How to Choose the Best Greenhouse Kit

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Curved eaves on the author’s first backyard greenhouse shed the snow of many Wyoming winters before being replaced with a more energy-efficient model.
Curved eaves on the author’s first backyard greenhouse shed the snow of many Wyoming winters before being replaced with a more energy-efficient model.
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ACF Greenhouse’s Cape Cod model combines beauty and functionality.
ACF Greenhouse’s Cape Cod model combines beauty and functionality.
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Charley’s Greenhouse sells a number of kits to build small greenhouses, including the Northern Heritage model.
Charley’s Greenhouse sells a number of kits to build small greenhouses, including the Northern Heritage model.
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Solar Gem's backyard greenhouses are molded fiberglass, and require no foundation or assembly.
Solar Gem's backyard greenhouses are molded fiberglass, and require no foundation or assembly.
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Home greenhouses can be attached or free-standing, such as BC Greenhouse's Cape Cod model
Home greenhouses can be attached or free-standing, such as BC Greenhouse's Cape Cod model
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Home greenhouses can be free-standing or attached like the Kensington Home model by Charley's Greenhouse.
Home greenhouses can be free-standing or attached like the Kensington Home model by Charley's Greenhouse.
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You can build your own greenhouse using geodesic dome kits, such as this model by Sunrise Domes.
You can build your own greenhouse using geodesic dome kits, such as this model by Sunrise Domes.
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Harvest Pathway offers DIY geodesic dome greenhouse kits.
Harvest Pathway offers DIY geodesic dome greenhouse kits.
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Growing Spaces' geodesic domes have a frame of Douglas fir struts.
Growing Spaces' geodesic domes have a frame of Douglas fir struts.
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Growing Spaces' geodesic dome greenhouse kits are glazed with five-layer polycarbonate.
Growing Spaces' geodesic dome greenhouse kits are glazed with five-layer polycarbonate.
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Sunrise Domes' greenhouse kit frames are made of galvanized steel.
Sunrise Domes' greenhouse kit frames are made of galvanized steel.

People who love gardens also love greenhouses. The best backyard greenhouses feed the need to dirty our fingers while the rest of the garden is dormant. Even a small greenhouse can provide effective season extension by jump-starting seedlings in spring. When managed properly, a greenhouse is a backyard oasis that yields fresh food year-round.

If a lack of construction skills is keeping you from building a greenhouse, consider a kit. The best greenhouse kit is one that fits your needs and your pocketbook. Kits are easier than building from scratch and don’t require as much building experience (although it certainly helps to have a DIY attitude when you set out to build your own greenhouse, even from a kit).

Shopping for Your Best Greenhouse Kit

Local Regulations. Start by researching required permits, zoning, setbacks, underground utilities and other requirements for your area. Some localities demand a certain type of foundation. A greenhouse attached to your home will likely face more stringent requirements than a free-standing greenhouse. In some places, greenhouses are regulated under a “storage shed” designation. Consider size carefully, as you may be able to avoid many regulations by simply settling for a small greenhouse.

Site. Your greenhouse site must have adequate light — six hours of uninterrupted sun on a clear day. You may have to trim or remove a tree to create more light for your chosen location. Also, consider access to water. Is there a nearby hose bib to provide water, even in winter? Some gardeners add gutters and an interior rain barrel to their backyard greenhouses for a winter water source. Electricity can power heating, lighting and ventilation, so keep an accessible power source in mind, too.

  • Published on Mar 1, 2013
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