Gardening is an activity most people take up as a hobby, but this doesn’t mean you can’t commercialize it. Although gardening is quite relaxing, the starting process can be tedious and, at times, frustrating, especially if you don’t have any prior experience. This is even truer if you want to grow plants that barely survive in certain weather conditions or regions.
Does this sound like you? Well, all hope isn’t lost. You can invest in a greenhouse—it’ll make gardening easier and enjoyable, and it allows you to grow any crop you desire. But, before anything else, what’s a greenhouse?
It’s a structure with transparent walls, and where you grow plants under controlled climatic conditions. And, one essential aspect to consider when using a greenhouse is size.
How do you know the best size for a greenhouse? The following factors should help you decide:
Your Chosen Plants
The plants you decide to grow greatly determine the size of greenhouse you need to get, and this mainly concerns the type and number. For instance, some plants grow huge; thus, you’ll need a greenhouse that could accommodate this growth.
Besides size, some plants do climb and attach themselves to other plants or items nearby for support as they grow. In such cases, it’d be best to adopt a design, preferably one with an internal door, that separates the climbers from the non-climbers.
Regarding the number of plants, ensure they all fit without fighting for space. If you’re planning on growing various types of plants, it’s best to acquire a medium or large-sized greenhouse.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure adequate air circulation for your plants to grow healthy.
Luckily, finding the most suitable greenhouse size for your needs isn’t too difficult, thanks to the numerous vendors on the market these days. Also, incorporating your own unique visions is quite a breeze as there are countless choices in terms of style and make.
South West Greenhouses sell a range of aluminium and wooden greenhouses in the UK, so you can choose a style that matches your garden and personal taste.
Your Storage Needs
Efficiency is key as you work in the greenhouse. One way of ensuring this is by having all the tools you need within the vicinity, be it your pruning shears, hand trowels, weeders, or wheelbarrows.
It means you’ll require an ample storage space in your greenhouse. It could be at a corner or where it won’t disrupt the growth of your plants or your gardening. Therefore, the size of the storage area you need also determines the size of your greenhouse.
That said, if you must store many tools, you’ll need a large storage area, an,d in turn, a larger greenhouse.
Your Equipment
As stated earlier, a greenhouse requires controlled climatic conditions. You require to regulate temperature and air movement, meaning you’ll need an HVAC unit, fans, or any other related equipment. Thus, make sure to get or build a greenhouse that could safely house all the implements the structure needs to achieve the most ideal environment for your plants.
Your Budget
In most cases, when making investments, it all boils down to your financial capacity. You only ought to purchase an item you can afford and which won’t strain your finances. The same thing applies when looking at the greenhouse size.
The first thing to consider is the initial cost of acquiring the greenhouse. In most cases, the square footage is the determinant. The larger it is, the more you’ll pay to acquire one; the reverse applies to smaller square footage.
Second, the greenhouse can’t run without equipment, like gardening tools and a cooling and heating system. Therefore, you must factor in the costs of acquiring these when budgeting as well.
Moreover, depending on the greenhouse location, you might need to invest in additional features. For example, if you live in a location that receives a lot of sun throughout the year, it’s best to invest in anti-UV sheets as excessive ultraviolet rays can hamper the growth of your plants.
You also need to factor in the material you’ll use for your greenhouse. Some common options include wood, PVC, aluminum, and galvanized steel for the frames, polyethylene or polycarbonate film, and glass for the panels. Be sure to acquire a material combination you can afford.
It’s also crucial to set aside some funds to give your gardening business cashflow before it starts bringing in returns; you don’t want to become bankrupt even before you’re able to reap something from your investment.
Once you’ve consolidated these figures, compare them with your budget, which is the amount you’re willing and able to spend on a greenhouse. The final figure should be within and not outside your budget.
Finally, it’d help to compare vendors to ensure you get the best deal for your budget.
Conclusion
From the discussion, it’s clear you can easily figure out the best greenhouse size you need for your gardening business. All you have to do is to identify your requirements, as well as come up with and work within your budget. Hopefully, this article has provided you with enough information to get you off to a good start!
