It’s no secret that we can get some pretty extreme weather in Melbourne. Not as bad as some other places around the world but it can still get pretty cold during our winters and hot during our summers and that doesn’t always spell good news for your plants that don’t thrive all year round. There is a solution, however, and that comes in the form of a greenhouse which is perfect for any section of concrete in your yard. We’ve touched on greenhouses in the past — our Melbourne concrete driveway specialists want to explore these fantastic garden accessories further, so keep reading to find out why you should consider one for your concrete backyard.
What is a greenhouse?
Sometimes known as a glasshouse, a greenhouse is a structure that regulates the temperature so that plants can thrive during their off-seasons. Greenhouses can come in a variety of sizes, but residential ones aren’t usually much larger than your average backyard shed. Greenhouses convert light into heat and keep that heat trapped within the structure to ensure the temperature and humidity is adequate for the plants residing within. The base of the structure is usually built from either wood, aluminium, galvanised steel or even plastic with glass or polyethylene sheets covering them.
How a greenhouse ensures your plants thrive all year round
Greenhouses rely on light from the sun and the heat it transforms into. That heat passes through the greenhouse’s glass/polyethylene (or any similar material that is being used) coverings and becomes trapped within the structure. Glass, for example, is a terrible heat conductor. When the light from the sun hits the glass, it passes through and converts to heat — but is then trapped since the glass won’t allow it to escape.
The same principle applies to the plastic materials that may be used instead of glass. This is how greenhouses can stay warm all year round and ensure your plants thrive even when they’d usually wither during colder weather outside of a greenhouse. Even when temperatures drop quite low the greenhouse will remain unaffected.
They’re versatile
As we mentioned earlier, there are different type of greenhouses you can build or purchase and whilst some are quite traditional in appearance and form, there are some smaller and even portable options available that allow you to switch between different flowerbeds when necessary. But our favourites are the classic, dainty styled ones that have rooms for shelves — meaning they can be placed over your concrete if necessary.
Shelves allow for a variety of smaller plants and vegetables (like spicy chillies) whilst simultaneously making it easier to actually enter and inspect — as the ground space is unoccupied (though you can of course place some pot plants on the ground if need be — just makes sure to leave room to navigate).
Managing airflow (especially during summer)
Now, because greenhouses trap heat, they can become hotter than necessary during summer so there are things to keep in mind to allow correct ventilation and airflow. Ensuring your greenhouse has a window or roof vent that can be opened when it becomes too hot is essential for the summer. Other useful tips include using blinds to provide shade during heat-intensive days.
Managing humidity
Humidity can be an issue in greenhouses. Condensation can form because it is a sealed structure — and that can attract pests. Additionally, if condensation starts dripping from the roof, then the plant leaves will become unnecessarily wet — further encouraging pests to enter the equation. The humidity of your greenhouse must be carefully monitored and managed. The best and most crucial method of management involves careful control of what water goes into the greenhouse.
This means regulated and precise watering of all the plants’ roots to ensure there’s no excess water that will be left to evaporate. Our Melbourne-based concrete driveway experts also recommend purchasing a hygrometer and keeping your greenhouse’s humidity between 50% – 70%. As with most things in the garden, however, practice makes perfect.
Are you looking for concrete driveway specialists in Melbourne?
A Better Driveway are the masters of concrete driveways in Melbourne — whether it’s exposed aggregate, coloured ortextured concrete. With years of experience under our belts and the relevant licences and qualifications — our contractors can work with you to lay down a new driveway or refresh your existing one. We can also lay down a variety of types of concrete in your backyard that would make fantastic bases for your greenhouse.
Give us a call on 03 9308 6112 or fill out our online contact form if you would like a quote or have any questions about our services.