Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

Growing different crops in greenhouses and greenhouses is an occupation loved by many gardeners. But not always on the site there is a place for large and bulky structures suitable for this purpose. As an alternative to a simple and convenient option, the Butterfly greenhouse can be used, the design, features and advantages of which will be discussed in this article.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

What is a greenhouse Butterfly: design features

The main feature of this type of greenhouse – versatility. Such designs are perfect for both spacious and very small areas. Another advantage is their mobility – such a greenhouse is easy to disassemble and move to another place.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

By its construction, a greenhouse resembles a butterfly, because of which it got its name. To regulate the microclimate in such a greenhouse simply, partially or completely opening the doors and allowing air and sun to penetrate inside. If necessary, on the site you can install a greenhouse of any size, depending on the needs of the owner.

Helpful advice! If you plan to grow plants in the greenhouse during the cold season, then it is worth considering the option of purchasing a heated model.

For most greenhouses of this design use standard materials: plastic or metal-plastic profile for the frame and polyethylene or polycarbonate as a coating. Depending on the model, the frame may have several sections or be solid.

If you highlight the main feature that distinguishes the Butterfly greenhouse from other models, it will be the most rational use of the available area. Thanks to its device, the greenhouse provides the owner with comfortable access to all plants, allowing you to use the entire area for growing crops.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

Summer residents who use this type of greenhouse on their own plots often note both positive and negative aspects of its use. To better understand whether to give preference to this option, consider all the pros and cons.

The benefits of using Butterfly greenhouse:

  • able to withstand severe weather. Remains strong and stable even in case of heavy snowfalls;
  • the process of greenhouse ventilation is convenient due to the presence of special vents. In addition, special shock absorbers have a positive effect on the life of the Butterfly, not allowing its moving parts to fail;
  • subject to the use of high-quality certified coating and proper care for it, the service life of such a greenhouse is quite large;
  • structural features allow the greenhouse to retain heat perfectly, creating the most comfortable conditions for plant growth and development;
  • suitable for growing almost all popular crops, including vegetables, flowers, melons and gourds, any seedlings, etc .;
  • the installation of such a structure does not require the presence of a foundation. The greenhouse can be easily disassembled and moved from place to place;
  • If desired, a suitable design can be made by hand, saving on purchase. At the same time, prices for such greenhouses are quite affordable.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

As most of the reviews indicate, the Butterfly greenhouse is easy to use, fully meets the requirements of the pickiest summer resident and fully manages its functions. And yet, you can not ignore the terrible reviews. The Butterfly Greenhouse has both supporters and opponents, and in order to form an objective picture, it is necessary to take into account the arguments on both sides.

During operation, many summer residents have to face some difficulties, which, however, are not always critical. In most cases, adherence to simple rules and proper maintenance of the structure allow using the greenhouse without any problems.

Nevertheless, it is worth knowing the weak points of such greenhouses:

  • most often, the susceptibility of the hinges that hold the sash. This is due to regular opening and closing. This can be prevented by conducting regular inspections and, if necessary, repairs;
  • if polycarbonate is used as a covering material, then under its weight the lower arcs can be deformed. To avoid this, they must be further strengthened;
  • One of the most common complaints that can be found among users who purchase a ready-made greenhouse is the use of poor-quality paint by the manufacturer, which quickly cracks and falls off. In this case, it is best to remove the bad cover and re-repaint the frame;

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

  • Sometimes inside the holes made under the fastenings, there are burrs that have to be eliminated independently, using a file for this.

The design of this greenhouse is simple, thanks to which it is easy to make yourself, subject to certain rules and recommendations. Another question is to choose the right materials and carry out all the calculations. What exactly is worth paying attention to, and how to do everything correctly, we will consider.

The design of the greenhouse allows you not to take too much area to install it. However, even this small area must be properly selected to ensure the safety of the structure and allow the owner to grow a good harvest.

Among the criteria for choosing a place to install a greenhouse, the main position is occupied by lighting. Lack of sunlight can negatively affect the growth and development of plants, and therefore the best option is a flat, well-lit area. In addition, the location of the greenhouse from north to south is considered ideal.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

It is strongly not recommended to install greenhouses in low-lying areas, as in case of rain or snow melting, water accumulation will lead to rotting of the crop. For the same reason, it’s bad if the groundwater is too close to the surface and causes constant moisture. It is also undesirable to install a greenhouse on the windy side, as the constant impact of the wind can adversely affect the stability of the greenhouse.

