I'm planning on building a greenhouse in the spring. Is a greenhouse like a boat?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:21 pm

You get one and you want the next bigger model/larger size and try to upgrade.

Trying to plan and not wish I had different in year or two.

Yes, I live in the Great Lakes area so the boat issue is real not for me but my FIL.

Kathy · Post by **Kathy** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:22 pm

Absolutely! Consider the first one your gateway greenhouse!

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:23 pm

I think that is true BUT bigger mean more expensive to heat. Only you can decide where that balance is

Tammy · Post by **Tammy** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:23 pm

Consider what exactly you plan on starting, or growing… is it a few cold months of the year or growing throughout the year? Is part of it as a place to relax or strictly for seed starting? Veggies. Flowers? Overwintering house plants? With these questions answered then you can decide on heat source, watering, electricity… I have 2 now and the 3rd going up in spring.. all 3 are different too.

Apache · Post by **Apache** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:23 pm

Mine is 6 feet wide, not many options for floorplans. 10' is a good width. If your building with 2x lumber, make it multiples of normal lengths: 8', 10', 12'. Rafters and studs the common width of the panels, even if you use film/sheet to start.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:23 pm

No one has ever said, " I wish my greenhouse was smaller".

Kitissia · Post by **Kitissia** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:24 pm

Doesn’t matter how big you go - you will always need bigger.

Lynnae · Post by **Lynnae** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:24 pm

I used to have a 10 by 12 Greenhouse then 2021 moved and went up to a 23 by 14. This year bf built me a 2nd one just for seed starting

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:24 pm

It comes down to these factors: how much time can you dedicate to it, how automated are you going, are you retiring soon and will that change the time you will have, and I don't care how automated you go, you still have transplanting, pruning etc.

Bill · Post by **Bill** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:24 pm

Get the largest you can afford - then double it. You'll thank me later.

Kathryn · Post by **Kathryn** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:24 pm

Yes, almost like chicken math. I started with a 10 x 10 , next I added a 16 x 20 and this spring I'm adding another 16 x 20. I found I really enjoy gardening inside more than outside. I control the water, wind, and light. Less weeds and pest to deal with. I also have 17 raised beds, a tomato trellis, melon patch and potato patch outisde of the greenhouse.

Shannon · Post by **Shannon** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:25 pm

Yes! They always seem much bigger until you get benches/tables/tools/etc in there and then all of a sudden you're like "Where the hell are the actual plants going to go?" lol.