 5'3". The rear wall, where the greenhouse attaches to the existing building is 6'5".
What kind of flooring do I need in my greenhouse?
Some folks pour a concrete slab - very nice - but expensive.
Others (like me) prefer a gravel floor (about 4-6" deep) with concrete walking blocks down the aisle.
This provides great drainage at a very nice price.
We have had a couple of customers build beautiful rock floors in their greenhouse.
What lean-to greenhouse do you sell that is
extra-heavy-duty for a deep snowfall area?
The Juliana Lean-to Greenhouses are 6'4" wide and come in varying lengths. These are of Scandinavian construction and are designed to withstand the extreme conditions in northern climates. The frame is up to 50% stronger construction than other frames.
What size greenhouse should I get?
The majority of all greenhouse owners wish they had a larger one. However some of us are limited by size and cost.
The best thing to do is imagine yourself using your greenhouse. Will you be using it to overwinter plants, to extend your growing season, or will you grow year round.
Keep in mind that growing year round will require a heat system - and those cost more the bigger your greenhouse is.
Another consideration is the quality of the greenhouse.
Some of our kits are beautiful - and will add to the value of your home - they are also more expensive. Some of our kits have a lot of square footage for very low cost - those usually are smaller versions of the commercial greenhouses that are built for function not specifically great looks. There is no set answer to this question - what looks and feels best for you will be your best choice.
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