How to Select & Prepare Your Greenhouse Site
Careful planning is required to ensure your greenhouse is easily accessible. You will need to map out the utilities required including electricity, water, heating, ventilation and cooling. A southern exposure is best, and greenhouse experts recommend that the top ridge of the greenhouse run from east to west. This angle will provide the maximum sunlight exposure for your greenhouse, especially during winter months.
In most cases, plants that are dormant or resting will require a minimum of six hours of light. You can also add supplemental natural light by installing grow lights.
Site Preparation and Foundation
Many greenhouse bases are optional. It’s easy to build your own using rot resistant or pressure treated wood. This also allows you the flexibility to build on a wood base or create additional height by adding a raised foundation wall.
SPECIAL NOTE: PRESSURE TREATED WOOD REQUIRES A 10MM POLYETHYLENE BARRIER BETWEEN WOOD AND ALUMINUM SILL TO PREVENT CORROSION OF ALUMINUM.
- A greenhouse under (100 sq. ft.) can be fastened to a 4″ x 4″ or 4″ x 6″ treated wood timber foundation.
- For a larger greenhouse, a 6″ x 6″ beam is recommended. You can always stack wooden timbers to increase the height of the greenhouse.
- Concrete slabs or concrete footings can also be installed. Bricks or masonry blocks may also be used, but ensure the top bricks are closed off, so you are securing the greenhouse to a flat surface.
- It is very important that all foundations be completely level and square.
- Check your local building codes regarding site requirements and to determine whether a building permit is required. We do have Engineered Stamped Plans available for every province in Canada and every state in United States.