Attached or Freestanding
Attached greenhouses are excellent options for many homeowners. Along with convenient access, they're generally easier and less expensive to heat and cool than their freestanding counterparts. If you have mobility issues or live in an area with challenging winter weather conditions, opting for an attached greenhouse may be your best choice.
On the other hand, freestanding greenhouses come with plenty of benefits in their own right. These provide more versatility regarding placement and often have better expansion possibilities. Likewise, some people appreciate having a personal sanctuary that isn't connected to the rest of the home. Many find that the small amount of distance and disconnect offered by a freestanding greenhouse creates a welcome respite from being inside the home.
Alignment
As the sun moves from the east to the west throughout the day, so do the shadows of your greenhouse structure. An east-west alignment creates structural shadows in the same part of your crop throughout the day, which can affect crop productivity and plant health in this area. Subsequently, to minimize shading effects, greenhouses are typically oriented north-south.
Flooring
Concrete is the most commonly used material for greenhouse flooring. Some homeowners choose to simply have a dirt floor, but this isn't recommended in areas that get much precipitation since it can lead to a messy, muddy environment that's unpleasant to spend time in. Some greenhouse owners compromise by having a concrete wall installed down the middle and leaving soil on either side or putting down a weed membrane to discourage the growth of these unwanted plants.
Once you've determined the basics listed above, it's time to get started on building your greenhouse.
