In the wake of the popularity of a healthy lifestyle and organic products, the issue of arranging a winter greenhouse is also becoming relevant. The opportunity to grow useful products all year round, the origin of which is not in doubt, is also provided by the abundance of modern heat-insulating materials.

Experts call cellular polycarbonate the best raw material for building a winter greenhouse. The structure of the material transmits 85% of visible light — while it is filtered in such a way as to pass the rays of the soft spectrum needed for plant photosynthesis and limit the access of the hard spectrum of ultraviolet radiation.

Also, the advantage of polycarbonate over ordinary glass is that the light scatters before getting inside the greenhouse, reflecting from the edges. Thanks to this, the lighting in the polycarbonate winter greenhouse will be uniform; correct heat distribution will also be ensured.

The easiest way is to purchase a collapsible polycarbonate greenhouse: the package includes a frame, sheets for covering, fasteners and instructions. Of course, it will be cheaper to mount the structure yourself — but you need to correctly assess your strengths and compare the cost savings with the time spent on work. Those who wish to be puzzled by the independent construction of a winter greenhouse “from A to Z” should pay attention to photo and video master classes: visual aids always work more efficiently than the most detailed instructions.

A wooden frame is suitable for a winter energy-saving greenhouse — if the crop does not need high humidity (as, for example, for cucumbers). Then for the core you will need to use aluminum tubes.

When choosing the type of greenhouse construction, keep in mind: asymmetric structures can be many times more efficient. Greenhouse extensions are also common, it is mounted at the south wall of the house, which needs to be painted in a dark color.

The so-called round greenhouses are very well known, the design of which, in fact, is a polygon. The disadvantage of such greenhouses is poor air circulation, so they need to carefully consider the ventilation system.

Of course, in order to grow plants in winter, you need to think not only about overhead lighting, but also about heating the soil: it is naive to believe that you will get seedlings from frozen ground. In fact, the main difference between off-season greenhouses is the presence of a foundation and a foundation for the structure.

To heat winter greenhouses, it is necessary to dig a pit, at the bottom of which elements of a heat accumulator are laid (it is best to use aluminum convectors), pipes for its ventilation. From above, heating appliances are covered with PVC film — this will protect the system from soil ingress, and also provide good conditions for the accumulation of humus.

By the way, for heating winter greenhouses, you can use both separate boilers and boiler rooms designed to heat residential buildings.

However, it will be most convenient to purchase specialized devices for heating and ventilation of winter greenhouses. Their purchase will cost more than self-assembly of communications, but they will significantly save on energy costs.

Inside the winter greenhouse, it is advisable to use heat-saving items: for example, dark slabs for paths. On the north side, it is worth attaching foam sheets for better thermal insulation. Also, for the equipment of a winter greenhouse, additional lighting may be required: in a short winter daylight hours, the plants will not receive the required amount of light. Taking into account all these points, you will get an excellent platform for growing vegetables in the winter.