An economical option for a do-it-yourself winter greenhouse. DIY winter greenhouse: types of heating. Do-it-yourself greenhouse heating system installation

Building your own winter greenhouse is an excellent solution for any practical summer resident. Not every country has a climate that allows you to pamper yourself with delicious vegetables. You can solve this problem by making such a design yourself.

structures that have to be dismantled and hidden in the fall;
products in which it is possible to grow plants in winter.

Winter greenhouses have a complex design, so it’s not easy to build them yourself. They need the construction of a reliable frame, which must be located on the foundation. In addition, you will need to install a heating system. The efficiency of the building depends on it. A winter greenhouse must have:

heating system;
lighting;
irrigation system;
ventilation.

The dimensions of the structure are determined based on the number of crops that will be grown. It is important to use high-quality coating material. A thin film will not be able to protect crops from frost and snow. The advantage is additional insulation of the walls.

Photo gallery: DIY winter greenhouses - the best projects

Small greenhouse made of polycarbonate Greenhouse of unusual shape Ventilated roof structure Greenhouse roof made of glass and tiles Product coated with athermal glass Plants inside a greenhouse Greenhouse with ventilated roof Greenhouse with glass cover Greenhouse with a high stone base Connecting a greenhouse to a private house Frame frame design Winter underground structure covered with glass Greenhouse with reinforced frame and film covering Metal frame for winter greenhouse Gable winter greenhouse Greenhouse with glass cover Greenhouse with polycarbonate coating A greenhouse covered with cellular polycarbonate

A greenhouse can be built from various materials. The construction market is overflowing with a variety of coatings that are characterized by high strength, low weight and low price. This makes it possible to choose materials within a small budget. At the preparation stage, you will need to create a design plan.

Greenhouses can be divided not only by coating materials, but also by external shape:

Single-pitch product. It is wall-mounted and has a filling of earth.
The gable structure has solid walls and a glazed roof.
Arched structure. Can be oval and asymmetrical.
Combined construction. It can be rectangular or arched on a high base.
A rectangular structure with an arched, pitched or gable roof.

Various forms of greenhouses can be seen in the figure:

Greenhouses of different shapes

Based on the location of the structure, it can be divided into the following:

thermos products that go deep into the soil;
detached buildings;
greenhouses that are adjacent to the main building: a bathhouse, a private house, a garage.

The latter product is capable of receiving additional heat from a common wall. As a result, it will be possible to reduce heating costs.

Design selection criteria:

First of all, you will need to calculate the parameters, since further calculations depend on them.
It is important to take into account functionality: first clarify the characteristics of the plants that will be grown.
The microclimate inside the building depends on the correct placement of the product at the ground level. If desired, the greenhouse can be immersed underground and get the effect of a thermos. Most often, buildings are erected on the ground surface. Some craftsmen advise making greenhouses in old buildings (garage or barn).

A large number of architectural solutions makes it possible to realize any ideas. You can build the product yourself or purchase a ready-made building. Summer residents often grow flowers for sale. If the choice fell on exotic plants, then you need to calculate the costs and study the construction requirements.

Their advantages and disadvantages

A lean-to greenhouse is a wall-mounted structure. The width varies from 2.6 to 3 m. You can choose any length. Glass, film or polycarbonate can be used as cladding material.

Lean greenhouse adjacent to the house

The advantages of such a greenhouse:

An excellent option for a winter garden or greenhouse when there is a transition to a private house.
Takes up little space.
Low consumption of materials.

If you plan to use the greenhouse all year round, you will need to connect it to a centralized heating system. This may incur additional costs.

Design disadvantages:

It is impossible to place the product on the north side, as it will be shaded. As a result, one of the walls will be wet.
There is much less light in a greenhouse than in a separate building. Therefore, you will need to conduct electricity and arrange powerful lighting.

The most common greenhouses are gable ones.

Capital gable greenhouse

All walls are located at right angles to the soil. The optimal roof slope is 30–40°.

Product advantages:

Possibility to set any ridge height. The height of the roof will depend on the width of the building.
If the shape of the house is chosen, tall plants can be grown in the greenhouse.
It is possible to use polycarbonate for coating. Accordingly, there is no need to build a foundation.
It is possible to install vents in the roof.
Larger air volume with unchanged dimensions.

Flaws:

If the product is covered with glass, then you will need to make a foundation.
There is no possibility to redevelop the site in the future, since the weight of the structure is high due to the foundation.
A large number of joints, which has a bad effect on the ability to retain heat. The problem can be solved by installing rubber gaskets.
High consumption of materials when compared with arched construction.
The need to use thick polycarbonate.

In some cases, summer residents erect an arched structure.

Arch-shaped design with polycarbonate coating

The frame has an arc shape. You can choose any length. Maximum height - 2 m.

Advantages of arched construction:

Ease of installation.
Possibility of increasing the length.
Low consumption of coating material. Polycarbonate is applied as a continuous sheet.
Minimum number of seams.
No need to build a foundation.
Low cost.
Possibility of dismantling.
High strength.

The disadvantages include:

Limited height. If you need a greenhouse with a height of more than 2 m, then you will need to strengthen the frame.
Low resistance to strong winds and snow.
It is impossible to install vents in the roof.

The choice of form largely depends on the personal preferences of the summer resident.

Determining the dimensions of the structure

To draw up a drawing, you will need to determine the dimensions of the greenhouse.

What should the width be?

Width is the main indicator in the process of determining the dimensions of a structure. In a narrow building, monitoring plants is problematic. The width of the greenhouse should be such that the product is comfortable to use.

Layout of beds for a greenhouse with optimal width

In addition, this indicator will depend on how many beds need to be planted. The distance between the rows also has an impact. For example, if the beds are large, then it is quite difficult to reach the extreme point while watering the plants. If the beds are small in width, then useful area will be lost on the paths.

