How to choose a greenhouse: the best options for giving, sizes, materials

Beds with vegetables attract summer residents more than computer games are adolescents. Excitement spurs to experiments: I want to test new varieties of carrots, expand plantations with strawberries, test the strength of grapes. If persistent zucchini and squash are not afraid of harsh showers and the scorching sun and delight the owners with a huge harvest, then capricious peppers and eggplants bear fruit poorly in the open air, asking for shelter. Therefore, in front of all avid gardeners, along with the search for seeds and determining the timing of planting, the urgent question arises: how to choose a greenhouse - reliable and convenient.

Main factors and aspects of choice

Before choosing a greenhouse for a summer residence, you must clearly define the parameters by which you need to navigate during the purchase:

• configuration of the structure - most often, preference is given to single and gable, Dutch and arched;
• parameters - height and width are some of the important criteria;
• frame, as well as the covering material of the structure;
• way of organizing the internal space: more functional and practical will be options from shelves, racks and fairly wide internal aisles.

At the same time, great attention should be paid to the area, as well as to the peculiarities of the planning of the personal plot on which the structure will be located. In addition, it is worth considering the types of crops that will be grown according to the plan.

Recently, the so-called Dutch greenhouses have been quite popular, which attract with their increased stability and the ability to keep warm air well inside. Their characteristic difference lies in the fact that the walls are installed at a slight slope - very good illumination is provided not only in the upper part of the structure, but also at its base. This allows the use of greenhouses for growing stunted crops.

Dutch greenhouse Source

Shed structures, which are more affordable, are no less practical. They are the most suitable option for installation in small areas. And for very small areas, it is recommended to choose a polygonal greenhouse with a pitched roof.

Shed roof greenhouse project Source

Product Reviews

Country greenhouses have been used for a long time, so on the Internet you can find a huge number of product reviews.

Most gardeners note a good value for money. Many point out that the manufacturer is trying to regularly modernize its production, its range is wide enough, and this allows you to choose the right model for any budget. There are also negative comments towards the domestic manufacturer. But they (for the most part) are associated with the wrong operation of greenhouses and the choice of the wrong product model. In general, greenhouses are trustworthy.

Frame - the basis of the foundations

In order for the structure to serve for a long time, before choosing a greenhouse, you need to carefully evaluate its frame.

The material from which the frame is made

For polycarbonate greenhouses, frames are made of metal: pipes or a profile are used.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal pipe construction

When choosing this option, pay attention to its advantages:

1. High strength that does not require additional reinforcement.
2. Good stability regardless of whether it is installed on a foundation or on the ground.

Greenhouse frame made of metal pipes Source The disadvantages include the high price and possible installation difficulties.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal profile structures

The main benefits include:

1. Affordable price, which does not in any way affect the characteristics of the structure.
2. Ease of transportation and installation is provided due to the compactness and lightness of materials.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the service of installation of metal structures. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the Low-Rise Country exhibition of houses.

Greenhouse frame made of metal profiles
However, it must be borne in mind that there is also a significant drawback - the mandatory reinforcement of the structure is required.

Metallic profile

An important quality indicator for a greenhouse is its frame. It must be tough, capable of withstanding any stress. Choose a galvanized metal profile with a square or rectangular cross-section as the material for the frame. U-shaped ones will have insufficient rigidity, the greenhouse of them will not last long.

When choosing a profile for a frame, consider the following characteristics:

• the thickness of the metal is at least 1.2 mm, otherwise there is a high probability that it will bend under high load;
• the section of the frame profile must be at least 20x20 mm. But for the base, it is better to use a more durable, rectangular 20x40 mm;
• the profile pipe must be galvanized outside and inside. Other methods of coating are less durable - the metal will begin to rust quickly;
• for the greenhouse, it is better to use solid-bent arches. If transportation is difficult, choose split arches with few joints and strong butt joints.

Greenhouse shape

Today, greenhouse manufacturers offer consumers a not very wide selection of greenhouses in shape:

1. Arched structures with a semicircular vault top the 2020 greenhouse ranking.
2. Constructions in the form of a dome or a drop, in which the arch is extended upward and slightly sharpened, are much less common, despite the fact that they are more practical - there is nowhere for snow to accumulate.
3. Greenhouses-pyramids are an easy-to-use option that allows you to simultaneously grow both low-growing and tall plants - the main thing is to place them correctly. Due to the inclination of the walls at a large angle, the entire surface from the base to the top is warmed up by the sun, and the plants receive a sufficient amount of light.

