Here's a picture I took of the main materials he used to build the greenhouse. It was hard to believe in only a few short days, these simple items would be my greenhouse!
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| Greenhouse materials |
We researched building a greenhouse and looked at many different plans on the internet. In the end, my husband created his own design. Here he is building the frame using PVC piping.
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| Building the greenhouse frame |
The plastic went on in two sections over the top.
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| Adding the plastic to the greenhouse |
He pounded rivets into the plastic to create loops, then he attached the plastic to the PVC pipe using ties.
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| Attaching the plastic to the greenhouse frame |
After the plastic over the top was done, all that was left was adding the side flaps. Even without the side flaps, the ground under the greenhouse was already starting to thaw!
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| Plastic over the top of the greenhouse |
As of today, the greenhouse isn't quite done, he still has to put a few finishing touches on it. It's supposed to be sunny and in the 40s over the next few days. I'm hoping the ground will thaw this week and I might be able to start direct sowing as early as next weekend. Unbelievable!
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| Greenhouse |
I plan to spread straw and leaves this weekend to help keep the weeds down. I can't believe I'll already be working in the garden in February!!
The only problem I see so far is that I haven't figured out how I'll water in there. I can't turn on the outdoor water for few more months. I guess I'll have to get used to hauling buckets of water. I thought about putting some small holes in the top of the greenhouse to let the water in. Does anyone have any advice?
I'm so excited about my greenhouse!! I am really going to get a jump on the vegetable garden this year. Hopefully, that means spring won't be so busy for me.
Update March 2013: When we first built this greenhouse, we didn't know what we were doing so we bought plastic from HD. That plastic ended up shredding after just over one year of use. So this year, we bought one large sheet of greenhouse plastic (found it on the internet) that covers the whole top. It's much easier to assemble with one piece, we simply clip it at the ends and anchor it down with cement blocks. The greenhouse plastic says it will last 4 years, we hope so!
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ohhh that's sweet,I love it...
ReplyDeleteThanks Tommy! It's 70 degrees in there right now!
DeleteHow wonderful!!! I hope you don't get substantial snow- I don't think the poly would hold up!
ReplyDeleteHi Sissy - I hope not too!! :-) We did get some snow after my husband put up most of the plastic and it held up well. I'm more worried about the PVC piping collapsing rather than the plastic. We bought really thick plastic.
DeleteAmy
I have a green house that I made from an old dog kennel I had. I keep a large black trash can with water in it. It absorbs warmth from the sun and radiates it to the plants at night. Right now, I do not have running water outdoors. But I keep a plastic trash can and bucket near the downspout of my house to catch rainwater. You might have to start out by hauling a few buckets of water, but I have found this method very handy...Enjoy your greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, that's a great idea!! I could put my rain barrels out there and work on filling those up with water. I didn't think about that. Then it won't be such a chore, since the water will be there when I need it! Unfortunately, I can't collect rain water right now, it's too cold. But I love the idea of having them in the greenhouse filled with water. Thanks!!
DeleteAmy
Wow!!! That is incredible and very big too :-) I can't believe how easy you make it look! Nicely done, Joel!! I'm looking forward to seeing many pictures of the progress inside the greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteAwe, thanks Julie! It really wasn't that hard, and Joel had fun doing it! I can't wait to see how early I can't start direct sowing seeds.
DeleteAmy
Having a greenhouse really does allow anyone who loves gardening to do more of what they love by extending the growing season. A 8 to 16 mm polycarbonate glazing will allow gardening through the winter by adding a small heater. Great job by your husband to build the greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael - Thanks! We haven't decided what we'll do next year. We'd love to leave it up all winter, but worry about heavy snow. I'm not sure it would hold up under a heavy load.
DeleteAmy
I LOVE this Amy! I want a greenhouse soooo bad. I showed it to my husband last night. Can you share some pics of the door part? I would really like one and love the ideal of putting it over the "garden area" so that you can still plant in the ground. Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy! Well, we decided not to put a door on it. Both ends of the greenhouse look the same right now. My husband had plans for a fancy door, but I decided it would be easier for me if I could just open the whole end like two curtains. I think the door would have been a pain to get through with loads of stuff and equipment.
DeleteSo, for now, it just two pieces of plastic, clamped together in the center. When I'm out there, I can either clamp it shut behind me, or tie back the plastic like curtains. I can do this with both ends to vent it when it gets warmer. He says we can always modify it and add a door if I change my mind.
Amy
What an awesome ideal! Cuts down on cost and time and it is still easy. I sure hope I can talk my husband into making one come fall. Our temps are so warm here that I was out gardening today!
DeleteI hope you can talk your husband into it too. Mine says it really wasn't that hard. Isn't it nice to be able to get out into the garden in February? Good for you!
DeleteAmy
Place a couple of rain barrels nearby. Remember they need to be off the ground. It's easier to attach the hose.
ReplyDelete