Build a tiny greenhouse--how?
November 5, 2012 6:25 AM Subscribe
Sandy destroyed my little greenhouse. Can you help me use what's left to build new shelters for my seedlings?
So my greenhouse was leveled, blown clear off its moorings and across the yard. The structure cannot be rebuilt.
However, I have a pile of corrugated polycarbonate sheets, clear and of various shapes, much of the (bent) metal frame, and a number of 4' x 4' wooden pallets. What I need is suggestions on how to build tiny greenhouses that can be mounted on pallets, so that we can move them by tractor. What can I use as a frame? How can I secure the sheets in the frame? I still have lengths of rubber gasket that came with the greenhouse, but frankly, the combo of silicone and gaskets was somewhat unsatisfactory. How can I incorporate hinges (for opening doors or propping up roofs)? Can you suggest designs or examples for me to look at?
This greenhouse needn't be professional -- this is for my own gardens. But I was really getting the hang of starting plants from seed, and I would like to be able to do so again without re-purchasing a greenhouse, and using the parts I already have (rather than consigning them to a landfill).
Ideas, links, examples, suggested additional materials, and building plans all welcome. I need my Brussels sprouts! Thanks, folks.
So my greenhouse was leveled, blown clear off its moorings and across the yard. The structure cannot be rebuilt.
However, I have a pile of corrugated polycarbonate sheets, clear and of various shapes, much of the (bent) metal frame, and a number of 4' x 4' wooden pallets. What I need is suggestions on how to build tiny greenhouses that can be mounted on pallets, so that we can move them by tractor. What can I use as a frame? How can I secure the sheets in the frame? I still have lengths of rubber gasket that came with the greenhouse, but frankly, the combo of silicone and gaskets was somewhat unsatisfactory. How can I incorporate hinges (for opening doors or propping up roofs)? Can you suggest designs or examples for me to look at?
This greenhouse needn't be professional -- this is for my own gardens. But I was really getting the hang of starting plants from seed, and I would like to be able to do so again without re-purchasing a greenhouse, and using the parts I already have (rather than consigning them to a landfill).
Ideas, links, examples, suggested additional materials, and building plans all welcome. I need my Brussels sprouts! Thanks, folks.
I actually start seeds in my office at work, in seed-starter trays covered and in a sunny north-facing window. It's warmer than my house and gets better light. Also it makes me feel more hopeful about the world to see things grow in my office.
posted by answergrape at 8:26 AM on November 5, 2012
posted by answergrape at 8:26 AM on November 5, 2012
I would just take what you have and build a Cold Frame. It is perfect for starting seedlings and protecting tender plants, and would be easily movable for later if you want.
posted by koolkat at 8:28 AM on November 5, 2012
posted by koolkat at 8:28 AM on November 5, 2012
Are you in seed flats that can go directly on the pallets? Assuming yes, get a bunch of 3/4" pvc and use, I think, conduit holdy things to secure the ends to the pallet (I don't know what they're called, but if you go to the hardware store looking for something that's absolutely perfect for holding a piece of PVC as a hoophouse, you'll find them. Once you secure the PVC in the loop, put a screw through it so it won't wander when you pick the pallet up. Bend the PVC into a hoop over the pallet. IIRC, 8' will be a good length for this. If you have problems with the hoops flopping from side to side, use two conduit holders to secure the end. I don't think this will be a problem with a stiff roof of corrugated plastic.
We usually use visqueen to cover the frame, but we're in the mild PNW. It's kind of destructive, but you could take your corrugated plastic, cut it to length, and drill holes in it to secure it with zip ties. The nice thing about this construction is that, because it's so springy and flexible, it's quite resilient under wind and snow loads. Not quite sure how to do the ends since we use plastic that we just bundle up and tie off. I suspect drill hole and zip tie would work for the flat ends as well. Oh wait, but you want to be able to open the ends. Maybe drill holes big enough to secure them with carabiners or similar? It won't be super tight, but it'll work for the immediate future. We usually just slide the plastic cover up to ventilate, but that won't be an option with rigid(-ish) plastic. For a 4' x 4' tunnel, I would guess that opening the ends will be more than enough ventilation until summer, by which time you'll have had the time to think up a better solution.
Can you tell that I have a bunch of cobbled-together yet mostly functional stuff on my farm?
Purchasing PVC is cheap and has the advantage of not chopping up the metal frame of your big greenhouse that might, when the chaos dies down, be able to be repaired. As far as eventually rebuilding, a see a lot of greenhouse frames around here without plastic that have been sitting for years. Probably a cheap purchase. Also, 36' x 90' greenhouse frames show up on craigslist fairly regularly.
Again, as far as rebuilding, have you looked at the EQIP High Tunnel Grants? They're sprouting up left and right around here and, hey, it's greenhouse with the USDA picking up half the tab. The downside is paperwork, though.
I'm going to memail you a link that illustrates more clearly what I'm talking about. It's a little too non-pseudonymous to post here, unfortunately. Also, are you using pallet forks that bolt to the bucket or dedicated forks? If the latter, is it worth the hassle of swapping out the bucket?
posted by stet at 8:41 AM on November 5, 2012
We usually use visqueen to cover the frame, but we're in the mild PNW. It's kind of destructive, but you could take your corrugated plastic, cut it to length, and drill holes in it to secure it with zip ties. The nice thing about this construction is that, because it's so springy and flexible, it's quite resilient under wind and snow loads. Not quite sure how to do the ends since we use plastic that we just bundle up and tie off. I suspect drill hole and zip tie would work for the flat ends as well. Oh wait, but you want to be able to open the ends. Maybe drill holes big enough to secure them with carabiners or similar? It won't be super tight, but it'll work for the immediate future. We usually just slide the plastic cover up to ventilate, but that won't be an option with rigid(-ish) plastic. For a 4' x 4' tunnel, I would guess that opening the ends will be more than enough ventilation until summer, by which time you'll have had the time to think up a better solution.
Can you tell that I have a bunch of cobbled-together yet mostly functional stuff on my farm?
Purchasing PVC is cheap and has the advantage of not chopping up the metal frame of your big greenhouse that might, when the chaos dies down, be able to be repaired. As far as eventually rebuilding, a see a lot of greenhouse frames around here without plastic that have been sitting for years. Probably a cheap purchase. Also, 36' x 90' greenhouse frames show up on craigslist fairly regularly.
Again, as far as rebuilding, have you looked at the EQIP High Tunnel Grants? They're sprouting up left and right around here and, hey, it's greenhouse with the USDA picking up half the tab. The downside is paperwork, though.
I'm going to memail you a link that illustrates more clearly what I'm talking about. It's a little too non-pseudonymous to post here, unfortunately. Also, are you using pallet forks that bolt to the bucket or dedicated forks? If the latter, is it worth the hassle of swapping out the bucket?
posted by stet at 8:41 AM on November 5, 2012
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Cover the top of the pallet in something waterproof so it doesn't rot from the inside out, build a frame out of 2x8, and then use a clear poly sheet set nailed/screwed to a wooden top with hinges to open/close. I have a couple of these in my garden, they work great.
posted by zug at 7:12 AM on November 5, 2012