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by:
Gothic Arch Greenhouses
Every serious gardener yearns for warm weather to extend his hobby to a year-round pleasure...
to enjoy the fragrance of spring blossoms all through the year...to harvest fresh ripe tomatoes
in January...or to start bedding and vegetable plants for early spring planting. He or she
would love nothing more than to have his own greenhouse and garden twelve months of the year.
 Until recently, a greenhouse was considered a luxury item, affordable to only the very wealthy.
However, with today's unpredictable weather extremes and the polluted condition of our environment,
growing your own flowers, fruits and vegetables in a beautiful, quality greenhouse structure
becomes a very practical option.
Today, thanks to development in greenhouse engineering, improved longevity in rigid plastics and
availability of prefabricated greenhouse kits, a quality greenhouse can be enjoyed by everyone.
A true quality greenhouse of your own will last a lifetime, providing you with years of enjoyment,
and actually increase the value of your property.
The growing interest in hobby greenhouses has created a dazzling array of new greenhouse designs and manufacturers,
enough to cause confusion to anyone selecting a greenhouse.
That's why we have prepared this brief question and answer guide to help you in defining your
greenhouse needs. Naturally, we like to think that a Gothic Arch Greenhouse is the perfect answer
for anyone wanting a functional, quality greenhouse that is durable, energy-efficient and beautiful!
Every serious gardener yearns for warm weather to extend his hobby to a year-round pleasure... to enjoy the fragrance of spring blossoms all through the year...to harvest fresh ripe tomatoes in January...or to start bedding and vegetable plants for early spring planting. He or she would love nothing more than to have his own greenhouse and garden twelve months of the year.
Until recently, a greenhouse was considered a luxury item, affordable to only the very wealthy. However,
 with today's unpredictable weather extremes and the polluted condition of our environment, growing your own flowers, fruits and vegetables in a beautiful, quality greenhouse structure becomes a very practical option.
Today, thanks to development in greenhouse engineering, improved longevity in rigid plastics and availability of prefabricated greenhouse kits, a quality greenhouse can be enjoyed by everyone.
A true quality greenhouse of your own will last a lifetime, providing you with years of enjoyment, and actually increase the value of your property.
The growing interest in hobby greenhouses has created a dazzling array of new greenhouse designs and manufacturers, enough to cause confusion to anyone selecting a greenhouse.
That's why we have prepared this brief question and answer guide to help you in defining your greenhouse needs. Naturally, we like to think that a Gothic Arch Greenhouse is the perfect answer for anyone wanting a functional, quality greenhouse that is durable, energy-efficient and beautiful!
Attached or Freestanding Greenhouse?
The lean-to or even-span attached greenhouse is convenient when weather is bad. You can step out your door and into your greenhouse without ever setting foot outside. If you have a south or southeast facing wall, the attached greenhouse makes sense, especially from an energy standpoint. In the colder months, the attached greenhouse can contribute greatly to the heating of your home.
On the other hand, a freestanding greenhouse provides the most flexibility for expansion and is usually less expensive per square foot than the attached or lean-to style. A freestanding design also offers more flexibility in greenhouse placement. No one greenhouse style suits everyone, so care should be taken when choosing the best style to meet your particular gardening needs.
What size should I buy?
The best advice is to consider a greenhouse as large as your site and budget will allow. Most beginners make the mistake of ordering a small greenhouse that is quickly filled to overflowing, causing poor plant growth due to lack of air and sudden temperature changes. If, from necessity, you have to order a small greenhouse at the start, make certain you order one that can be enlarged at a later date without much trouble or expense. Most freestanding greenhouses can be expanded later, while attached or lean-to styles offer less flexibility.
What are my framing options?
Based on your particular needs, you may choose from an inexpensive temporary framing of PVC and thin metal tubing, to a more durable but costly steel and aluminum structure. However, from the viewpoint of strength, looks and energy-efficiency, a beautifully hand crafted framing of natural cypress is head and shoulders above all the rest
Can I build it myself?
 Yes, and have fun and save a bundle doing it!
Unless your site and greenhouse needs require custom-fitting, to be designed by an architect and built from scratch by a contractor, your best bet is to consider a prefabricated model. You will save architect fees, eliminate excessive labor costs and waste, and feel the pride of having done it yourself.
In a quality pre-fab greenhouse kit, you receive materials that are especially suited to the humidity of a greenhouse environment, engineered to fit and work together, and includes all related hardware. Manufacturers buy in bulk and sell direct to the customer, passing their savings along to you. Building your own greenhouse from a quality pre-fabricated kit is a practical option.-
What are my framing options?
Based on your particular needs, you may choose from an inexpensive temporary framing of PVC and thin metal tubing, to a more durable but costly steel and aluminum structure. However, from the viewpoint of strength, looks and energy-efficiency, a beautifully hand crafted framing of natural cypress is head and shoulders above all the rest.
What type of covering is best?
There are several types of greenhouse coverings to choose from, so several factors must be taken into
consideration when selecting your greenhouse cover. Some things to consider are:
radiation (photosynthetic, heat and UV transmission), insulation characteristics, installation,
maintenance, longevity and superstructure requirements.
Glass is one of the best light transmitters at 93-95%. Glass, however, does not readily
transmit heat radiation. Heat cannot escape and air temperatures can
rise dramatically inside the greenhouse, even in winter, which may spell ruin for many
delicate plants. Another drawback is that glass requires a superstructure with more
components than those needed for polycarbonate or fiberglass greenhouses.
Glass also weighs more and comes in smaller units which translate into higher shipping
costs and more labor.
Twin-wall polycarbonate, considered to be state-of-the-art in greenhouse coverings allows 85% light transmission
and reduces heat loss in the winter by 35-40%. It is highly impact resistant and requires little
maintenance.
Twin-walled polycarbonate is easily supported by a less dense
superstructure, allowing more light to be transmitted to your plants. Single layer polycarbonate
glazing is also available with 96% light transmission for use where winters are milder.
Polyethylene film plastic which requires frequent replacement is the least costly and
more temporary option. However, one can start with a poly film cover and convert
to a more permanent rigid polycarbonate covering in the future.
In Summary
The best advice to follow in selecting a greenhouse is to buy what suits your needs and your budget. Buy from a reputable manufacturer who guarantees his products and his workmanship. Buy as large a greenhouse as you can afford, or one that gives you the option of adding on at a later date. Make certain the greenhouse you select provides ample air content and movement.
 
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