a Backyard Greenhouse?

[digitS']

I just thought you might want to look at a collection of pictures . They might give you some ideas.

As you may know, I've been exploring Pinterest to get some idea of what value it might have for me. This gardener has done a real good job of gathering these photographs of what most anyone might set up in their backyards.

Barbara Summer, Greenhouses (link)

If you are thinking about a structure for some protected growing, my advice is to go a little larger than what you feel you need. Not only are you likely to find more uses for the square feet but the greater interior space allows for some moderating of temperature during all that changeable spring weather, with the flying clouds, bright sunshine, sudden rains, etc.

Of course, if you are thinking of winter days (& nights) . . . larger space to heat isn't necessarily a good idea.

Steve
edited hours later to correct my spelling !

 

[catjac1975]

Thanks digits-Loved it.

 

[Durgan]

I have had three greenhouses over the years. My present one is probably the most useful. Situations are different and it takes much thought to get one to suit particular needs. This particular set-up meets my needs almost perfectly, which is preparing plants for outdoor planting at the end of May. In use starting in February. Many of the small commercial greenhouses leave a lot to be desired.

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?HKERY 5 November 2010 Greenhouse on Deck.

I decided to build a greenhouse (10 by12 feet,height 8 to 7 feet)on the deck. I have a small ventless 10,000 BTU heater that connects to the barbecue natural gas outlet. . After one year of use, it is possible to keep the temperature above freezing when outside temperature drops to about minus 15C. It took nine days to build by myself, about 72 hours of labour, from 28 of October to 5 November, and cost $1798.63.

Description of the construction. Six, 6 by 6 pillars support the structure. The auxiliary supports are all 2 by 6 spruce planks. Two doors were installed plus a window to ensure reasonably good ventilation. I got the doors free of charge. The slope of the roof is from 8 feet to 7 feet, with a pitch of 1 in 12. Sun is available for about two third of the structure all day. Wood was used to cover the walls where no Sun penetrates. Corrugated SUNTUF UV protected panels was used. It is relatively low cost compared to other coverings, and is almost indestructible. Pictures depict highlights of the method used. Plans were in my head.

 

[thistlebloom]

Next season I will have something to shelter the tomatoes and peppers in. I'm not necessarily going to call it a greenhouse though. :/.


It will probably be much more modest. I'm likely going to go with cattle panels. I saw a number of small greenhouses on that Pinterest page that intrigued me ( thanks Steve! ). I do have a question about how people keep the cattle panels from rubbing holes in the plastic.
You can arch them so the welds are on the lower side, but the rods are still rough enough that in the wind it seems the plastic would get pretty beat up.

I like the ones that are below ground with the glass/ plastic portion above. With the speed of the soil drainage around here flooding shouldn't be a problem. Also, rocks for the lower part are abundant.

Lot's to day dream about on these slower winter days. :coolsun

 

[digitS']

Durgan, I like not only the greenhouse but the little helper you have there .

Thistle', take a look at this: Our Superstrong Woven Poly (link)

Personally, I have no experience in how well it would work with cattle panels. If you look at the Pinterest page with the cattle panel greenhouse and click on inmykitchengarden link, it will take you to the greenhouse owner's blog. Reading down thru the comments, she links that product.

Notice also that the pictures are from 2003, the blog post is from 2006 and the comment with the info is from 2009. I guess we have to assume that she was content with recommending the product 6 years after she set up the greenhouse.

I feel quite confident that the UV-resistant polyfilm that I use on my greenhouse would not be a good choice over wire. It lasts in the sunlight but that polyfilm is really soft!

Steve

 

[thistlebloom]

Thanks for that link Steve. That's probably the same stuff that a guy around here puts on his greenhouses. He had a 10x12 on a trailer that he was hauling around with a big sign on it to advertise. He pulled into a parking lot just as I was getting into my truck and it captured my attention.

He says that film is good for 10 years. His price seems reasonable, and he said he takes payments, or trades for stuff he has need of.
Unfortunately I ran into him in October. Going into winter is not a good time for me to be throwing around huge wads of cash.
As if I even had huge wads of cash.

I did save his number though.

 

[Gardening with Rabbits]

I have had three greenhouses over the years. My present one is probably the most useful. Situations are different and it takes much thought to get one to suit particular needs. This particular set-up meets my needs almost perfectly, which is preparing plants for outdoor planting at the end of May. In use starting in February. Many of the small commercial greenhouses leave a lot to be desired.

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?HKERY 5 November 2010 Greenhouse on Deck.

I decided to build a greenhouse (10 by12 feet,height 8 to 7 feet)on the deck. I have a small ventless 10,000 BTU heater that connects to the barbecue natural gas outlet. . After one year of use, it is possible to keep the temperature above freezing when outside temperature drops to about minus 15C. It took nine days to build by myself, about 72 hours of labour, from 28 of October to 5 November, and cost $1798.63.

Description of the construction. Six, 6 by 6 pillars support the structure. The auxiliary supports are all 2 by 6 spruce planks. Two doors were installed plus a window to ensure reasonably good ventilation. I got the doors free of charge. The slope of the roof is from 8 feet to 7 feet, with a pitch of 1 in 12. Sun is available for about two third of the structure all day. Wood was used to cover the walls where no Sun penetrates. Corrugated SUNTUF UV protected panels was used. It is relatively low cost compared to other coverings, and is almost indestructible. Pictures depict highlights of the method used. Plans were in my head.

Very nice!

 

[Gardening with Rabbits]

I just thought you might want to look at a collection of pictures . They might give you some ideas.

As you may know, I've been exploring Pinterest to get some idea of what value it might have for me. This gardener has done a real good job of gathering these photographs of what most anyone might set up in their backyards.

Barbara Summer, Greenhouses (link)

If you are thinking about a structure for some protected growing, my advice is to go a little larger than what you feel you need. Not only are you likely to find more uses for the square feet but the greater interior space allows for some moderating of temperature during all that changeable spring weather, with the flying clouds, bright sunshine, sudden rains, etc.

Of course, if you are thinking of winter days (& nights) . . . larger space to heat isn't necessarily a good idea.

Steve
edited hours later to correct my spelling !

Thank you! I should have thought of putting the cups in the plastic tubs. I am going to use our swing set. It is a big wooden one. I have a small greenhouse in my kitchen and a spare bathroom, but then I run out of room, so the tubs will help and then move things to the swing set greenhouse.