Farm greenhouses: types, prices. Do-it-yourself farm greenhouse

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Greenhouses and greenhouses are designed to create optimal conditions for the growth of agricultural plants. At the same time, there are basic structures that allow you to grow vegetables and herbs at certain seasonal times, and there are multifunctional complexes in which you can conduct year-round farming without regard to current climatic conditions. These mainly include farm greenhouses, the manufacture of which is carried out using modern building materials. For example, the introduction of polycarbonate as a basis for covering the frames of such structures has become somewhat revolutionary.

Varieties of greenhouses

The main sign of the separation of greenhouses is the design. The simplest versions are made as single-pitched frames with earth filling. In terms of cost, these are the most affordable farm greenhouses, but they also provide the least opportunities for plant production. A gable structure with a full-fledged roof formed by greenhouse frames is considered traditional. In large farms, double-slope greenhouses with solid walls are also used.

Designs are also divided according to the type of organization of the internal space. In particular,distinguish rack and rackless versions. In the first case, farm greenhouses allow you to grow crops on shelves equipped with convenient sides. The second version is simpler in terms of design and cheaper, but it requires cultivation on the ground.

Advantages of polycarbonate greenhouses

Polycarbonate is a relatively new building material and its use is widespread in agriculture. This was facilitated by a unique combination of technical and operational qualities of this plastic. In particular, it is characterized by high strength, insulating function and at the same time provides light transmission, filtering out harmful radiation. In addition, a disassembled polycarbonate farm greenhouse does not cause problems during transportation. The material in terms of durability and reliability corresponds to light metals, but at the same time it has a modest mass. In addition, when mounting with your own hands, it will allow you to perform cutting without a special tool. But there are also negative qualities of polycarbonate. It belongs to synthetic materials, which excludes environmental safety. Manufacturers strive to minimize the likelihood of harmful effects on plants, which, however, are minimal.

Greenhouses under the film - what are the features?

In essence, this is a lightweight version of polycarbonate and classic glass greenhouses and greenhouses. The basis of this design is a metal frame, which infurther and covered with a film material. Among the advantages of this solution are resistance to biological negative processes, water resistance and affordable price. It was the latter factor that determined the popularity that farm greenhouses received under a film on a metal frame basis. True, low cost is rarely combined with high quality material - the film coating, even in the best reinforced versions, cannot be compared in terms of strength with the same polycarbonate. Even the light transmittance of such coatings decreases over time. In addition, according to experienced summer residents, the film has to be changed every 2-3 years.

Additional equipment

Creation of favorable conditions for the growth of crops is promoted not only by the basic materials of the greenhouse construction. The supply of facilities with additional equipment also improves the characteristics of the microclimate. For example, the introduction of ventilation systems cleans the air environment, and screening systems, if necessary, will minimize exposure to harmful sunlight. Also, modern farm greenhouses are optionally equipped with multi-circuit heating systems. In advanced configurations, the user gets the opportunity to distribute the coolant units in accordance with the needs of a particular greenhouse. Do not forget the designers and irrigation systems. Automatic pumping equipment is programmable and reproduces drip irrigation also according to plant care requirements.

How to make a greenhouseDIY

The frame is in most cases delivered as a ready-to-assemble package consisting of framed metal elements. It only needs to be mounted using the fasteners included in the kit. The most important stage in the construction of the greenhouse is the construction of the foundation. The structure is installed on a concrete base, which can be columnar or tape. For massive structures, concrete is poured into special trenches. Then power rods are deepened into the solution, on which the farm greenhouse will stand. With your own hands, you can also implement the coating of the structure. Again, the choice of materials is quite wide - from polycarbonate and glass to film. The simplest option, in terms of laying, is film coatings, which are fixed with special fasteners to the joints of frame elements.

How much do greenhouses cost?

One of the main differences between farm greenhouses and ordinary country greenhouses is the size. It is they who determine the high cost of structures. So, the base of the frame with a length of 5 m, a width of 2 m and a height of 2 m can cost about 50-60 thousand rubles. Such parameters are considered initial for this category of agricultural objects. The average standard size assumes 10x5x3 m. In this design, the kit already costs 100-150 thousand. The specific figure also depends on the additional equipment that farm greenhouses are provided with. The price with heating, ventilation and automatic lighting system, for example, can be 200thousand

Conclusion

Establishment of a modern greenhouse requires serious investments. Even with self-installation, one should not expect serious savings, since in the future it may be necessary to spend on equipment for regulating the microclimate. However, a properly installed and well-equipped farm greenhouse, which costs an average of 150-200 thousand, will pay for itself pretty quickly. Structures of this type are rarely purchased to meet their own needs for agricultural products. Basically, they are considered as the best option for starting a small business on an individual production base.