In practice, choosing a place suitable for a greenhouse, first exclude the most inappropriate options. Do not place the structure in shaded areas and in the vicinity of septic tanks and other chemicals. It is recommended to adhere to existing standards of distance from other buildings, fencing and other elements of the site.

To build a Butterfly greenhouse, you can use the base of both metal and wood. Metal pipes of small diameter are considered ideal, however, a frame made of wood is also suitable. In any case, it is worth paying attention to the issue of protecting the structure from moisture. The advantage of a wooden frame is that there is no need to use a welding machine and other tools designed for cutting, bending and fastening metal parts.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

For frame plating the most suitable material is polycarbonate. This material has the strength, durability and retains moisture and heat well inside the greenhouse. Such a choice will provide the most comfortable conditions for the plants and at the same time, the ease of use of the greenhouse, including its maintenance and, if necessary, repairs.

As it should be, the creation of such a greenhouse begins with a standard procedure for carrying out calculations and developments. At this stage, it becomes clear how much the project will cost, what materials and in what quantity will be required for its implementation.

In most cases, gardeners use as a basis ready-made drawings that can be found on the Internet. The standard is considered to be a butterfly greenhouse, 1-1.5 m high and 2×4 m in size.

Helpful advice! It is necessary to think in advance about what plants will be grown in a greenhouse, as this will directly determine its size. For example, for tall or climbing crops, a standard height may not be enough.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

It is important to consider whether it is planned to conduct regular greenhouse dismantling, since the complexity of the fastening elements and the thickness of the material used will depend on this. If the structure is stationary, then it is acceptable to use a frame and polycarbonate of greater thickness than for collapsible structures. Another important aspect is the design of additional systems, such as heating or lighting.

Having defined the drawing, and having completed all the preparatory work, you can proceed directly to the installation of the greenhouse and its equipment. To do this, clear a suitable area of ​​grass and debris, completely removing the top layer of soil. It also helps to level the ground.

Building a foundation is not a prerequisite for installing the Butterfly greenhouse, however, its presence will provide additional strength to the structure, making it more reliable and extending the operational life. The foundation for the greenhouse is erected according to the following scheme:

  • on the prepared site make measurements and do the corresponding marking;
  • then along the perimeter of the future greenhouse they dig a trench, inside they lay out a waterproofing layer. In order to provide additional strength, the corners of the trench are reinforced, after which a liquid solution of sand and cement is poured in;
  • using bricks, lay out a low base – protruding part of the foundation.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

After the foundation has hardened and is completely ready to install the greenhouse, you can proceed to the assembly and installation of the frame. The structure is assembled from the selected material, using welding or bolts of suitable size as the fastening method. Then the frame is fixed to the base.

At this stage, it is most convenient to apply protective anti-corrosion or antiseptic agents. Immediately you can paint the frame or open it with varnish. While all these layers are dry, there will be enough time to measure and cut the polycarbonate. The most convenient way to do this is with a circular saw.

Fixing polycarbonate to the frame is another step that requires attention. For this purpose, self-tapping screws, thermo washers and fasteners with a compactor will be required Using special profiles, the ends are connected, and each joint is necessarily processed with silicone sealant so that the greenhouse is sealed.

As for the features of such a design, in the process of self-production, it is worth paying special attention to the drawing of the Butterfly greenhouse itself. So, a huge role is played by the presence of the central beam, which holds the special loops. It is on them that the opening flaps, the “butterfly wings”, are put on.

Greenhouse Butterfly: features self-assembled designs

Before you collect the Butterfly greenhouse, it is important to consider how the open segments will be held in this position. Usually for this purpose, special supports are mounted on the sides of the structure.

In order for the plants inside the greenhouse to feel comfortable, you need to follow a few simple rules and avoid common mistakes.

It is important to always monitor the air temperature outside and, accordingly, open / close the greenhouse. On warm days, the sash should be open to ensure the oxygen supply to the plants, with the onset of coolness the greenhouse should be closed. Thus, the greenhouse effect will extend the period of fruiting of almost any crops. And in the spring, thanks to the greenhouse effect, you can start planting a few weeks earlier than usual.

Designs of these sizes are purchased by summer residents for personal use and almost always have very positive reviews. If you want to see on your site a greenhouse of non-standard size or shape, then it is worth asking about their independent production.

Anyone who has a desire can watch a video on how to assemble a Butterfly greenhouse and make a design suitable for their own site. If you consider all the considered aspects and take into account the recommendations of experts, the greenhouse will turn out practical, functional and attractive. All these characteristics have a positive effect on the quality of plants grown in the greenhouse.

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