The practice of summer residents with extensive experience shows that the optimal option is when several beds are 80–85 cm, and the passage between them is 35–45 cm. Based on these indicators, the recommended width of the greenhouse will be 2.4–2.6 m. If you need to make not 2, but 3 beds, then the width of the product should be 3–3.4 m. In this case, the width of the bed will be 50–60 cm, and the distance between the beds will be 65–70 cm.

The minimum width of the greenhouse is 2.4 m. It is necessary to take into account the width of the door. The optimal size is 60 cm. This passage will provide comfortable movement for the summer resident. If you plan to use a wheelbarrow, you will need to make the door wider - about 90 cm.

In some cases, a building is made with several aisles and a central rack about 95 cm wide. The width of such a structure should be 3.8–4.2 m.

Determining the length of the building

This parameter does not affect anything, it can be anything. Most often, greenhouses are built so long that it is a multiple of 60 or 120 cm. In this case, it will be possible to easily attach the floor panels, which are made in a standard size.

When determining the length, you need to take into account the number and size of pallets that need to be placed on the rack. Therefore, the length of the building must correspond to the length of the racks that are located on them. It is also important to take into account the area needed for the tracks along the two ends of the shelves.

Optimal building height

It is important that there is little space left between the plants that are placed in the soil or on shelves, while at the same time the summer resident has enough space to conveniently maintain them.

For example, if you plan to grow short plants in the ground, then the height of the greenhouse from the top door cornice to the ceiling will be 40–60 cm. If you want to grow plants on racks, then you need to add the dimensions of the shelves to the height.

Important: the height of the greenhouse ridge must be greater than the given value of the side walls. If the height in the ridge is 2.3–2.4 m, then in the cornice it will be 1.6–1.7 m.

The height of the door must be adjusted to the average height of the user. Most often the value is 1.8 m.

Drawing up diagrams and drawings

On the diagram you need to indicate the length, width and height that were calculated earlier.

A competent drawing is based on the shape and dimensions of the structure, and the construction diagram should be based on the requirements for this structure and the purpose of its use. It is recommended to take photos and dimensions of finished greenhouse frames as a basis or draw up a greenhouse project yourself.

An example of a competent drawing

Ready-made structures, which are manufactured at the factory, imply full compliance of the material and frame used with the main load and conditions of use. The design of a product that is built by hand should be based on similar rules.

The technology for drawing up a design diagram implies compliance with the following features:

The frame in most cases is made of pipes or metal profiles. This is the best option for such structures.
Lumber absorbs moisture, so it is not recommended to use it for making frames.
If for some reason it was decided to use wood, then it is necessary to treat it with an antiseptic and apply a layer of varnish, which can extend the service life of the structure.
The product diagram must be drawn up in accordance with the calculation of the characteristics of possible loads on the frame structure and coating. It is important to take into account the loads from wind and snow.
If the design does not involve the manufacture of a durable frame, then the product must be cleared of snow from time to time in winter. Such a frame structure is cheaper, but it is less practical.

The frame of the building can be made of the following materials:

aluminum;
steel;
wood;
plastic.

Frame diagram of a small greenhouse

It is important to carefully consider how the heating system will be placed.

Greenhouse water heating scheme

Most often, modern greenhouses use water heating, which involves heating the plants being grown during the cold period by means of hot water that circulates in pipes.

If the greenhouse is installed near a private house, then you can connect it to the building’s heating system. In this case, the heating diagram will make it possible to correctly correlate the heating system of the greenhouse with a similar system in a private house. However, in most cases, an independent system is built for a greenhouse.

Selection of material for manufacturing

In the process of drawing up a diagram, it is necessary to take into account the material that will be used to cover the frame. The winter greenhouse must be durable and airtight, so wood or metal are suitable materials. These materials are durable, so you can choose any one. Wood is easy to work with, but metal is more reliable. Wood will not heat up at elevated temperatures.

The racks must be strong and thick, otherwise they will not be able to withstand the weight of the building and the load from snow on the roof.

Suitable materials for cladding:

glass;
polyethylene;
polycarbonate

If the choice fell on film, then the frame must be sheathed in several layers. It is not recommended to use this material for arranging the entire product.

Quite often greenhouses are made with glass coverings.

Small glass greenhouse

The main advantages of this material:

High level of transparency and durability. Unlike other coatings, the transparency of glass remains unchanged during use. You only need to wash the windows from dust and dirt from time to time.
The material is environmentally friendly. It will not emit odors when heated.
Glass does not interact with other elements, so if chemicals or fertilizers come into contact with it, the glass will not change its properties.

The disadvantages include:

Fragility. If for any reason the frame structure of the greenhouse changes its geometry, the glass facing sheets will break.
The material is heavy, and therefore the frame needs to be strengthened.
The material is suitable exclusively for stationary structures.
Increased thermal conductivity. The air temperature in glass products decreases quickly in frosty conditions and at night.
High cost of material. This type of coating is the most expensive.

Another type of coating is polyethylene.

Polyethylene coated construction

Main advantages:

Can be used for the manufacture of structures of any complexity.
Low cost.
Easy to install film.

The disadvantage is that the material is short-lived. A greenhouse that is covered with polyethylene is not able to withstand the weight of snow and strong winds. Therefore, summer residents need to remove the film from the frame structure in the winter. However, such actions have a positive effect on the condition of the soil.

Not long ago, a new material called agrofibre appeared on sale.

Agrofibre-coated construction

Unlike polyethylene, the material is durable and has a high level of transparency. Agrofibre can withstand heavy weight and strong gusts of wind. The material is breathable, so the greenhouse will not need to be ventilated often. Another advantage is the lightness of the product. This makes it possible to move the greenhouse from place to place.