Arched greenhouse Source Even less often, the choice of a polycarbonate greenhouse is in favor of traditional "house" structures.

Output. To buy a durable, reinforced greenhouse, and for it to serve for a long time, you need:

• Find out greenhouse strength according to the passport.
• It is necessary that the profile of the greenhouse is protected against corrosion from all sides and it is desirable that it be open, but not closed.
• The most durable corrosion protection for steel is hot dipped galvanized.
• The distance between arches in arched greenhouses should be less than a meter.
• If it is impossible to get acquainted with the technical passport for the greenhouse on the website, this may mean that sellers are trying to hide something (it is better to refuse to buy such a greenhouse).
• External repetition of a sturdy, reinforced and sturdy greenhouse a well-known manufacturer does not mean strength of this greenhouse.

How to choose the right sizes?

The standard width of a greenhouse for a summer cottage is 3 meters and a height of 2 meters.But the length of the structure can be different - 4, 6, 8, 10 meters. However, the arched structures have a different height - 2.4-2.5 meters.

Dimension option in greenhouse project Source

Such dimensions are optimal if the personal plot allows: you can make fairly free aisles. In more limited space, structures with a width of 2 meters are usually installed.

The best arched polycarbonate greenhouses

Fully arched structures, from the ground itself, are very practical in harsh conditions when there is a lot of rainfall in winter. Snow easily slides off the roof without sharp corners under its own weight, which makes it easier to maintain the structure, and the spherical shape has greater aerodynamic properties and better resists strong winds. Polycarbonate, due to its flexibility, easily adapts to such lines of metal structures. Among the best greenhouses of this form, according to user reviews, are the following models.

Dachnaya-Optima is the most durable

This model has received a large number of positive reviews for its robust construction. It is positioned for summer cottages in order to rarely come in winter and not to worry during heavy snowfalls. The frame is based on a steel profile with a side width of 60 mm. To resist corrosion, it was covered with zinc. The arcs start from the ground itself and are spaced 1000 mm apart. The metal structure is designed for a snow pressure of 280 kg per square meter of the structure. In fact, such a model is able to withstand a layer of snow of an average density of 1.5 meters!

Of the design features, there are two doors at the end, which makes it easier to get inside and eliminates the need to bypass a large area outside. Also, it is easier to supply water and equipment. Each side has a vent for the release of excess heat. The standard width of the model is three meters, and the length can be ordered to choose from: 4 or 6 m. Additional options: a vent in the roof, automatic lifting of the hatch, partitions and curb. They are paid separately.

Advantages:

• super durable;
• the profile is resistant to corrosion;
• you can grow additional sections;
• T-shaped holders;
• the ability to equip the internal space with partitions;
• retains heat well;
• no foundation required.

Disadvantages:

• difficult to assemble by yourself;
• non-informative instructions included;
• there is no sealing tape in the package for sealing;
• few screws.

"Harvest PC" - an affordable building for a summer residence

This model belongs to the cheapest representatives of garden structures, but it has the most necessary for growing seedlings or flowers. The arcs are spaced at a distance of 65 cm. Parts of the metal structure are connected on bushings. The legs are dug into the ground or installed on an impregnated wooden beam. To prevent the arch from moving apart, transverse ties are provided, which are fixed to each arch.

The building area is 3 meters wide, which is convenient for two side beds and a central passage. The length is selected at will: 4, 6 or 8 m. Additionally, you can purchase a section two meters long and install it at any time. Polycarbonate sheets are 4 mm thick and are fastened with ties without damaging the material itself. This helps to retain heat.

Advantages:

• cheap;
• cross member on each arc;
• fastening with polycarbonate ties;
• large selection of lengths;
• close arrangement of arches;
• easy to assemble;
• doors 90 cm.

Disadvantages:

• in winter it is required to install props;
• hot air is poorly eroded in the corners;
• lightweight body;
• periodically it is required to tighten the fastening screws.

