Solar Innovations Garden Windows are a great way to expand your outdoor space and create a greenhouse. They can help extend your growing period, protect plants from frost, and provide enough light for your plants. Old timber-framed windows can be used to build a greenhouse, and glass is the ideal material for covering it. However, there are several types of greenhouse glass available, some suitable for walls and others for roofs.
Greenhouse windows can also be used for other purposes, such as reading nooks, floral displays, or reclaimed windows. Vinyl windows and PT lumber are recommended for indoor use due to the hot and damp conditions in greenhouses. To construct a frame for your greenhouse’s walls, use old windows as a guide. Good-quality lumber is needed for this part.
Building a DIY greenhouse with old windows will vary depending on the size of the windows you source and the type of glass used. Local glass companies can custom make any size and shape window you want, but the price can be high when it’s insulated and tempered. The width of the greenhouse window should be around 55″ x 64″, and the windows should be insulated and tempered to prevent damage.
In summary, greenhouse windows are an excellent way to expand your outdoor space and create a greenhouse that provides ample light and protection for your plants.
📹 How Does a Greenhouse Work?
Gardener Scott shows the daily changes in greenhouse temperatures and discusses how to use a greenhouse for best effect.
Do glass greenhouses get too hot in summer?
The sun’s powerful rays can penetrate glass and other manmade materials, damaging plants in greenhouses. Without proper ventilation, shade, or other cooling methods, plants will overheat, damaging their leaves and fruits while drying out the soil. To keep your greenhouse cool in summer, use ventilation as one of the best and most natural ways to keep it cool. It is also important during spring and autumn months when the sun is still powerful. The right type of ventilation will allow you to control the temperature in your greenhouse and provide the necessary warmth for your plants.
Can you make a greenhouse with single pane windows?
When purchasing a greenhouse, gardeners have three glazing options: single pane glass, double pane glass, and multi-wall polycarbonate. Each glazing option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so growers should carefully consider each before making a final decision.
Single pane glass greenhouses are less desirable due to their outdated, leaky designs and inefficiencies with heating and cooling. Newer-style single pane glass greenhouses have full-length glass panels and are sealed, which solves many of these issues. They are aesthetically pleasing and cost slightly more than polycarbonate greenhouses but are the least energy efficient type, with double or triple heating costs compared to double pane or multi-walled polycarbonate greenhouses. Single pane glass greenhouses allow for 92 light transmission, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the climate and location of the greenhouse.
Double pane glass greenhouses are the most energy efficient and offer half the heating costs associated with single pane glass greenhouses. They can also include a special low-e reflective coating on the inner pane of glass, reflecting heat and acting as an insulator. For serious hobbyists seeking the nicest looking and most energy efficient greenhouse, double pane glass is the best choice.
The only real disadvantage of a double pane glass greenhouse is the initial cost, which is the most expensive option but can be paid back over time through long-term energy savings. Overall, single pane glass greenhouses are a good choice for gardeners who want an aesthetically pleasing greenhouse but are not necessarily energy efficient.
Should a greenhouse be glass or plastic?
Glass greenhouses are popular for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and professional image, while plastic greenhouses are more versatile and cost-effective for hobbyists. The Exaco Royal Victorian and traditional glass greenhouses are both elegant and functional, serving as effective environments for plant growth and enhancing the beauty of any garden. Their robust construction ensures longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for serious gardeners. Both commercial growers and hobbyists can benefit from the versatility and cost-effectiveness of glass greenhouses.
What is the alternative to greenhouse glass?
In the event of broken greenhouse glazing, it is recommended that acrylic or polycarbonate panels be installed as replacements. These materials are more durable and permit greater light transmission, rendering them optimal alternatives. In the event of broken greenhouse glass, the installation of these panels should prove a definitive solution.
How to use old windows to make a greenhouse?
This guide outlines the process of turning old windows into a small greenhouse in one’s backyard. The process involves collecting old windows and planning two pairs of equal sides, laying them out, and playing a game to make two pairs of “walls” both the same height. The goal is to cover the difference with wood or fill in smaller holes with glass or something else.
The greenhouse’s size depends on the size of the windows and the time needed to complete the project. The first step is to collect and save old windows, then plan the frame for each wall using the windows as a guide. Use good lumber, such as 2 x 4s for studs and 4 x 4s for corner posts, and choose a length that allows at least 14″ of the stud to be placed in the ground for support.
The greenhouse’s size will depend on the size of the windows and the time spent on the project. The greenhouse’s size will depend on the windows and the time spent on the project.
What kind of windows to use in a greenhouse?
