Pergolas and covered patios are wonderful during the warmer parts of the year. While humans can bundle up and build a fire, even a covered outdoor space cannot protect your garden from harsh winter temperatures. If you're interested in finding ways to keep growing your veggies, flowers and other plants all year long, consider building a lean-to greenhouse. Here are some of the key advantages.
Easy Utilities Access
Having your greenhouse attached to your home means easy access to electricity and water. Both of these are necessities if you want to have all of the features of a year-round greenhouse. Rather than using extension cords, hoses and other means to connect a separate structure, your greenhouse can use the same systems as your home. Obviously, this will affect your energy and water bills, so opt for the most efficient lighting and irrigation systems as possible.
More Efficient Heating
Keeping your greenhouse warm is significantly easier if it shares a wall with your house. Though minimal, heat transfer through the wall and into the greenhouse can make a few degrees difference. While it might not feel like much to us, it can mean life or death for some plants.
This also presents an advantage for the gardener. Without needing to cross the yard in the rain, snow or freezing temperatures, caring for plants in winter is a much more comfortable job.
An Indoor-Outdoor Space
You have creative control over the design of your greenhouse, both inside and out. One major advantage to this is that by building an attached greenhouse you also gain a mixed outdoor-indoor space. Add a few chairs or a small table to have your morning coffee among the greenery. Set up colorful string lights and other decorations and use it as an enclosed space for entertaining away from the elements and pests--provided you have the room.
Is an attached greenhouse the right option for you? Consider these key advantages to determine whether your garden could benefit from this all-weather upgrade.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
