Dear James,
We’re currently busy in the beginning ground laying of the construction phase of adding a large greenhouse onto our enclosed garden plot, which is completely enclosed with 12 foot high fencing with a solar security system.
This addition was decided in consideration of the foreseeable need for us to be able to add a winter season grow room for year long vegetable growing and over-wintering of our heirloom stock.
It will also allow us to save our best heirloom plants and clone them, from season to season to jumpstart the spring grow times and yields.
I am sharing the attached helpful items we needed to consider before adding this greenhouse to our garden. One major issue you may want to expand on in your thoughts of planning for it’s location, is on OPSEC. Of course it is not covered here in this literature. A greenhouse should not be plainly visible to others, unless you intend to sell plants or produce from your site. However, I encourage people to have a selling stand which is not at your home or, instead to sell at the local farmers market or area flea market.
Also, consider photovoltaic panel-powered grow lights and gardens that can be operated for sprouting and growing vegetables year round in your basement or an enclosed work shed!
And, here is a link to some free construction plans for several different designs for outdoor greenhouses. These come from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Happy Year Round Gardening, – KAF