Whether you choose a pre made greenhouse or prefer to construct your own, you will still be faced with many of the same issues. Size and design along with the type of material such as glass, polycarbonate or aluminum will all need to be taken into account.

When it comes to greenhouse building, amongst the most important considerations is where to site the structure. Plants need sufficient sunlight to thrive, so you will need to pick out a part of your garden where sunlight is abundant. Even if the preferred location is shaded, provided it gets adequate morning sunlight, it should be ideal.

The part of the world you live in is also important. While northerly latitudes will receive longer hours of sunlight in the summer months, there will be significantly less in the winter. Nevertheless, this can be compensated for with the use of artificial heating and lighting systems.

Together with the quantity of heat and light, dampness levels are also affected by climate. While humidity levels in some areas are really low in the summer months, other latitudes are the complete opposite with ample dampness. The climatic conditions where you live will dictate whether greenhouse watering systems will be necessary.

Next on your consideration list is the type of foundation which can comprise of  no base at all or one made or constructed from wood, concrete, brick or gravel. So as to reach a decision, you should consider whether you intend installing any form of floor heating and whether you plan to cover the floor with the likes of tile, carpeting or linoleum.

Of course, all of these considerations will have to be evaluated in conjunction with the size and positioning of your proposed greenhouse, which may be restricted by the options available in your garden. You may have trees close to the house in one area, but further away on the other side. You may have a flat area suitable for a greenhouse, or an incline, which could be flattened out in a day with a bulldozer. Consider, as well, the amount of wind, hail and rainfall you will get in one location versus another.

While average wind and rain is, naturally, the same over your entire property, the exact amount at the proposed position for your greenhouse can vary. Trees can block wind and rain while high walls can act as a screen against the elements.

How much rain falls on and around the greenhouse is important because it will dictate the type of drainage system that will need to be put in place. Wind speed and direction need to be taken into account since any through draft caused when the door is opened could cause major damage to the greenhouse itself. Therefore, the opening direction of both windows and doors combined with positioning are important aspects for the wellbeing and stability of the whole construction.

When constructing your own or installing a ready made greenhouse, there is no need to transform yourself into an architect although  it will pay dividends to think like one. Without any forward planning, constructing a greenhouse can lead to wasted time and much frustration, let alone the additional cost. Getting it right from the beginning will give you a safe and comfortable environment in which to plant, pot and grow whatever your heart desires.