How to set up a greenhouse for winter growing. How to build a greenhouse for winter growing with your own hands Winter greenhouses at home

At first glance, the organization of year-round greenhouse farming does not differ from seasonal vegetable growing. It seems that it is enough to install a stove in a standard greenhouse, and we can consider that we have built a winter greenhouse with our own hands. However, experienced greenhouse growers warn that it is impossible to grow certain crops in winter without proper preparation for the construction of closed soil. What are the differences between a greenhouse that is fully functioning in the cold season and what algorithm should be followed in order to competently build a reliable shelter?

Features of winter greenhouses

If you intend to get a high-quality harvest at any time of the year, it is not enough to build a greenhouse, even from polycarbonate - take the example of industrial complexes. We are not talking about size, although they are also important, but about the internal arrangement. The use of units that are almost irrelevant for summer structures, but extremely important for winter ones, allows one to avoid many problems that usually nullify all the efforts of amateur vegetable growers.

Reliable shelter for winter harvests

The difference between winter greenhouses and summer ones

The construction of a winter greenhouse in modern agricultural complexes involves the installation of high-tech equipment that performs the following tasks:

space heating and cooling;
additional lighting and shading of plants;
humidification, support of air exchange and soil irrigation;
fertilizing with fertilizers and carbon dioxide;
disinfection and treatment against pathogens;
monitoring of microclimate and planting condition.

Greenhouse equipment

Full automation of an all-season greenhouse is beyond the capabilities of the average summer resident, and he must be prepared to carry out most of the processes independently. However, there are some problems that are extremely difficult to resolve manually. This:

insufficient sealing and thin walls compared to the permanent structure cause high heat loss and exorbitant monthly heating costs;
due to the reduction in daylight hours, plants do not receive the required amount of light, grow poorly, get sick and bear unmarketable fruits;
in the cold season, natural ventilation leads to a sharp cooling of the air, and the high cost of energy resources needed for heating forces us to limit the use of this method of ventilation.

Insulation of a greenhouse structure

Thus, the design of a polycarbonate winter greenhouse must include a heating system, as well as ventilation and lighting equipment. In addition, it is necessary to take measures to insulate the building and minimize heat loss by choosing the optimal design.

Main types of winter greenhouses

Unlike seasonal greenhouses, warm greenhouses, especially in northern regions with low levels of insolation, are almost independent of the source of natural light. That is why you can see winter structures of protected ground, almost completely or half hidden underground - the so-called thermos greenhouses.

In addition to thermoses, the following types of structures have proven themselves well in year-round use:

arched (tunnel) under a double layer of film;
single-slope house with a common power supply system;
insulated gable roof with polycarbonate covering.

The principle of an underground greenhouse

The main advantage of using trench greenhouses is savings on technical heating and guaranteed protection against sudden temperature changes. Since the soil temperature at a depth of two meters is practically unchanged throughout the year, heat is well stored in the structure - at –25 °C and the boiler is turned off, a positive temperature within 3 °C is maintained inside.

However, an underground greenhouse in winter, and sometimes in summer, needs to be additionally illuminated, and for ventilation it must be equipped with a system of supply and exhaust fans. As a result, energy costs increase so much that building a complex and expensive trench greenhouse becomes unprofitable.

Greenhouse-trench

Film winter greenhouses are good for their versatility. On the eve of the onset of frost, they can be insulated without much difficulty, and with the arrival of warmth, they can be quickly opened. However, the problems of ordinary summer greenhouses are not alien to them - the film must be changed as it wears out (and it breaks much faster in the cold), installation is inconvenient, and besides, single film shelters are only suitable for the southern regions.

As for single- and double-slope polycarbonate greenhouses, these are the most popular solutions among amateur vegetable growers. They are built with their own hands everywhere - and this despite the high cost of components. The main reason is reliability and ease of construction. Although in the case of a winter structure, this simplicity is deceptive, and before starting construction, carefully calculate the project on paper for specific conditions.

Heated design

How to create a project

If you take the matter seriously, it is better to order the design from professionals - they will prepare a full package of technical documentation, accurately calculate the construction estimate and thereby save you from force majeure situations and unforeseen expenses.

It is also possible to independently draw up a plan for setting up a greenhouse for growing vegetables in winter. The “Manual for the design of greenhouses and greenhouses” (attached to SNiP 2.10.04-85), which contains calculation examples, will help you with this:

foundation,
frame,
heat shields,
snow protection, etc.

Arched frame

Of course, in the manual you will not find a method for calculating a winter greenhouse made of polycarbonate - in those days, honeycomb sheets were just being introduced into experimental greenhouse plants. However, there are online and offline computer programs that will help you roughly determine:

usable area of the structure;
full area of glazing of the roof, walls and facades;
the total length of the frame materials.

To obtain this and other data, set the input conditions:

design shape - rectangular or semicircular;
width, height and length of the greenhouse;
number of wall and roof sections.

Greenhouse project for a summer residence

Determine the dimensions of the structure based on the following factors:

for what purposes (personal consumption, sale, type of crops, in what quantity) do you want to build a winter greenhouse with your own hands;
what is the area and shape of the existing land plot, where it is located;
is it possible to add a technical room;
how many people are ready to work and in what mode;
What are the possibilities of the family budget?

