Greenhouses
From Antivist
One of the most important advantages of buying certain standard stayles and widths is that these are made in sections. Thus a beginner or a person short of money may start with two, or preferably three sections and add others as he gains confidence through experience or as his finances improve.
By using bench and walk widths as a basis of measurement, the greenhouse companies have decided upon standard widths. Among the favorites are 15', 18' and 25'. A standard house 25' long would consist of two sections, each 12 1/2' long. A 50' one of four such secitons or two sections of 25' each.
Such being the case, the beginner may not only avoid making countless mistakes in construction. But knowing that he may make harmonious additions to his first small greenhouse. Whenever possible, the house should face south. A house 15' or 18' wide will prove a better investment than any narrower size. Narrower sizes are harder to operate during changeable weather because of the relatively small volume of air they contain. The air is affected by outdoor temperature and the fluctuations of intermittent sunshine and clouds, to say nothing of wind.
Another advantage of a standard greenhouse is that guesswork is eliminated, especially with heating. The heating requirements of each plant species to be grown is different. The standard green house will keep plants healthy even in blizzards or zero weather.
Adequate ventilation is no less important than heating, for without it, the plants may be 'cooked' even when the weather outside is below freezing. Unless the ventilating system is properly proportioned to the area of roof and the volume of othe house it may be inadequate to keep the temperature and the humidity favorable to plant development. Moreover the ventilating apparatus must be constructed so as to be easily oeperated regardless of outdoor conditions.
