We decided to convert the carport when the roof collapsed by the sheer weight of heavy snow. It is unusual to get snow in this area, if we do have, only lasted for a few weeks. We hired a contractor/handyman to build our greenhouse.
The greenhouse all wood construction, beams, panels, and posts. Glass windows and the roof a corrugated fiberglass provide ample light. A regular greenhouse without bells and wistles. No heating except for the growing box with heating coils where I have my seeds flats for germination. It will stay there until ready to transplant outdoor in the spring.
Greenhouses comes in many shapes and sizes. Ours is 10 by 20 sq.ft., hight from top center of the roof to the ground approximately 25 feet. The foundation is concrete slab remainder from the carport. Built from scratched, it is quite a sizeable greenhouse, similar to a small cabin in the woods.
When building a greenhouse you need to consider many things. Finding a suitable space on your property. Obstructions such as buildings that will block light or trees. Building codes, size of the greenhouse and the amount of money you want to spend. You have to consider your possible options carefully. If building a greenhouse from scratch is not an option, you can consider prefab greenhouse that come in many sizes from small to large or in between. The internet might give you more information on this.
There is also a good book from Sunset Publishing company by the name of Greenhouse Gardening, ISBN#0-376-03263-4, I hope this book is still in print.
Here are the images from before and after.......
Carport before the snow storm
Under construction
Windows facing west
The finished greenhouse at last
