What Is a A-Frame Greenhouse?

The A-frame greenhouse is arguably one of the most picturesque options for hobby gardeners and suburban homeowners. These compact greenhouses can be built in a variety of sizes for seed starting and year-round use. A-frame greenhouses are usually framed in aluminum, steel, or wood and covered with glass or polycarbonate panels. Like those by Palram, easy-to-build A-frame greenhouse kits often include vents, locking doors, and even rain gutters. 

These sturdy greenhouses can withstand snow and wind, especially when built on a foundation and securely tied down. A greenhouse heater can quickly transform an A-frame greenhouse into a relaxing outdoor space for reading, playing music, or napping amongst your plants in cooler climates. Just imagine cozying up with a good book, surrounded by fragrant herbs and flowers, on a bitterly cold day. 

Which Type of Greenhouse is Right for You?

Every gardener has different greenhouse needs. Some may only need the greenhouse in the spring to start vegetable plants from seed, while others may need one for tropical flowers year-round. Consider the following questions:

• How big is your yard?
• What do you plan to grow?
• How many plants are you planning to grow?
• Do you have HOA restrictions?
• Do you get lots of snow or wind?
• Do you plan to use it year-round?

Where Should You Place a Greenhouse?

The single most crucial aspect of any greenhouse is its placement on your property. Greenhouses should be built in full sun for optimal plant growth. Be sure to build it clear of trees to prevent shade, damage, and leaves from piling up. If you're unsure of the proper placement in your yard, spend a few weeks tracking how the sun moves around your home. Remember, the sun's position changes by season, so a space that's sunny now might not be in a few months.

You'll also want to consider the greenhouse's proximity to your home and garden. A greenhouse built close to your garden beds will make transplanting vegetable starts much easier. If you plan to use your greenhouse year-round to grow cut flowers, citrus, or herbs, you might want to keep it closer to your home. A greenhouse built too far away may not get watered or weeded often enough.

How Does Local Climate Affect What You Can Grow?

Your local climate determines what will grow well in your garden, but a greenhouse makes it possible to grow more. For example, homeowners in the Great White North often have trouble growing tomatoes as nighttime temperatures drop too low. These gardeners might keep their tomato plants in a greenhouse to keep them warm at night for juicer tomatoes and a bigger harvest.