1. Note path of Sun in your area.
a) if goes directly overhead (related more to equatorial) you may perhaps need just 3 or even 2 1/2 faces exposed to light such as one side, partial or full, the roof, and one other side).
b) if goes mostly along the horizon (at higher latitudes) you may perhaps need just 2 or 3 exposed sides, such as 2 adjacent sides, or 3 sides. Having the orientation of the greenhouse rotated at a 45 degree angle to the path of the sun could allow for 2 adjacent sides as the sun wouldn't pass through the other sides nor the roof.
c) if the sun is in between the above two scenarios, 3 to 4 exposed sides, including the roof may be required but not all sides need to be exposed down to the ground as some sides could have the bottom portion constructed of other materials such as plywood, up to a foot or more high. The roof may even be only partially exposed depending on the angle of the sun.
2. The greenhouse could make use of an existing structure to use less materials. There may be a side (or possibly two sides) of an exiting structure for which you merely have to connect to.
3. The inside walls, if painted with a color such as silver or aluminum, could reflect back some of the UV light from the Sun onto the plants.
4. The clear plastic panels are typically a polycarbonate plastic. A well-known name brand, Lexan, is a desired choice and supplied in ¼ inch thick ribbed panels, with the option of a UV coating. These plastics can be expensive, more so than what one would reasonably expect, as companies are greatly inflating prices. You should spend a good deal of time searching for the lowest priced supplier. Note also that even UV-coating of expensive Lexan will not last forever, particularly in some areas, so be judicious by accounting for the price per longevity.
5. Caulking of clear plastic panels to the window framing will lessen air leaks and provides slightly more strength to the structure.
6. The greenhouse should be well fastened to the ground and if in a windy area, guy wires from the top corners would be useful.
7. A vent should be constructed but does not need to be at the location of clear panels as a simple vent could be constructed of more common materials and placed in a wall made of plywood.
8. Heating is a concern for some but is not necessary for all uses. For some, the greenhouse provides protection from air-born pollen/seeds or animals. Infra-red heaters might be a good choice as they are quite efficient. Some may want to get creative and duplicate what a few others have done such as using caged rabbits or rodents to generate heat.
I guess I am supposed to add this?
google.com, pub-8734837267306948, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
Now this???
google.com, pub-8734837267306948, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
