Thanks to the “canned” summer under a glass cap, it became possible to enjoy the juicy greenery of miniature trees and the fragrance of paradise flowers regardless of the season.
A winter garden in a private house, cottage or country house looks like a beautiful toy, a pleasant resting place, an object that emphasizes the status of the owners. In practice, this is a serious engineering solution that requires compliance with the nuances of pre-project preparation, design and construction, and also needs constant care and protection.
The principle of arranging a winter garden with your own hands is both simple and complex, it all depends on the chosen design, frame material, glazing method and other factors.
What is the difference between a winter garden at home and a greenhouse or greenhouse?
When we talk about a winter garden, we first of all mean an intermediate zone between a living space and the natural environment. Whereas the greenhouse (a more simplified version - greenhouses) is mainly focused on growing plants in special conditions. As a rule, the greenhouse is located separately from the house - in the garden or.
Like a greenhouse, a winter garden is designed to protect plants and flowers from freezing in autumn and winter. But the greenhouse is mainly aimed at growing certain varieties (for example, oranges, palm trees), maintaining special climatic conditions in which it is constantly physically difficult for a normal person to be. Whereas in a winter garden, a rationally selected microclimate positively affects both the well-being of people and the cultivation of plants with a complex (and not very) “character”.
Building a winter garden with your own hands
A professionally arranged zone of comfort and relaxation, among the impeccable forms of indoor landscaping, will allow you not to part with the summer even when everything around is covered with snow. You can choose a rational project and build a winter garden with your own hands, but in any case, this will require certain monetary and time costs from the owners of apartments and country houses. Using the advice of experts and observing the required conditions, it is really possible to significantly save costs.
Which side to place the winter garden
- East. The best choice, as the translucent east-facing design will not overheat;
- West. The advantage of this orientation is the ability to retain the heat accumulated during the day for a long time. However, in the summer, this advantage is very doubtful;
- South. This side of the house is the least suitable for arranging a winter garden. Because the plants will overheat, and this will increase the cost of ventilation and watering. Although, on the other hand, in the winter season, just in the garden located on the south side, it will remain warm for a long time;
- North. Such gardens do not accumulate heat well and quickly give it away. If the choice fell on this particular side of the world, you should take care of the good heating of the winter garden.
Winter garden structures - types, types and projects
Regardless of the location of the garden, the structural system must be translucent, illuminated, ethereal, beautiful, and also sufficiently reliable and resistant to all kinds of atmospheric (overheating and cooling) and mechanical phenomena.
The design of the winter garden can be:
- adjacent to the house;
- stand alone.
This or that option will make its own adjustments to the arrangement of various supporting systems.
The diagram shows the ways of constructive implementation of the shape of the winter garden
Rectangular translucent construction in the form of an extension of the winter garden to the house. A universal option and the most common form of a frame with a pitched roof.
Winter garden attached to the corner from the outside of the house. 
Design with a combined roof - four-beam and gable. 
A winter garden attached to the inner corner of the house, the so-called "quarter polygon". 
Extension of the winter garden from the inside of the corner. 
Rectangular structure with single-pitched roof and extended roof section The configuration of the frame of the winter garden, the drawings are shown in the figure
Winter garden heating
The winter garden, hidden behind glass or polycarbonate, is able to accumulate a significant amount of heat. Its quantity will be enough in the warm season. But, in order to protect heat-loving plants in the cold season, you need to think over an effective heating system.
There are several types of heating, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as features of installation and operation. The main requirements for the heating system: low cost and optimal heat distribution.
What influences the choice of heating system:
- the size of the winter garden, the larger it is, the more heat is required for heating;
- plant species. Tropical plants develop well at temperatures above 20 ° C;
- frequency of use of the winter garden. If frost-resistant plants grow in such a garden, and you visit the garden only occasionally, it is enough to turn on the heater. But if you use the garden as an extension of the house, then a heating system is a must.
Types of winter garden heating systems
1. Electric heaters
- the ability to change the installation location of the heater depending on the needs;
- provides the ability to quickly adjust the amount of heat that comes in;
- ease of installation.
- an expensive pleasure in terms of paying for electricity, if you use it constantly and heat a large area;
- electric heaters dry the air, which negatively affects the "well-being" of plants.
2. Air conditioners (split systems) or UFOs
- allow you to regulate the temperature;
- do not dry out the air.
- The high cost of equipment and electricity bills.
3. Water (steam) heating
Connection of winter garden heating radiators to the central system.
Advantages:
- a constant temperature is maintained;
- relatively low cost of generated heat;
- there is no temperature difference between the garden and adjacent rooms of the house. Such a garden can be used as a dining room or a place of rest.
Flaws:
- you need skills and a special tool for cutting into the heating system.
4. Furnace heating
- the ability to use inexpensive firewood and coal;
- creates a certain color.
- the temperature is distributed unevenly - the plants can overheat;
- requires constant attention;
- high fire hazard.
5. Air heating
The principle of the device is to install a fan in the window that communicates with the garden window. Warm air is distilled from the heated room to the garden. Another way: in the outbuilding attached to the winter garden, an air heater is installed and air is supplied through the ducts to the winter garden through a fan.
- relatively low set-up cost.
- additional insulation of the winter garden is required
- requires the purchase of an air heater and air ducts;
- takes up a lot of space;
- spoils the appearance of the garden;
- dries out the air.
6. Electric heating according to the principle of "warm floor"
Advantages:
- the cable heats the soil, which allows the roots to receive enough heat;
- excellent heat distribution is achieved;
- the underfloor heating system mounted along the walls allows you to deal with the icing of the roof made of glass or polycarbonate;
- allows you to heat water in the pipes intended for irrigation.
Flaws:
- high costs for the construction of a system of warm water floors;
- the system is installed before the start of the functioning of the winter garden;
- difficult to carry out repairs.
You can create an optimal heating system by combining several of their types. At the same time, please note that the type of heating system directly affects the choice of the method of air ventilation in the winter garden.
Winter garden ventilation
Let's make a reservation right away that the cooling system and the ventilation system of the winter garden are two different things. The air cooled by the air conditioner creates a comfortable environment for a short stay of a person. However, plants that are constantly in the garden require fresh air to be supplied on a regular basis. After all, the air conditioner does not contribute to the saturation of the air with oxygen.
Two ventilation systems can be used in a stand-alone, adjoining (extension) winter garden or a winter garden equipped on a balcony. Material prepared for the site site
natural ventilation
Provides for the arrangement of vents or transoms. The total area of the glass doors in the window (transoms, vents) should occupy at least a quarter of the entire area of the garden walls. This is the only way to achieve the required level of oxygen supply. The vents can be opened/closed manually, or can be equipped with automation.
Natural ventilation also includes supply and exhaust ventilation. In this case, at the bottom, along the perimeter of the wall, holes are provided for the inflow of fresh air, and in its upper part or on the roof there are vents for outflow. If double-glazed windows are used as glazing for the winter garden, then a good option is a supply valve for plastic windows.
Pros:
- does not create noise during operation;
- does not create drafts.
Minuses:
- there must be a temperature difference;
- window sashes interfere with external and / or internal shading, and also occupy the internal volume (if they are not implemented according to the sliding principle);
- there is a possibility of damage to the window sashes under the influence of wind load;
- mosquito nets should be provided to protect the garden from insects.
mechanical ventilation
Air inflow is carried out through the vents, but the outflow is carried out through various fans.
Advantages:
- the possibility of air exchange in the absence or, conversely, with a strong wind;
- does not interfere with shading;
- reduces the risk of intruders entering through open windows.
Flaws:
- creates noise, the level of which depends on the power of the fans;
- consumes a lot of electricity;
- needs maintenance;
- does not always harmoniously fit into the interior of the winter garden.
Plants in the winter garden in the winter and cloudy seasons experience a lack of lighting, which negatively affects their growth. Therefore, it is important to provide an acceptable level of additional lighting.
Lamps for the winter garden - the choice affects the growth of plants:
- incandescent lamps are not suitable, since their spectrum does not contain blue rays, without which photosynthesis does not occur. They also generate a lot of heat, and tall plants can get burned;
- fluorescent lamps. Sensitive to voltage drops, frequent on-off greatly reduces their useful life;
- metal halide lamps are high pressure discharge lamps. Their emission spectrum is close to natural, but they have a short service life;
- high pressure sodium lamps. Their color reproduction is unsatisfactory for indoor use. In addition, they are very sensitive to voltage drops;
- phytolamps. Designed specifically for lighting plants. There are two types of them: energy-saving LED and fluorescent.
For example: for 5 sq.m. a winter garden with a height of 2.5 m needs 4 metal halide lamps (40 W) or 1 sodium lamp (250 W)
Protection of the winter garden from strong solar radiation
When planning garden lighting, you should consider the opposite effect of its overabundance. In summer, there is too much light, and in order to prevent its harmful effects from occurring, the garden must be protected. Measures to protect the winter garden can be divided into two types:
- internal protection - blocks up to 40% of light. These are curtains, blinds from various materials. Commonly used fabric, plastic, bamboo or aluminum. The latter should not be used, because the metal heats up quickly and gives off heat for a long time. This affects the overall temperature regime. In addition, they make noise and vibrate when the fan is running.
- external protection - blocks 70-90% of the light. These are awnings, awnings, for the production of which a special fabric with a reflective surface is used. External protection is preferable because the wall material does not heat up and the overall temperature in the garden does not rise.
Watering the winter garden
The habitual watering of plants in pots is unlikely to be effective in a winter garden, because it requires a lot of effort and time.
The construction market offers a variety of automatic irrigation systems that allow mechanized watering of plants. Which, moreover, can be configured for various watering modes. Indeed, in warm weather, the need for moisture increases, and in cold weather, on the contrary, it decreases.
The drip irrigation system for greenhouses and winter gardens has become widespread. In appearance, this is a perforated hose, through its perforation (holes) water is dosed into the soil. Such a system is preferable in that it waters only the roots of plants and does not allow puddles to form. The advantage of an automated drip system is that it is connected to sensors that monitor the level of moisture in the soil.
It must be remembered that some types of plants need special watering - they draw water from the air, so the air needs to be humidified. To do this, equip fountains that perform a moisturizing function and are an element of decor, use mist installations or ultrasonic humidifiers.
The irrigation system involves the installation of a drainage system through which excess water will leave.
Electricity in the winter garden
In order for all of the above components of the system to work, it is important to consider the method of power supply, the type of electrical wiring, as well as the number and location of sockets and switches.
The composition of the soil (land for the winter garden)
For plant growth, it is necessary to ensure not only an optimal microclimate in the winter garden, but also take care of the quality of the soil and the initial application of fertilizers and nutrients to the soil.
Plants for the winter garden
When choosing plants for your winter garden, in addition to your own preferences, you need to be guided by the types and varieties of plants.
Plant types:
- tropical. The optimum temperature for their growth is + 22 ° C;
- subtropical + 10 o C.
At the same time, different types of plants should not be mixed.
Design and care of the winter garden
In order for the winter oasis of greenery to please you for as long as possible, and for plants and visitors to always feel comfortable, you need to constantly monitor the state of all systems that ensure the life of the garden. As for the decorative design of the winter garden in different rooms of the house, then everyone is guided by their own vision of beauty. involves design in certain styles (modern, classic, hi-tech, country or Japanese style), from which you can choose the direction that suits your spirit.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be noted that the creation and full functioning of the winter garden requires considerable effort. And all engineering systems should be designed in a complex way, taking into account the mutual influence on each other. However, if you take into account all these requirements, you can create such a winter garden with your own hands, which will embody your ideas about beauty and comfort.
Winter Garden - photos with examples for implementing ideas
Year-round cultivation of exotic tropical plants and flowers in a temperate climate is a difficult task. So that they do not suffer on frosty winter days, they must be placed in a place protected from the cold with sufficient natural or artificial lighting. To create ideal conditions, greenhouses and winter gardens are being built, which differ from standard greenhouses intended for the cultivation of vegetables and herbs, not only functionally, but also externally.
Winter gardens and greenhouses have some differences in their design, size and construction methods. Their purpose is also somewhat different.
Winter garden - a mini-paradise for relaxation
Blooming garden - home decoration
A winter garden is considered to be a room with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 15 square meters. m, which is adjacent to the walls of the house. The main idea of its creation is to expand the space of the main building. At the same time, the walls of such an extension are made not capital, but frame. The frame, as a rule, is made of metal or metal-plastic structures. Thanks to this, the walls of the extension look "airy", which gives the room additional volume.
The difference between a winter garden and an industrial greenhouse is that the latter are intended exclusively for growing edible plants. At the same time, in creating a macroclimate, the premises are guided by the needs of crops. In a home indoor garden, first of all, comfortable conditions for a person are created. Here you can not only grow crops, but also relax, enjoying the view of flowering plants.
Green area as part of the living room
Often a garden in closed ground carries not so much an aesthetic load as it is part of the energy saving system at home. The fact is that such a building is a kind of buffer between the main premises and the environment.
Due to the glass ceiling and walls, infrared radiation easily penetrates into the winter garden, heating the objects inside. At the same time, thanks to energy-efficient double-glazed windows, heat consumption in winter is significantly reduced. True, plants in an unheated winter garden must be cold-resistant.
Successful winter garden design
Greenhouse - an oasis for exotic plants
The greenhouse is a room designed for growing ornamental crops. Unlike the winter garden, it is built separately and is not adjacent to the house.
Optimal conditions are created here for the cultivation and maintenance of southern trees (palms, citrus fruits), shrubs and beautiful rare flowers (orchids, ficuses, etc.). The term "greenhouse" (in French "orangerie") originates from the word "orange" (a citrus crop characterized by its thermophilicity).
Depending on the available temperature regimes, greenhouses are divided into:
- warm (the temperature here is kept at over 25 degrees);
- semi-warm (temperature ranges from 17 to 24 degrees);
- cold (below 16 degrees).
Of course, there are no strict restrictions on the construction of a separate building, and if you wish, you can equip a home greenhouse on the adjacent house to the terrace and even on the balcony.
How to equip a winter garden
An indoor garden, when properly designed and built, will become a real decoration of the house, as it can emphasize its design. Thanks to an additional extension, you can easily expand the usable area of any room, creating a corner of comfort and tranquility, which will be comfortable all year round.
Types and forms of indoor gardens
Possible shapes and designs
There are several options for architectural solutions for the winter garden:
- L-shaped extensions to the outer or inner corner of the house.
- Rectangular outbuildings with a shed roof. They can be a continuation of the main floor of the building or expand on top of it.
- Extension to the corner of the house with a three-beam roof.
The simplest winter garden can be built on a glazed balcony or loggia using vertical gardening and hanging planters. In country houses, a terrace or covered veranda is a suitable place.
Mini garden in a private house
What materials are used for the frame
The design of the winter garden is made from a wide range of materials, the most popular of which are:
- Aluminum. This is the most popular material for the construction of a winter garden. With a low weight, it has high strength. This significantly reduces the load on the foundation and makes it possible to use a large glazing area. Aluminum is not afraid of corrosion, easy to cut, mounted. It can be painted any color by powder coating or anodizing. The disadvantages include the cost of the metal.
- Tree. Durable and at the same time environmentally friendly material that is easy to process and relatively cheap. The disadvantage of wood is the need for constant care. Without adequate antiseptic and antifungal treatment, wood will quickly lose its original appearance.
Suitable coating options
For shelter, various options are used:
- Single glass. This solution is not very good for energy efficiency. It does not ensure the preservation of heat in winter and does not prevent its excessive penetration in summer, which can create uncomfortable conditions for the development of crops and human recreation.
- Double-glazed windows. The most preferred option for the construction of a winter garden. A double-glazed window of two or three glasses, due to the air between them, perfectly maintains a comfortable temperature inside the room, but such efficiency has a high cost.
- Polycarbonate. This material is a great solution. It bends well, absorbs solar energy well, has low thermal conductivity and high impact resistance. There are also disadvantages. Over time, polycarbonate darkens and rubs off. In poorly lit places, algae can grow on it. Visibility through polycarbonate is minimal, therefore, in order to enjoy the views of the surrounding nature, it is undesirable to use it.
Garden with tropical plants in the greenhouse
Ways to organize heating
To create an ideal microclimate and comfortable conditions for relaxing in the winter garden during the cold season, a heating system is installed in it. There are several heating options.
Water heating, in which the heating of the winter garden is integrated into a system that heats the entire house. The disadvantage of this option is too complicated installation. Only a professional can handle it. In addition, the room will be constantly heated, which will increase costs.
Shared heating with the house
The advantages of such a system include the absence of temperature drops between the house and the garden, the possibility of constantly maintaining comfortable conditions. Most often this type of heating is used in industrial greenhouses.
Electric heaters allow the winter garden to gain autonomy. Most often, infrared heaters are used, which are the best option for electric heating. They are economical and create heat as close as possible to the sun.
Infrared heat heats the plants directly and does not dry the air. A huge advantage is the ability to regulate the intensity of heating in different zones.
Infrared heaters
Solid fuel stoves are usually used in greenhouses when there is no choice of gas or electricity, or it is necessary to reduce heating costs. They are rarely used in private greenhouses due to the need for constant monitoring of fuel combustion, its loading and temperature. An ideal option is a fireplace stove with a glazed firebox, which at the same time decorates the garden.
Fireplace with glazed firebox
The most attractive are modern long-burning stoves. For large rooms, it is most reasonable to organize water heating by choosing a stove with a water circuit.
How to equip a greenhouse
Home greenhouses can replace gazebos and turn into freestanding living rooms. In the design, you can use not only plants, but also small architectural forms, miniature ponds, mini-fountains, artificial waterfalls and streams.
Dendroplan and arrangement of the working area
The layout of the greenhouse begins with a planting plan - even before construction begins, it is important to determine which plants will be grown in order to create ideal growing conditions for them. It is important to understand that the proximity of some crops can be problematic and require more investment in the project. It is equally important to take care of the convenience of servicing flower beds and beds, otherwise it will simply be impossible to freely approach the plants.
Mini fountain decorates and creates extra moisture
For small greenhouses, vertical beds arranged in several tiers are ideal. For this, pallets and racks made of moisture-resistant materials are used. You can complete the picture with hanging planters with ampelous crops.
Do not clutter up the greenhouse with plants, first of all, it should be a place of rest in which green spaces are present for beauty, and not for practical purposes.
Nuances of construction and technical points
The performance and durability of a greenhouse depends on several important parameters:
- Foundation. The base of the building. The most durable and reliable for such buildings is a strip foundation made of concrete.
- Frame. The best performance (resistance to wind, precipitation, deformation) is provided by aluminum and galvanized steel.
- Coating. Plays a big role in construction. That is what makes this place different from others. Solid glazing creates sufficient illumination for growing plants. Additional sunlight also has a tonic effect on the human body, which is why recreation areas are often arranged here. In a properly designed greenhouse among exotic plants, even in severe frosts, there will be a feeling of relaxation in hot countries. Most often, cellular polycarbonate and glass are used for cladding the frame of greenhouses. These materials provide the necessary level of light scattering.
- Heating. In greenhouses, the same types of heating are used as in winter gardens. Experts advise using combined options, in which, in the event of a failure of one heating system, another is switched on.
- Ventilation. To create an optimal microclimate in the greenhouse, it is necessary to equip the supply and exhaust ventilation that regulates air exchange. In addition, ventilation should be provided in a natural way (through the vents).
- Lighting. In summer, to protect plants from excess sunlight, natural blackout should be created in the greenhouse (hanging curtains or blinds on the windows). In winter, when there is not enough natural light, it is necessary to connect additional lighting (for example, high-pressure gas discharge lamps).
- Watering. Crops need moisture to grow well. To do this, you can equip automatic watering in the greenhouse.
Mini garden in a city apartment
A tropical paradise can only be built if all the necessary conditions are met. It was then that the greenhouse or winter garden would be an ideal place for both growing plants and for a comfortable stay.
Even the smallest greenhouse is not only a place of relaxation where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, but also the pride of any owner who is more or less interested in gardening and plant breeding. In view of this, every gardener, whether amateur or professional, dreams of his own, albeit a small greenhouse, which will allow him to do his favorite thing all year round and delight himself and his loved ones with a home oasis. The idea of arranging a greenhouse in an apartment seems especially relevant on a hot summer day, when sitting all day in dusty office spaces, you dream of a breath of fresh air and a place where you can enjoy not only the smell of freshness, but also the brightness of lush greenery. In the cold season, in the middle lane, this desire becomes practically impossible, and in this regard, we suggest that you start arranging your own home greenhouse in your backyard, in a suburban or just private household, and even in an apartment. How? Read on.
Greenhouse at home: a dream that can become a reality
In the modern world, in conditions of mass extermination and pollution of wildlife, a home greenhouse is one of the last chances to enjoy the beauty and wonderful smell of fresh greenery. In this regard, the cherished dream of many owners-lovers of wildlife is the arrangement of a greenhouse in a private house, apartment or, if the territory allows, residents of countryside areas have the opportunity to organize a corner of wildlife on the territory of a suburban area, that is, to equip it in the form of a separate room next to with the house.
The greenhouse of the house is a separate glazed room, specially equipped for the maintenance of evergreen exotic plants that need to provide them with specialized climatic conditions. Plants cultivated in greenhouses are so whimsical that even in summer, when the temperature regime for them is close to optimal, exotic flowers and shrubs are not able to withstand, let alone grow successfully in an unnatural northern climate, where natural conditions are far from favorable for them. In this regard, premises are specially equipped for them, where favorable conditions are created for their growth and reproduction, namely, a high level of illumination, abundant humidity and high ambient temperature. They are called greenhouses.
greenhouse photo
Differences between greenhouses and greenhouses
A greenhouse is a room designed for year-round cultivation of evergreen southern plants that do not grow in the middle zone. Such plants include citrus fruits, southern palms, orchids and ficuses, which conquered the inhabitants of cold latitudes with their exotic romance. Since these plants are extremely demanding on microclimatic parameters, this necessitates precise compliance with both humidity and temperature parameters. Based on this, several varieties of greenhouses are distinguished, which must be classified according to temperature conditions:
- Warm greenhouses, in which the temperature is maintained at 25-28 degrees;
- Semi-warm greenhouses, the optimal temperature regime in which does not exceed 18-22 degrees;
- Cold greenhouses, a less common option, with temperatures ranging from 1 to 8 degrees.
Building a greenhouse: choosing the right place
Choosing a suitable place for arranging a greenhouse is one of the first, and at the same time, an important stage in planning your greenhouse, on which further construction activities depend. If your home is currently only at the planning stage, then consider yourself lucky, as you have the opportunity to pre-select the most suitable place for the future corner of wildlife. This will greatly facilitate further work and in the future will allow the installation of large windows oriented to the south in the greenhouse.
If you live in a standard city apartment, then you probably have a small number of options for choosing a room for building a greenhouse. In your case, it is better to allocate a separate room for the greenhouse and give preference to a glazed loggia or balcony. Experts believe that you are more fortunate if you live in the countryside and have the opportunity to allocate a greenhouse for the arrangement and install a free-standing frame structure, the location of which also has its own nuances. The place of further construction of the frame structure should be as lit as possible and as little as possible exposed to strong winds.