Another material is polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate coated product

This type of coating is quite popular, as it combines the advantages of the first two types. The material is a lightweight, transparent plastic that has a high level of light transmittance. Polycarbonate also has the following advantages:

The material is durable and can withstand significant loads.
Low thermal conductivity. This makes it possible to save heat inside the greenhouse for a long time.

During hot weather, the temperature inside a polycarbonate structure can exceed 60°C, so the product must be ventilated. It is recommended to provide windows in the building.

You need to choose the material based on your needs.

Calculation of the amount of material

You cannot make mistakes in the process of drawing up a drawing and calculating materials - everything must be accurate to within 1 mm. Be sure to indicate the dimensions of the parts, even if they are repeated. An example of calculating the material for making a frame is shown in the figure below:

An example of calculating material for a frame

Installation of polycarbonate sheets

One standard sheet is 6 m long, and the thickness does not matter. The circumference of a standard greenhouse is also 6 m. If you decide to make a greenhouse with a house, then the formula will be as follows: H x 2 + W, where H is the height of the structure, and W is the width.

Standard sizes of polycarbonate

The sheet width is 2.1 m, which is 10 cm more than the standard span between greenhouse sections. This makes it possible to make a hermetically sealed overlap of sheets.

The end part of the structure has a width of 3 m and a height of 2.1 m. To cover 2 ends, you need 1 sheet of polycarbonate.

A sheet 6 m long needs to be cut into two parts to get 2 sections of 3 m each. The height of the sections will be 2.1 m. The elements completely repeat the dimensions of the pediment.

Accordingly, for a greenhouse 4 m long, 3 sheets of material are needed. The first sheet is attached to the end part of the structure, and the remaining 2 sheets cover the product in the upper part. If you plan to make a structure 6 m long, then you need to purchase 4 sheets of material. For a greenhouse 8 m long you will need 5 sheets of polycarbonate.

To make a greenhouse you will need the following elements:

brush;
dye;
concrete mixture for preparing mortar;
roulette;
building level;
sand;
electric drill;
frame material;
reinforcing mesh;
nails;
hammer;
coating material.

It is important to prepare tools and materials in advance so as not to stop the construction process.

Instructions for making a greenhouse

The construction of a greenhouse begins with choosing the location of the structure. It is important to consider the following factors:

It is important to choose a place protected from the wind. If there is often strong wind in the chosen location, then you need to think about protecting the product. This will make it possible to reduce heating costs and continuously maintain the optimal temperature.
The winter greenhouse should receive a large amount of daylight. It is recommended to position the structure lengthwise from west to east.
Access or passage to the structure must be convenient and wide. Thanks to this, it will be convenient to use the building for its intended purpose.

To protect the greenhouse from the wind, summer residents often plant a hedge. It should be remembered that the fence must be located at a distance of at least 10 m. The distance depends on the height of the ridge.

How to make a base for a greenhouse?

The simplest method of constructing a base for a greenhouse is to tie its perimeter with slats with a section of 12x12 cm.

Wooden base for a greenhouse

Sequence of manufacturing steps:

Dig a trench.
Lay out the roofing felt.
Mount the timber in several rows.
Connect the rows with pins.
Attach the greenhouse using construction corners.

The advantage of such a foundation is the possibility of dismantling and ease of installation. The disadvantage is that the base is subject to rot, even if protective agents are used. Accordingly, it is recommended to use the foundation exclusively as a temporary option.

If the area is damp, then a block base is suitable.

Greenhouse block foundation

You can do it this way:

You will need to pour a 10 cm thick layer of gravel onto the prepared soil.
Concrete must be poured on top of the fill.
Place the starting block in the solution.
Using a building level, the block must be leveled horizontally and vertically.
The hollow block will need to be filled with concrete mortar and compacted.
The base of the foundation needs to be smoothed.
Using a construction cord, the clinker should be laid.
After the solution has hardened, it is necessary to cover the seams.

Where the base adjoins the walls of the greenhouse, it is important to use whole bricks. The gaps between the material can be filled with small pieces.

The most reliable foundation is a brick structure on a concrete base. Manufacturing instructions:

First of all, you will need to dig a pit 10 cm deep and 20 cm wide.
If the soil is loose and soft, then it is recommended to make formwork from old slats.
The container must be filled with concrete mortar.
A building level must be mounted on a long straight plank to check the horizontalness of the concrete base.
Anchor bolts with a diameter of 10 mm should be installed on the sides and ends. Installation must be done so that they correspond to the base of the frame structure.
After 6–7 days, the initial row of bricks is laid. The seams between adjacent elements must be completely filled with the mixture.

Visually, the base manufacturing process can be seen in the figure:

Making a brick base

During the installation of the greenhouse, it is necessary to drill holes for the bolts in the frame structure, after which the joints are tightened with nuts. It is recommended to lay a waterproofing layer between the wooden frame and the bricks.

How to make a base, walls and frame?

One of the main processes is the construction of the base. The element is made from new brick.

Base for greenhouse

Sequencing:

Instructions for constructing the frame:

Additionally, corner supports can be provided.

How to sheathe the frame?

As mentioned earlier, it is best to use polycarbonate. It is worth knowing that the plastic coating expands in the heat and contracts when the temperature drops.

When installing the material, the following factors should be taken into account:

Installation of polycarbonate on the frame is carried out in a certain direction. Sheets must be positioned vertically.
The parts are mounted with the outer side facing out.
If you plan to build an arc greenhouse, then the sheets are attached in the direction of the arcs of the frame structure.
When constructing a pitched product, polycarbonate is attached along the vertical posts and rafters.
Do not over-tighten the fasteners.

Polycarbonate can be fixed with various fasteners.

