Greenhouse Buy vs Upgrade Planner

First, it estimates your “need score” using climate (USDA zone), crop category, and your desired months of season extension. It then compares that against each greenhouse option type’s “capacity score” (how well that archetype can provide protection/insulation at your target scale). The closer the capacity score is to the need score, the higher the fit score—then it checks whether the estimated cost fits your budget to produce a buy/upgrade/resize recommendation.

This planner uses simplified greenhouse archetypes, so real-world outcomes depend heavily on details like orientation, ventilation quality, and how well the structure seals against wind and drafts. Crop success is approximated by category, meaning specific cultivars (or disease pressure) can perform better or worse than the estimate. If you choose aggressive extension months for cold climates, you’ll typically need an insulated/engineered approach rather than relying on basic protection alone.

The estimates intentionally exclude heating fuel prices, permits, and ongoing maintenance costs, so your real “all-in” budget may be higher. Season extension is capped at 12 months and the tool can flag low-fit situations (for example, tropical crops with zero extension targets). If you select “upgrade existing,” you’ll need an assumed existing setup in a future version—otherwise the upgrade estimate can’t be accurate.

If your budget is below the minimum estimated cost for the selected option class, the planner flags it as unaffordable rather than forcing a fit. If your chosen greenhouse option is far above your needs but money is tight, it will tend to recommend downsizing. If the climate is harsh and crop requirements are high, it will prioritize insulation/heating capability even if the structure could be smaller—because crop survival often matters more than extra space.