A backyard greenhouse can be a game-changer for any gardener, but how much will it set you back? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the costs associated with backyard greenhouses and help you determine if this investment is right for you.
Additionally, we’ll delve into other gardening topics such as aquaponics bio filter explained and the technology behind aquaponic gardens. Join us as we explore the world of backyard greenhouses and help you make an informed decision about your gardening future.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Greenhouses can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. |
| The price of a greenhouse depends on factors such as size, materials, and accessories. |
| A DIY greenhouse can be a more cost-effective option. |
| Look for sales, discounts, and used greenhouses to save money. |
| Consider the long-term benefits of a greenhouse, such as fresh produce and increased property value. |
How much is a backyard greenhouse? It depends.
The first thing you need to know is that the price of a greenhouse depends on its size. The larger it is, the more expensive it will be.
There are also other factors that affect how much your backyard greenhouse will cost. These include:
- Materials you use (the type of frame, roofing material and insulation)
- Location (the cost of labor and materials varies from region to region)
- Foundation (how you set up the foundation for your greenhouse)
- Heating and cooling systems
- Ventilation fans
- Water tank and rain barrel
There are many kinds of greenhouses, but the most basic ones cost between $500 and $35,000.
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Greenhouse kits
To get a sense of what greenhouse kits cost, we researched several options online and found the prices for them varied greatly. The cost depends on the size, material and design of each kit.
Most backyard greenhouses are made from plastic and glass. Some kits include an automatic ventilation system built into their designs, but there are also separate air-cooling systems you can buy to add on to your greenhouse so you can control how much or little heat is allowed in your space.
You’ll need to decide which type works best for you automated or manual and then look at which materials will fit within your budget.
Some gardeners prefer greenhouse kits because they’re less expensive than custom-built greenhouses, while others find that pre-made designs don’t meet all their needs regarding size or features like automatic ventilation systems that keep temperatures stable while allowing fresh air into the structure so plants don’t become too hot (or cold).
No matter what type of DIYer you are, do some research before buying any product by researching reviews online so that you know exactly what kind of experience other people have had using it!
| Pros of Buying a Backyard Greenhouse | Cons of Buying a Backyard Greenhouse |
|---|---|
| May require less time and effort | Can be expensive |
| Usually comes with a warranty | Limited customization options |
| Professional installation | May not fit your exact needs |
| Higher quality materials | Higher maintenance costs |
Size of your greenhouse
The size of your greenhouse will depend on how much space you have, what you want to grow, and how many people you want to grow for.
If you have a large family or a lot of friends who enjoy fresh produce, then it’s important to consider the size in terms of both cost and capacity.
There are many different sizes available in backyards greenhouses. You can get one that’s as small as 4’x4′ (1m x 1m) or even one that is 16’x16′(4m x 4m).
Each size comes with its own pros and cons. It’s important to remember that even if there are larger options available at the store, they may be too expensive for your budget and/or take up more than enough space in your backyard.
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DIY construction or contractor
If you have the time and skills, building your own greenhouse is a great option. You may even be able to save money by doing it yourself.
But if you aren’t handy with tools or don’t have the patience for learning how to build something yourself, you might be better off hiring a contractor who will get the job done right.
While DIY construction is often cheaper than hiring a contractor (depending on what materials are used), there are some risks involved in constructing your own greenhouse:
A poorly built structure will not last as long as one built by an experienced professional who knows how to properly keep things from falling apart over time
If something goes wrong during construction (such as losing power tools), it can cost more money because contractors usually charge per hour of work completed; if they’re stuck waiting for repairs instead of working on their project, they’ll still need to be paid
| Pros of Building a Backyard Greenhouse | Cons of Building a Backyard Greenhouse |
|---|---|
| More cost-effective | Requires more time and effort |
| Customizable to your exact needs | May require some DIY skills |
| Satisfaction of building it yourself | No warranty or professional installation |
| Lower maintenance costs | May not be as durable as professionally built greenhouses |
Location
Before you can start planning your greenhouse, you need to think about where you want it. There are a few factors to consider when deciding on a location:
How much sun does your backyard receive? A greenhouse should be located in an area with plenty of sunlight. If there isn’t enough light, the plants inside will not receive the energy they need to grow and thrive.
How much shade is there in your backyard? It’s possible that no matter where you put your greenhouse, some parts may still be shaded by trees or other structures.
If this is the case, consider adding lights or another source of artificial light so that plants can still grow well despite being partially obscured from natural sources of light.
How windy is it outside? Windy conditions can wreak havoc on any plants in an open-air environment like a backyard; therefore, if winds are too strong for comfort (or if their effects would result in damage), look into different options than those available at our store today!
On average we recommend putting up walls around all four sides if possible – but we’ll let everyone know which ones work best depending on what kind of climate they’re dealing with before recommending anything further than that 🙂
Curious about the cost of fully landscaping your backyard? Our guide on how much it costs to fully landscape a backyard covers all the factors that impact landscaping expenses, from materials to labor
Foundation – concrete or stone?
The foundation of a greenhouse is an important decision, as it can directly influence the cost and durability of your greenhouse.
Concrete foundations are less expensive than stone foundations, but they may crack over time. Stone foundations are more expensive, but they require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you which type of foundation would work best for your needs. For instance:
If you don’t want to worry about cracks and other potential issues with concrete foundations in years to come (and don’t mind paying more), then consider using a stone foundation instead!