Ground heating system diagram

The next crucial moment in drawing up a project for a year-round greenhouse is the calculation of heating, for which you first need to determine the level of energy consumption using a simplified scheme (you will find it in the book by V.V. Klimov, “Equipment of greenhouses for subsidiary and private farms”). Now calculate the heat capacity of the carrier and the total amount of thermal energy, and then, taking into account the type of most accessible fuel, select the type and power of the boiler.

Technology for constructing a winter greenhouse step by step

The correct design of a greenhouse is considered to be one that provides the plantings with a warm and humid microclimate regardless of any weather changes. Therefore, before building a winter greenhouse, carefully read the step-by-step algorithm based on the principles of energy saving and compliance with building codes.

Choosing a location on the site

Any structure for year-round use (with the exception of a thermos greenhouse) should be as open as possible from the south and protected from the north. Guided by this rule, inspect the plan of your site and determine the area where it is observed. The ideal option is if you can attach a greenhouse to the southern facade of a heated structure, for example, to a house. However, this is not always possible.

Greenhouse extension

It is possible that the southern site is well lit, but at the same time completely open to the north wind. To prevent a self-built greenhouse from losing excess heat in winter, equip it with a protective screen (monolithic fencing, gazebo) and/or insulate the northern wall as much as possible. Here are a few more theses, the implementation of which can significantly reduce heat losses in the future:

there should be no monumental buildings or plantings near the structure - they threaten not only with shading of the greenhouse, but also with the collapse of snow or ice on its surface;
It is highly undesirable to install a free-standing greenhouse on a hill or hill;
The natural slope of the site is permissible only to the south, otherwise some of the plants will not receive enough sunlight.

Site layout

Please note that the construction of greenhouses is subject to the requirements of land legislation specified in SNiP 30-02-97 “Planning and development of territories of gardening associations of citizens, buildings and structures.” According to it, it is recommended to install the greenhouse structure at a distance:

at least 5 m from the red line of the street and driveway;
3 m from the border with the neighboring plot;
15 m to any wooden building if the greenhouse frame is made of wood.

For the sake of ease of use of the site, it is advisable to install the greenhouse in a gardening area, including a vegetable garden, garden, greenhouse, garden house, etc.

Preparation of materials

As an example, consider the stages of building a year-round greenhouse with an asymmetrical shape with your own hands. According to the project, it is insulated on the northern side, and equipped with transoms on the southern side for ventilation. In order to maximize the use of sunlight, the northern wall is covered with reflective material on the inside. Outside, the entire greenhouse is covered with polycarbonate or, as an economical option, with a double layer of film.

For such a design you need to stock up on the following building materials:

metal profiled pipes 60x40 (frame racks) and 40x25 (supports) with a wall thickness of 2 mm;
cement, sand, crushed stone and reinforcement (for arranging the foundation);
foil thermal insulation and polycarbonate (or two types of polyethylene film: for the first layer - from frost-resistant polyethylene, for the second - from air bubble);
polystyrene foam for insulating a cold, light-proof wall;
clamping cables for fastening the covering.

Greenhouse structure under film

Select the quantity and parameters of materials based on the area of the future greenhouse, snow and wind loads characteristic of your region. Film coating is not ideal, but it will last for 2-3 years, and then you can install polycarbonate. In this way, many beginning greenhouse growers reduce the initial costs of very expensive construction.

If you plan to make a greenhouse frame from wood with your own hands, be sure to prepare it:

make sure that the wood is well dried - remove the shavings with a plane and crush them in your hands (dry material crumbles, but wet material crumples);
if necessary, dry the timber - use professional drying or stack the lumber under a canopy, leaving a gap of 2-3 mm between each beam;
treat the wood with an antiseptic that prevents rot, by immersing it in a solution or spraying it from a spray bottle.

The result of saving on polycarbonate

And remember, in winter the greenhouse will be subject to numerous loads, so you should not skimp on the quality of components.

Selecting the type of heating

How to build a winter greenhouse with heating with your own hands so that it is efficient and inexpensive? To answer this question, first check out all the possible options:

biological heating - its organization requires organic matter, for example, horse manure, the decomposition of which leads to intense heat release;
electric heating - heat is produced by electrical appliances (convectors, cables, heat guns, pumps, etc.) equipped with heating elements;
gas systems - provide for the installation of a gas boiler and pipe layout, thanks to which thermal energy is distributed throughout the entire volume of the greenhouse;
heating with solid and liquid fuels - this is provided by installing a homemade or purchased stove that runs on coal, wood, pellets or waste oil.

Soil heating

To decide on the type of heating for winter, think about what type of energy is most available in your region - gas, wood, coal or electricity. Also consider the pros and cons inherent in each type of heating system:

the use of biofuel leads to a rapid but short-term increase in heat in the room, so this option is not suitable for winter greenhouses;
the high cost of electricity nullifies the main advantages of its use (ease of installation and operation). However, electricity can be used for heating in an emergency;
gas still remains the cheapest energy carrier, but to connect it, a project and its approval by the regulatory service are required, and the greenhouse itself must be located in close proximity to the gas main.