"Severyanka" from NZT - simple and reliable

The greenhouse from this manufacturer has three options for the location of the arcs, which the user chooses. In Standard and Reinforced, the distance is 100 and 65 cm, respectively.Lux assumes setting each arc every 50 cm. This is well suited for snowy regions. 7 longitudinal ties are responsible for the strength of the structure. The frame itself is made of a steel profile 25 x 25 mm covered with a zinc layer.

Polycarbonate is installed in Belarus and has UV protection. It is pressed to the profile by a metal tape with holes for roofing screws. The tightness of the polycarbonate cells themselves is not compromised. You can choose 2.5 or 3 meters in width. The length varies from 4 to 10 meters. The metal structure is installed on a bar foundation or fixed to the lugs.

Advantages:

• very long;
• the ability to choose the width;
• two doors;
• wind hooks;
• the set includes locks and handles;
• profile wall thickness of 1.5 mm;
• easy installation;
• light.

Disadvantages:

• polycarbonate may have dents;
• no holes for self-tapping screws.

Features of a complete set

The standard equipment of greenhouses has not only arches and transverse connecting elements, but also end elements, vents, doors. It is best to choose an option in which the doors are on both sides, and there are side vents - this is convenient and very practical. In most cases, the side window is an addition to the main structure.

Side window in the greenhouse Source

In addition, one more nuance should be taken care of: the distance between the arcs. Reliability and strength depend on this indicator. So, for example, at a distance of 0.65 meters (reinforced version), the stability is much higher than at a distance of 1 meter.

Dachnaya-Treshka model

Greenhouse "Dachnaya-Treshka" is a modernized version of the previous version. It is presented in the form of an arched structure, which is covered with durable polycarbonate sheets. The basic length of this greenhouse is 4 meters. The structure is 2.1 meters high and 3 meters wide. The coating can withstand a load of 190 kg / m² (snow layer 90 cm).

The positive features of this model include:

• the possibility of installing the frame directly on the ground (without arranging the base);
• lightweight assembly method;
• durability of galvanized frame elements;
• the possibility of growing tall crops;
• 2 years manufacturer's warranty;
• the presence of a sufficient number of vents for ventilation.

Installation and installation of greenhouses

Greenhouses are assembled in different ways, depending on the frame technology and materials. In addition, many modern building models have a welded structure that cannot be installed without the help of experienced professionals.

In this regard, the rating of polycarbonate greenhouses is headed by models in which the frame is made of a metal profile, because they are small disassembled and very easy to assemble.

Such a greenhouse is easy to bring and assemble Source seattlehelpers.org

This might be interesting!
In the article at the following link, read about PVC pipe greenhouses.

Briefly about the manufacturer

Before giving preference to the greenhouses of foreign companies, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the more affordable, but no less reliable, domestic products that have been steadily holding their positions in the agricultural market for more than 20 years. Its designs are characterized by a modest appearance, but excellent quality.

The dacha greenhouse of this manufacturer is assembled from cellular polycarbonate and equipped with a large number of rubber seals, which guarantees the absolute tightness of the greenhouse. Bolts and nuts are used as fasteners, so it will not be difficult to assemble such a structure on your site.

The use of such greenhouses allows you to provide plants with reliable protection and ensure proper watering. All structures are equipped with automatic ventilation systems and are illuminated with special lamps.The lineup of this manufacturer is quite diverse. Among the assortment you can find small structures and large greenhouses for growing vegetables and fruits on an industrial scale.

Greenhouse cover

A wide range of facilities for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables allows you to choose the most suitable option for each individual case. One of the important selection factors is the covering material. The most commonly used coatings are:

• cellular polycarbonate;
• polyethylene film;
• reinforced polyethylene film;
• spunbond;
• glass.

Each of these options has certain pros and cons.

Cellular polycarbonate

This material has been used in this area for a relatively short time. Its popularity is due to its increased strength, which is approximately two hundred times higher than that of glass. Therefore, structures can easily withstand heavy rain, hail, increased gusts of wind. Another advantage is the long service life during which the transparency of the polycarbonate does not deteriorate.

