I've Done The Research ...

17 years ago

OK - I've been reviewing old threads, taking notes (I now know more about thermal mass, BTUs, etc. than I EVER thought I would!), and I just have a few of questions for all of you experts out there.

My husband will be building my potting shed/greenhouse combo in 4-6 weeks (once his separated shoulder heals). The north side will be PS, and the south will be GH (lean-to type, wood frame). This is a hobby GH - something that I can use to take gardening to the next level. The PS floor will be wood, and the GH floor will be gravel. Glazing will be twinwall PC. Overall size: 12'x16' (split down the middle btwn PS & GH). It will have power and water. I'm in eastern KS (KC Metro), and there is some question as to whether we're in zone 5b or 6a ... who knows - when it's cold, it's cold. When it's hot, it's hot, especially this summer!

Anyway - here are my questions. Since this is a one-time shot, I want to make sure I do it (somewhat) properly the first time.

1. Do I need to worry about misters right now, or is that something that can be added later?

2. Do I need to put some type of black matting down, over the gravel, during the bitter months (Jan/Feb), or will the gravel suffice?

3. I was planning to leave the wood frame/knee wall natural (stained/sealed, of course), but would it be better to paint it? I've seen threads on dark paint vs. natural wood, but nothing conclusive. Given the summer temps, I doubt it will be much good during those months. No orchids ...

4. Is there any hard/fast rule re: thickness of PC (6mm, 8mm, etc.) that anyone is aware of? Any suggestions from gardeners in this area?

5. Finally, are there any 'first timer' pitfalls that I should avoid? One of those things that everybody knows, but I probably don't b/c this is completely new to me?

After reviewing EVERY SINGLE post of EVERY SINGLE thread in this forum, I saw several negative comments such as "useless". I must say that I EMPHATICALLY DISAGREE - there is a wealth of knowledge here, and I'm hoping to tap into some of that! A week ago, I thought it was as simple as standing up a frame & fitting in some glass. I now know that this is NOT the case, and, even though he's grumbly/in pain (my husband and 'General Contractor'), I feel the extra few weeks will be of benefit.

Any input that you have is GREATLY appreciated!!!

Ilsa

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Comments (3)

User
17 years ago
Hi Ilsa,

Good to see that you have done research! First question: what are you going to grow in the GH?

Even without knowing that, I'll take a stab at a couple of those questions...

Misters can be added later.

Gravel is OK in the winter, but it might be helpful to put an insulating layer of rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate board underneath the gravel, with accomodation for drainage. A perforated PVC drain beneath that may be helpful, too.

The thicker the PC, the better the R-value. my notes show 1.43, 1.53, and 1.61 for 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm twinwall PC. You decide!

I hear a lot of people undersizing the electrical system. I've seen people try to run the GH with 20 or 30 amp service, and you can have problems. Consider how you will heat, and if electric, how warm you want the GH...and then add up the draw of everything you can think of wanting out there...fans, heaters, backup heaters, radio, beer fridge...then add a little on to that for electrical service.

Good to have you posting!

SB
kansasgardengirl
17 years ago
Hi Ilsa. I'm just south of OP 60 miles. My hobby GH is a 8x16 SunCountry(not large enough - 1st mistake.) I've had the GH 3 years now and this is the first summer I've used it and you know well the heat wave we've been in. Shade cloth, fans and open vents/doors have kept the GH inside temp within 5 to 7 degrees of the outside temps. I never dreamed I'd use it in the summer.

The basics came first (electric, water & heat.) I use the GH for a wide variety of things so as we need something it gets added. I had roofing rubber left over from a pond project and used that on the floor thinking I'd add pea gravel - which I've not as of yet. The floor is not slippery and gets dirty so being able to hose it down is nice and also adds humidity. Three sides of the roofing rubber are rolled up the outside and sandwiched to the GH with a piece of treated lumber just above the ground, one side is not rolled up and this lets out dirt etc. when I hose it down.

2nd mistake - I bought a Comfort Glow ventless propane heater at Lowes on clearance and was so happy because it was the "big one." Big mistake, since I bought the solar pool cover and with the heater on it's lowest setting and the thermostat probe as high as it will reach I can't get it below 59 or 60Âº.

I can't remember the thickness of the polycarbonate sheets, I know we didn't get the double walled instead we decided on the thickets single wall.

Electric - I had big plans to have a meter dropped from a near by pole and the electricity installed with conduit and the outside type plug ins. That was going to cost a fortune so to "make do" for a while (at Christmas time at Sam's Club) I bought two very heavy extenstion cords that have a plug every 6 ft. I ran these around where the roof and wall meet and I've never had a problem. I have lights, fans, radio, heat mats when needed for seed starting and have never flipped the breaker.

I've rec'd tons of wonderful information from this website. I don't visit here often, but when I need info this is the first place I look. Our GH seems to be a work in progress, but it is finally quite functional. There is always something I want to add - I'm just now thinking about adding a mister.

Enjoy your new greenhouse!
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ilsa
Original Author
17 years ago
stressbaby & kansasgardengirl - thanks for the replies!!

Right now, my plans are to get the thing built, hopefully before the snow flies (I know my GC, lol!). I thought that my first winter would be a test of sorts - load it w/ a few large houseplants/trees that always seem to be in the way when inside for the winter months, maybe try a few fresh herbs, and then (of course) starting seeds in time for Spring planting.

Just trying to take the ole garden skills & kick 'em up a notch.

Thanks again!

I've Done The Research ...

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