This is especially true if you’re concerned about how big or small your greenhouse might grow over time – since these types tend not melt like plastic ones do when exposed too much heat
Water tank and rain barrel
A good place to start is your water tank. A water tank can be used to collect rainwater and store it for later use.
This will help you save money on your monthly bill, especially if you are paying for a lot of water each month.
How much do these things cost? It depends on the size of the tank and whether or not you’re buying a rain barrel as well. The average price is around $50-$300, so don’t worry about breaking the bank here!
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Wood, steel or plastic frame?
How much your greenhouse costs will depend on the materials used for its frame. Wood, steel and plastic are popular choices.
Plastic is lightweight and easy to assemble, but it can be flimsy if not properly reinforced. Steel is strong and durable, but it’s more expensive than either wood or plastic frames.
Wood is the most popular choice among backyard enthusiasts because of its natural character and recycling potential (you can use old lumber boards).
Heating and cooling systems
Heating and cooling systems are an important part of any greenhouse. Heating the space will keep your plants healthy, while cooling it will allow you to grow species that require cooler temperatures.
The expense involved in installing these systems is often worth it—the right heating or cooling system can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year on your energy bill, depending on how much you use them.
There are two types of heating and cooling systems for greenhouses: active and passive. Active systems include heaters, fans, and pumps; passive ones consist mostly of glazing materials (glass or plastic) as well as insulation.
Both require electricity but differ in their efficiency at transferring heat from one place to another: active ones transfer more effectively than passive ones do; however, they also cost more initially because they need backup components like generators or batteries to power them when there’s no other source for energy delivery (like solar panels).
If you’re looking for an affordable option that gets the job done without making too big an initial investment into something fancy like hydronic wall panels or radiant flooring or if you simply want something easy-to-install but still efficient active heating/cooling equipment is probably going to be best suited towards meeting those needs
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Ventilation and fans
Ventilation is important for growing plants. A fan can be used to ventilate the greenhouse and with a thermostat, it’ll work as an automatic ventilator. Fans can also be used to circulate warm air in winter and cool air in summer.
Grow lights and shelving, soil and seeds
Because there are many factors within the greenhouse that you can’t control, it’s important to have a back-up plan just in case something goes wrong. You’ll need:
- Grow lights (LEDs or fluorescents)
- Shelving units
- Soil and seeds
Watering system (hose and sprinkler) with its own timer so you don’t have to worry about watering your plants every day.
The last thing you want is a leaky hose or a broken sprinkler head! It’s also a good idea to check on your greenhouses every other day to make sure everything is going smoothly inside.
Types of Greenhouse Materials and Their Benefits
| Material | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Glass | Provides maximum light transmission |
| Polycarbonate | Lightweight, shatterproof, and good for insulation |
| Acrylic | Lightweight and UV resistant |
| Fiberglass | Durable and good for insulation |
| Polyethylene film | Inexpensive and easy to replace |
| PVC pipe | Inexpensive and easy to work with |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make your backyard more productive, a greenhouse is an investment that can pay off in many ways.
Whether it’s holding seedlings or providing extra space for your vegetable garden, a greenhouse will help you get the most out of your outdoor space.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful for readers interested in backyard improvement and the cost of a greenhouse:
11 Animals That Can Be Raised in the Backyard – This article provides information on raising animals in your backyard, including chickens, rabbits, and goats.
How Much Does an Aquaponics System Cost? Explained – Aquaponics systems can be a great addition to your backyard, and this article explains the costs associated with setting one up.
What Fruits Can You Grow in Your Backyard? 11 Best – If you’re interested in growing your own fruit, this article provides information on 11 different fruits that can be grown in a backyard setting.
How to Make Your Own Aquaponics System – This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create your own aquaponics system.
How to Create a Modern Backyard: Pro Tips – If you’re looking for inspiration on how to modernize your backyard, this article provides helpful tips and ideas.
Greenhouse Cost: How Much Will It Cost You? – This article provides information on the cost of a greenhouse, including factors that affect the cost and average prices for different types of greenhouses.
Greenhouse Price: How Much Does a Greenhouse Cost? – This article provides an overview of the cost of a greenhouse, including information on materials, size, and features that can affect the price.
FAQs
How much does a backyard greenhouse cost?
The cost of a backyard greenhouse can vary depending on several factors, such as size, materials, and features. According to the article, a small, basic greenhouse can cost around $500, while larger, more elaborate greenhouses can cost several thousand dollars.
What materials are used to build a backyard greenhouse?
There are several materials that can be used to build a backyard greenhouse, including wood, aluminum, and PVC. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on factors such as cost, durability, and aesthetic preferences.
How do I maintain a backyard greenhouse?
Proper maintenance of a backyard greenhouse involves regular cleaning, watering, and monitoring of temperature and humidity levels. The article recommends investing in a good ventilation system and using organic pest control methods to keep the greenhouse healthy.
Can a backyard greenhouse be used year-round?
Yes, a backyard greenhouse can be used year-round with proper heating and ventilation. The article recommends using a combination of natural and artificial heating sources, such as a wood stove and electric heater, to maintain a consistent temperature during the winter months.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.
