Georgia Magazine - December 2010 - (Page 28)

A greenhouse for Christmas BY PAMELA A. KEENE J ust about every gardener longs for a greenhouse, a place to shelter tender plants in the cold months, a perfect incubator for starting vegetable and herb seedlings, or an environment for growing exotic specimens such as orchids, bromeliads and hibiscus. Whether you purchase one ready-made and professionally installed, buy a kit or build it from scratch, having a greenhouse can be the most rewarding part of being a gardener. “A greenhouse makes your gardening so much more versatile,” says Elaine Kelley with the Potting Shed Nursery in Flowery Branch. “And there are so many types of greenhouses that it pays to know what your goal is before you start.” Think about your main purpose for the The roof of this greenhouse is made of TwinWall polycargreenhouse: fresh herbs bonate material to help diffuse direct sunlight. and vegetables over the winter months? Hobby propagation wood, the less maintenance,” he of plants? Overwintering ferns or says. “Ideally, glass greenhouses are tropicals? Do you want a spacious, the easiest to build and maintain, but free-standing structure, or will a lean- they’re also the most expensive.” to built against the side of your Other choices include Solexx, a house suffice? How much time are brand-name greenhouse siding that’s you willing to spend using the green- flexible and translucent, or polyethhouse? What is your budget? ylene siding, usually 6 mils thick. “Answering all these questions TwinWall polycarbonate is another will give you good guidance toward brand-name product similar to making the best decisions,” says Tim Solexx. “Solexx has a longer life; Campbell with Campbell Gardens, a polyethylene usually needs to be commercial grower in Cumming. replaced every four years.” “Think about the size you need, the Location and orientation to the functions the greenhouse will serve winter sun are among the primary and what materials you’ll want to use considerations when building a before you make any financial com- greenhouse. You need to position it mitments.” in full sun to take advantage of natuThere are many types of green- ral solar heating in the winter. The houses to choose from, including purpose of your greenhouse is to prefabricated fiberglass or metal provide shelter, warmth and diffused structures that can be ordered light for your plants. online, greenhouse kits in various “Orient the ridge of the roof to materials that can be assembled on run east to west,” Kelley says. site, or purchasing plans to build one “Choose a firm, level, well-drained from the ground up. Campbell rec- site at least 30 feet from trees. Make ommends that if you’re going to sure you have access to electricity build your greenhouse, minimize the and water.” amount of wood you use. “The less Kelley says to check to see if building permits are required before starting construction. “Usually they’re A greenhouse can have an attractive not unless you’re pouring a concrete entrance and become a focal point in floor, but each jurisdiction is differyour garden. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org GEORGIA MAGAZINE 28 COURTESY OF CHARLEY’S GREENHOUSE COURTESY OF CHARLEY’S GREENHOUSE Go green all year long with hobby greenhouses http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - December 2010

Georgia Magazine - December 2010
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Currents
Claus With a Cause
Soaring With Eagles
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - December 2010