A green haven to make creativity bloom

Amarjeet Batth

Saving delicate plants from extreme weather conditions as well  as having the “luxury” of enjoying out-of-season veggies is a huge attraction for gardening enthusiasts. And setting up a “controlled environment” for plants through a green house is the perfect means to achieve these goals. However, the general impression is that a green house is for big farmers or those having larger spaces and bigger budgets. As a result those working under space and budget constraints steer clear of this idea. But if you hate to see your favourite plants wilt in adverse weather conditions, then a bit of effort and innovative use of easily available materials can help you create a “green house” of your own on your own.  Creating a green house in your dwelling is a has wide utility ranging from protection of exotic plants, growing seedlings, enjoying the early and late blooms, prolonging production of veggies.        

Location

Selection of the location depends on the type and scale of utility a gardener is looking for. In a small house it can be attachment to a wall or an extension of the house or on roof top, while in bigger homes a green house can be a standalone unit. Whatsoever the location, the location for a green house must have ample sunlight light and air flow with construction made in north-south direction, while keeping east-west side open to receive morning and evening light, respectively. Preferably plan it on a raised ground and not in a sunken area.

Shape and size

The cost, space available and location generally decide the size of the green house. An inverted glass jar can also act like a ‘green house’. Dome-shaped canopies made with plastic sheet can be used to “shield” flower beds or a group of pots in your backyard. Waste material like pipes, angle irons and channels can be used effectively to create an attractive green house.   

Ventilation

The provision of good ventilation must be made at the time of building the green house. In bigger areas fans can be installed to control the inner temperature, while in small ones opening in glass or plastic sheet can be made in accordance with the wind direction.

Misting

Plants also need lots of moisture to survive and flourish. Arrangement for misting must be made through a misting network.  In a green house plants tend to grow towards the direction of light, therefore rotate the pots periodically. 

Do it yourself

Step 1: Make a rough diagram with all possible details viz size and shape  etc. It is better to have understanding of how to build a greenhouse before you begin as discussed below

Step 2: Check your resources like unused or old windows and doors, wooden frames, some non metallic sheets, tranparent umbrellas,  pipes or channel.   

Step 3: List out the material you may need to buy, like nails of various sizes, fevicol, hinges, paint etc. Net or polythene sheet to cover the top and sides of the green house as these allow the sunlight to penetrate. Ventilation fan and drip irrigation system.

Step 4: To make an enclosed glass house, screw the three windows at 90 degree right angle to make a ‘U’ shaped structure. No cuts  or angles are required to combine these. You can use iron strips to make the structure sturdy. On the third window fix hinges to place a door. While doing the roof a net or polythene sheet is enough.    

Step 5: For a non-glass structure, make a frame with pipes of equal length. Grout these in a concrete base. Once it’s dry and stable, fix the horizontal bars. Cover the sides with straw or ‘sarkanda’ to protect from wind.  Put a net on top.