Stove heating

Thus, for most greenhouse farms, the most acceptable way to arrange a heating system is to use solid fuel equipment. Its cost varies widely, maintenance is quite simple, and the necessary supply of firewood can be made in advance.

Construction of a greenhouse step by step

To make the winter greenhouse solid, mark out the area for the foundation. To reduce the cost and simplify construction, you can use not a strip base, but columnar concrete supports into which the racks will be walled up. The distance between them is 1 m, the diameter of the supports is 180 mm in the upper part and 250 mm in the lower part. Each of them is reinforced with three reinforcement rods with a diameter of 10 mm.

Holes (borks) for arranging a point foundation

Concrete supports

The next stage of construction is the installation of a frame consisting of a northern and southern part. His algorithm looks like this:

Use a pipe bender to bend the pipes to the desired radius.
Install center posts on the north side.
Tie them together with the top strap.
Weld bent pipes to the harness on one side and the other.
Install and weld the side parts of the frame.

The central pillars and the southern part of the frame are installed

The northern side has been installed, insulation has begun

Now insulate the structure from the north. To do this, cover the north wall with reflective insulation from the inside, and install foam sheets on the outside in two layers 5 cm thick. Cover the outside of the foam with a layer of greenhouse film 150 microns thick. Attach the top to a beam or strip of plywood pre-attached to the frame, and press the bottom down with earth.

All that remains is to paint and cover the finished frame from the south and at the ends with a solid sheet of film or polycarbonate. Remember that plastic panels must be installed with edges along the frame racks. It is recommended to fasten them with self-tapping screws equipped with thermal washers with rubber gaskets. To stabilize the microclimate, place a second layer of air bubble film under the first layer of shelter.

Important! The film is not suitable for regions with snowy winters and for buildings with stove heating!

When the structure is ready, proceed with the installation:

subsoil heating pipes;
ground heating registers;
drip irrigation.

Attach the heating registers to the supply and return pipes through flexible connections on heat-resistant washers, and install a ball control valve on the reverse side.

Video: building a winter greenhouse at the dacha

As you can see, the principle of constructing a winter greenhouse with your own hands is quite different from constructing a conventional greenhouse. Loads that have increased several times (snow, wind), sudden temperature changes, and a minimal amount of natural light require compensation by installing:

reinforced frame and cover made of polycarbonate,
high-quality insulation and uninterrupted heating,
installation of ventilation and lighting equipment.

Considering the high cost of building materials and the instability of the market, be sure to calculate the possible benefits and risks yourself or contact specialists with this question. If you are confident in your own abilities, find out from the video additional subtleties of the project and start implementing it.

Video 1: Winter greenhouse-vegetarian made of polycarbonate

Video 2: Gas heating

Video 3: Artificial lighting with LED and HPS lamps

All greenhouses and greenhouses are clearly divided into two groups: those intended for growing vegetables and flowers in severe frosts, and those that are dismantled and hidden in the shed in the fall. And winter greenhouses are much more complex both in their design and in their functionality than summer ones, and therefore they are not easy to build. Although everything is possible if there is reliable, easy-to-understand information - as in this article, which tells in detail how to build a winter greenhouse with your own hands: detailed tips will help you understand everything.

Typical technology for constructing such a building

So, how to build a winter greenhouse and what to pay attention to during work? Just like the summer one - except that a foundation will be needed. And then, as soon as the installation of the greenhouse is completed, you can begin. So, polycarbonate greenhouses running on biofuel are considered the most reliable in this regard - this is the most ideal option for a summer residence. After all, technical heating has its limits, and it is not so cheap. But for a structure that stands right next to the house, it is quite suitable, because it can be connected to a communal heating system. So, in order to determine the correct heating wiring, it is necessary to take into account the following formula: the amount of heat demand = the temperature difference between the thermal conductivity coefficient and the glazing area. And calculating this value is just the first step.

Now you need to select heating devices. Aluminum convectors are considered one of the best, they evenly distribute heat throughout the greenhouse.

The next step is to prepare the soil. Its optimal composition is a layer of sand + a layer of turf soil + a layer of humus. To treat such soil, you need to prepare a mixture of a teaspoon of urea and one teaspoon of superphosphate - this way all pests will be destroyed in winter.

So, as soon as all the elements of the heat accumulator are laid at the bottom of the pit and its ventilation pipes are installed, everything needs to be covered with PVC film on top. This is necessary to ensure that the soil does not get into the heat accumulator and eventually clog it. On the other hand, such a coating helps create good conditions in the greenhouse for the accumulation of humus.

Option #2 – gable winter building

You can also build a good-quality gable winter greenhouse with your own hands without any problems. It can be fenced with greenhouse frames or glazed. Even a small vestibule with a work area can be made literally from available materials and in a relatively short time.

So, the optimal design of a winter greenhouse of this profile looks like this:

The foundation should have a cross-section of 40x40 cm.
The walls need to be laid out in one brick - 25 cm, and beams with a cross-section of 15x15 cm should be placed on them, with the obligatory grooves for greenhouse frames.
The rafter part is made of bars with a cross-section of 10x10 cm. The rafters themselves should be connected by longitudinal bars, which are laid on the walls, together with the ridge beam. The latter should be done with a section of 12x12 cm.
It is better to sew up all the gaps between the frames after work with slats, and it would not hurt to install a galvanized profile on the canopy.

