We're thinking about building or buying a greenhouse

17 years ago

We're thinking about building or buying a greenhouse. I would like one that can handle our unpredictable Texas weather and not have to replace the plastic often due to wind or it want last in the winter and start to crack and tare.

What is the strongest size or mm of plastic that we can use? Or would those clear greenhouse panels be better to use?

I also have 8 windows that could be used? Not sure how that would look or which side to put the windows on though.

One more question! Do all greenhouse need to be on the South side or face South?

Thank you

Janet

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Comments (10)

conifers
17 years ago
I think it would be more affordable and a better-looking greenhouse if you were to build one from scratch.

Here's what I'd call an example of a well-built greenhouse and with simple construction materials and design:
GW Thread - 'Pictures of building my 10 x 12 custom greenhouse'

Great bang with this one for the buck, no doubt.

Dax
mollyd
17 years ago
That's very pretty but not a good one for cold climates I'm afraid.I do love the way they used their landscaping around it.

MollyD
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Just an FYI about pressure-treated wood: the stuff you buy from Lowe's or Home Depot is not of a grade meant for contact with the ground, or below ground. On the yellow tag stapled to the end is a tiny number beside ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary compound) which will read .25 or .40. The .25 treatment is only for above-ground, and .40 for ground contact. There are also .60 and .80 treatments, but those are more difficult to find and quite a bit more expensive, and are meant for marine use. In the years I've used PT wood in my gh structures, first in Vero Beach, and now in the Panhandle, I've never had a carpenter ant or termite give the wood a second look. (As a matter of fact, I once had termites destroy a piece of untreated plywood attached to a PT 2x4...ignoring the 2x4.) The termites are thick here, and will quickly make short work of untreated wood. If it's treated to a sufficient degree, the copper acts as an effective detterent. I have seen ACQ .25 2x4s begin to swell and weaken when half-buried, after perhaps 7-8 years. BTW, when using PT wood, you must use either stainless steel fasteners or ones that are coated. The ACQ will cause ordinary fasteners to corrode. Depending upon how you've designed your roof, the span, and the pitch, you may or may not need to have it strong enough to support your weight on the rare occasion you need to climb up there. That's why the selection of denser wood grades may be important. -Bruce
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oregon_veg
17 years ago
I think the structure of the greenhouse in the link, is exactly what I would use. However, I would use framed glass or plastic of similar strength.
I would stay away from those aluminum, screw-together kits (like the HFGH).
the best thing about using concrete stem walls is, most greenhouses don't utilize the bottom two feet of glazing (unless you direct-ground plant), so might as well use something of good strength.
So Mollyd, do you not think it's suitable because of the structure or the glazing? just curious.
Tom
ishoot
17 years ago
Hi Janet,
I just got this one put up in October, looking forward to learning to use and enjoy it. Its a redwood frame with coroplast panels (google coroplast for more info). I put it on a limestone block perimeter, with a floor of decomposed granite for drainage. Still have the benchkits to put in, and maybe some sort of flagstone walk down the middle. I'll definitely be watching this forum, lots of good folks that know their stuff!
{{gwi:287877}}
laserfan
17 years ago
Very handsome ishoot; I like especially the Turkey Vulture!?!!!

Assuming Janet comes back here my advice would be that depending on where she is in TX, the sun is a PROBLEM for greenhouses. Ours faces south, and while this week the temps are in the 20s, last week the GH got to 100F again before we opened the doors (an automatic solution is in the works). In hindsight we might have planned a location with a little more shade...

No one here uses their GHs in the summertime--janet you need to consult w/fellow gardeners & nurserys for more help before you build anything.
mollyd
17 years ago
Tom,

It's the glazing that would worry me. It doesn't look substantial enough to do a good insulating job in my climate. I really do love the overall look of the GH. In fact I may borrow the basic design of it with a few modifications since I need more insulation.

MollyD
janet_w
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi, Everyone
Great advice and great pics. I love the way both look. Thank you everyone. Keep the information coming.

laserfan I live just outside of Houston in Waller. The weather here is very unpredictable. Where I live we get a lot of wind. One of my problems is I don't have too much shade here. The place I would like a GH would face South /East. Another place would be located on the North/East side with the North side being protected from wind by the barn. I found a GH plan I like and seems easy enough to build. Jus tneed to know where to put it then learn how to use it. http://www.buildeazy.com/greenhouse_imp.html
Janet
laserfan
17 years ago
Janet, I'm just the hunter/gatherer/builder while my wife is the grower/gardener. But I would build it where you want it, and make it structurally sound enough to withstand the elements, though I'd probably stop-short of making it hurricane-proof!

In hindsight we probably should have built ours with at least a LITTLE protection from the midday sun, but since we didn't I have to make an exhaust fan/shutter system for it and possibly an evaporative cooler as well, a shade cover too at some point, regardless we do fully expect that we'll have to completely vacate it probably sometime in mid-Spring.

You had said something about using windows you have--also that you need to "learn how to use it". Maybe you just want (need?) a comfy place to put a potting bench and overwinter some plants--whatever I say build what you think you want/can afford and go from there.
michaelpotter
17 years ago
I know this company makes very sturdy and in the long term affodable greenhouses,http://www.geodesic-greenhouse-kits.com/
bright-eyes
17 years ago
Does anyone have any plans for multi hoop igloo style construction for hot house with proposed shade cloth cover for our hot summer. We mainly need frost protection here.looking at a size of about 4m by 15m

We're thinking about building or buying a greenhouse

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conifers

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