The rules for installing fasteners are contained in the figure:

Rules for installing self-tapping screws in polycarbonate

Step-by-step instructions for covering the frame:

First of all, you will need to cut the sheets. They need to be placed vertically so that condensation can drain from the voids. The sheets must be cut so that the joints fall on the profile of the frame structure.
The minimum roof overhang is 50 mm.
Small roof overhang for joining surfaces
If there is no overhang, then the junction of the inclined and vertical base must be secured with an adjustable corner profile.
The lower end parts must be covered with a special profile, having previously been pasted over with aluminum tape. Special profiles are also produced for external corners, ridge and longitudinal joints:
Types of profiles for polycarbonate
To fix material with a metal frame, it is recommended to use self-tapping screws with large heads and rubber gaskets.
Large parts must be installed through a connection profile. There is no need to screw screws into the panels. The sheets are attached to the profile with a gap of several mm. The process can be seen in the figure:
Installation of large parts through a split profile

You can drill polycarbonate using standard metal drills.

Video: covering a greenhouse with polycarbonate

Finally, you will need to install the door.

Greenhouse interior design

At this stage, you need to install electricity and water into the structure. It is recommended to involve a specialist. Sequencing:

Lighting outlets are distributed and shut-off valves are installed.
Installation of lamps. They must be selected based on the characteristics of the plants. The best option is LED lamps.
At the next stage, you need to choose the type of growing plants - on beds or racks.
The soil is brought in, substrates, fertilizers and various additives are prepared.

Finally, heating is installed.

Video: instructions for installing heating in a greenhouse

It is important to choose a heating system based on your needs and capabilities.

How to heat?

The productivity of the greenhouse depends on the type of heating. Today there are many heating options: To choose, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them:

Electric Energy. It is possible to perform installation on an area that is located far from the house. It is allowed to use a convector, cable heating, heat pump and water heating.
Gas. In the greenhouse you will need to install a gas heater in which combustion will take place. To prevent oxygen burnout, good ventilation must be provided.
Bake. The option is affordable and economical. Gas, coal or wood are used as fuel. The disadvantage is the heating of the walls. It is not allowed to plant plants near the stove.
Sun. Not suitable for winter, as the sun's rays will not be able to heat it. Can be combined with other heating sources.

You need to choose a heating system based on the local climate, planned budget and type of plants grown.

To extend the life of the greenhouse, it is important to consider the following:

To prevent heavy snow drift, the structure should be placed at a distance of 1–2 m from buildings, fences and trees.
After snowfalls, the greenhouse needs to be cleaned.
To prevent the product from being torn off by the wind, metal pegs must be driven into the corners of the building.
Polycarbonate can be cleaned with a soft cloth soaked in water.

Greenhouses do not require special attention, but periodic cleaning is recommended.

If you approach the issue of construction responsibly and follow the technology, then you can make a high-quality structure with your own hands, in which it will be possible to grow almost any plants.

All greenhouses and greenhouses are clearly divided into two groups: those intended for growing vegetables and flowers in severe frosts, and those that are dismantled and hidden in the shed in the fall. And winter greenhouses are much more complex both in their design and in their functionality than summer ones, and therefore they are not easy to build. Although everything is possible if there is reliable, easy-to-understand information - as in this article, which tells in detail how to build a winter greenhouse with your own hands: detailed tips will help you understand everything.

Typical technology for constructing such a building

So, how to build a winter greenhouse and what to pay attention to during work? Just like the summer one - except that a foundation will be needed. And then, as soon as the installation of the greenhouse is completed, you can begin. So, polycarbonate greenhouses running on biofuel are considered the most reliable in this regard - this is the most ideal option for a summer residence. After all, technical heating has its limits, and it is not so cheap. But for a structure that stands right next to the house, it is quite suitable, because it can be connected to a communal heating system. So, in order to determine the correct heating wiring, it is necessary to take into account the following formula: the amount of heat demand = the temperature difference between the thermal conductivity coefficient and the glazing area. And calculating this value is just the first step.

Now you need to select heating devices. Aluminum convectors are considered one of the best, they evenly distribute heat throughout the greenhouse.

The next step is to prepare the soil. Its optimal composition is a layer of sand + a layer of turf soil + a layer of humus. To treat such soil, you need to prepare a mixture of a teaspoon of urea and one teaspoon of superphosphate - this way all pests will be destroyed in winter.

So, as soon as all the elements of the heat accumulator are laid at the bottom of the pit and its ventilation pipes are installed, everything needs to be covered with PVC film on top. This is necessary to ensure that the soil does not get into the heat accumulator and eventually clog it. On the other hand, such a coating helps create good conditions in the greenhouse for the accumulation of humus.

Option #2 – gable winter building

You can also build a good-quality gable winter greenhouse with your own hands without any problems. It can be fenced with greenhouse frames or glazed. Even a small vestibule with a work area can be made literally from available materials and in a relatively short time.

So, the optimal design of a winter greenhouse of this profile looks like this:

The foundation should have a cross-section of 40x40 cm.
The walls need to be laid out in one brick - 25 cm, and beams with a cross-section of 15x15 cm should be placed on them, with the obligatory grooves for greenhouse frames.
The rafter part is made of bars with a cross-section of 10x10 cm. The rafters themselves should be connected by longitudinal bars, which are laid on the walls, together with the ridge beam. The latter should be done with a section of 12x12 cm.
It is better to sew up all the gaps between the frames after work with slats, and it would not hurt to install a galvanized profile on the canopy.

Such a winter greenhouse made of polycarbonate, with a glazed roof and heating, will, of course, cost more, but it is more durable and much more convenient during operation. More expensive - because you will definitely have to install heating in it. Therefore, if you want to grow vegetables that do not cost gold, then it is better to immediately invest more so that you can lose less. What are we talking about? About a modern heating cable that is used to heat the floor.

