So I want to buy a greenhouse

[CarolinaJim]

Despite contrary views I still think it will be cold this winter. So, I want to buy a greenhouse.

OK, I was going to build a greenhouse...hoop style using pvc pipe etc. After doing some reading and evaluating my experience with greenhouses (none)I will probably buy a kit greenhouse. About 95% decided. Sure, I could build it myself from scratch but I think an inexpensive starter would be a better confidence builder.

I want to set up the greenhouse for starting garden plants, housing a worm bin, an aquaculture experiment and growing winter vegetables.

Here are some of the greenhouses I am considering. I want to spend <$1000 and am favoring #2 below. My wife prefers #1.

#1 -from Harbor Freight Tools....direct from China. Pretty good comments from folks out there in greenhouse land.

#2 - A hoophouse from hoophouse.com. A lot less attractive than the harborfrieght model. Uses plastic sheet greenhouse glazing instead of polycarbonate. Downside is that I have to build ends.

These are about the best I can find at the low end. The next level starts at about $2K.

Appreciate your inputs.

[Godiva]

I think if *I* were doing a greenhouse, I'd start buying a lot of vintage windows. Then just put them together on some sort of frame. I have three windows I rescued from the alley when the neighbor remodeled the garage apartment. I saved them in case I wanted to make cold frames. Which I just might do this winter.

[hyo silver]

Knowing that you've got 46 acres to play with, one of those prefab units seems kinda, well...puny. And deep in your heart you'd really rather build your own, wouldn't you?

If it were me in your position, Jim, since you're asking, I think I'd do something a little different. First, I'd find a good Southerly spot with no trees in the way, and excavate a big square greenhouse-sized hole about 4 feet deep, piling the dirt to the north end. After figuring out the ideal sun-absorbing angle based on your latitude, I'd shape the dirt to that angle on the sides, higher at the back end, and cover the pit with clear panels. Leave a hole in one side for a door, and there you have it, a walk-in earth-sheltered greenhouse. You could run a hose out to it and fix up an automatic irrigation system, and maybe an extension cord for some lights. If you happen to have some earth moving equipment around - bigger than a shovel - and contributed the labour, you might make your budget...

[PriuStorm]

Originally Posted by hyo silver

Knowing that you've got 46 acres to play with, one of those prefab units seems kinda, well...puny. And deep in your heart you'd really rather build your own, wouldn't you?

If it were me in your position, Jim, since you're asking, I think I'd do something a little different. First, I'd find a good Southerly spot with no trees in the way, and excavate a big square greenhouse-sized hole about 4 feet deep, piling the dirt to the north end. After figuring out the ideal sun-absorbing angle based on your latitude, I'd shape the dirt to that angle on the sides, higher at the back end, and cover the pit with clear panels. Leave a hole in one side for a door, and there you have it, a walk-in earth-sheltered greenhouse. You could run a hose out to it and fix up an automatic irrigation system, and maybe an extension cord for some lights. If you happen to have some earth moving equipment around - bigger than a shovel - and contributed the labour, you might make your budget...

This is an interesting idea, but while you have that big earth mover out there, you'll also have to get creative about your drainage so you don't end up with a swimming pool in your 'greenhouse' hole.

Regarding your two choices, I would have to side with your wife. #1 certainly looks very nice, and I like the wide opening with the double doors. Also, it's taller than many others you see, like on CostCo.com. Having said that, though, the one thing that stands out for me about the Harbor Freight greenhouse is its weight... At 159 lbs., it's a good 100 lbs lighter than a comparably sized greenhouse like this slightly smaller one at CostCo. I would wonder if the lighter construction might not withstand your weather as well (wind, weight of snow, etc.).

Another positive with Harbor Freight is the availability of accessories, also reasonably priced. My luck has been good with the stuff I've bought from HF over the years. If you decide to go with this one, I would very much like to hear of your experience after you receive it and set it up.

Good luck~!

[CarolinaJim]

Originally Posted by hyo silver

Knowing that you've got 46 acres to play with, one of those prefab units seems kinda, well...puny. And deep in your heart you'd really rather build your own, wouldn't you?

I guess I am rather conservative. Since I have never used a greenhouse I want to start small before investing considerable time and energy.

Additionally, I have a unique situation where my home and the lot which it sits on happen to be in a suburban development (just happens to ajoin my forest). Sure, I'd love a commercial hoop house say 20' X 40' but...the neighbors might protest.

Lastly, I am going to experiment with a prototype concept...at least for me...of combining a wormbin, fish tank and greenhouse vegetable garden into a self sustaining food production system which might be suitable for many suburban locations. The smaller greenhouse size is more appropriate for this concept.

[hyo silver]

Originally Posted by PriuStorm

...you'll also have to get creative about your drainage so you don't end up with a swimming pool in your 'greenhouse' hole...

You're right, although I was thinking the roof panels would cover the whole thing, to keep the rain out. It wouldn't take too much to dig an extra trench around the inside perimeter and fill it with gravel for drainage. If needs be, a sump pump could always be added later.

I like the idea of combining a greenhouse with vermiculture and fish farming, so if starting small makes that happen sooner, just ignore my pie-in-the-sky ideas for now.

[CarolinaJim]

Maybe if it works we'll go gargantuan but right now just small will do. I wish I could construct a dugout greenhouse but with my high water table....I think my home may actually be floating at some times during the year.

HS you are right, I would like to build my own but....my supervisor is quite finicky about such things. After 27 years I just do whatever I want...as long as she lets me.

Godiva, as for using experienced windows for a greenhouse. Great idea but, please see paragraph above.

[CarolinaJim]

Originally Posted by PriuStorm

Having said that, though, the one thing that stands out for me about the Harbor Freight greenhouse is its weight... At 159 lbs., it's a good 100 lbs lighter than a comparably sized greenhouse like this slightly smaller one at CostCo. I would wonder if the lighter construction might not withstand your weather as well (wind, weight of snow, etc.

We'll be looking at the CostCo model. Thanks!

[samiam]

Jim,
I've built a few, of various sizes, over the years.
We've currently got a largish one, aluminum frame with glass panes, which I built from a kit. Its very nice.

I've had lots of fun building them from scratch though, very inexpensively too I might add. I've used PVC pipe to build frames in whatever shape I like. Use standard connectors to join straight bits, and heat the pipe to bend it into graceful curves of whatever shape you want. Use short sheet metal screws to attach corrugated UV sheets that you can cut to fit. You can even get make hinges by making a 3 in split in one end of the PVC pipe, heating it, and bending it around a section of the pipe where you want a door or window. Fun for the whole family! (and very cheap)
Make sure the finished house is securely anchored to the ground, but that's no different to any other greenhouse.

[CarolinaJim]

Samian,

I read that the PVC chemically reacts with the plastic greenhouse covering...What is your experience?

Also, with the PVC hoop greenhouses what method did you use for securing the plastic? I believe you discussed polycarbonate sheets? Is that right? If so, do you have any pictures of one of your earlier efforts?

My original idea was to build this plan form NCSU. http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/ext...greenhouse.pdf

But I want to get the plastic tight as in the commercial kits...which is why I am leaning heavily toward a kit...must look nice, must look nice.

I've read that the wiggly wire in the channel clip is best. What is your opinion?

What is your preference for a base? I am thinking of using recycled plastic board vice CCA treated lumber. Don't know that I am settled enough yet to pour a concrete base.

Thanks for your interest in my small effort.



Jim