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| How to Build a Green House |
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Index
There are literally as many ways to build a greenhouse as there are pumpkin growers out there. Some designs are better than others, I really don't think there is one "perfect" greenhouse. You have to decide for yourself what your needs and requirements are for your particular situation.
We have cool, late springs here in the Willamette Valley, so I need a large greenhouse that will protect my plants as long as possible, often into early June. My plants are usually at least 8 feet long buy then, so they will have outgrown a smaller greenhouse and have to be exposed to the weather earlier. Also, the plants will go through a "shock" period when the greenhouses are removed. The growth will stop, or slow down for several days following the removal of their warm home. I have noticed they will recover quicker if the plant is more mature.
Larger greenhouses moderate the outside temperatures better and will contain heat long after the sun has gone down, much better than smaller greenhouses.
I don't have a lot of room to store rigid built greenhouses on my property, so I need one that will break down as small as possible for storage in the off season. I have built 6 of these greenhouses. All of the pieces fit into one 55 gallon steel drum in the corner of my shop.
I hate to replace or rebuild something over again, so I intentionally sought out materials that will outlast me with little attention. The brackets and tubing of the frame are built from galvanized metal. They don't rust, or break down over time, so I won't have to ever replace them.
Some call them Cloches, others a hothouse,some a cold frame or even a greenhouse. They may be known by different names, but their purpose is the same; to nurture and protect our little plants from the harsh elements in their most vulnerable stage. We want to give them the best home possible on their journey to become a giant.
This page
will outline the design I think is the best for my situation. It may work for you, maybe not. Have a look and then decide.
There are only three components to the Greenhouse;
Canopy Fittings

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Electrical Conduit
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Greenhouse Plastic

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* Canopy fittings are available in many different sizes from 1/2" thru 2". The size of your greenhouse will determine what size you will need, but for most applications, 3/4" will work perfectly.
* I use these
* Electrical conduit is used as the frame, and is available in many different sizes.
* Plastic shell. There is much debate
on which is better; construction grade 6 mil or 4 mil, greenhouse grade 6 mil or 4 mil. Each has its positives and negatives. Here again, you will have to determine what your requirements are. Construction grade plastic is generally cheaper. Greenhouse grade is more expensive, but will last longer. Your plastic will be used around 45 days per year. That's it. If you take care of it, construction grade will be adequate.
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I have used the same 6 mil construction grade plastic going on 4 years and have not noticed any problems. I do take very good care of it, washing it thoroughly before folding it up for storage.
My green house measures approximately 8-0 x 9-6.
Cut Conduit in to 3 different lengths; 6 pcs of each.
48" for the legs. Need 6.
55" for horizontal walls and roof. Need 6.
57" for 110 degree roof. Need 6.
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I lay out all of the fittings in the exact place and order that they will be assembled.
The 3) HP4 fittings will be arranged in the center of the greenhouse. |
Now, connect the 6) 55" conduit pieces for the horizontal structure.
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Now you can attach the 6) 57" pcs for the roof section. |
Flip the entire assembly over. You are now ready to attach the legs.
I wait to put the legs on the greenhouse frame until I have it close to my patch. It is much easier to pack around while it is shorter! |
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Haul the greenhouses out to your patch and put on the 48" legs.
* The Last part of the greenhouse is the plastic shell. I use 6 mil construction grade clear plastic found at any home improvement store. I purchase the 10' x 100' rolls.
* The greenhouse is approximately 9'-7"
wide, your roll of plastic is 10'-0".
* Cut lengths of plastic at 22'-0". You will use the 22'-0" length to cover the greenhouse by going over the top from both sides.
* Cut 2) lengths at 8'-0"
for the ends.
* Attach the plastic to the frame with these
Snap Clamps.
| Venting System Coming Soon |
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