Oklahoma Greenhouse Construction Guidelines?

In Oklahoma, choosing, locating, designing, and building a greenhouse is crucial for thriving in the variable climate. Different types, sizes, and materials of greenhouses offer advantages and disadvantages. Cold frames typically stay 5 to 10 degrees warmer than outdoors, depending on design and construction. Hobby or estate greenhouses are typically single or double-row plant benches with a total width of 7 to 12 feet. Greenhouses require a good and reliable heating system, and there are many greenhouse manufacturers in the United States. The LSU Ag Center offers downloadable design plans for various greenhouse styles. Freestanding (single) or ridge and furrow (gutter connected) greenhouses are two common styles of commercial greenhouses. To thrive in Oklahoma’s variable climate, consider the right greenhouse setup, including beams, doors, paint, water, electricity, and roofing. Greenhouses consist of a four-sided enclosed structure used for grow operations, and any greenhouses over 1500 square feet are required to permit under the life cycle regulations.

How expensive is it to build a greenhouse?

A professionally built greenhouse costs around $11, 000, with most homeowners paying between $2, 000 and $25, 000. For smaller growing spaces, homeowners can install a smaller, prefabricated greenhouse, buy a greenhouse kit, or DIY it. There are several universal greenhouse elements that can help build the ideal greenhouse for your needs. Factors that affect cost include size, related services, pro cost vs. DIY cost, cost by location, and FAQ. By choosing the right option, homeowners can save money on greenhouse maintenance and installation costs.

Can you build a greenhouse without a foundation?

Attached greenhouses require frost-free footers that won’t shift or move, as they can move or sag during freezing and thawing. To ensure proper foundation, local building codes determine the depth needed for footers. Some gardeners prefer a natural base with a gravel floor, which can be made of limestone gravel with a weed barrier to prevent weed growth. The footing requirements remain the same regardless of the chosen floor material.

Freestanding hobby greenhouses have fewer requirements than attached greenhouses, offering more options for foundation and floor. They can be poured without a deep foundation, placed directly on a cement slab or on a treated lumber base. A wooden base can be anchored into the ground with three foot lengths of rebar. For a freestanding greenhouse with a knee wall, a 12″ x 12″ surface footer is required to support the weight of the knee wall and prevent cracking of the cement pad. Knee walls are installed for design appeal and their natural high thermal mass, absorbing heat from the sun and acting as a passive heater at night.

Should a greenhouse have a floor or no floor?

A greenhouse is a cozy garden space with decorative plants and a fireplace, ideal for those who prefer a solid floor. This doesn’t mean sacrificing plant cultivation options, as capillary boxes, pots, containers, or buckets can be used. Additionally, leaving holes in the ground allows for planting olive trees, fig trees, or winter-resistant plants. A greenhouse with fixed beds and decorative flooring can accommodate both capillary boxes and a table.

What is the best wood for a greenhouse?

Cedar wood is a popular choice for greenhouse frames due to its resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation. Its thermal insulation properties ensure a stable temperature inside the greenhouse. Redwood, a natural wood, is also known for its durability and resistance to decay. Its natural oils act as a barrier against moisture and insects, making it a reliable choice for greenhouse construction. Redwood’s distinctive color variations, ranging from light pink to deep red, add a visual charm to the greenhouse.

Cypress wood, with its high oil content and stability, is known for its rot resistance and natural resistance to pests. Its light brown to reddish-brown color and fine grain add a touch of natural beauty to greenhouse design.

Do greenhouses stay warm in winter?

A greenhouse is a structure that uses natural solar heating, thermal mass, and insulation to provide warmth to plants. Sunlight passes through the greenhouse, warming the interior and absorbing by plants and soil. Thermal mass elements like concrete floors, bricks, or barrels filled with water absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, stabilizing temperature fluctuations. Proper insulation is crucial for retaining heat, with greenhouse walls and roofs designed to minimize heat loss. Double-glazed windows, multiple layers of plastic film, bubble wrap, or thermal curtains can also be used to trap heat during cold nights.

What is the disadvantage of greenhouse?

The greenhouse effect, which is caused by human activities, results in soil erosion, which in turn destroys fertile land, decreases crop yield, and contributes to global warming. Furthermore, it gives rise to climatic alterations, including the elevation of water levels, which inflict damage upon marine life and aquatic ecosystems. It is therefore imperative to take action to mitigate the effects of this phenomenon.

What is the most efficient type of greenhouse?

Twin-wall polycarbonate covers are more resistant to temperature variability and last more than double as long as poly film. However, greenhouses lose a lot of heat during winter months, especially at night. To improve heat retention, use winter-ready poly film glazing, which is heavier and more opaque, which attracts heat during the day and reflects it back into the greenhouse at night. Another option is installing a water wall for passive solar heat, which uses polyethylene bags filled with water to absorb solar energy during the day and radiate it into the greenhouse at night.

What should I put on the bottom of my greenhouse?

Greenhouse floors can be made from various materials, with poured concrete being the most ideal choice due to its ease of cleaning, drainage, and heat retention. However, there are other options available depending on the budget and considerations. Before installing the floor, it is crucial to consider factors such as time spent in the greenhouse, the longevity of different flooring materials, and the budget. Concrete, for example, can last many years, while mulch floors degrade rapidly. Ultimately, the choice should be based on the specific needs and preferences of the greenhouse.

What is the easiest base for a greenhouse?

The Integral Base is a popular metal base option for greenhouses, as it is the most straightforward to install and does not necessitate any additional construction. It constitutes an integral component of the frame and can be secured to a level surface. This base provides structural integrity to the greenhouse and, although less common, can serve as a reliable indicator of quality and strength.

How to keep a greenhouse warm in winter?

Winter greenhouses can help grow fresh, tasty vegetables at home during colder months. These greenhouses provide a safe and controlled environment for growing vegetables, allowing homeowners to enjoy the health benefits of homegrown produce. Some ways to heat a winter greenhouse include adding thermal mass, using a germination mat, using a horticultural fleece, trenching, using hotbeds, using black 55-gallon barrels, using electric room heaters, and using hot water heating systems. These greenhouses can also be beneficial for those living in colder regions.

How to build a greenhouse step by step?

A greenhouse is a versatile and easy-to-build indoor space for growing vegetables and ornamentals year-round. To build one, follow this step-by-step guide. Choose your framing material, covering material, location, and prepare the greenhouse site. Construct the frame, add the covering, and add ventilation and temperature control. Common tools and equipment needed include framing materials, covering materials, basic hand tools, safety gear, drill, impact driver, framing nailer, level, miter saw, sawhorse, table horse, scissors, landscape fabric, gravel, and concrete (if building a foundation). The process can be completed in just one, two, or three steps.