House Kit

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Green House Kit- The top 11 things you should consider before you buy!

What is your Hardiness Zone?

The following link will provide you with a wealth of information on your hardiness zone.  It is recommended you review this based on the region you are planning to put your green house kit.  You will also find information on what plants normally succeed in your zone.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html .

What are you going to grow?

Choosing the correct backyard greenhouse and accessories will optimize your greenhouse growing.  You should consider growing temperature, humidity, ventilation, light and fertilizer for the best hobby gardening  experience.

Do you have a budget?

If you are working within a budget as most of us are, choose a green house kit that will provide you with easy affordable preparation, cost effective installation and low maintenance without compromising quality.

Most garden greenhouses are usually out-grown within the first year.  You can find quality a green house kits that are easily expandable.

Some green house kits require a contractor and a permit which can be rather expensive. To keep your cost at a minimum you may want to consider a diy greenhouse and check with your local zoning department to see if you need a permit and the cost related.

What is your weather like?

Do you live in an extreme weather region? Does it get extremely hot or tremendously cold? Do you get a heavy snow load? Do you have frequent storms? Do storms cause hail and high winds?

All of these things you will want to consider when researching  backyard greenhouses .

Where you to place your green house kit?

Placement of your garden green house is important. It is recommended that the area have proper drainage, especially if you get a lot of rain or snow melt.

Make sure to take into consideration sun, wind and shade when picking out an area for your backyard greenhouse and check to the level of the area you are planning on placing it on.

Maintenance and Up-Keep of various frame materials.

All wooden frames are susceptible to rot and decay, if un-treated regularly with a wood preservative.    Often wood can warp and/or bend which can cause weakness/stress on the rest of the structure.  Termites should also be considered when using wood framed garden greenhouses.

Aluminum green house kis can easily be damaged.  Aluminum is a soft metal that can bend, warp and can certainly break.

Galvanized Steele garden greenhouses are low maintenance and virtually require no up-keep. Their down fall is if you want to hang things.

PVC frames are only recommended for structures that are covered in a light-weight plastic film.  This green house kit is high maintenance and will only last a few years.

Resin/ Polycarbonate greenhouse frames are low maintenance and require virtually no up-keep. The high-quality large- diameter frames will last for many years.

Maintenance of Glazing for the Backyard Greenhouse!

Tempered glass is long lasting and can require a fair amount of maintenance just in cleaning alone.  A Glass green house kit is susceptible to breakage from storms that produce hail or flying debris.

Plastic quality films on garden greenhouses can last up to 5 years. These greenhouses are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and are high maintenance.

Fiber glass garden greenhouses can be high maintenance, but cost-effective if maintained properly.

The acrylic and polycarbonate greenhouse panels are extremely durable and strong, providing you with low maintenance backyard greenhouse throughout the year.

Garden Greenhouses, Insulation of various frame Materials.

Aluminum/Galvanized Steele greenhouse frames are a conductor of the hot and cold. They heat up in the summer and freeze in the winter, bringing in the heat and cold temperatures you are trying to protect your plants from.

Wooden greenhouse frames can provide the insulation you need.  This will depend on the glazing you are using in your backyard greenhouse.

Resin/Plastic/Polycarbonate green house kit can also provide you with the insulation you desire.  This is also dependant on the glazing you are using with your backyard greenhouse.

Garden Greenhouses, The Insulation of various Glazing Materials.

Glass panels are the least efficient material for heat retention.  Glass has little insulation value and transmits heat and cold rapidly.

Acrylic/Polycarbonate greenhouse panels have become increasingly popular over the past decade, due to the fact of the low amount of heat loss they measure.  It is cost effective and can handle most weather conditions.  The polycarbonate is the also best substitute for glass if you are desire clear viewing in your greenhouse.

Plastic/Polyethylene Film is really dependant on the quality of the film. They can be a very good insulation if you have quality film, but are susceptible to easy damage from weather and have a maximum life expectancy of 3-5 years.

Fiberglass is not as efficient as resin/polycarbonate panels, but a lot more effective than glass. Fiberglass is a good replacement for glass if you do not objective to translucent vs. transparent.

Various types of Garden Greenhouse Foundations.

You should always install landscape clothe or felt barrier prior to putting any flooring material down!

Concrete foundations provide a smooth walking surface but can freeze when wet, so if you get freezing temperatures you may want to consider this. The main benefit is that it segregates your green house kit from soil-borne disease and insects in addition it is easy to clean and provides good heat storage. It is recommended that you provide a drainage system for a concrete foundation.  Also consider how you are going to anchor your backyard greenhouse to the foundation.

Wooden foundations are susceptible to rot, decay and termites. However it is a great source of insulation for your foundation. Keep in mind the up-keep and maintenance of wood as it can become time consuming and expensive.

Stone and brick have a striking appearance. But before you lay the bricks or stone it is recommended you place a layer of landscape clothe or felt barrier under a layer of sand to assist with additional drainage and weeds.

Crushed Gravel is the most popular choice for garden greenhouses, it is the most inexpensive and easy to install.  Placing landscape clothe or felt barrier under a layer of sand will help drainage.

Things to consider before you lay your Foundation.