Here are detailed instructions on how to build this miracle greenhouse:

Step 1. Dig a trench under the foundation and lay 8 mm of reinforcement in it.
Step 2. Place about 50 mm of EPS on the inside of the trench.
Step 3. Place the greenhouse frame on the foundation and fill the foundation with concrete.
Step 4. Place polystyrene foam on the bottom of the greenhouse, if desired, consider a small drainage to remove excess moisture from watering.
Step 5. At this stage, you can paint the frame and pour the first layer of flooring.
Step 6. Next, lay the heated floor according to the manufacturer’s technology (see attached instructions).
Step 7. To prevent the floor from cracking in winter, now, at this stage, tighten everything with a road mesh.
Step 8. Make the final screed and secure the polycarbonate to the frame.

This completes the installation. This is what it looks like:

Option #3 – budget greenhouse with double skin

Here are some good tips for building a double-skin conservatory.

We cover the roof of the greenhouse with triple air bubble film, and the walls with double regular film. Why is it different on the roof? The fact is that with a double conventional film, condensation will constantly accumulate there, and it is quite difficult to remove it. Therefore, take a hydrophilic film on top - no drops will flow from it. And you will still have enough sunlight.

For the winter, in such a greenhouse you need to cover all the windows with slats, except one, and starting in February, you can open one at a time. For a winter greenhouse, subsoil heating is very important: it can be pipes laid in the ground, electric heating or "". And against severe frosts it is better to use additionally.

The biggest problem of any winter greenhouse is not the air temperature or even the tons of snow on all sides. This is deep freezing of the soil. For example, in Siberia this value can reach 2.3 meters! Naturally, freezing still reaches the greenhouse, and the soil inside needs to be protected from it. First of all, many people use foam blocks or adobe blocks as a foundation, which, with cement mortar and polymer mastic against moisture, replace 70 cm of brickwork with a thickness of 40 cm. It is also advisable to insulate the inside of the greenhouse near the ground - preferably with polystyrene foam well wrapped in thick polyethylene. Well, at least 40 cm of sand for additional moisture and heat protection.

Otherwise, follow these tips:

Tip #1. Pay maximum attention to soil temperature. The fact is that the higher it is, the better the plants absorb micro- and macroelements. But there is a limit here: about 16-18°C, after which plants produce less oxygen and the process of photosynthesis goes much worse. This is why warm beds made from biowaste in a winter greenhouse are not always needed, especially when the entire heating system is designed for a different mode. But such good old technology is often used to stop soil freezing, and not to warm the roots of plants. To do this, follow these instructions:

In the fall, after harvesting, select soil 1.5 meters deep.
Add a compost layer of grass and horse manure.
Add chopped straw and grain husks to add looseness to the soil.
After this, you can safely lay metal-plastic pipes for heating - they will not freeze even with strong soil moisture in winter.

All the laid biomass will warm the soil well in winter and will also serve as some fertilizer.

Tip #2. in such a greenhouse it is better to do it using a sprinkler system, and - attention! - only warm water. Drip can end in disaster if you haven’t protected the soil from freezing in any way, so don’t risk it.

Tip #3. It is advisable to make a small vestibule in such a greenhouse - this is not only a place to store the necessary tools, but also an excellent “thermal pocket” that will protect the plants from the harsh cold.

Tip #4. For a winter greenhouse, take polycarbonate at least 10-16 mm thick, and if you have already purchased a thin one, then lay it in a thermos in two layers. Also pay close attention to sealing.

Tip #5. Sharp transitions from daytime to nighttime temperatures are especially dangerous in winter. Therefore, despite thoughtful heating, always use containers with water for this purpose - during the day they will accumulate solar energy, and at night they will gradually release it, thus well smoothing out sharp transitions in the evenings and mornings.

And finally, don’t be afraid to build a high winter greenhouse - it’s not much more expensive to heat, but the benefits are worth it: excellent microclimate, optimal humidity and ease of use.

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

In spring and summer, many people grow vegetables and fruits. However, this is also possible in the cold season thanks to a structure such as a winter greenhouse, for example, made of polycarbonate, which will allow various heat-loving crops to grow year-round, even in winter. The advantages of this design are obvious: in addition to obtaining vitamins for yourself and your family, you can build an entire business on growing various plants.

What is a winter greenhouse

A greenhouse for the winter period must have a reliable design: a strong frame (preferably made of a metal profile), a good foundation and thick walls. In any greenhouse of this type, you need to pay special attention to:

lighting – no plant will grow without light, close to sunlight is recommended;
heating - a rare crop will bear fruit without heating;
ventilation - creates a favorable atmosphere for the growth of vegetables and fruits;
Watering is the most important point in caring for plants.

The name of this building contains the word “winter”, which emphasizes the difference with the summer version. Below are recommendations on how to build a greenhouse for winter growing:

Film cannot be used as a material; durable, thick glass or polycarbonate are better suited.
The thickness of the walls of the greenhouse for winter should be much greater than for summer.
The winter version must have a very reliable frame; wood is not suitable.
Heating a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter is simply necessary so that the plants do not freeze and grow well.

Greenhouse design for winter growing

In appearance, shape, and type of construction, greenhouses for summer and winter are similar. The main difference is in the materials used and communications, which will be discussed below. The size of the structure depends on personal preference, but many experts in this field believe that the minimum area of the structure should not be less than 50-60 square meters. m., and optimally – 100 sq. m. However, if people just want to grow vegetables for themselves, and not for sale, then 20-30 square meters will be enough. m.

When starting to design a greenhouse for winter, you should immediately think about its location. Experts recommend installing the structure on a hillock, then excess water will drain away and snow will melt faster, in addition, it is warmer there than in the lowlands. If it is not possible to place the building on a hill, then you can pour a layer of soil on the beds. The ideal soil for growing different crops should contain the following layers: sand, turf soil and humus.

