GardenStyles Gardening Tips

Please choose from the following "Gardening Tips" topics:

• Choosing Your Greenhouse
• Choosing a Greenhouse Site
• Foundation Hints
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Seeds in the Spring

Choosing Your Greenhouse

The greenhouse should accommodate both your gardening needs and the amount you have in your budget. We can help you determine what greenhouse is best for you.

• Number 1. - What size greenhouse?
  We have found most hobby greenhouse owners find they need a larger greenhouse than they originally thought. Upgrading later on may be more costly than ordering a larger unit initially.
• Number 2. - How will you use your greenhouse?
  Are you planning to use your greenhouse for growing year-round vegetables and flowers, or for starting seeds to plant in an outdoor garden? If this is the case, a warm greenhouse, tightly sealed, with high light transmission is what you need.
• Number 3. - How deluxe does your greenhouse need to be?
  Locking doors, heavier polycarbinate, a finer finish on the frame, all add to the quality of the greenhouse. Heaters, automatic fans, digital thermometers, along with other greenhouse accessories help make the greenhouse more enjoyable. Most greenhouse owners add these amenities as they determine their needs, and as they gain more experience with the greenhouse.
• Number 4. - Do I need a permit for my greenhouse?
  Check your local ordinances for required setbacks from property lines, design specifications, and other requirements. Most hobby greenhouses may not need a permit., but you may want to check.
• Number 5. - What should my greenhouse be made from?
  Gardeners have been building greenhouses for years from many types of materials. Wood, steel, plastic, PVC, fiberglass, polyethylene and glass have been and are still being used today. GardenStyles has chosen aluminum and twin wall polycarbonate for its greenhouses.

Here is the reason we chose these materials:

• Aluminum is among the lightest yet strongest framing alloys known. It offers strength as well as long term durability and reliability.
• Twin-wall polycarbonate, is safe. (almost unbreakable), lightweight and easy to work with. It has an UV-resistant surface and because of its double-wall it offers up to 40% better insulation than single pane glass.
• It transmits 83% of visible light and is 15% the weight of double pane glass. These greenhouses are built in Scandinavia to withstand heavy wind gusts and snow loads. We believe they are simply among the most reliable greenhouses made. For these reasons we offer a 12-year guarantee.

Choosing a Greenhouse Site

To receive maximum efficiency from your greenhouse, you should locate the greenhouse:

• Where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight during the winter months.
• A good site would also be sheltered from the high winds with the door opposite the sternest wind.
• It is most convenient if it is located near electricity and a water source.
• If possible avoid placing the greenhouse in shaded areas, and try to have the length of the greenhouse run east and west. This will prove the most efficient in gathering sunlight during the winter. Remember the sun is much lower during the winter.

Hints on Building Your Greenhouse Foundation

Your greenhouse is designed and built to withstand high winds and heavy snowfalls.

• The ground on which your greenhouse is placed must be level in order for the greenhouse to be square and plumb.
• The second method is to use a 5'' x 6'' landscape timber on the parameter of the greenhouse and bolt the greenhouse to it.
• The third method is to use a 2'' x 6'', 8'', 10'' etc. turned on edge. This dimension fits perfectly below the sil of the greenhouse. The greenhouse must be bolted to the board and then the board fastened to the ground with anchor stakes.

There are other methods which may work just as well, and if you have questions on any, please feel free to call us for an opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my greenhouse take to assemble?
If you have an assistant and your site is prepared, you can have the greenhouse up and your plants moved in within one weekend.

How are the polycarbonate panels mounted into the greenhouse?
On the Basic and Mini models, the polycarbonate slides directly into the framing of the Juliana greenhouse. The Compact and Premium models have a plastic gasket system which is used to secure the panels to the frame. On the MU lean-to’s and Gardener Series models a silicone adhesive and spring clips are used to secure the polycarbonate.

Will I really be able to garden 12 months a year?
A greenhouse will extend your growing season considerably, both in the spring and fall. Year-round gardening depends on your geographic location, the site of your greenhouse, and the availability of alternative heat sources.

Will I need to worry about wind and snow?
Juliana Greenhouses are built in Denmark and are designed to withstand extreme winds and harsh weather. Framing beams are up to 50% stronger than those of other greenhouses. In fact, Juliana Greenhouses are built so well that they’re backed by a 12 year guarantee.

Why choose polycarbonate panels over glass panes?
Obviously, glass panes are subject to breaking. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is virtually unbreakable against hail, baseballs, and rocks. Polycarbonate is lightweight and ribbed to provide a diffused, UV protecting light which enhances plant growth and helps aid in temperature control.

How long are Juliana Greenhouses guaranteed?
Every greenhouse is guaranteed from seven to twenty years. We’ll replace any item, free of charge, that does not conform to our high standards of quality.

Suggestions to Make Sure Your Seeds Get Off to a Healthy Start in the Spring

• In order for seeds to germinate properly, your seeds should be kept in an environment which is moist and warm, while maintaining a temperature about 75 degrees during the day and no cooler that 65 degrees at night. You may have to use a heater during the night if the temperature will drop below.
• To determine how cold or how warm it gets in your greenhouse, you may want to use a minimum/maximum thermometer.
• Keep your soil moist during germination with our watering misting system. Remember to mist only during daylight hours to avoid excessive humidity at night. This will discourage disease.
• If you find your plants are not getting enough sunlight you may wish to rotate your flats.