In “My Custom Greenhouse Design, Build, & Tour!” by Epic Gardening, you will be taken on a virtual tour of a custom greenhouse that the author designed and built. Throughout the content, the author shares their experiences, challenges, and insights on the construction process and the features of the greenhouse. The greenhouse is made of glass and has a modern design, with a relatively simple foundation of concrete pylons and gravel. It offers both manual and automatic ventilation options, including top vents and louvered vents. Inside, you’ll see various plants, including seedlings, root crops, a coffee plant, and a banana tree. With plans for adding more shelving and hanging pots, this greenhouse has tons of potential for growing plants.

My Custom Greenhouse Design, Build, & Tour!

Welcome to my custom greenhouse design, build, and tour! I’m excited to share with you the process of creating my dream greenhouse with the help of DC Greenhouses. I wanted a greenhouse that would allow me to grow a wide variety of plants and have a modern design. Let’s dive into the details of how I planned and designed my greenhouse, built the foundation, constructed the frame, installed the glazing, and added ventilation options to create an ideal environment for plant growth.

Designing and Planning

Working with DC Greenhouses

When I started the process of designing my greenhouse, I knew I needed professional expertise. That’s when I connected with DC Greenhouses, who have a stellar reputation for their greenhouse designs. They understood my vision and helped me bring it to life. We discussed the overall size, permitted structure sizes, and other design considerations.

Choosing the Glass Material

One of the most important decisions I had to make was choosing the right material for the greenhouse. I decided to go with glass because I loved the look and the way it would allow ample natural light into the space. The glass material also gives the greenhouse a sleek and modern appearance, which was exactly what I was aiming for.

Considering the Modern Design

While traditional English greenhouses have their charm, I wanted something more modern. I shared my desire for a contemporary design with DC Greenhouses, and they were able to come up with a design that perfectly matched my vision. The modern design adds a touch of elegance to the greenhouse and blends seamlessly with my surroundings.

Building the Foundation

Using Concrete Pylons

For the foundation of my greenhouse, I wanted something relatively simple yet sturdy. I opted to use concrete pylons, which provide excellent stability while keeping the construction process straightforward. DC Greenhouses and I worked together to ensure the pylons were placed accurately and securely, laying the groundwork for the rest of the build.

Applying Gravel for Drainage

To ensure proper drainage for my greenhouse, we applied a layer of gravel on top of the concrete pylons. This allows excess water to flow away from the greenhouse, preventing waterlogged soil and root rot in my plants. The gravel also provides a level base for the greenhouse to sit on, ensuring stability and even weight distribution.

Constructing the Frame

Deconstructing the Boxes

When my greenhouse arrived, I was filled with excitement, but also a bit of apprehension. The greenhouse came in wooden boxes, and I was worried about damaging the components while unpacking. However, the professionals at DC Greenhouses made quick work of deconstructing the boxes, ensuring each piece was handled with care and precision.

Assembling the Frame Pieces

With the boxes deconstructed, it was time to start building the frame of the greenhouse. Rick and Cody from DC Greenhouses expertly assembled the frame piece by piece. They started with the tall sides, then moved on to the small sides, and finally added the angled sides. Watching the frame come together was a truly exciting moment, as it marked the beginning of the realization of my dream greenhouse.

Installing the Glazing

Securing the Glass Panels

The glazing, or the glass panels, is what gives the greenhouse its strength and protection. Each glass panel is thick, measuring around six millimeters, or a quarter of an inch. Rick and Cody secured these panels in place, ensuring they were tightly fitted and immovable. The sturdy glass provides excellent insulation and creates a secure environment for my plants.

Ensuring Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining the ideal temperature inside the greenhouse. Rick and Cody took great care in ensuring that the glass panels were installed with precision, leaving no gaps for cold air to seep in. This attention to detail helps to maintain a consistent and warm temperature, creating the optimal environment for plant growth.

Ventilation Options

Adding Top Vents

Adequate ventilation is essential for the health and vitality of plants in a greenhouse. To achieve this, I opted for top vents that can be manually rolled open via a roto crank. These vents are strategically positioned to allow hot air to escape, keeping the greenhouse well-ventilated and preventing overheating. Each morning, I twirl open these vents, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the space.

Incorporating Louvered Vents

In addition to the manual top vents, my greenhouse also features louvered vents located at the bottom of the structure. These vents are automatically operated based on environmental conditions. Inside the vents, there is wax that expands at a certain temperature, causing the vent to open. This system ensures a continuous flow of fresh air, even when I’m not available to manually adjust the vents.

Creating an Ideal Environment

Maintaining a Warm Temperature

One of the primary goals of my greenhouse was to create a warm and conducive environment for plant growth. The glass material, proper insulation, and ventilation options all contribute to maintaining a consistently warm temperature. Even when it’s around 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the greenhouse can reach a temperature differential of up to 15 degrees higher, providing the perfect conditions for my plants.

Growing Various Types of Plants

With the optimal temperature and controlled environment in my greenhouse, I have the freedom to grow a wide variety of plants. From seedlings to root crops, and even unusual plants like a coffee plant and a banana tree, the greenhouse accommodates them all. I also have space for different vegetables, flowers, and herbs, allowing me to experiment with a diverse range of plants.

Vertical Gardening with Hanging Pots

Installing Rails for Hanging Pots

To maximize space and introduce an element of vertical gardening, I installed rails in my greenhouse for hanging pots. These hanging pots not only add visual interest but also provide additional growing space for plants. The rails are strategically placed to make the most of the available vertical area, allowing me to expand my gardening capabilities.

Exploring the Potential of Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening opens up a world of possibilities for small-space gardening. By utilizing the vertical space in my greenhouse, I can grow more plants without sacrificing valuable floor space. Hanging pots also make it easier to tend to my plants, as they can be easily accessed and cared for. This innovative approach to gardening has expanded my growing potential and added a unique aesthetic to my greenhouse.

Maximizing Productive Use of Space

Adding More Shelving

To further maximize the productive use of space in my greenhouse, I plan on adding more shelving. With additional shelving, I can create multiple levels for growing plants, effectively doubling the available growing area. This helps me organize my plants according to their light and temperature requirements, making the most efficient use of the greenhouse’s space.

Expanding Hanging Pot System

In addition to adding more shelving, I also intend to expand my hanging pot system. By installing more rails and hooks, I can accommodate even more hanging pots, which means more plants and more opportunities for vertical gardening. This expansion will allow me to continue diversifying my plant collection and making the most of the available space in my greenhouse.

Installation by BC Greenhouses

Partnering with BC Greenhouses

While DC Greenhouses helped me design and plan my dream greenhouse, it was BC Greenhouses who installed it for me. Rick and Cody, the owners of BC Greenhouses, flew down to ensure the proper installation of my greenhouse. Their expertise and professionalism were evident throughout the installation process, and I am incredibly grateful for their assistance.

Recognizing the Potential of the Greenhouse

With the help of DC Greenhouses and BC Greenhouses, I now have a greenhouse that holds incredible potential for plant growth. The well-designed structure, combined with the thoughtfully chosen materials and professional installation, has created an environment where my plants can thrive. I am excited to see the endless possibilities that this greenhouse holds and to continue exploring the world of gardening within its walls.

Conclusion

designing, planning, and building my custom greenhouse has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Thanks to the expertise of DC Greenhouses and the installation by BC Greenhouses, I now have the perfect space to nurture a diverse range of plants. From the choice of glass material to the installation of ventilation options, every aspect of the greenhouse was carefully considered to create an optimal environment for plant growth. I look forward to continuing my journey as a greenhouse gardener and discovering the potential that this remarkable structure holds.