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Tips on building a greenhouse?

Posted : 1/23/2007 9:28:54 PM

I started building my greenhouse but I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, haven't gotten very far with the strange weather. So far I have the ground dug out about 2ft deep in a 12ft X 8ft rectangle. I was wondering if I should go deeper to help with the insulation or if 2 ft sounds about right? I'm the one digging this thing with a shovel [

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My Dad gave me all his left overs from the shed he built, more than enough 2x4s to put together a greenhouse. I am planning on building in a triangle shape, sort of like an A-frame to protect agents wind and because I'm doing most the work myself it seemed like that would be the easiest. But I'm not so sure what I should use as the covering of the greenhouse? I was thinking a thick plastic that I could find at a hardware store but I'm a little worried that's not going to be strong enough, anyone have any other suggestions on what I could use that would let light in, insulate and hold up to wind?

Third question I have is what type of heating should I use for the winter? Heat lamps, heating pads that go under the plants or something else, do I even need heating? I'm wondering if I could used the lighting as heating or how should I do that? I'm stumped at this part of putting it together.

Any other advice would be great! Thanks!

BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 1/23/2007 11:03:13 PM

ORIGINAL: Xebby
My Dad gave me all his left overs from the shed he built, more than enough 2x4s to put together a greenhouse. I am planning on building in a triangle shape, sort of like an A-frame to protect agents wind and because I'm doing most the work myself it seemed like that would be the easiest. But I'm not so sure what I should use as the covering of the greenhouse? I was thinking a thick plastic that I could find at a hardware store but I'm a little worried that's not going to be strong enough, anyone have any other suggestions on what I could use that would let light in, insulate and hold up to wind?

I used this clear plastic, that comes in sheets like tin & looks like tin except that it is plastic. I just nailed it up & it lets the light in, and is thick enough to help hold heat in.

Third question I have is what type of heating should I use for the winter? Heat lamps, heating pads that go under the plants or something else, do I even need heating? I'm wondering if I could used the lighting as heating or how should I do that? I'm stumped at this part of putting it together.

I use heat lamps to keep it warm. I do have the heating pads but I have had things freeze, even with the pads on. The heat lamps seen to do well for me.

Xebby

Posted : 1/23/2007 11:32:05 PM

humm...clear plastic sheets? Are those similar to what is used to cover florescent lighting or skylights in buildings? That sounds like it might just work with my plan, what are they called? $$$ is also a big factor, I'm trying to do this with almost nothing but what is necessary to build it. I'm going to be mixing the soil myself to keep things on the low end as well instead of buying pre-mixed stuff.

I started some seeds inside two weeks ago and already I have some sprouts so I think I better start getting this greenhouse ready for them. I've wanted a greenhouse for the longest time and finally I'll have it, if all goes well[

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BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 1/23/2007 11:51:43 PM

The skylights are exactly what I am talking about. I have no clue what they are called. If you are using a A-Frame, then you could use the skylight stuff pretty easily. I am not sure of the cost, because I bought about 500 sheets at one time. (I used it in the barn over the arena as well as on the greenhouse) I bought it from a wholesaler, sorry I'm not to helpfull in this aspect. If this is to expensive, then use heavy plastic. I would really think out how to keep the plastic secured to the baords, without tearing through. Before, my greenhouse was floored, I lined the floor with old feed sacks, & then black garbage bags. The feed sacks seem to insulate things very well.

P.S. I have carrots that are about 2 inches long. The dogs & I can't wait for them to get a litle bigger!!!

Xebby

Posted : 1/24/2007 12:17:12 AM

Good idea with the feed sacks and grabadge bags for the flooring[

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In the place I'm building, about 3 ft down is a hard carbonate clay layer of soil that is almost as hard as cement when dry, makes a good sturdy floor and should help keep moister in. I'm still debating if I should cover the ground or keep it natural, it's at 2 ft deep right now which should help with the insilation.

mrv

Posted : 1/24/2007 6:59:28 AM

Post on the orchid forum of the Orchid Society.... Those folks know greenhouses like you would not believe.

Michelle

Posted : 1/24/2007 1:26:40 PM

I would LOVE to see pictures as you go along. DH wants a greenhouse so bad, but we can't afford a kit, and have no time to do it ourselves, at least until the baby is a little older.

Xebby

Posted : 1/24/2007 2:18:04 PM

Yes, I'll try to get some pics posted along my way. Thats if it doesn't fall apart before I get it all toteher[

] This is my first attempt at building one going mostly off of my design.

MRV, Good idea about the orchid forum, I'll head on over there and other plant forums also. Thanks

Xebby

Posted : 1/26/2007 1:19:47 PM

Here is what my greenhouse looks like so fare with the metal supports in the middle to hold up the a-frame. This pic makes it look so small. Yep, thats Gizzy she has really been helping me[

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