Sloped yards require more planning and may take more time to build. There are times when the perfect location is not possible, and a little work is required to create a viable site for your greenhouse.
First, determine what the slope is:
- Place a stake at the highest point of the slope. Insert stakes every 8 feet until you get to the lowest point.
- Attach a line to the bottom of the first stake at ground level. Connect it to the next stake until it is level. Keep going until you have connected the last stake and it is all level.
- Measure the length of the line. Measure the distance from the ground to the string on the lowest stake.
- Divide the rise by the run. A 1-foot rise divided by a 50-foot run is .02. Move the decimal two places to the right to convert the answer to a percentage. The slope in this example is 2%
The next step is to begin excavating to create a reasonable flat site for the greenhouse
- Minimum required distance below Masonry (brick, stone, stucco) to finished grade is 4"
- Minimum clearance below siding to grade is 6"
- Minimum clearance below all cladding (masonry, siding, etc.) to concrete and other hard surfaces is 2"
If the slope is considerable, you might have to build a retaining wall to support the soil
Creating a stable and level site will simplify the greenhouse installation process greatly. It will also help to ensure the longevity and the strength of the greenhouse when harsh weather conditions take place.