Greenhouse windows are popular for allowing more natural light indoors, and clear glass is recommended over tinted ones. These windows not only benefit plants and hubs but also provide a comfortable environment. There are various glass packages available, including tempered glass, multi-layered glass panes, and low-E coatings to prevent UV light from entering the house. However, these options come with cost implications, so it’s recommended to choose what you can afford.
Designing and constructing a greenhouse window can be a DIY project, but if you’re not confident in your skills, it’s recommended to hire a skilled professional. Remember, greenhouse windows are not just for natural light but also for aesthetic appeal.
What is the difference between greenhouse glass and normal glass?
Horticultural glass, also known as greenhouse glass, is the lowest grade of glass produced and is the lowest price available. It is available in 3mm thick panels and is cheaper than toughened glass but breaks more easily. Horticultural glass can be cut to size, unlike toughened glass which cannot be cut and must be purchased in exact size panels.
Groundhouse glass is preferred for its ability to let more light into a greenhouse than polycarbonate does. Glass remains clear all its life, as long as it is kept clean. The more light entering the greenhouse, the better it is for plants and the higher the yields from greenhouse crops.
Horticultural glass also conducts heat, allowing ultraviolet rays to enter the greenhouse during the summer months. To retain heat, there should be no gaps between the greenhouse frame and the edge of the glass panels. In autumn, it is important to give your greenhouse a quick maintenance check, ensuring panes of glass are not broken and any missing glazing clips are replaced to ensure secure panes.
How do you make a greenhouse glass safe?
The substitution of toughened glass for standard greenhouse glass can effectively mitigate the risks associated with glass breakage and potential injury. However, this alternative is more expensive. It is recommended that polycarbonate sheet material be selected instead. Both options provide a cost-effective solution for the maintenance of horticultural glass.
Are single pane windows OK?
Single-pane windows are less costly but offer limited thermal efficiency and soundproofing, leading to higher energy bills and less comfortable living spaces. Double-pane windows, with their extra glass layer and insulating airspace, provide better thermal performance, reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts. This can lead to significant energy savings over time, making them a wise investment for homeowners. Double-pane windows feature two glass panes separated by a sealed insulating air gap, typically filled with argon or krypton gas.
This design restricts heat transfer in both directions, keeping hot outdoor air out during summer and trapping warm air in winter, reducing reliance on heating systems. This results in lower energy consumption and potentially significant savings on utility bills.
Can I use regular windows for a greenhouse?
Old windows can be used to create a greenhouse, whether they are gifted or found on buy-or-sell websites. However, it is important to test for lead paint before using them. A lead test swab kit can be purchased on Amazon, which tests the paint by rubbing it on the paint for thirty seconds. If the swab turns red, it indicates the presence of lead. If the swab remains yellow, there is no lead, and if it turns red, it indicates the presence of lead. It is crucial to handle old windows with care, especially if you have young children, and to be safe when using them.
Can you use a window well as a greenhouse?
The optimal window well for growing plants is a southwesterly orientation, allowing the most southern winter sun. If a window bubble isn’t available, adding growing light can help seedlings grow. A thermometer can be used to determine optimal temperatures for different plants. To determine when to sow, choose the frost-free dates and count the number of weeks to grow garden-size transplants. Cool weather plants like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and lettuce can be started as early as February in a covered window well greenhouse. Repurposed household items like cardboard egg cartons, egg shells, paper coffee cups, or toilet paper tubes can be used as seedling pots, saving money and being environmentally friendly.
📹 Recycled Window Greenhouse
The video follows James as they work on their recycled window greenhouse. They sift wood chips out of the soil and prepare to add black leaf mulch. James also discusses the importance of using local resources and encourages viewers to share their greenhouse ideas.
For your green house James. You are in New Jersey — Go to the horse farm and get FRESH horse manure.– Now I will explain. Horse manure is HOT. Build yourself a 4 x 4 or whatever size works for you (use pallets ) by how ever high you want it about 5 feet — a compost heap consisting of layers of hay or straw and horse manure . What you are building is a hot box that will keep your green house warm all winter without the expense of electricity — You might want to vent the gas. — As a second use . Put card board over the top and you now have warm trays for your early spring seedlings — Ray Delbury Sussex NJ
Try growing something you wouldn’t normally be able to in your zone. I’d recommend trying to do Rosemary year long. Your greenhouse should be able to hold it, considering it’s perennial here in Seattle. And it’s AMAZING. I’m a bit obsessed with it hahaha! Try some Lemongrass as well, I love that in teas. Or Ginger, again, for tea, or homebrewing ginger beer. I just started trying this, I’m super excited since I love ginger. Cheers!