Cellular polycarbonate greenhouse Source

Polyethylene film

The most affordable coating is polyethylene film, which is also used very often. It has several significant advantages:

1. Easy to mount on any greenhouse, regardless of its shape.
2. Well transmits ultraviolet rays, which are required for the full development of all plants.
3. Provides reliable protection against small frosts.
4. Good density.

Greenhouse made of polyethylene film Source Among the shortcomings, it should be noted fragility, because, for example, a large hail can break the film, especially in a place where it is strongly stretched.

Reinforced polyethylene film

The advantages of the material are exactly the same as those of ordinary polyethylene film, but it has a special reinforced mesh, which increases its strength - the product can withstand both hail and strong gusts of wind. This option will cost more, but precipitation will no longer be so dangerous.

Spunbond

In recent years, greenhouse manufacturers have increasingly used spunbond roofing materials for covering structures. It is a durable non-woven fabric with a white color. It is characterized by resistance to rain, wind, hail and birds. It can help protect plants from frosts reaching -70C. In addition, spunbond can be used for five seasons - during this period of time it does not lose its original properties.

Spunbond greenhouse Source

Glass

Quite widely in the production of greenhouses for summer cottages, glass is used as a covering material - a traditional option, which is characterized by excellent thermal insulation properties, as well as light transmission.

Glass greenhouse Source zimsad-

But, choosing it, you should not neglect the fact that it has a number of disadvantages:

1. It takes a lot of time and effort to construct a structure, because glass is quite heavy and fragile. Its installation and fastening must be carried out carefully and in several pairs of hands.
2. For reliability, the preliminary creation of a strong frame is required, the construction of which requires a large amount of money.
3. Inside a greenhouse covered with glass sheets, the air heats up in a short period of time, which negatively affects the development of plants.
4. As a result of one awkward movement, you can break a sheet or severely damage its integrity, after which it will become unsuitable for arranging a structure.

Galvanized or painted

The frame material is of key importance when choosing a greenhouse.The duration of the greenhouse operation, the ease of caring for it depends on its quality. A variety of materials are used to create the base, ranging from traditional wood or metal to PVC pipes. Each of the options listed above has its own advantages and disadvantages.

PVC pipes have become an effective solution for DIYers. They bend excellently and are easy to drill. Even a novice master will be able to create a plastic frame. However, to work, you will have to find an assistant, since you will not be able to simultaneously bend the pipe, hold the edges and control the correctness of the resulting arc. Plastic perfectly tolerates temperature changes, is not afraid of humidity and pests, therefore it will serve for many years without requiring constant maintenance or repair.

The classic solution for creating a greenhouse is a tree. This is an environmentally friendly material, which is important for a "clean" harvest. The tree is relatively inexpensive, which allows you to build a decent-sized greenhouse without capital investments, it retains heat perfectly.

Considering the disadvantages, it is worth considering the susceptibility of wood to rotting in conditions of high humidity. To reduce the destructive effect of water, it will be necessary to periodically generously process the frame with linseed oil and paint. The wood is not resistant to mechanical stress. A strong blow, a large amount of wet snow, rodents - all these factors can lead to the destruction of the structure.

Most rodents do not respond to specialized impregnations. Despite their use, animals continue to spoil the foundation of the greenhouse. The use of poisonous formulations in such a situation is not recommended, as they will have a negative effect on growing vegetables.

The metal frame can be galvanized or painted. Despite its strength, metal, like wood, needs protection from negative atmospheric influences. When choosing aluminum alloys to create a greenhouse, you need to build a good foundation. The advantages of aluminum include ease of fastening, low weight, and affordable cost.

The steel frame will help create a greenhouse for decades. This is the most expensive material, but also the most solid one. High-quality galvanized steel is not afraid of any weather conditions. The high strength of the metal makes it possible to attach the heaviest covering material to it, including cellular polycarbonate, since such a frame can easily cope with any load.

Arched or small house

By and large, the choice of a greenhouse is a matter of taste, visually someone likes a house, someone like an arch. But the gardener is more concerned with the issue of reliability, and it depends on how much you are willing to invest in the greenhouse.

It is important what material the structure is made of, how correctly its rigidity, profile and coating thickness are taken into account. Pay attention to the number of transverse elements of the frame, the distance between arches or posts, the presence of additional ties or the reinforcement of the arcs.