The durability and performance characteristics of the structure allocated for the greenhouse are also important parameters that must be taken into account during the construction of the structure. The main guarantee of the durability of the structure is a solid foundation, therefore, for arranging a durable and no less comfortable greenhouse, therefore, experts recommend giving preference to a strip foundation made of concrete or stone. The depth of the foundation should reach a mark that determines the level of maximum soil freezing in the most severe winters, which in one way or another contributes to the formation of an optimal microclimate in the greenhouse. In the middle lane, the depth of the foundation in most cases does not exceed 80 cm. If you prefer concrete, it is necessary to equip the drainage system for the outflow of moisture in time, since if it accumulates excessively, the concrete will become slippery. We must not forget about insulation: polystyrene plates are ideal as a heater, which will help retain heat in the lower sections of the foundation. To prevent the accumulation of moisture on the floor, it is covered with gravel or small pebbles, which provide the most efficient outflow of moisture.
The choice of material for the frame and the sheathing of the structure
The material for the manufacture of the frame must have characteristics that allow it to withstand the effects of aggressive external factors, including winds, without losing its original performance characteristics and be resistant to deformation. The choice of material from which the frame will be made depends on the material chosen for the sheathing, since its severity has a direct effect on the stability of the supporting frame. It follows from this that the stronger and heavier the greenhouse sheathing, the more stable the frame structure should be. In the manufacture of a greenhouse, deformation-resistant materials are considered to be aluminum, galvanized steel or PVC, the frame of which will meet all the specified requirements. A tree for making a frame is considered a less successful option, since a wooden structure is prone to decay and damage by insects, which means it has a shorter service life and needs constant care.
The sheathing of the structure is no less important than the arrangement of the frame, since the subsequent cost of maintaining the greenhouse, including the costs of heating, electricity and repair of the structure, depends on the material chosen for the sheathing. For sheathing the frame, materials with high opacity are suitable, which will protect plants from the scorching sun, and at the same time the necessary level of light scattering, the need for which is due to the high need for plants in lighting. No less important are the thermal insulation properties of the material, which determine subsequent costs. Currently, glass is used to sheath the frame (the frame must have sufficient strength), plastic windows and cellular polycarbonate, which has the necessary lightness and transparency.
greenhouse video
Creating a microclimate in the greenhouse: heating, ventilation, lighting
Heating
Regardless of the time of year, ideally the temperature in the greenhouse should be at a constant level. For plants growing in the Mediterranean, it should be at least 10 degrees, while for equatorial plants it is at least 25 degrees. And in the event that you heat the apartment using a water system, in order to achieve the optimal temperature in the greenhouse, it will be enough to organize a constant flow of air into the room through the organization of the correct ventilation system.
In most cases, the arrangement of heating in a greenhouse involves the installation of gas, electric, and gasoline boilers, each of which has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of electric boilers is that there is no need to equip an additional ventilation system, however, in the event of an emergency power outage during the cold season, the plants may die. In this regard, experts recommend choosing a combined heating system, which provides for the failure of one system, the inclusion of another. Installation of heating equipment can be carried out in a separate technical room, and if the greenhouse is part of a living room or located in an outbuilding, then a home heating system can be installed in the greenhouse room.
Now it is necessary to say a few words about the windows in the greenhouse. They are not only a source of light, but also a fundamental system for saving heat accumulated in a greenhouse. In view of this, the glazing of windows should be either double or insulated, which will create an obstacle to the penetration of cold air into the greenhouse. In addition, it is necessary to take care of the wall insulation, for which mineral wool boards are best suited that meet all the requirements for insulation, as well as sealing the joints of balcony structures. And another important point that novice gardeners need to remember is temperature regulation, carried out with the help of ventilation and timely opening of the windows.
Ventilation
Another important microclimatic indicator of the internal environment of the greenhouse, which also has a significant impact on the vital activity of whimsical exotic plants. An indicator of the optimal level of ventilation in the greenhouse is the exchange of air from 6 to 10 times per hour. In winter, characterized by the absence of severe frosts, this level of air exchange is achieved through the organization of natural ventilation, which is provided by frequent ventilation through open windows and doors. However, severe frosts or the scorching sun in summer necessitate the organization of supply and exhaust ventilation, through which controlled air exchange will occur.
Lighting
Considering that natural light is one of the main conditions for the organization of a greenhouse and the existence of plants in general, it is necessary to choose a well-lit room or balcony oriented to the east, west or southwest for arranging the greenhouse.
If you are setting up a greenhouse at home, its windows should be clean and free of heavy curtains. Since in winter the plants suffer from a lack of light, and in summer from excessive insolation, the organization of the greenhouse provides for the arrangement of both additional illumination and dimming, which will be handled by blinds or curtains on the windows. For additional illumination, it is enough to install a high-pressure gas discharge lamp in the room.
