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
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