At the greenhouse with a house, pay attention to the angle of the slope, if it is not sharp enough, the snow will not slide.

Greenhouse covering material: ordinary or tempered glass is not a significant difference, it is not difficult to replace the glass in the frame. But the covering material from thermoplastic must be chosen more carefully, very often polypropylene is sold under the guise of polycarbonate. It is cheaper than polycarbonate by an average of 15-20%, but this is where its advantages end: its strength is 10 times less than that of a PC, and at temperatures below minus 25, the material cracks. In order not to be disappointed in expectations, and not to overpay, ask for a certificate. You also need to make sure that the powder coating on the metal frame is weatherproof.

Summing up

After analyzing the technical characteristics of all models, it becomes clear that the domestic manufacturer maintains a fairly high level of quality.This is what allows it to compete with foreign products of this type for many years. It should be noted that not only makes decent designs. There are many Russian manufacturers on the modern market, whose products also deserve respect. A striking proof of this is the Moscow one, which produces one of the most popular greenhouses - "Dachny Ideal". There are a lot of such examples on the market, so before overpaying for imported structures, pay attention to domestic manufacturers.

Greenhouses "Kremlin", "Bogatyr", "Rublevskaya"

Manufacturer: LLC "New Forms" (line of greenhouses "Kremlevskaya", "Bogatyr", "Rublevskaya"), Kimry.

Official site: https://www.neoform.su/

The photo shows the greenhouse "Kremlin Premium".

For more than a decade, the company has been developing and manufacturing various models of greenhouses. The production is based in the city of Kimry, equipped with modern imported equipment, which ensures the precision of manufacturing and excellent collection of frames. For structures, a profile pipe from the Russian is used) with a section of 20x20. The distance between the arcs is 1 meter, the length to choose from is from 4 to 10 m with a multiplicity of 2 m. Corrosion protection is provided by galvanizing or applying a special polymer coating of the Norwegian brand "Jotun". The enamel is resistant to atmospheric and even shock influences, the operating temperature of the coating is from -60 to + 150 ° C. For the "Premium" line, paint is applied to already galvanized parts to enhance anti-corrosion protection. For covering, high-quality cellular polycarbonate from Russian and Russian-Austrian manufacturers is used. As for the design itself, the products are equipped with two doors and two vents as standard, but it is always possible to arrange an additional vent for ventilation and install an auto-ventilator on it. Greenhouses have a 7-year warranty.

Pros:

• Models of the most running widths are 2.5 and 3 meters. And the most acceptable height is 2.1 m with a width of 2.5 m and 2.25 m with a width of 3.0 m.
• The frame uses a light profile pipe 20x20x1.2, the strength is achieved due to the double structure of the arch trusses. The product can be purchased and transported on the roof rack of a car.
• Greenhouses are equipped with brackets for automated ventilation when the temperature reaches a certain value (at the request of the buyer).
• The complete installation kit includes polymer seals for polycarbonate joints, rubber seals for sealing the structure.
• Greenhouses can be mounted on a leveled ground surface, as well as on a pre-fabricated foundation made of timber or piles. Materials for such solutions are supplied as an additional kit to the purchased products.
• Individual frames are also realized, without coating.
• There are representative offices of the company and points of issue in many cities of the Russian Federation.
• Super premium greenhouse guarantee.
• The company's website contains detailed instructions and videos on self-assembly of products. But there is a service for the assembly masters.
• The company has warehouses in a number of large cities (including, of course, Moscow). Products are sent to any other city of the Russian Federation by a transport company.

Minuses:

• A single-type arched structure made of a single-type profile with double arches, but for many years it has justified its reliability, lightness and convenience.

The lineup:

• "Winter" greenhouse - positioned by the manufacturer as a solution for year-round use.
• "Kremlin Zinc", "Rublevskaya Zinc", "Bogatyr Zinc" - from galvanized profiles with double arches.
• "Kremlevskaya Premium", "Bogatyr Premium", "Rublevskaya Premium" - shaped pipe with anti-corrosion coating Jotun (Norway) over galvanized.
• "Rublevskaya" with a sliding roof.