Hobby Greenhouses
A hobby greenhouse is defined as a structure which is used to grow and cultivate plants by a casual gardener. If your window sills are overflowing with plants, it is probably time to invest in a small scale hobby greenhouse.
Hobby greenhouses can be used to grow any type of plant. The hobby greenhouses can be dedicated to one specific genre, such as orchids, bromeliads, and bonsai. Budding hobbies, such as hydroponics, can be expanded with a hobby greenhouse. Other greenhouses are constructed with the intention of growing food. In this case, seedlings are often started early in the year, grown to a seedling, then transplanted outside. No matter what will be grown in the greenhouse, Solar Innovations® can work with you to create the perfect environment for your plants.
No Building Permits Required
Typically speaking, hobby greenhouses are less than 10’0” x 10’0”, but they can be larger if needed. All hobby greenhouses can be customized to any size or shape. Small lean-to hobby greenhouses that are attached to the house work very well for hobby greenhouses, as do free standing double pitched greenhouses.
In most areas within the United States, any structure under 200 sq. ft., does not need a foundation or permits. Please check with your local zoning board for more information on structure building permits. The greenhouse is seen as a temporary structure, similar to an outdoor shed. The hobby greenhouse should simply be attached to the ground with any number of anchoring systems such as railroad ties, earth anchors, or duckbill anchors. Solar Innovations® has developed an aluminum base plate which attaches to the sill, and an anchor drives through the plate and sill into the ground. This base plate will further prevent any issues with moisture build-up and uneven surfaces.
Aluminum Frame
Hobby greenhouses are manufactured out of aluminum which will not rust, rot, warp, or require constant finishing maintenance. The aluminum framework is available in thermally isolated and non-thermal depending on the number of seasons you will be growing plants. There are eight standard frame finishes available, along with any custom color you may require. Corrosion resistant anodized options are also available. Solar Innovations® hobby houses are easily converted to permanent greenhouses by simply adding a foundation and expanding the walls if necessary.
Polycarbonate Glass
Glass or polycarbonate is utilized within the framework of Solar’s hobby greenhouses. Both materials are suitable for greenhouses and come in different thicknesses and color variations. Polycarbonate tends to be less expensive and lighter in weight, which reduces shipping costs. Glass, on the other hand, has a longer life than polycarbonate and tends to blend better with a home’s exterior façade. Polycarbonate is often the material of choice for a hobby greenhouse, especially one where the greenhouse is used only for spring and fall.