Why build a greenhouse?

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 08/07/2022

If you want to get the most out of their gardening regardless of climate, one of the best ways is to build a greenhouse. Greenhouses come in many styles and can be built to fit your specific needs. Whether you own a few plants or maintain an entire garden, here are some of the biggest reasons to consider building a greenhouse at home:

Gardening all year

When you build a greenhouse, growing vegetables and other warm-weather plants becomes a viable option all year round. A sturdy greenhouse keeps plants sheltered from cold temperatures while still allowing them to get the necessary sunlight they require. You can grow fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs and salad greens in your own greenhouse all year long.

Controlled growing environment

Some plants have very specific environmental needs. If you like tropical plants, for example, it’s important to provide enough ambient humidity and warm temperatures for them to thrive. Installing grow lamps and heaters in a greenhouse means you can mimic warm, sunny desert conditions for cacti and succulents. A greenhouse makes it easy to create your own microclimate to support many kinds of plants with ease.

Save money

If you currently spend money every year on new plants and seeds for your garden, building a greenhouse could potentially save you a bundle. Overwintering plants is a simple process when you have a greenhouse and will let you keep your existing plants alive season after season. Also, if you grow veggies and other edible plants, you can save money on produce by growing it in your DIY greenhouse at home.

Protect your plants

A sturdy greenhouse protects your plants from the elements and other living things. Insects and similar tiny pests can spread easily and destroy entire gardens. Larger animals like deer or even neighborhood dogs also pose a threat to your plants’ wellbeing, and in a greenhouse they’re safely locked away. When you build a greenhouse, you also keep pets, children and wildlife safe from potentially toxic plants.

No matter what you grow in your garden, a DIY greenhouse can be a useful addition to your home life; just make sure you have all the materials needed for your particular style of gardening. Keep these factors in mind when creating your greenhouse plans.

About the Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.