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16 Mar 07 - 07:35 AM (#1998369) Subject: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: maeve 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. |
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16 Mar 07 - 08:15 AM (#1998412) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: Bee 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. |
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16 Mar 07 - 10:13 AM (#1998564) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: Donuel 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. |
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16 Mar 07 - 03:50 PM (#1998921) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: Peace How low is the budget? |
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16 Mar 07 - 03:57 PM (#1998929) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: Amos Heavy-gauge polyvinyl sheeting, and 1" PVC frames glued up with 45º and 90º elbows, will do you proud. A |
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16 Mar 07 - 04:09 PM (#1998933) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: Peace I'd paint the PVC though, because it does get brittle when it's exposed to UV. |
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17 Mar 07 - 07:01 AM (#1999385) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: maeve 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! |
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17 Mar 07 - 07:21 AM (#1999388) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: bobad 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 |
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17 Mar 07 - 09:25 AM (#1999439) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: maeve 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! |
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17 Mar 07 - 02:49 PM (#1999609) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: michaelr I recommend that you peruse this website. ;-) Cheers, Michael |
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17 Mar 07 - 03:32 PM (#1999624) Subject: RE: BS: Greenhouse recommendations From: maeve 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. ;) |