We have this awkward basement walkout behind the house that’s basically dead space. It lets a lot of light into the basement, which is nice, but outside the area is unused. Thinking of putting a greenhouse in this area, built against the house, using the house for three walls and adding one wall and a roof to complete the greenhouse. This side of the house is south-facing and we are in zone 5. Space is about 16’x20’. I think it would be great to look out of the basement windows straight into a greenhouse and see tropical plants in the winter! Would grow a few vegetables in it but mostly we would want this for attractive plants that wouldn’t survive an outdoor winter in zone 5.
Do you think this is feasible? What issues do you see?
TIA
by Negativitynate
4 Comments
I’m a bit worried on how much light comes in and for how long per day. You can test this by checking with an inexpensive lux meter. First take a reading where you want to put the greenhouse and then take a reading somewhere where you are sure there is plenty of light. Do this every 2 hours on a sunny day and you will immediately know if you have enough light.
sounds perfect honestly, kinda jealous haha. also this will insulate your basement in the winter time. just make sure to be able to reduce temperature and humidity in there, since it is south facing. so Windows and maybe a fan would be necessary. put a mini indoor pond, a small table and two chairs in there. you will be sitting in the jungle drinking your coffee in the futere
Agree – I think you won’t have enough light in your greenhouse + it’ll really impact the light in your basement.
You’d also need a heating system which is complicated and costly.
If you do this, and the area faces the sun, then the walls on either side should be white or covered in mirrors. The brick would serve as a good heat sink in cold areas, but the light gained from reflecting the luminance inward would be better in this situation. Look up Walipini greenhouses as well.