If you equip a greenhouse on a standard balcony of 6 sq. meters, to ensure the normal functioning of plants in your winter greenhouse, one gas discharge lamp with a power of 400 W and 2 metal halide lamps with a power of 250 W each will be enough.
Air humidity
No less important is another mandatory condition for keeping plants in a greenhouse, which consists in maintaining the optimal level of humidity in the room. For exotic plants, it is at least 70-80%. Since in summer the humidity in the apartment is about 50%, and in winter it is even less, it is necessary to constantly humidify the air in the room. The required level of humidity in the winter greenhouse is achieved by humidifying the air by spraying with spray guns, installing indoor aquariums and trays filled with moistened expanded clay, and other containers filled with water. In order to prevent the formation of condensation on windows and walls in the event of excessive humidity, it is necessary to ventilate the room in time.
Plant selection and irrigation arrangement
Like any other plant cultivation facility, a greenhouse needs irrigation. If you have run water pipes into the premises, you can water manually, however, adherents of innovative technologies are likely to prefer modern automated drip irrigation systems that will contribute to the constant irrigation of the land and thereby ensure regular and timely delivery of water to the root system of plants and the nutrients they need. Cutting-edge drip irrigation systems, in addition to the above features, are equipped with timers and motion sensors, the presence of which allows you to adjust the time and amount of water supply depending on the needs of plants.
As for the choice of plants for the greenhouse, which you can build with your own hands, here, of course, you can safely give free rein to your imagination. However, there are some nuances here as well. It is necessary to select plants for the greenhouse in such a way that the varieties growing in the greenhouse at a certain point in time need similar care and have approximately the same needs for humidity, light levels and the same temperature. Taking into account the average temperature in the greenhouse in winter, which is 17-18 degrees, flower growers recommend choosing hibiscus, palm trees, monstera and orchids for the winter greenhouse, and if the average temperature in your winter garden is significantly lower and does not exceed 5-11 degrees, you have the opportunity to grow olive and citrus trees.
If the greenhouse is in the apartment ...
If you live in city apartments and own a spacious glazed loggia, the question is: “How to make a greenhouse?” it is greatly simplified for you, since with the onset of the first sunny days, when the loggia begins to warm up, you can arrange a real green paradise there by placing some green specimens that are especially resistant to cold there.
The main thing is that the temperature on the loggia reaches positive values. Paying attention to which side the loggia is oriented to and how many hours a day sunlight hits it, you will greatly simplify and systematize the choice of plants for your home greenhouse. For example, if the loggia faces south, you can place cacti and phloxes there, while coniferous crops, forget-me-nots and tobacco will feel more favorable on the north side.
Topical paradise can be arranged not only on the loggia, but also in the apartment. You can achieve this in various ways, highlighting a separate corner for vegetation or even placing it throughout the entire apartment. For example, climbing plants will perfectly cope with the role of "live" drapery for unsightly corners. By choosing a fern for these purposes, you will not only turn your apartment into a paradise, but also make sure that the greenhouse is not only beautiful, but also easy. Ivy has no less bright decorative characteristics, which grow rapidly, giving the dwelling a cozy look.
If you are the owner of a multi-room apartment, without prejudice to yourself and your family, you can allocate a separate room for the arrangement of the greenhouse, where you can breathe in the healing air of plants, relax after a hard day, or do yoga.
To do this, it is necessary to free the room as much as possible from unnecessary items and bulky furniture, giving preference to light and maximally decorative furniture made of natural rattan. The same requirements apply to the arrangement of a greenhouse in an apartment as to a greenhouse located in a separate frame room. In a home greenhouse, it is necessary to create the same microclimatic conditions as in a separate winter garden. In addition to technical requirements, pay attention to the decorative design of the greenhouse in the apartment.
Purchase special shelving, support structures and trellises for climbing plants in a flower shop and decorate the walls with flowers, and to give your greenhouse a special touch, place a large number of clay pots and planters in the room, in which you can also plant ornamental vegetation.
The high level of urbanization of modern society requires the creation of special green natural "islands" that will allow you to relax and gain vitality and energy. Growing most plants is impossible without the construction of a greenhouse or greenhouse structure. The construction of a greenhouse belongs to the category of erection of rather complex structures and requires certain knowledge and skills.
Species diversity of greenhouses
Most options for home greenhouses have long become not only the pride of the owners, but also a recreation and relaxation area. Before you build a greenhouse, you need to decide on the type and location of such a structure. Several types of greenhouses:
- gable version of the greenhouse, which is most widespread. During the construction process, the longitudinal axis is oriented towards the south with a deviation of no more than twenty degrees. For the location of the slopes, the west and east are chosen, which helps protect plants from overheating and sunburn. Standard height measurements are about four meters, with a width of up to eighteen meters and preferred length parameters.