When a location has been chosen, it is necessary to dig a pit for the greenhouse; 600 mm is enough. An important component is a reliable foundation, which is not present in a summer greenhouse. This is explained simply: the winter structure is heavier, the walls are much thicker and more massive, because heavier material is used. The construction of the frame is of great importance; it must be strong and resistant to weather conditions. There are options for arched structures; it is better to use a metal frame.

Winter greenhouse projects

The most popular modern greenhouses for growing in winter are made of polycarbonate; this material will properly insulate the structure. As for the shape, a gable greenhouse would be convenient. The most budget-friendly and simplest option is a greenhouse in winter with glass walls. This material is the most affordable, the price depends on the thickness of the glass. Advantages of glazing:

relatively low price;
light penetrates well.

However, there are more disadvantages:

fragility of glass;
poor thermal insulation;
heaviness of the material.

Polycarbonate

A popular material is polycarbonate; it is durable, adheres well to the frame, flexible and lightweight, and is airtight. The base for it does not have to be very strong. Winter greenhouses made of polycarbonate with heating are a good option, cellular polycarbonate is especially relevant. It is a polyethylene film containing microscopic air bubbles, which provides additional thermal insulation. In addition, it is installed in two layers, between which a phosphor is placed. This substance enhances the light that enters the greenhouse.

Gable

A good option for a roof is a gable roof; water and snow drain from it without any problems. In this case, the optimal tilt angle is 20-25 degrees. A transparent material is attached to the walls, which is either double glass or cellular polycarbonate. The latter option will allow the gable winter greenhouse to serve for at least 12 years. To prevent water from flowing under the transparent walls, you need to make a canopy that extends 6-8 cm from the walls. To warm up the greenhouse in cold weather, for example, gas heating is installed.

With earth filling

Such a lean-to winter greenhouse is sunk into the ground. The foundation pit for construction must be at least 80 cm deep. In this case, agronomists recommend that the long wall of the greenhouse be on the east side, and the greenhouse frames should be directed to the south. It is better to sheathe walls with carbonate sheets. The advantages of such a structure:

water drains well;
a lot of light penetrates from the eastern and southern sides;
during operation it will be noticeable that the design is reliable;
good thermal insulation.

Budget greenhouse

To save on heating costs, you can install a greenhouse next to some structure that is constantly heated. In addition, this saves space on the land plot. There is no point in reducing foundation costs. If you make a poor wooden frame and foundation, then under the weight of snow the structure may become deformed or even break. To use less building material, you can build a small lean-to greenhouse, and the width should not be more than 3.5 m.

Two-story greenhouse

Such a greenhouse for the winter will allow you to grow more crops, because the space is used not only on the ground, but also on the walls. You can attach trays of soil to them or make entire racks of soil. This arrangement is suitable for growing greens or small crops. It is recommended to install the second tier at a distance of 1 m from the ground, then it will be convenient to water and weed the plants.

How to build a greenhouse

To decide how to make a winter greenhouse, you need to think through all the options in advance and study several types of construction. In some areas you can make a shed adjacent to the house, somewhere you need to make it recessed into the ground. Or you can build a high two- or three-slope roof on a hill. A place on the site must be chosen so that there is a maximum amount of light from the east and south, and rainwater and snow do not accumulate and go down. The type of soil is also important: if it is dominated by sand, then you need to bring turf and fertilize it with humus.

Foundation

Experts recognize the best foundation as a strip foundation. In order for such a base to serve for a long time and properly, all stages of laying should be followed:

Decide on the dimensions of the building and mark them on the ground.
Dig a trench whose depth should be 50 cm and width 20 cm.
On the side walls of the trench you need to make formwork from wooden panels.
The bottom is covered with sand; this layer should be 30 cm thick.
Concrete mixture is poured into the trench.
To strengthen the structure, it is necessary to reinforce the concrete screed.

Walls

On the north side, experts recommend constructing main walls in one brick, because from this side almost no light penetrates and does not in any way affect the growth of plants, and heat can be retained. For other walls you need to use polycarbonate with a thickness of 8-10 mm. As additional insulation, you can line the inner perimeter with greenhouse film. An important point is that transoms must be equipped with the possibility of ventilation, because it is important for plants to be able to ventilate the room.

Roof

The optimal solution would be to make a gable roof, which will ensure good drainage of water from the roof. This will reduce the load on the entire building. The tilt angle should be within 20-25 degrees. Key points of roof construction:

The lower strapping beams are attached to the side walls on top of the roofing felt.
The ridge beams are connected to the strapping beams using paired rafters.
The roof is covered with the same polycarbonate or glass as the walls. Some compartments should be made opening to allow ventilation.

Final finishing

When arranging a winter greenhouse, we must not forget about such important options for warming up the room as stove heating, water, biological or electric heating. At the final finishing stage, the main internal structures are installed:

If the greenhouse has a vestibule with an additional door, then the following work should be done: the outside door should be insulated using, for example, polystyrene, and the inside door can be made transparent - with a polycarbonate coating.
Install a heating system: boilers with radiators.
An irrigation system is equipped, it is best to use a drip irrigation system.
Install lighting lamps under the ceiling.
The beds are being laid; in harsh climates, it is desirable to use heating technologies for optimal soil temperature (biofuel, electric or water heating).
You can consider additional infrared heating.

Construction of a winter greenhouse

A winter greenhouse must meet basic requirements: a large amount of heat, moisture and sun. In the cold season, these conditions will have to be created artificially. It takes a lot of effort, but if vegetables are grown for business, it will soon pay off. It is best to try to automate all systems so that water and light arrive at a certain time and in the right quantity, and the heat supply never stops.

Watering and moistening

Depending on the size of the greenhouse, the water tank must be appropriate. If water comes from a well, then pipes need to be laid from there at a depth of 1.5 m (for a temperate climate). If the winter greenhouse is large, then it is best to dig a well nearby or in the vestibule. Inside, you need to install containers in which the water will be heated; they should be on an elevation for better pressure when watering. Heating can be either natural, from the sun, or artificial, if you install heating elements. The containers are open, so the air is also humidified.