Such a winter greenhouse made of polycarbonate, with a glazed roof and heating, will, of course, cost more, but it is more durable and much more convenient during operation. More expensive - because you will definitely have to install heating in it. Therefore, if you want to grow vegetables that do not cost gold, then it is better to immediately invest more so that you can lose less. What are we talking about? About a modern heating cable that is used to heat the floor.

Here are detailed instructions on how to build this miracle greenhouse:

Step 1. Dig a trench under the foundation and lay 8 mm of reinforcement in it.
Step 2. Place about 50 mm of EPS on the inside of the trench.
Step 3. Place the greenhouse frame on the foundation and fill the foundation with concrete.
Step 4. Place polystyrene foam on the bottom of the greenhouse, if desired, consider a small drainage to remove excess moisture from watering.
Step 5. At this stage, you can paint the frame and pour the first layer of flooring.
Step 6. Next, lay the heated floor according to the manufacturer’s technology (see attached instructions).
Step 7. To prevent the floor from cracking in winter, now, at this stage, tighten everything with a road mesh.
Step 8. Make the final screed and secure the polycarbonate to the frame.

This completes the installation. This is what it looks like:

Option #3 – budget greenhouse with double skin

Here are some good tips for building a double-skin conservatory.

We cover the roof of the greenhouse with triple air bubble film, and the walls with double regular film. Why is it different on the roof? The fact is that with a double conventional film, condensation will constantly accumulate there, and it is quite difficult to remove it. Therefore, take a hydrophilic film on top - no drops will flow from it. And you will still have enough sunlight.

For the winter, in such a greenhouse you need to cover all the windows with slats, except one, and starting in February, you can open one at a time. For a winter greenhouse, subsoil heating is very important: it can be pipes laid in the ground, electric heating or "". And against severe frosts it is better to use additionally.

The biggest problem of any winter greenhouse is not the air temperature or even the tons of snow on all sides. This is deep freezing of the soil. For example, in Siberia this value can reach 2.3 meters! Naturally, freezing still reaches the greenhouse, and the soil inside needs to be protected from it. First of all, many people use foam blocks or adobe blocks as a foundation, which with cement mortar and polymer mastic against moisture replace 70 cm brickwork at 40 cm thickness. It is also advisable to insulate the inside of the greenhouse near the ground - preferably with polystyrene foam well wrapped in thick polyethylene. Well, at least 40 cm of sand for additional moisture and heat protection.

Otherwise, follow these tips:

Tip #1. Pay maximum attention to soil temperature. The fact is that the higher it is, the better the plants absorb micro- and macroelements. But there is a limit here: about 16-18°C, after which plants produce less oxygen and the process of photosynthesis goes much worse. This is why warm beds made from biowaste in a winter greenhouse are not always needed, especially when the entire heating system is designed for a different mode. But such good old technology is often used to stop soil freezing, and not to warm the roots of plants. To do this, follow these instructions:

In the fall, after harvesting, select soil 1.5 meters deep.
Add a compost layer of grass and horse manure.
Add chopped straw and grain husks to add looseness to the soil.
After this, you can safely lay metal-plastic pipes for heating - they will not freeze even with strong soil moisture in winter.

All the laid biomass will warm the soil well in winter and will also serve as some fertilizer.

Tip #2. in such a greenhouse it is better to do it using a sprinkler system, and - attention! - only warm water. Drip can end in disaster if you haven’t protected the soil from freezing in any way, so don’t risk it.

Tip #3. It is advisable to make a small vestibule in such a greenhouse - this is not only a place to store the necessary tools, but also an excellent “thermal pocket” that will protect the plants from the harsh cold.

Tip #4. For a winter greenhouse, take polycarbonate at least 10-16 mm thick, and if you have already purchased a thin one, then lay it in a thermos in two layers. Also pay close attention to sealing.

Tip #5. Sharp transitions from daytime to nighttime temperatures are especially dangerous in winter. Therefore, despite thoughtful heating, always use containers with water for this purpose - during the day they will accumulate solar energy, and at night they will gradually release it, thus well smoothing out sharp transitions in the evenings and mornings.

And finally, don’t be afraid to build a high winter greenhouse - it’s not much more expensive to heat, but the benefits are worth it: excellent microclimate, optimal humidity and ease of use.

Today, the variety of products on the table is simply stunning. A wide variety of vegetables, dill, cilantro, raspberries, strawberries are not at all a curiosity in the cold season. But no matter how the store shelves are crowded with a huge assortment of vegetables, first of all in winter the hand itself reaches for the dear, already beloved cucumber. We all pounce on them in the store with the first rays of the spring sun. And many people make a business out of it.

In order for us to grow cucumbers in winter, we need, first of all, to have an appropriate building in which to do such a thing. Such a room is not called a simple greenhouse, in our case it is a permanent winter greenhouse. Or not homemade, but professional greenhouses.

The greenhouse operates in a special mode in winter. It needs to be prepared for this process in the fall, and when we start from scratch, then in the summer.

It should be noted that initially preparing a greenhouse for growing cucumbers in winter will take a lot of effort, time, and money. Pollination and ventilation are not unimportant problems. After all, in winter, bees do not fly; the temperature is as if around Taiga in the Urals.