- a multi-slope or block version of a greenhouse, represented by a combination of several gable greenhouses into one design. Such structures are distinguished by their insignificant height and the presence of a glass or film coating. For interior walls, standard support posts are used.
- hangar version of greenhouses with a height of seven meters, a length of up to fifty meters and a width of not more than twenty meters. As a rule, such structures are carried out in the southern regions, since a large area makes it difficult to maintain the optimal temperature regime in the winter.
In addition, depending on the internal arrangement, greenhouses can be:
- shelving;
- rackless or ground.
Greenhouses, which can be done quite easily with your own hands, are represented by several home structures. It is most convenient to consider whether even at the stage of building a house.
Home greenhouse: choosing a place (video)
How to choose the right place
The choice of a place for a home greenhouse-greenhouse is a rather responsible event. To build such a structure with your own hands, it is necessary to provide for some nuances:
- the windows of the greenhouse should face the south, the most illuminated side;
- to create a frame structure for a greenhouse, it is advisable to use a tape type of foundation;
- wall and ceiling surfaces of the greenhouse can be made on the basis of glass plastic windows;
- in the absence of the possibility of using full-fledged glazing, a coating of cellular polycarbonate should be preferred.
If necessary, build with your own hands the most lightweight structure that will be used exclusively during the warm period, it is allowed to use a timber frame with a stretched plastic film. At the onset of the first frost, the film should be carefully dismantled and put away for storage. Under severe climatic conditions and in regions with gusty winds, a polycarbonate coating should be used as a glazing.
The best option for placing a street structure is the most even and most illuminated area, which is protected from shading and harsh winds. Home structures require closer attention to site selection, as lighting, air exchange, and heating schemes need to be carefully considered. Before you make a greenhouse, you need to prepare all the material necessary for construction.
On the pages of our online magazine you will learn.
Important nuances
- To build a structure with your own hands, it is advisable to use the most durable, but lightweight and budget building materials. Finishing large spans requires the use of aluminum, thanks to which complex shapes can be formed. The coating of aluminum structures with a special varnish looks very aesthetically pleasing and of high quality.
- Drainage-type channels are installed inside the profiles, which remove condensate, which is especially important when growing plants that do not require high humidity levels.
- It is allowed to use a plastic version of profiles for the construction of greenhouses with your own hands, which have a high level of moisture resistance and are unpretentious in maintenance. Such materials are in demand for the arrangement of structures of small areas.
- Design decisions involve the use of wood that harmoniously complements the plants, but is not suitable for use in high humidity conditions. In any case, protective measures should be taken in the form of painting and installation of additional insulating elements.
- The home version of the greenhouse involves equipping with a ventilation system that helps to remove waste air masses and provides high-quality mixing of all air layers. Natural and forced types of ventilation can be used.
- Fan systems are equipped with hoods, and the transverse type of ventilation promotes the movement of air across natural air flows. Exhaust openings are standardly mounted in the upper part of the structure.
- Air, furnace, steam or water type of heating can be used.
Features of climatic conditions
The right climate is a decisive factor for the cultivation of any vegetation. It is especially important to equip high-quality air exchange, which will insure plants from overheating and drying. The best option is to equip the greenhouse with underfloor heating, in particular, a water heating system. The standard calculation of pipes for this type of heating system is based on the general formula:
- an indicator of two lengths of supply pipes plus a laying step;
- to determine the heated area, it is necessary to multiply the width by the length of the greenhouse structure, not counting the gap of thirty centimeters around the perimeter of all walls;
- the reverse system is calculated by the sum of the distance from the collector to the beginning of the pipes, taking into account all bends;
- the standard laying step can vary from five to sixty centimeters.
Lighting and ventilation indicators are completely dependent on the type of plants grown.
Standard set of equipment
The home type of greenhouse needs regular watering. The ideal option is to purchase a ready-made system for. Modern systems have sensors and special timers that allow you to most effectively regulate the time and volume of water supplied.
A central heating system is sufficient for heating, but electric fans or heating elements can be connected. It is possible to facilitate the regulation of the temperature regime by means of split systems with climate control.
Creating the most comfortable conditions with your own hands requires the use of floor coverings with a low level of thermal conductivity. The best option for flooring is marble or ceramic type of tile. If there is a need to root cuttings of plants with your own hands, then you need to perform the lower heating of the greenhouse.
Winter garden, or greenhouse in the house (video)
An interesting design solution in the construction of a home greenhouse is the formation of a hanging garden, for which it is advisable to use hanging baskets. Special types of indoor greenhouses are represented by landscape compositions with a reproduction of a mountain, desert or water landscape.