Greenhouses
Once considered a luxury, greenhouses are now constructed from such a variety of materials that they are affordable for any gardener. Greenhouses allow gardeners to extend their growing seaon, grow their own food organically and if you insulate, heat and add grow lights to your greenhouse, you can grow flowers and vegetables year-round.
Most greenhouses have frames of wood or aluminum.
- Wood will lose no significant heat through the frame. Over time wood fades unless you keep it painted or finished, and it may rot or warp.
- Aluminum frames retain shape well, won't corrode, and are often color-coated. Some heat is lost through the aluminum.
- Tip: Rigid steel-core PVC pipe can be used for framing and shelving.
Greenhouses can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands for professionally installed greenhouses with concrete foundations or slabs, plumbing and electricity. Many greenhouses are sold in kits that can be put together by consumers, especially the portable ones made of plastic. However, greenhouses constructed of wood or metal frames can be tricky to put together and are often best assembled by the manufacturer's representative.
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com