How a winter greenhouse works:

The first priority is to install heating. Cucumbers will not grow in the cold. The heating in greenhouses is mainly electric.
The second difficult task is irrigation. In addition to regular, warm watering, you yourself need to additionally install water tanks in the greenhouse. Electric heaters make the air very dry, and plants need high humidity to grow.
Soil is the third question. Without soil well enriched with organic matter, you will have cold, unbalanced soil in which plant roots will suffer rather than grow stronger. Add sawdust and manure to it, the soil will be looser and warmer.
Lighting. In the winter season, there is much less sunlight, therefore, artificial lighting in a winter greenhouse is very necessary. Moreover, they need to be equipped in such a way that it is possible to lower and raise the lamps as the plants grow.
Containers for seedlings. Would it be wise to “start up” the greenhouse in order to plant cucumber seeds for seedlings? It is better to do this in containers and place them in the house for germination. And after that, you can plant it in a permanent place in the greenhouse. Seeds for seedlings are sown 2-3 months before planting.

How to make a winter greenhouse: construction features

If you are not afraid of the high requirements for the construction of a greenhouse, let’s begin to figure out how to build it, where, and how best to position it.

Making a winter greenhouse, like a summer one, is a troublesome and expensive task. Maintaining it is also difficult and expensive, and harvesting will not be done right away. Therefore, you need to calculate the profitability and construction costs in advance.

In addition to the internal equipment of the greenhouse, there are several different requirements for its external decoration and the correct location. First draw up a business plan and decide what type of greenhouse your greenhouse will be.

Basic requirements for the construction of a winter greenhouse:

When we choose a place for our future greenhouse, we pay attention to whether there is a large slope on the site. It is allowed only a little in a minimum of degrees, and in the direction of the sun.
Do not locate your greenhouse either on a hill or in a low area. In one case, strong, cold winds will blow over it. There will be water in the lowlands in the spring.
In the process of maintaining a greenhouse, you will need a lot of water. In view of this, try to have a water supply or well near your structure.
Glass or cellular polycarbonate are most suitable for covering the surface of a winter greenhouse. Double thick polyethylene film is allowed only in the south, where winters are milder and warmer.

Nowadays, you can purchase materials for greenhouses and greenhouses, and practical greenhouse structures themselves, ready-made. But it is also quite possible to use a greenhouse made by yourself.

Growing cucumbers: how to prepare a greenhouse for winter

Modern options for growing cucumbers make it possible to obtain yields in a greenhouse of up to 10, or even 12 kg per 1m2. To achieve this, it is necessary to properly care for the greenhouse.

How to prepare a greenhouse for winter? Cucumbers in a winter greenhouse grow no less quickly than in open ground. The most important thing is that it always has the best temperature, watering and humidity.

If the area of your greenhouse is quite large, say 100 or 300 m2, then you need to use it to generate income. Otherwise, your huge structure will ruin you due to the costs required to maintain it. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow modern technologies that increase productivity and reduce the cost of maintaining the facility.

Basic techniques that promote high yields in a greenhouse in winter:

Mulching. The process when the soil around the plant reduces the growth of weeds and greatly reduces the consumption of water for irrigation.
Drip irrigation. This system is new and is starting to gain momentum. With its help, you can greatly reduce both irrigation work and water consumption.
Soil preparation technology. Properly balanced soil enriched with essential substances is the key to success and high yields.
And, of course, the greenhouse itself. You must properly prepare the building for winter by repairing all cracks, holes and damage. After all, in winter, depressurization occurs much faster than in summer.

The technology for successfully growing plants in a greenhouse in winter is a very interesting idea. Don’t despair if you didn’t understand something the first time. Success, especially from persistent, painstaking work, comes with experience. Don’t give up, and then one day the smell of the vegetables grown by your own hands will mix with the smell of the New Year tree.

Do-it-yourself winter greenhouse: to leave it in winter or not

In order to start building a greenhouse, you need to decide on the shape of the structure. When choosing an option, you should take into account all the factors affecting the greenhouse structure itself.

The winter greenhouse that you are going to leave in the winter should be durable, comfortable and multifunctional. As a rule, such a structure is not built for one year, so take care of its quality in advance.

Winter weather conditions are much harsher than summer ones, and this will make adjustments to the structure you are going to build.

Features of the winter greenhouse:

In winter, it is common to experience large amounts of snow, which collects on the roofs of buildings. To prevent the greenhouse from collapsing under its weight, make the roof as sloping as possible. The arched option is most suitable.
Winter winds are much colder and harsher than summer winds. Make sure that your design has a minimum of angles and even planes.
Take care of high-quality heating. In winter the cold can be very severe and you must be prepared for anything.
Organize watering correctly. Prevent freezing of water on the approaches to the greenhouse and in it itself.
An important factor is lighting. In winter it is especially necessary. Because the day is shorter and the night is longer. In addition, the sunlight entering the greenhouse in winter is very dim.

All these factors speak in favor of an arched greenhouse, which is built mainly from cellular polycarbonate. Provided that the greenhouse is high, the droplet option may be suitable for you, which is built on the same principle as an arched one, only it is sheathed by joining sheets in the middle of the roof.

