| For busy gardeners, buying a Green House Kit offers | | | | footage almost immediately. Once you actually begin |
| one compelling advantage: Everything you need to | | | | using the greenhouse, you'll discover a whole new |
| build your greenhouse down to the last nut and bolt | | | | world of possibilities. |
| and delivered right to your door. Besides shopping | | | | HOW TO EVALUATE GREEN HOUSE KITS |
| convenience, a ready-to-assemble green house kit | | | | Consider both greenhouse kit cost and ease of |
| removes the guesswork, a big plus if you're a | | | | assembly. Complex, ornate designs will generally be |
| first-time greenhouse owner. | | | | more expensive and more time-consuming to |
| Most kit greenhouses can be assembled by two | | | | assemble. But generally,the more expensive the |
| people in two days or less. You will first have to build | | | | design, the more complete the kit will be. |
| a foundation and make utility arrangements: electrical, | | | | Simpler, less expensive kits sometimes require |
| water, etc.. | | | | additional purchases. |
| Sometimes it's advantageous to buy your kit from a | | | | If your kit doesn't include everything you need to |
| greenhouse supplier who also offers a line of | | | | build a green house, determine what else you may |
| high-quality accessories, such as shelving,lighting and | | | | need to purchase, and consider the degree of |
| irrigation systems. It's always tempting to purchase | | | | assembly complexity this introduces into the equation. |
| general purpose accessories from a discount store. | | | | In many high-end kits, all structured components are |
| Sometimes these discount solutions will do the trick. | | | | pre-drilled, all panels are cut to fit. In less expensive |
| But it's worth pointing out that greenhouse | | | | kits, you may find yourself cutting panels and drilling |
| equipment is specially designed to survive dirt, | | | | holes. |
| insects, extreme heat and moisture, and to fit | | | | Calculate the true cost of your greenhouse. To the |
| without damaging the greenhouse or voiding its | | | | kit price, add shipping, taxes,the cost of the |
| warranty. | | | | foundation, utility connections, and labor cost, if any. |
| POPULAR GREENHOUSE MODELS | | | | If possible, read the assembly manual online before |
| When you begin researching before buying a green | | | | you purchase to see whether you possess the |
| house kit, you'll quickly discover that there are many | | | | necessary level of skill required. If it looks like you'll |
| options available. You'll find both attached and | | | | need help, be sure to budget labor cost. |
| freestanding models, and in a wide variety of sizes | | | | When the kit arrives,unpack the pieces carefully, and |
| and construction styles.You'll find curved and straight | | | | count everything immediately to make sure you |
| eaves, roof, side and end vents, and various gutter | | | | received exactly what you were supposed |
| drainage systems. Framing materials include wood, | | | | to.Contact your supplier immediately if any pieces are |
| PVC, and various gauges of aluminum and steel | | | | missing. You don't want missing pieces to hold up |
| frames. Coverings include tempered glass, double-or | | | | your assembly process. |
| triple-wall rigid plastic panels, and clear plastic sheeting. | | | | Study the plans thoroughly before beginning |
| Analyze many models, keeping your goals (and, of | | | | assembly. Building a green house kit is similar to |
| course, your budget) in mind. | | | | working a jigsaw puzzle. Every piece is designed to |
| It's a good idea to make sure that the green house | | | | fit hand in glove. Don't skip steps! Most greenhouses |
| kit you have your eye on will expand to | | | | will last for many years if properly assembled and |
| accommodate your future needs. Many greenhouse | | | | properly maintained. |
| owners find that they need to expand their square | | | | |