Greenhouse Packages, Greenhouse Accessories, Cold Frames

Greenhouse Guide

Greenhouses

1.    Greenhouse Kits:  Not all hobby greenhouse kits are made alike and the vast array of kits (along with a vast range in prices) can’t help you make a decision on which to buy.  That’s where we can help.  As the old saying goes, “You only get what you pay for”.  We’ve found that to be largely true.  We’ll only carry what we know are quality products that deliver value to you.  We’ve passed over the cheap kits (both in price and quality) because they simply don’t last.  The lowest price kits you see on our site are simply the least expensive on the market that we’d buy for ourselves.  The really inexpensive kits are not going to help you grow better plants – in fact, they may hinder the progress of your garden.

2.    Plastic (what type?) or glass?  There are many types of greenhouse kits and they mainly differ by the type of material used to transmit light and heat while keeping out the rest of Mother Nature.  Here are the types:

    1. Single Wall Polycarbonate (See the Snap & Grow models).  This plastic material is thin, clear and tough.  The greenhouses that we sell can take a golf ball strike without any real damage.
    2. Double Wall Polycarbonate (See the Multi Line greenhouses).  This is two polycarbonate layers with a web in-between the layers.  This plastic material is more milky-white in color and transmits less light.  This isn’t necessarily bad, however and this material is used in many commercial greenhouses.  Describe the benefits, differences here. 
    3. Glass.  This material is used in high-end greenhouses and is the longest lasting.  Very few greenhouses built today use glass because of its expense but it certainly is the most beautiful.
    4. Poly sheet plastic.  This material is used in some commercial growing applications and you’ll see it in the parking lot sales houses each spring.  We don’t offer these types of greenhouse kits as they simply don’t offer the value or “bang for the buck” that the kits we offer deliver.  The trade-off for lower cost doesn’t match what you give up in looks and performance.

3.    Frame.  There are many options in frame material.

    1. Aluminum.  Extruded aluminum gives a good, lightweight frame that allows for easy assembly.  Look for coated aluminum (anodized or powder-coated) for the longest lasting frame but uncoated aluminum does great in most applications.
    2. Wood.  Some greenhouses are made of rot-resistant woods such as cedar, treated pine, etc.  These are more decorative greenhouses that look great but don’t offer any performance advantage.  If you want a great looking greenhouse that looks at home in the woods, this is a great way to go.
    3. Steel.  A steel frame must be coated to last and they’re usually galvanized or powder-coated.  A roll-formed or tubular steel frame is common and these are heavy weight frames.

4.    Accessories.  The accessories are the key to a successful home greenhouse.

    1. Benches.  It may seem obvious but you need to have work space and be able to keep your plants and equipment off the ground.  The benches we offer are a great value and assemble in a short time to get you growing as soon as possible.  Many growers choose to build their own benches (but we talk to many of these people that wished they’d bought the ones we sell – they wanted to get growing faster!).
    2. Vent kits.  A too-hot greenhouse is just as detrimental to your plants’ health as a too-cold one.  Install ventilation to regulate the heat and an automatic, non-electric ventilation kit is arguably the best accessory for a home greenhouse – you never need to touch it and it takes care of your house when you’re not around.
    3. Shade kits.  A must for protecting your plants (not to mention yourself!) in the heat of the summer.  A good shade kit will increase the utility of your house by letting you use it throughout the summer.

5.    Other.  There are many other additions that hobby greenhouse users like to include such as circulation fans, heaters, irrigation systems to name a few.  There are even more exotic options like hydroponic systems that can be successfully installed in your hobby greenhouse.  We’ll include these as we are able to successfully qualify them for inclusion in our product lineup.