We don’t get snow where I am in Australia, but we get frost. I went to a local permaculture open house today & they had aluminum heat reflective sheets angled from the roof – I would imagine positioned to optimize the sun rays. I have a photo, but can’t seem to post it here. If you get some sun in winter & want to warm the greenhouse, this may be a cheap solution. Also just want to say THANK YOU! for your articles & inspiration.
It is so exciting to see your series of posts about your recycled greenhouse. I have been saving my windows and doors for two years now for this purpose and am finally ready to build. You have given me some GREAT ideas!!! Thank you for sharing your process and outcome, and for the adorable clips of your furbaby keeping you company in the garden.
I would highly recommend the book Natural Solar Architecture by David Wright. It would probably give you lots of ideas about how to better regulate the temperature in your greenhouse. Very easy to digest book which simply illustrates the nature of heat transfer and how to take advantage of it. I would consider making use of thermal mass to stabilize temperature swings in the greenhouse.
You can use a fan for air circulation. The same reason you have a vent in your bathroom you need one in the greenhouse to help prevent mold spores from the humidity. I’ve seen several of the green house articles but I can’t remember if you’ve got a louvre window or not, you’ll need a way to exchange air occasionally and help control the temperature. I’d plant the plants in pots and sink them in the ground if you’re planning on planting in the actual earth of the greenhouse.
Hey bro! Microgreens will give a fast harvest and quality fall and winter nutrition. I grow a lot of pea shoots which are super easy and tasty. Also, you could interplant the microgreens as a living mulch around the larger greens like you mentioned kale, swiss chard etc. Double the yield in the same space. As Geoff Lawton talks about scheduling yield through time and space! Looking forward to seeing the progress of the greenhouse!
I have a similar set up with a recycled windows and sliding glass door green house. I’ve planted some cabbage and cauliflower in there & once it starts freezing I am going to put a couple low tunnels in just for another added layer of protection. I am right in Bayville 5 min from the bay, so we have the exact same climate. Good luck with yours. The hardest thing for me is remembering to water in there, especially with all the rain we’ve had this year!
I don’t use my greenhouse through the summer either. This year I planted a couple sweet potato slips in the bed after a suggestion from Patrick at One Yard Revolution. They really loved the heat and are completely overgrown. I can’t even walk in there anymore. I’ll be harvesting tonight and I hope there are plenty. Just an idea of what you could plant into that floor.
Very nice window green house. I am planning to do the same thing. In the southern burbs of Atlanta we have two small out buildings. The space between them is about 45 inch with a south facing opening. I am placing windows at an angle stretching from one roof to the other roof. Forming a galley shaped area for me to place my propagations. Awesome food forest and thanks for posting great articles.
Might be slightly late for best growth, but perhaps some carrots. To dig into the soil for you, plus carrots can be stored right where the are in the ground until it freezes (if it does). Or Verge Permaculture’s favourite: daikon radish. Elliot Coleman points out that covering plants in a greenhouse or tunnel shifts the growing climate (I believe one) zone south. And looking up that for confirmation (didn’t find it), apparently lettuces are hardier when young, especially drought tolerant ones. so you could grow baby lettuces and grown them under a cover inside the greenhouse.
Hey James. So glad you got back to talking more about gardening. I appreciate you talking about what you’ve learned and believe, but for me, it was a little too much. I almost stopped perusal you. Glad I hung in there. You were the first one I found on YouTube and your articles have taught me a lot. Stay true
So I don’t know first hand, because I don’t have a greenhouse, but a lady once told me that she kept her greenhouse heated throughout the winter with just a crock pot. I can’t remember if she kept it filled with water or not. Well, it’s just a tip I thought I’d pass on if maybe you’d like to try it. Someday I’ll have a greenhouse.💙🌱💙‼️
I have plans to go and get some free horse manure tomorrow but it is raining tonight. I Don’t know if I can get in the field tomorrow. It might be too wet. Fingers crossed. It is soo difficult to get the things for my garden. I found this on the internet and it is 35 miles away. I am willing to make the trip and load if the weather will cooperate.
Maybe for the next time, or if you’ll ever have to sift a very large area: why not balancing the “stolen” nitrogen from the chips by adding some? Chicken manure or any other organic product that can add it back to the soil…or go one season with all beans/peas. And, if you get snow in your area, remember that snow, for as funny as it sounds, it’s an actual fertilizer ( poor, but still …) as it captures some nitrogen from the air descending into the ground.