Greenhouse Help

11 years ago

So if this snow ever goes away and the frost comes out of the ground the husband and I are going to build a greenhouse this year.

We are planning on something about 10' x 20' and it will more or less be a shelter structure to keep plants warmer than outside and protect them from the elements. (So no water or power will be put in.) Its primary use will be for tomatoes, peppers and herbs. (Plants will be started indoors and transferred to the greenhouse early-mid May weather depending.)

And this is where we need help or at least some input. We were planning on using corrugated plastic sheeting for the walls and roof. Has anyone used this for a greenhouse? how'd it work out? any other recommendations? any ideas where a person could buy this?

Also just as an FYI we aren't interested in a Hoop Style house as we have tendency for strong winds (90 km/hr) and heavy snow.

Any input or recommendations would help.

Thanks in advance! B.

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Comments (4)

cole_robbie
11 years ago
I haven't used either material, but from what I read, most people seem to prefer the double or triple wall rigid poly panels over corrugated. I think the corrugated is meant more for use as an occasional roof panel on a barn to let in enough light so that you can see. They tend to cloud up over time, which is not a big deal on a barn, but bad for a greenhouse.
dowlinggram
11 years ago
We have polycarbonate panels on my small 6' x 8' greenhouse They are not as energy efficient as the double walled ones but they serve my purpose. We built mine with a sloping roof towards the south to save heat. The roof slopes from the 8' back in the north 6 ' towards the 8' front south. It is 6' tall at the back and 4' at the front south. We do remove heavy snow loads in winter.

If you do buy these be sure to use the supports that you can buy for these panels. We bought ours at Rona. One word of advice. When building it be sure to make it as air tight as you can. Calk as you go. My friends husband built her one and there are so many small gaps it doesn't hold the heat. Be sure to include vents too so you catch a cross air current. You may not think it but it can get very hot in a greenhouse if the sun is shining even if the thermometer says it is below freezing.

Good luck
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livelydirt
11 years ago
Check out this posting from Hudson in Zn 3 to see what is possible. It is right at the top since I posted to it this AM.
Nuttier than you are!

Heed dowlinggram's advice on airtight. A gh is probably the most demanding of outdoor structures to build if it is to function well.

all the best.
PRO
Solexx
11 years ago
Your original idea is a great one. I use Solexx, which is a twin-walled corrugated polyethylene and it is great. If you get snow, I would recommend 5mm. The material is really strong and flexible enough to be rolled and shipped FedEx. Check out the Solexx.com site and see if you can get a sample sent out to you, if not, let me know and I can always send you a small piece

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Greenhouse Help

Comments (4)

cole_robbie

dowlinggram

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