Let's look at how to make a winter greenhouse: manufacturing and installation

Building an arched greenhouse will not be difficult. And especially when it is an ordinary greenhouse, which does not have a foundation. But our case is different. For a winter greenhouse, it is advisable to make a foundation.

How to make a winter greenhouse when you intend to grow vegetables in winter? The main requirement is that the greenhouse must meet all requirements, parameters and cold weather conditions.

No projects are required for the construction of summer greenhouses. They are needed for winter. You need to decide in advance what kind of greenhouse you need to build, and from what, purchase the material and start construction.

Stages of construction of an arched greenhouse:

Let's make the foundation. It must be durable because it will hold the entire structure.
Preparing the frame. They begin to build it from the foundation.
We remove unnecessary parts and attach arcs in the shape of an arch to the resulting base. Gap – 2 arcs per polycarbonate sheet;
At the ends of the greenhouse we attach racks and partitions under the doors and vents;
We lay a covering material on the arcs and fasten it along the length of the arc at the base;
We sew up the gables with sheets of the required sizes;
At the racks we make homemade fasteners and canopies for doors and windows;
We equip doors;
We will install windows.

For strength, reliability, durability and normal operation of the greenhouse, it is necessary to build a foundation, and only then place the greenhouse on the foundation.

DIY winter greenhouse (video)

For those who have private homes, the options and types of winter greenhouses may be different. This could be a greenhouse attached to the house, built like a greenhouse or winter garden. You can also arrange a terrace where indoor flowers or cultivated vegetables will grow, and you can also store gardening tools. When choosing the shape, characteristics and design of such greenhouses, read reviews on the Internet. There you will find a lot of interesting things.

Examples of winter greenhouses (photo ideas)

Currently, amateur gardeners strive to please themselves and their loved ones with vegetables and fruits all year round. A winter greenhouse is perfect for this. In addition, it can become not just a tool for a summer resident’s harvest or a gardener’s flower hobby, but also an excellent source for business (depending on the design and desires of its owner).

Peculiarities

Nowadays, it’s rare to surprise anyone with a greenhouse on a private plot. Winter greenhouses are a special project that is equipped with everything necessary for growing crops in the cold season.

This is a real find: both for ordinary amateur gardeners and for professional farmers, as well as novice businessmen.

The main advantages of a winter greenhouse are its convenience and capabilities, thanks to which you can enjoy fresh vegetables all year round.

Its main features include a number of characteristics.

Capitalism. Unlike a regular greenhouse or summer greenhouse built with your own hands, the winter version is more thorough. It will no longer be possible to “roll it up” so easily and move it from place to place. The design of such a greenhouse requires more effort and money. A heavy frame, dense materials, as well as heating and lighting sources will allow you to grow crops all year round.
Square. For ease of operation of a winter greenhouse, it usually has a large area and considerable height, so that workers can work comfortably in it, and plant crops receive the necessary conditions for a high-quality harvest. Drawings of such structures take into account all the requirements of the owner, and also provide space for various sources and mechanisms for the continuous supply of energy and heat.
Different zones. Depending on what crops the owner intends to grow, it is worth foreseeing the division into zones in advance. Some crops require more heat, and therefore heating, and some require less. The design of the greenhouse should contain several adjustable zones, as well as the ability to provide additional insulation in case of unforeseen external temperature conditions.

A winter greenhouse will be an excellent tool and source for harvesting during the cold season. As a rule, they are placed on private plots or on the territories of large enterprises. They are equipped with everything necessary for a high-quality harvest, however, there are several types of their designs that are better suited for one or another type and type of operation.

Types: drawings and diagrams

Currently, there are organizations that offer standard designs for winter greenhouses.

Such schemes can be divided into several types.

Capital. The frame does not require assembly and disassembly of the structure; it is built on a foundation, in the center of which a trench is erected to collect cold air. This is a more reliable option, which, with additional lighting sources, guarantees a high-quality harvest in the cold season. In addition, it is extremely easy to use and does not require additional insulation. Typically used by professional farmers to obtain large quantities of crops.
Conditional capital. They are usually built on summer cottages. Such a drawing provides for a collapsible frame so that, if necessary, the greenhouse can be disassembled and moved to another location. However, this is not the same as summer greenhouses. Such designs require significantly more effort and time. The foundation is made of piles, and the floor, in most cases, is made of wood.

Drawings of year-round greenhouses can also be divided by type of structure itself.

Greenhouse thermos. It differs from other options in that the main part of such a greenhouse is underground. Due to this design feature, a “thermos” effect is created, which provides the necessary heat for the successful cultivation of crops. The most popular option for summer residents and gardeners.
Arched greenhouse. Suitable for those who are more comfortable growing crops in the ground. It is the most difficult to construct, since problems often arise with the installation and construction of the frame, as well as with the cladding. Polycarbonate is used as the main material. Most often, this option is purchased “ready-made” at specialized bases, and then installed on a summer cottage.
Greenhouse with a gable roof. The best option for both summer residents and farmers. Due to the design feature, there are no problems with the roof sagging, since due to the slope it is actually self-cleaning. Typically used for those who want to grow crops in boxes. It has a high ceiling, making it possible to work in it at full height, which is comfortable for workers.