Lighting

In winter, there is not enough sunlight for seedlings, so you need to equip an additional lighting system. Gas-discharge lamps DNaT and DNaZ are suitable for these purposes. The number of lamps depends on the area of the greenhouse, it should be calculated as follows: per 1 sq. m – 100 W of electricity. You need to know that such lamps get very hot, so they need to be installed under the ceiling in special lamps that can reflect light.

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Winter greenhouse - structure, foundation, choice of materials for construction

The bulk of greenhouses built on summer cottages are intended for growing early vegetables and seedlings. Such greenhouses are put in order in early spring, and after the last harvest is harvested in the fall, they remain idle until next spring.

Today we will talk about greenhouses, which allow you to grow vegetables not only in the autumn-spring period, but also in the winter months. These are the so-called winter greenhouses. Their main difference is a more capital design and the presence of a heating system. A winter greenhouse (pictured below) will also help to grow vegetables in the harsher climate of the northern regions of the country and in Siberia, or to create a real winter garden.

Despite the apparent complexity, building a winter greenhouse is within the capabilities of any summer resident. The reward for your efforts will be fresh, organic vegetables that will be on your table at any time of the year.

To do this, several layers of organic waste are laid under the beds for growing vegetables: leaves, tops, branches.

It is necessary to lay the larger material first, followed by the smaller ones.
The top of the bed is covered with a 10-centimeter layer of fertile soil.

Such a device, thanks to the processes of decay and the heat generated, will help provide additional heating in the winter.

Greenhouse thermos

There is also a known method for constructing a polycarbonate greenhouse, which allows you to keep the temperature inside the greenhouse at +20 even in very severe frosts in Siberia. This is the so-called thermos greenhouse (in the next photo).

When constructing such a greenhouse, its walls are buried down to the frost line, and the roof is made of two layers of polycarbonate. Heating of such a design will require much lower energy costs.

After heating the greenhouse is ready, you can begin arranging the beds.

In winter, additional lighting will also be needed, so the winter greenhouse must be equipped with lamps.

The final stage of arranging a greenhouse is planting plants for their further cultivation.

Recently, winter greenhouses have become popular, in which not vegetables, but exotic plants and flowers are grown.

Winter garden - extension to the house

It can be a wonderful place to relax during the cold season and delight you with greenery and flowers when everything around is covered with snow.

There are some differences in the arrangement of a greenhouse and a winter garden.

Thus, a winter garden is usually built as an extension to the house (pictured), so that during the cold season you can simply move from one room to another.

Heating of the extension in winter is usually carried out from the same system that heats the house. Since the garden is intended for relaxation, it is necessary to provide space for furniture.
To build a winter garden, they mainly use glass and double-glazed windows, since this design has a more presentable appearance.
The winter garden does not consist of beds, but of racks with plants, pots, tubs, which can be taken outside during the warm season.

It should be noted that a winter garden is a more expensive building, and it will cost much more than a do-it-yourself winter greenhouse.

The author of the following video talks about one of the simplest devices for heating a greenhouse with wood:

For a person who is passionate about growing his own vegetables and fruits, having a greenhouse on his property is not a novelty. But not all greenhouses are the same - some are needed for growing seedlings and early forcing of the first greens, others are designed to produce several harvests per season. And winter greenhouses are considered aerobatics. After all, growing garden crops all year round is a complex and energy-consuming task, requiring not only agronomic knowledge, but also serious technical training.

A properly equipped greenhouse maintains an optimal microclimate even in severe frosts

In order to correctly design and calculate all the nuances of building a winter greenhouse, you need to understand that you will have to do more than just slightly adjust the weather conditions. It is necessary to recreate optimal lighting practically from scratch, ensure comfortable temperature and humidity, control watering and gas exchange - and all this in conditions of low temperatures, deep freezing of the soil, strong winds and insufficient sunlight.

When planning construction, special attention should be paid to the following:

type of greenhouse;
placement and dimensions of the structure;
Construction Materials;
foundation pit depth;
heating and lighting systems;
water supply and ventilation.

The project also necessarily takes into account the climatic region in which construction is planned, the specific agricultural technology of the planned crops and the costs of constructing and maintaining the pavilion.

What buildings are suitable for a winter garden?

It is important to choose a durable frame

There are many design options for a winter greenhouse. This is not surprising - relatively light structures are suitable for the southern regions, but in the central and northern regions such a shelter usually looks like a permanent building with a deep foundation, a high base and a strong roof. The type is determined by several parameters:

Location. There are three options - deep into the ground, above ground and superstructures (winter gardens and greenhouses in attics).
Heating. According to the type of heating, greenhouses are equipped with biofuel, technical heating and solar heating (solar greenhouses).
Architecture. Here everything is limited only by the designer’s imagination - single- and double-slope, geodesic, arched, wall-mounted. The main thing is that the design retains heat well and is comfortable to work in.
Functionality. The choice of building materials (wood, brick, glass, film, polycarbonate), the internal arrangement system and the types of beds depend on what you plan to grow.

Stages and nuances of construction

Many summer residents, having thought about how to build a winter greenhouse on their site, come to the conclusion that it is very difficult and unprofitable. In fact, everything is not quite like that - yes, the construction of such a structure requires significant investments, but even a not very experienced master can do it.

The main thing is to design the structure correctly, think through the nuances of the location and select high-quality materials.

The best projects for country house construction

According to many gardeners, four types of greenhouses are most convenient for home construction:

winter shelter with earthen filling:
greenhouse with double film covering;
wall-mounted lean-to building;
gable winter greenhouse.

It is easier to maintain optimal temperature in an underground shelter at a depth of 2.5 m

In the southern regions, the frame can be sheathed with two layers of film

Single-slope wall-mounted above-ground greenhouse

Gable glass greenhouse

Which type is preferred depends on the specific climatic conditions and characteristics of the selected heating system.

