Are you looking for greenhouse plans so that you can give your seedlings a head start in the spring? Would you like to create a warm environment where you can keep your pot plants and hanging baskets during the winter? And how about growing your own organic vegetables? All of this can be achieved in a greenhouse.

Just as if you were building a house, if you want to build a controlled environment for your plants you'll need to start with greenhouse plans. There is more to a greenhouse than piping and polypropylene and this needs to be taken into account in your greenhouse plans.

As you start to plan your greenhouse you'll start with the size. This may well be determined by the available space and the amount of sunlight in your garden. Once you know the external measurements for your greenhouse, you can decide on the height of the walls and the shape of the roof. Now that you have an idea of the design you can fill in the details of your greenhouse plan.

The majority of greenhouses are erected as free-standing buildings and will require a floor and a frame on which to attach the sides. Depending on its size, your greenhouse plans may contain a poured concrete foundation. You may also choose to add several courses of brickwork at the base of the walls. Ensure that the top row of brickwork is straight and flat to make attaching the walls easier and make them more secure. If your greenhouse includes a timber frame the walls can be attached directly to the wood; this will be specified in the greenhouse plans.

Build In Extra Greenhouse Features at the Planning Stage

You may not wish to immediately include a watering system, ventilation or active heating, for a variety of reasons, however, your plans should include these features so that they may be installed later. It is usually easier and more cost effective to have some features included while the building is under construction. For example, you may not wish to include an irrigation system at the time of building but if you at least have the plumbing installed you will save a great deal of money later on. Similarly, with heating, it is usually cheaper to have the electrical wiring installed at construction time.

Ensure that your greenhouse plans include a ceiling ventilation unit. There are units available that do not require electricity, and they can always be added later on, but again, you'll need to ensure that the structure is built in such a way that it is easy to add the unit later. In other words, ensure that all features are included in the greenhouse plans.

Another item worth considering is a drip system to capture moisture that condenses on the inside of the walls. A drip system will allow the water to accumulate in a trough near the floor where it can be used in a watering systems. This can also be added later but should be noted on the greenhouse building plan.

It is worth noting when planning your greenhouse that location is extremely important. The best location for your greenhouse is where it receives maximum sunlight. Morning sunlight is most desirable as it allows the plants' food production process to begin early in the day which will maximize growth. When looking at your greenhouse plans in relation to your garden do not overlook this important process.

About the Author

Alison Stevens is an online author and publisher and maintains the Greenhouse Plans blog to offer knowledge and advice to anyone seeking information on greenhouse plans and building a greenhouse.