In addition to the initial purchase price, your backyard plant nursery will cost money to operate. For example, you want to factor in ongoing expenses like heating, ventilation, cooling and replacement parts. So, how much does it cost to maintain a greenhouse on an annual basis?
Maintaining a greenhouse can vary in cost depending on factors such as size, materials and location. On average, annual expenses for heating, cooling, water supply and maintenance can range from $350 to $1,400 plus water consumption. It’s important to consider these costs when planning and budgeting for your greenhouse project.
Here’s an overview of the average annual costs associated with heating, cooling, and replacement parts for a typical backyard greenhouse. Let’s use a 10′ x 6′ greenhouse as an example, which is a relatively common size for home gardeners.
Heating is necessary to maintain a suitable temperature for your plants, especially during colder months. The annual heating costs can vary significantly depending on your location, the type of heating system you use, and the outside climate. Here are some factors to consider:
Location: Colder regions will require more heating, leading to higher costs.
Heating Source: Common options include portable electric heaters, propane heaters or even geothermal systems. Each has its own cost associated with fuel or electricity consumption.
Insulation: A well-insulated greenhouse will be more energy-efficient and cost less to heat.
On average, heating costs for a 10′ x 6′ greenhouse can range from $200 to $800 per year, but this can vary widely.
Note: If you want to saving money on heating costs, check out passive solar greenhouse designs that rely on thermal mass and natural ventilation in order to regulate temperature.
Annual Cost to Ventilate or Cool Your Backyard Greenhouse:
In warm climates or during hot seasons, you may need cooling to prevent the greenhouse from becoming too hot for your plants. Cooling costs can also fluctuate based on several factors:
Insulation: Good insulation can help reduce cooling costs by keeping excess heat out.
Annual cooling costs for a 10′ x 6′ greenhouse typically range from $100 to $400, but again, this can vary based on factors like your location and cooling method.
Average Greenhouse Maintenance Costs:
Greenhouses require regular maintenance and occasional replacement parts to keep them functioning optimally. Common replacement parts and maintenance items include:
Plastic or Polycarbonate Panels: These can degrade over time due to UV exposure and may need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
Frame Repairs: Bolts, nuts and frame components may require occasional replacement.
Ventilation Systems: Motors, louvers and other ventilation components can wear out.
Shade Cloth: If you use shade cloth during the summer, it may need replacement due to wear and tear.
The annual cost for replacement parts and maintenance can vary widely but typically ranges from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the greenhouse’s age and condition.
Greenhouse Irrigation Cost
Watering frequency, water source and irrigation system can all impact annual watering expenses. For example, if you use municipal water, your costs will be based on the water rates in your area.
On the other hand, if you have access to a well or other water source, your costs may be lower. That said, you’ll need to consider the electricity or maintenance costs associated with the pump.
Furthermore, the type of irrigation system you use will affect both water usage and costs. Common greenhouse irrigation methods include:
Drip Irrigation: This system delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, reducing water wastage and promoting efficient water use. It typically involves the cost of drip lines, emitters, and a timer.
Soaker Hoses: Soaker hoses distribute water evenly along their length, which can be advantageous in smaller greenhouses. They are relatively inexpensive.
Overhead Sprinklers: These can be effective but may lead to more water evaporation and may not be as precise as drip systems. They also require higher water pressure.
How to Lower Your Water Cost: To optimize water usage and reduce costs, consider using moisture sensors and timers in your greenhouse. These devices can help ensure that you’re only irrigating when necessary, preventing overwatering and water wastage.
In addition, you can invest in rainwater harvesting or water storage systems to collect and use rainwater for irrigation.
Example: Let’s provide a rough estimate for annual water irrigation costs for a 10′ x 6′ greenhouse growing a variety of vegetables and herbs using a drip irrigation system:
Watering Frequency: Assuming daily watering during the growing season (about 6 months), with reduced watering in the winter months, let’s estimate 240 days of active irrigation.
Water Source: Using municipal water with an average rate of $0.03 per gallon.
Irrigation System: Installation of a drip irrigation system with an initial cost of approximately $100 for materials (drip lines, emitters, timer).
Monitoring and Automation: A basic moisture sensor and timer cost around $30.
Based on these estimates, the annual water irrigation costs can be calculated as follows:
Total Water Used (gallons per day) x Cost per Gallon x Days of Irrigation
Let’s assume the greenhouse uses 20 gallons per day (varies depending on plant types) and the cost per gallon is $0.03:
Annual Water Irrigation Costs = (20 gallons/day) x ($0.03/gallon) x (240 days) = $144 per year
Overall, hobby greenhouses don’t have to cost much to operate. First of all, well-made greenhouse kits are designed to last for many years with minimal maintenance. And secondly, you can incorporate inexpensive climate control options like shade cloths and natural ventilation to lower your annual costs even more.
