How to build a serious greenhouse

[Clair_Schwan]

Hello all:

I am finishing up on my third and largest greenhouse and wanted to let you know that I updated my website yesterday with pictures, diagrams and discussion that you will likely find of interest if you are thinking of building a large greenhouse for yourself.

The website now provides detailed discussion about all three of my homemade greenhouses - each of a different design. If you have considered building your own greenhouse and want to slash the cost of a kit, then this is probably a good place for you to visit.

http://www.frugal-living-freedom.com/build-your-own-greenhouse.html will take you to the right spot to start.

I spoke with my neighbor the other day who put up a kit with a concrete foundation and was shocked to learn that the cost of his concrete foundation was about what I paid to construct an entire greenhouse, including the vents, fans, paint, glazing, controls and hardware.

Anyway, one of the projects discussed on the website is a 15 by 30 shop converted to a greenhouse. Another project is a twin raised bed with a 12 by 36 greenhouse constructed on top. The most recent is a 20 by 62 quonset hut style structure, the most serious of the three greenhouses.

Our work on the two smaller greenhouses is paying off very well now. We have had peas, lettuce, Swiss chard, chives, herbs and salad greens from greenhouse #1 - the converted shop. It also has a jungle of tomatoes and dozens of pepper and eggplants that are doing very well.

Greenhouse #2 - the twin raised beds are producing lots of winter squash, and we have harvested about 10 pounds of summer squash from 6 varieties so far, and there is no end in sight.

If you decide to take the plunge and would like to discuss the projects in more detail, just contact me using the website contact form. Leave your phone number and I would be glad to call you to discuss your plans.

[Rick_A_Hardwood]

I'm quite impressed.

Will you be including a materials list and/or where you found it, such as ribs and connectors?
I spent a week building one out of hooped PVC on rebar anchors a few years ago, took the wind 20 seconds to rip it apart.
I'm ready to do it right.

[Clair_Schwan]

Rick:

Materials are all chain link fence top rail. All available locally at your hardware store. I bent the tubing myself. My site shows the place where my tubing bender was purchased.

Any of my greenhouses can't be built in a weekend. They are all about two weeks full time for two guys. They are strong and intended to last a lifetime (except for the glazing). Sorry to hear about your 20 second nightmare.

I will probably put some detail regarding materials and design for this project so folks can see the kind of materials I have used. Also, there are improvement I would suggest over my original design.

I am also going to get information on a PVC greenhouse that a neighbor of mine has created. I have heard good things about these, but they are prone to wind damage.

In my area, we have strong winds, so anything that I build will be highly wind resistant. I plan for 100 mph winds, and we usually get up to 80 mph at least once each year.

Clair

[sharp_shepherd]

I really liked your green houses. I printed them off for future ideas...after our new house is paid for and errected. Thanks for sharing.

[Catalpa]

Impressive site. Thanks for sharing.

[huckelberry]

i bought the bender,but havent started yet....caint wait...huck