If the size of the property does not allow it, the existing terrace can be converted into an attractive greenhouse with little effort. If equipped sensibly, it is even conceivable to use it as a winter garden, which helps with your self-sufficiency with home-grown vegetables.
How to convert a patio into a greenhouse?
A terrace can be converted into a greenhouse by building missing walls with wooden or metal profiles and glass cladding. Supply lines, raised beds and planting tables should then be installed and sufficient ventilation and darkening should be planned.
Many property owners have the problem that they cannot find an optimal place for a greenhouse on the entire site. However, there would be a terrace that is conveniently located on a south side and is even covered. In this case, converting the existing area into a greenhouse is not only a veryeasy, but also the most cost-effective option for gardening under glass in the near future.
A new warm house is being built
Even if in such a constellation, similar to a lean-to greenhouse, it is just a matter of putting up three new walls, it is quite possible that a building permit will be required for this. If everything is clear with the building authority, you can usually do the work required to convert the greenhouse yourself. If it corresponds to the character of the existing residential building, the missing walls can initially be installed in the shell using several frames made of stable wooden or metal profiles (possibly with anadditional or strip or point foundation). In this case, glass is ideal for installing the cladding, as the natural material blends very successfully and visually impressively into the overall structure of the house.
Raised beds instead of growing at ground level
Depending on the desired type of use, you can now start laying the supply lines for water, electricity and, if necessary, heating. For interior design and to maintain a homely character, it is advisable to set up raised beds and stable plant tables. If the size is right, there will definitely be places to set up a cupboard for garden equipment and tools, some shelves and maybe even a comfortable seating area.
What else is important when converting a greenhouse:
- Planas many windows as possible (if necessary also a door) that can be opened for sufficient ventilation of the plants.
- Not all plants can tolerate the midday heat and bright sunlight without damage. Appropriate darkening helps to keep indoor temperatures tolerable.
Tip
In greenhouses, constant monitoring of the climatic conditions is mandatory if you want to grow naturally he althy plants that you can enjoy for a long time. The interior should therefore be equipped with thermometers (€11.00 on Amazon) and humidity meters in several places.
