BS: Greenhouse recommendations

Subject: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: maeve
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 07:35 AM

We're needing a greenhouse (10x12, expandable) and are collecting recommendations. We're zone 5, in Maine, and have a low budget. We'll build on top of the soil, and will not add a heating system now, unless we can make a passive solar/heat sink type set-up. Any suggestions? Many thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: Bee
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 08:15 AM

Depends on whether you want to go with a kit of some kind or scratch one up. I've seen workable greenhouses made from a basic frame of two by fours with one by twos as bracing, covered with either heavy plastic or those corrugated transparent hard plastic sheets, and greenhouses cobbled up from used windows, and combinations of the above.

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 10:13 AM

Those crystal clear corrugated plastic sheets are used for roofs and are really cheap. I buy them to make ceiling to floor lighted bubble sculptures.

THey can even be turned into a cylinder.

I have some tent gazebos that I am thinking of adding durable cheap wavy plastic sheets on the roof and sides to make a greenhouse.
With a center pole and good bracing on the ground the structure has been sound for 3 years so far as a tent gazebo.

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: Peace
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 03:50 PM

How low is the budget?

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: Amos
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 03:57 PM

Heavy-gauge polyvinyl sheeting, and 1" PVC frames glued up with 45º and 90º elbows, will do you proud.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: Peace
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 04:09 PM

I'd paint the PVC though, because it does get brittle when it's exposed to UV.

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: maeve
Date: 17 Mar 07 - 07:01 AM

Thanks, everyone, for your good suggestions. I wonder what paint would work on the pvc plastic. I had wondered about the effect of UV on the plastic.

The budget might stretch to $1000, but that would include a load of compost and any other equipment. We're good at making do, and we really like reusing materials when possible. The greenhouse will be used for a small home business and needs to be tidy in appearance. We also need to build it as soon as the snow disappears so we can use it this season.

Please keep those ideas coming... and thanks again!

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: bobad
Date: 17 Mar 07 - 07:21 AM

Most untreated plastics will deteriorate in a very short time when exposed to UV light. There are polycarbonate panels specifically manufactured for greenhouse use which are treated to be UV resistant. Info here: http://www.hobby-greenhouse.com/lexan.htm

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: maeve
Date: 17 Mar 07 - 09:25 AM

The panels bobad suggests look very good. Thanks for the link to the site. I'll look into that, and am still interested in creative and practical ideas, including designs you have seen used effectively. I do appreciate your ideas!

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Mar 07 - 02:49 PM

I recommend that you peruse this website.

;-)

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations
From: maeve
Date: 17 Mar 07 - 03:32 PM

Thanks for the laugh, Michael. Best of luck with the band "Greenhouse."

Now, back to the sort of greenhouse that can help me raise food to eat and plants to sell. ;)