A foundation is an important part for your backyard greenhouse. All garden greenhouses should have dimensions listed on the ordering or packaging material, make sure you get the "outside" dimensions if not provided. It is crucial that you cross-measure the foundation from corner to corner, and should be identical each way. A square and level foundation is essential for your green house kit.

If you are in a climate that has extreme winter conditions, make sure you know where your frost line is. Building your foundation below the frost line is recommended to avoid damage from the ground heaving.  If you are uncertain about where your frost line is located, contact your local Building Permit Agency and they should be able to provide you with that information.

To assist in minimizing heat loss through the soil you should consider the following. Insulate your foundation with 1" of foam to your frost line or 2 ft down. This will help with the help lower the cost of heating.

A few definitions:

R-Value:  R-Value measures the effectiveness of thermal insulation. The higher the number the greater heating and cooling efficiency your greenhouse kit will provide.

U-Factor: U-Factor measures the amount of heat loss through the material. The lower the factor the less heat is escaping from your garden greenhouse.

About the Author

Garden greenhouses have always been a passion of mine. I have spent decades growing organic vegetables for my family and friends to enjoy.  With years of experience, I found the polycarbonate greenhouse kit to be much more durable than your standard green house kit . This is due to the large-diameter garden greenhouse frames. It is important to me that we grow organic vegetables to provide the proper nourishment without all the controversial chemicals.

I'm making an emergency kit for my house, what all should be in it?

I am going to make an emergency kit for my home. What should be in it? Just in case a hurricane or some natural disaster hits and power is lost or we are trepped. What should go in every kit?
Thanks for your time and all answers are greatly appreciated!

(1) The first thing you should always have is a flashlight. Most of you probably already do.

(2) Blankets, if you have children, you should have more than one because you need to keep warm and it is dangerous to sit for a long period of time in a running car.

(3) First aid kit. My kit has band aids, large bandages, medical tape, Neosporin, peroxide, alcohol pads, ace bandages and burn cream.

(4) Hand warmers. These are little packet things that you can get at most places that sell camping gear.
(5) Food. I carry MRE's Meal ready to eat. You can get them at most military surplus stores.

(6) Water. In a lot of climates if you are stuck for a while the water will freeze. But most of the time it should be fine.
(7) Chains. If you live where there is a lot of snow, chains might be something you want to carry. Just in case.

(8) A tow strap. If you get stuck you want to make sure if anyone stops to help you that they can pull you out, they won't always have the equipment for that. So having one on hand helps.

(9) Extra socks, hats, gloves and coats. You might not always have your coat with you during the day, but if you are stuck it will be super cold come night time. Extra socks will be needed if your feet get wet.

(10) If you have a baby, extra diapers, wipes and formula. These are always nice to have on hand even if it's not an emergency situation

Here are the items you should always have available:

Fresh water: On average, assume you'll need at least two quarts of water per day, per person. That's the minimum you should store for drinking. Don't forget about your pets, too. Store water in clean, plastic containers. Bottled gallon jugs of water from the supermarket are good choices.

Food: Human beings can live for quite a long time without food, as long as they are adequately hydrated. However, it's important to your health and comfort that you keep some food on hand for emergencies. Opt for canned goods, which have a reasonably long shelf life and are generally safe from rodents or bugs. Choose items that are palatable cold, as you may not have fuel for heating. You might also consider "survival" packs or military packaged meals that are sold in sporting good or army surplus stores.

Warmth: If the power goes out, you may need to provide some warmth for your family. Stash a few blankets in your box, as well as some waterproof matches. You might even want to consider some extra warm clothing, such as sweatshirts or jackets. Hats, gloves and scarves are a good idea if your climate gets cold in the winter.

Sanitation: Basic hygiene and sanitation should still be maintained. Include some antiseptic gel, premoistened wipes and toilet paper.

Tools: Don't forget the basics like a flashlight, extra batteries, pliers, hammer, nails, and radio. A compass might be useful if you intend to spend some time on foot. You should also pack a can opener and a knife. A flare and a whistle can be used to signal rescuers, so include them in the kit. Basic First Aid equipment - like bandages, splints, tape and pain relievers - should also be part of your emergency supplies.

Remember: Food expires, batteries die, and moths can eat through blankets. Check your supplies once a year to ensure that everything is safe and maintained. Replace anything that's old, non-working or expired.
one flashlight (electric torch) with batteries
spare batteries
one pair trauma shears (EMT shears/pennycutters)
two pairs nitrile exam gloves
one biohazard waste bag (any sturdy, sealable plastic bag will do)
one SAM splint (Structural Aluminum Malleable)
two triangular bandages
four 4"x4" gauze pads (lint/surgical sponges)
two rolls 4" gauze (roller bandage/cling)
ten adhesive bandages (sticking plasters) (Elastoplast/Band-aid type)
one roll 1/2" medical adhesive tape
two 5"x9" abdominal pads
one pocket face mask (keychain-style CPR mask)
one bottle 81 mg chewable aspirin
two 6" elastic bandages (Ace bandages)
six safety pins
six alcohol prep pads
six povodine iodine prep pads
one pen
one notebook
inventory list

3D Home Kit: Complete Materials To Design & Build a Model of Your Own Home Building Project