Greenhouse with mansard roof. Suitable for doing business. It is usually used for growing flowers, since the design features allow you to place as many tiered racks indoors as possible. A warm atmosphere is usually achieved with stove heating, and transparent walls will provide an additional source of lighting.
Greenhouse attached to the house. A very convenient option, which is more often used as a winter garden rather than for growing crops. The heated structure receives an additional heat source due to a common wall with the house. In addition, the owner has the opportunity to freely enter the greenhouse by crossing the threshold of his own home, without having to cross the street.

When developing a drawing, it is also worth considering the functionality of the room. It depends on the funds available to the owner, as well as his desires and plans for the greenhouse.

Native and exotic crops require different growing conditions– this also needs to be paid attention to.

The location of the structure in relation to the ground is also important for high-quality heat transfer. The greenhouse can be deep, surface, or part of a heated room (barn, gazebo, house, etc.). Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the structure will be made.

Materials

Conventionally, structures can be divided into:

wooden;
metal;
brick;
made of polycarbonate;
glazed;
made of PVC frame.

However, nowadays conservatory greenhouses are made from two or more combinations of materials. Thus, the design of the product will be much stronger and more multifunctional, as well as more resistant to sudden temperature changes.

The frame is usually made of wood or metal. The first one is cheaper, but is not durable. Options made of steel can withstand significant loads and are more resistant to mechanical damage.

Glass is recommended for use in small greenhouses, winter gardens or greenhouses (since glass is more fragile and weighs more). However, currently they are increasing the stability of the structure with double walls or an additional layer of polycarbonate, which (together) will ensure heat transfer and make the cladding of the room more durable.

When building a winter greenhouse, professionals do not recommend using film as the main means of thermal insulation under the skin, as well as aluminum - due to their fragility and easy exposure to mechanical damage. In addition, condensation can collect under the film, which can freeze if the temperature rises sharply or increase the air humidity inside the greenhouse.

Dimensions

The size of the greenhouse depends entirely on the needs of its owner. For summer cottages, options from 5 to 10 square meters are suitable. m., which has enough space for growing crops for one family. For gardeners, the optimal size for growing flower beds will be 15-20 square meters. m.

To grow crops for sale, large winter greenhouses will be required, which can occupy an impressive area (up to 200 sq. m.) in large enterprises.

How to build?

Currently, there are companies and services that provide their clients with a catalog of various greenhouses, as well as the opportunity to make them to order. You can order the structure, and then do the assembly yourself, or leave it to professionals for an additional fee. However, for many summer residents and gardeners it will not be difficult to make a greenhouse with their own hands.

Before you start, you need to decide in advance on the location for construction. As a rule (depending on the purpose of the greenhouse), the most suitable type of structure is immediately selected and the foundation is laid.

The location itself should be selected taking into account the most optimal protection from the wind. Otherwise, you will have to spend additional effort on protecting the product from gusts of wind, as well as on heating it.

Typically, a winter greenhouse consists of a foundation, frame and glazed roof. The design of the greenhouse must include a ventilation and heating system pre-designated in the drawing to further ensure the favorable functioning of plants. Tightness is of great importance for such a greenhouse, since the temperature in it is maintained artificially.

If the owner plans to grow plants in the ground, then the ceiling of the greenhouse may be low. If you plan to work with shelving, you must ensure in advance that the ceiling height and frame shape are sufficient for comfortable work of workers.

You can start making racks in advance to make sure that they are easy to use even at the construction stage of the building. They are usually made from wooden blocks and boards or plastic.

A winter greenhouse must receive the maximum amount of lighting. In winter, daylight is usually not enough to get a high-quality harvest, so you need to think in advance about installing artificial lighting. It is important that it is not only effective, but also as safe as possible, and also reliably protected from moisture and other conditions that can lead to a short circuit in the system.

The final stage is the arrangement of a homemade greenhouse from the inside. Usually in this case, a specialist is brought in to make sure that all additional systems supporting the life of plant crops are safe. When placing beds, it is worth making wide passages for convenience (taking into account the future dimensions of the plants and their needs).

The finished greenhouse requires careful care in the first year of use. You should be attentive to the occurrence of unwanted cracks, and also take care to maintain tightness, and be careful in operation. It is advisable to be able to insulate the greenhouse from the inside during severe frosts.

How to heat?

The selection of the type of heating for a winter greenhouse must be approached responsibly. It is necessary that it corresponds to the type of structure of the structure, and also meets all safety standards.

For a small greenhouse up to 20 square meters. m. Stove heating will be sufficient. This option is perfect for permanent residents of private houses. Its main advantage is the ability to more finely regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse, due to which you can get a high-quality harvest, and also not depend on abnormal weather temperatures outside.

Biofuel can also be used for such greenhouses. This is the most economical type of heating a greenhouse in winter, but at the same time more time-consuming for the owner. It is laid under the fertile layer of soil and warms the earth through natural decomposition processes.

For larger greenhouses, professionals advise using electric or water heating.

Electrical can be divided into overhead and cable. The air type maintains the necessary favorable temperature conditions for fertile crops inside the greenhouse with the help of special fan heaters.

