Greenhouse, finally.

[Regelian]

A wish has finally come true. A greenhouse! OK, read between the lines : a new learning curve.
As I am in Europe (Germany), I thought i would share the experience, as wee do have different conditions and, our costs and available materials are different. I mean, electric heating, you must be joking.

Basic infos: 3m x 5m x 3m high (at gabel), about 40 m³ volume (remember 1m = 39.+ inches, say 40" for easy conversion, so 1m³ is about 100 ft.³)
Cement tile flooring (gray and cheap) on 10cm Sand.
Foundation poured cement wall 40cm deep
Wall Isol-glas 16mm, Ug-Wert 2,0, Liight transparence 81%, UV-transparent 30%
Roof Plexiglas 16mm chambered panels, Ug-Wert 2,2, transparence 91% , UV 100% transparent
Frame Aluminium
Heating Propane gas
Temperatur Nights min. 14°C
Humidity 60%-80%
Constant air movement via Ventilator
3 Roof windows with automatic openers
Sliding door

As I was researching materials I found plexi-similar panels, but they allowed less light through and were not UV-transparent. Also, the thermal qualities were not optimal. Considerably cheaper, but this is MY GREENHOUSE! Do it once, do it right. - Penny for the pound - pay now or pay later....you get the picture.

I had the wall in isolation glass, as this gives a better optic and, although not as transparent, is certainly enough for the sides. I could have used it for the roof and, in retrospect, it may have made little difference (other than being less expensive), as a shade cloth is still required for the Summer. Our Winters are pretty dark, which made me er to the more light side of the equation.

The propane heating was the best solution and this little guy is doing the job. Going through about 22K each week, when nights are around the freezing point in the garden. On sunny days the temps reach 25°C on their own. A ventilator is a must, preventing warm spots near the windows, etc.

I have had this since about November 2017 and the growth on the plants has improved markedly. Did manage to give two Vandas some leaf-burn. Yes, learning curve!

Jamie