Bioheating is more suitable for a recessed greenhouse with earthen filling. And it is more profitable to install steam heating in a wall-mounted structure - if the greenhouse is built near the house, then the pipes are simply connected to the main heating system.

It is also necessary to think about how to make the winter greenhouse illuminated, since in winter there is not enough sunlight, especially in recessed structures.

When installing artificial lighting, it is better to combine several types of lamps (incandescent, fluorescent, mercury, LED) - this makes it more convenient to choose the mode and spectrum of lighting.

Automatic infrared heating system

Preparing the installation site

To build a winter greenhouse with your own hands, you need to decide on the type of structure and, based on its characteristics, select a site and prepare the soil. If this is not a wall-mounted pavilion, then for construction you should choose an open area on a small hill. If there is no such place, then you should pay attention to the location of the nearest trees or buildings - they should be located on the leeward side at a distance of about 8 meters from the building. This will protect the structure from winds and ensure maximum illumination of the walls and roof of the shelter.

Foundation for a ground-based winter greenhouse

The depth of the pit depends on the type - for in-depth structures, the pit is dug one and a half meters below the soil freezing level. For above-ground shelters, the foundation pouring depth is only about half a meter, since a high base is erected to protect the beds.

Sectional diagram of the foundation

Features of the construction of ground structures

In an above-ground greenhouse for winter, it is very important to protect the beds from freezing. Therefore, one of the features of such a structure is a double base of at least a meter in height. The material for its construction can be brick, natural stone, adobe (for the internal wall). It is advisable to fill the gap between the outer and inner basement walls with insulation - expanded clay, mineral wool or other available material.

What material to choose for the frame?

To build the frame of a winter greenhouse, you can use a wooden beam or a metal profile. The main condition is that the racks must be strong, since in winter the load on the support beams increases due to snow cover.

The metal profile is strong and durable, but inconvenient to use and expensive.
A modern metal-plastic frame is much easier to install, but it may not be strong enough to withstand the load of snow cover
A wooden frame will cost less, it is convenient to install and sheathe. Before assembly, wooden parts must be impregnated with an antifungal compound and painted.

When installing the frame, be sure to install several windows to ventilate the room.

Finished wooden frame

Reinforced metal frame

Factory greenhouse under polycarbonate

How to cover the frame

To cover the frame, use cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of at least 16 mm, double-glazed windows or film (suitable for southern regions). Today, a winter greenhouse made of polycarbonate is considered the most profitable - it is strong and durable, retains heat well and lets in enough sunlight; if necessary, damaged sheets are easy to replace.

Cellular polycarbonate is an ideal material for cladding

Glass for winter pavilions is not the best choice. Its main drawback is its fragility, so when using this material for cladding, the roof must be sloped with a slope of more than 45°, this way it will be possible to avoid the accumulation of snow and damage to the roof.

A good option for beginners is covering it with greenhouse film in two layers, with a gap of at least 10 cm (the film is attached outside and inside the frame). For the roof, use dense air bubble film laid in 3 layers. But this method is good for warm climates, where the temperature in winter does not drop below 10 °C.

Important! It is imperative to seal all seams and joints in the sheathing - this will prevent heat loss and drafts.

Which heating system to choose

Water heating installation diagram

When choosing heating for a winter greenhouse, you should focus on the area, the cost of energy and the efficiency of the method. For a small room it is better to choose the following options:

“warm floor” heating (evenly warms the air in the room and protects the soil from freezing);
electric heating with convectors or heaters;
water heating (it is better to lay pipes under the beds and along the walls, and connect the system to a home heating boiler);
infrared heaters (economical and harmless method);
wood or air heating (requires constant monitoring and significant fuel consumption);
bioheating (manure or compost is placed under the beds, suitable for deep greenhouses).

Electrical soil heating

Advice! When using electric heaters, it is better to install them under shelving - this way the seedlings will not be exposed to the flow of hot air.

In order to keep the room warm even in case of unforeseen situations, it is necessary to install backup heating systems. These can be combined “gas-wood” or “gas-electricity” boilers, barrels of water or a stove (iron or brick) right in the pavilion with beds.

Sprinkler systems are installed for irrigation in winter greenhouses, since soil drip irrigation can lead to the death of plants if the beds are not protected from freezing.

Construction of a gable greenhouse for a personal plot

Scheme of a recessed gable greenhouse

This polycarbonate winter greenhouse project has proven itself well both in the middle zone and in areas with cold climates. The length and width are selected individually, but for a summer residence an area of 20-25 square meters is considered optimal. m. The structure consists of a utility block and a greenhouse. It is better to use a wooden beam for the frame; the structure is sheathed with polycarbonate. Experts advise paying attention to the following points:

The pit is dug depending on the depth of soil freezing by 1-1.5 meters.
The foundation is poured strip: 40x40 cm or 50x50 cm.
The walls inside the pit and the base at a height of 50 cm are laid in one brick.
A frame is mounted on the base, which is sheathed with 10-16 mm cellular polycarbonate.
Ventilation vents are installed on the walls and roof.
The northern wall can be made blank; it is better to line it inside with reflective material.
In the vestibule of the greenhouse, a boiler or furnace is installed for heating, and lighting and irrigation control units are installed.
The partition between the pavilion and the utility block can be made transparent (double-glazed windows) or solid.

If capital construction is not yet affordable, but you still want to try growing vegetables in winter, you can try the economical option of bioheating with film covering. You can see how to quickly make a winter greenhouse with your own hands in the film.

As you can see, building a greenhouse in which you can grow vegetables all year round is troublesome, but quite possible. The main thing is to calculate everything accurately and make sure that the costs of constructing a winter pavilion are fully justified.