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Greenhouse Windows
A greenhouse window provides the opportunity
to successfully grow a small number of plants
from the convenience of inside the house.
These windows are most commonly installed
in kitchens and bathrooms, but they are also
a popular feature in eating areas, family
rooms, and bedrooms. A greenhouse window
will have a glass top and sides that extend
out from the side of the house about one
to two feet so that it can better expose
the plants to the rays of the sun. Depending
on the size of the window, there will be
two or three glass shelves on which to place
plants. These windows can be custom made
to fit into an existing window, but since
most windows are standard sizes, a less expensive
option is to order a kit made by companies
that specialize in garden supplies. These
greenhouse window kits are inexpensive and
easy to install.
If you are thinking of buying
a greenhouse
window, consider the following:
- A quality greenhouse window will have insulated
glass that is tightly fitted in its frame
so that it does not leak air. The frame should
be made of wood or metal; vinyl clad wooden
windows provide the best insulation and need
the least maintenance.
- The best place to put a greenhouse window
is where it will get the most sunlight. This
is usually on the south or southeast side
of the building, where it will get the morning
light that allows the plants’ food production
process to begin early in the day. If the
greenhouse window will only be used in the
winter, an east location is often best, as
the east captures the most sunlight from
November to February. West or southwest locations
will also work, but care should be taken
that the late afternoon sun does not make
the window too hot for the plants. A north
location is suitable only for plants that
require little to no direct light.
- You should be able to vent the greenhouse
window by opening the side
windows. Look
for models that have window
screens and easy
to operate handles. You should
also be able
to lock the windows to make
them secure.
- A built in water drainage system is an added
convenience.
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