Cable works like a “warm floor” system, that is, it heats the soil from the inside. It is because of this feature that it is extremely important that it is installed correctly and tested in advance to avoid problems being discovered after the greenhouse has been built.

Water heating is carried out through pipes, which can be installed underground (or through racks).

Growing crops in winter is not an easy task even with a properly equipped winter greenhouse. For a high-quality harvest, it is necessary to use all the advantages of the greenhouse and provide for many nuances in advance (even before the construction stage of this building).

You should follow the operating tips given by professionals to summer residents.

If you plan to plant such demanding and delicate berries as strawberries in a greenhouse, then you should choose polycarbonate for the cladding of the structure, as well as take care in advance of high-quality artificial lighting and prepare racks in which the seedlings will feel comfortable. Growing berries in the ground is undesirable, as this can lead to the death of plants if there is a strong jump in temperature outside.
It is better to determine zoning in a greenhouse in advance (before installing the heating system), since cucumbers, carrots, peppers, herbs and other crops require different climatic conditions. By keeping them in advance, you can prepare for a high-quality harvest.
A greenhouse for growing flowers must include devices for regulating indoor humidity.
Growing exotic crops requires more effort than traditional plants. That is why the success of selling such a harvest will directly depend on the quality and quantity of all necessary heating and lighting systems. In some cases, it is worth seeking the help of specialists to create the most suitable climatic conditions for certain plants.

A successful harvest depends not so much on the correct arrangement of the greenhouse, but on its competent use by the owner.

Beautiful examples

Design solutions for large winter greenhouses exceed all expectations of private home owners. A winter greenhouse can instantly transform from a place for growing plants into a chic place to relax with a book and a cup of hot tea in your hands. However, one does not exclude the other.

A white frame greenhouse with a high gable roof and glazed windows can become an excellent greenhouse that can accommodate not only small bushes of delicate plants, but also short trees. The brick foundation makes this structure more reliable, and the shape of the roof will not allow the weight of snow to accumulate for a long time. The glazed surface will allow you to enjoy daylight all year round.

A metal greenhouse-“hut” with glass walls will be a wonderful decoration for a winter hunting lodge. Water heating (in addition to the wooden interior) will allow you to enjoy green plants all year round. The sharp shape of the roof combined with the beams makes it extremely resistant to winter weather, as well as another design addition to the backyard.

If you have your own summer cottage and you are engaged in gardening, sooner or later you will need a greenhouse. Thanks to this simple structure, you can harvest several times a year, including in winter.

Despite its apparent simplicity, this type of work will require certain skills and knowledge. Thanks to this article, you can learn everything you need to build a greenhouse with your own hands.

Choosing the type of construction

To describe all types of winter greenhouses, you will need several such pages, so we will focus on the main and popular ones. We will also describe the features of each type of structure, so that even a novice gardener understands what will suit him best.

First of all, the winter structure is suitable for most crops - starting with various vegetables, fruits and ending with mushrooms.

Citrus and exotic harvests in winter will definitely please you and your loved ones. Before construction, you need to imagine in advance what plants you plan to grow.

There are three ways to build a heated greenhouse - built into the ground, built on the ground and on special hills.

Construction Materials

Another classification of greenhouses depends on the materials used - it can be brick, wood, metal profile, polycarbonate and glass. A combination of several in one building is also possible.

It is worth selecting based on several criteria, such as the chosen design, weather resistance, physical activity, cost and service life.

A glass greenhouse is the most classic option. They transmit light well and retain heat. Despite this, the popularity of this material is falling - the market is being replaced by new, lighter, cheaper and stronger products.

A polymer greenhouse will also transmit light well and will not require much effort to install. But, it is worth taking into account the formation of excess moisture - ventilation is required. Also, this material will quickly lose its appearance.

Glass and film are very successfully combined in cellular polycarbonate. This material has excellent properties, which are just suitable for building a greenhouse for the winter.

Heating

This factor is no less important for a winter greenhouse - you will create a favorable climate that will have a positive effect on plant growth. Here, too, you can’t do without special knowledge, but first, let’s look at what popular heating options the modern market offers.

The sun is the most affordable and easiest way to maintain temperature. Keep in mind that for year-round plants, this will not be enough.

Biological waste or fertilizers produce heat, which is perfect for creating a microclimate. Thus, two issues are resolved at once - saturation of the earth and heat. But here, just like in sunny areas, it will not be enough for winter.

Electricity is one of the most common options. Moreover, the modern market offers a huge variety of devices, such as convectors, infrared heaters and others.

By combining gas heaters and ventilation, you can get another way to maintain a microclimate. Also, stoves that burn wood, coal and wood waste are sometimes used. They are quite fire hazardous, so this option should be considered very carefully.

Installation

Polycarbonate greenhouses are the most optimal building option for winter harvests. The material retains heat well, transmits light, and is also lightweight, flexible and durable. To install such a building, you need to develop a project, apply all the dimensions and calculate the required number of all tools.

We install a strip foundation, and after it hardens, you can build a wooden frame. It must be strengthened with stiffening ribs. Then the base is sheathed with polycarbonate using self-tapping screws.

It is better to put perforated self-adhesive tape at the joints of the material. Additional vents and windows will help avoid condensation. We offer several photos of winter greenhouses so that you can become better acquainted with these buildings.