If you’re wondering how to build a greenhouse, then take a look at these tips and advice
Let’s face it, buying a new greenhouse for your garden can leave an expensive hole in your pocket even before you consider heating, insulation and ventilation. If you’re looking for something more than just a cold frame or mini-greenhouse, then you could be talking upwards of £1000 depending on the size you’re wanting. So what’s the solution? Well as you’re reading an article called How To Build a Greenhouse, you can guess what I’m going to suggest!
If you set out to build a greenhouse yourself, there are a number of things you need to consider before grabbing your tools such as where you live, the type of greenhouse you’re looking to build and where you’re going to position it. In this article, we’re going to cover these plus a few other things you’re going to need before you get round to building your own greenhouse.
Consider your climate when looking to build a greenhouse

Make sure when you build a greenhouse it can withstand the snow
If you’re looking to build your own greenhouse, you need to think about what weather conditions it will be exposed to all year round. For instance, if you can expect snow in the winter then you need to think about the structure of the greenhouse so that it is able to withstand heavy snowfalls. Also, if you’re planning to use your newly built greenhouse during the winter, then you’ll need to consider an insulated frame and cover materials so that your greenhouse doesn’t suffer from heat loss when Jack Frost comes calling.
If you’re garden is exposed during windy conditions, then you need to build your greenhouse with this in mind and make sure you use sturdy building materials, strong foundations and plan a greenhouse shape which allows the wind to pass over the structure instead of buffeting.
When you build a greenhouse make sure you position it correctly
Before you get round to building you’re own greenhouse then you should get into the hobby of sun-watching. Find out or watch where the sun rises at various times during the year, how it arcs through the sky during the day and which parts of your garden receives the most sunlight. That’s the place to build a greenhouse.
You do need to consider the winter sun if you’re planning to grow during the winter months. The sun during the winter is lower in the sky and any houses or trees which don’t block the sun during the summer could be obstacles from November to February. If you’re planning to build your greenhouse in the Spring then you’ll have to rack your memory or have an educated guess.
In this article, we’ve looked at two of the primary concerns you need to consider if you are planning to build a greenhouse in your own garden. In the next article in this series, we’ll take a look at the types of greenhouses you can build.