I was doing a little "backroad boogie" and saw a dilapidated greenhouse

[Inchworm]

Well, only the hoops. I'm considering knocking on the house door and offering to clean up that spot for them. I'm fortunate to live in an area where this sort of thing happens on occasion.

Any advice, links, real experience tips anyone has would be cool. I'm not wanting to spend hella money. I'd guess it would take a lot of saran wrap to close in the hoops ;)

What is the goal of a greenhouse? moist heat? Closed airtight or open ended?

:shrug:

PS: When the weather breaks I have a gazillion ideas, so not real sure how far I'll follow through on this one yet but am curious.

:hi:

[hippywife]

1. Are you sure it's dilapidated?

This time of year, usually the plastic sheeting comes off and starting and growing plants commences so that may be where they are at this point.

Here's an idea I'm starting to toy around with in my head. Mini hoophouses:

http://www.noble.org/press_release/ag/minitunnels/index.html

[Inchworm]

2. I remember seeing this last year

Some good info there.

I'm pretty certain the "hoops" are no longer being used. I do like the mini's better as I look at them. no wasted space inside with a path.

Hmm...

Thanks!

:yourock:

[hippywife]

3. You're welcome.

I would think they would be easier for one person to work with. Putting up a huge hoop house would be a lot more difficult without help.

[sazemisery]

4. All you need is some clear or opaque plastic

Are the hoops metal or PVC? You can secure either to the ground with rebar hammered into the ground or you can attach them to a wooden frame. You will have to use your carpentry skills to make supports for the ends and to make a door.

Here are some links:

http://westsidegardener.com/howto/hoophouse.html

http://www.kitchengardeners.org/hoophouse.html

There are lots more, google "hoophouse".

Here is a pic of mine:



edited to add pic.

[Inchworm]

5. UPDATE

Well, the hoops I saw were too short for my "vision."

I went and priced some PVC and figure I could build the 20x15ish structue (including plastic) for under $50.

Thing 6mil clear construction plastic would suffice?

I'm still planning, but I got an old farmer who used to raise tobacco that has a gazillion 'baccer sticks. I may build up the beds inside with those. I have to read up on that a bit. I need to know root system depths :D

:hi:

[sazemisery]

6. 6 mil construction plastic is what I used.

My hoop house didn't cost much cause I had the wood for the frame and end framing. I bought the PVC and the plastic.

Where I live I can not keep stuff above freezing without a small heater. It keeps it 20 degrees warmer than the outside air. I mainly use mine to store my tropicals for the winter. Alas our electricity went out and the generator did not appreciate the additional 1500 watts of power. I lost 7 hibiscus plants.

I also move my seedlings to the greenhouse when I can keep it above 50 degrees.

[Inchworm]

7. Yea- that's all I'll need

PVC and the outter plastic.

I have enough scrap laying around for the end framing and underpenning (if thats what it'll be called :)

I live in the mtns of NC and just want to extend my growing season a bit. Depending on how it turns out... I'll consider going on into winter. Not sure yet.

Did you find that the construction grade plastic allowed enough sunshine in? What was on your floor?

:hi:

[sazemisery]

8. Plenty of sunshine on the inside.

It will last maybe 2 seasons. Longer is you cover it with shade fabric in the hot summer.

I used heavy landscape fabric on the floor.

[Inchworm]

9. UPDATE #2

I decided to do a 12 x 20 hoophouse of sorts from new materials.

Coast is only $38 + wrap.. which I'm in the air about. I can get 3-4 times more than I need for $85. I know a few nursery types I'm waiting to hear from to cut a deal.. I'll wait to push until structure is built.

Ground is laid out. Need to move some dirt around and get some hands involved in the next few days.

:woohoo: