Building a Greenhouse

     I began the Greenhouse project by having the bushes scraped back with a bucket and tractor. After the 50'x25' area was cleared, I was able to scrape it down with a heavy rake and a hoe. That took a lot of backbreaking time. Once the ground was cleared smoothly, I was able to begin setting up for the greenhouse.

     I had 20 Railroad ties delivered from EBS (Ellsworth Builder's Supply). I first ran strings on poles, to have a straight line to run the railroad ties. I then laid permeable weed-blocker fabric down, beneath the railroad ties. This will make my life easier as time goes on, and keep a cleaner greenhouse, without invasive plant and bug species.

   
     Then I continued to cover the entire area inside the railroad ties with weed-blocker fabric. I had to hold the fabric down with stones, so it would not be blown away in the wind. I have about 1.5'-2.0' of fabric outside the railroad ties, to give me an extra barrier against invasive plat material. It was a lot of tough work to dig in the ties, so they will stay flat, and straight in line. I wanted a perfect rectangle, of course!

     Check how I laid the railroad ties above the fabric. Make sure to get permeable weed-blocker fabric, or else you will have trouble with drainage.

     At last, the fabric was fully laid down, and it did not blow away in the wind. I then ordered 16 yards of crushed septic stone. (I am sorry, there is not a picture of the delivery.) 16 yards of crushed stone is a small mountain, and I hurt my back as I shoveled it into a wheelbarrow and spread it across the fabric. I needed 5-6 inches of stone on the fabric, almost all the way up to the top of the railroad ties.

     I ordered a 20'x 45' Greenhouse from Morton's Greenhouses out of North Carolina. (https://www.mortonproducts.com/page.cfm/1470 ) He is a fine man to deal with, and his greenhouses are exactly perfect for the job. I have centered the greenhouse on the "saucer" of stone that I made. This will ensure a weedless future, and some boarder to protect my plants from bugs and other biotic material.

     I will not type every step of the greenhouse production here, as it is not necessary. The sidewalls of my greenhouse are 6' poles, driven into the ground every 5'. The posts are then held together at the ground level, and  5.5' up, with 1"x4" pressure treated boards. Check the photos. This adds tinsel strength to the posts, so they will hold the "bows" in correct position. You can see the gravel beneath the snow. My back is still soar from the work.

   
     As you can see, I was hit by snow in November, during the installation process. It was not so much of a hold up, as just making the work that much more cold, and difficult. I laid the bows out, every 5', so they lined up with each post. The bows center at 12' so the greenhouse is plenty tall to accommodate full season plants.

     I raised the bows, which slid in place, just as Morton's said they would. Each one had to be drilled. It was not too difficult. Once the bows were all in place, and adjusted to my liking, it was time to build the ends. Greenhouse ends are not included in greenhouse kits, as they would add too much extra weight on a 1,000 mile delivery. I bought 30  2"x4"10' and had them delivered through EBS. Framing the sides was fun, and I placed the studs of the frame every 3'.

 
     Here I am, finishing up the final frame. Luckily the snow had melted, and it was a good day to work outside. I have now added a storm door, which will be locked, for my access only.

     For the next step, I stretched the 4 millimeter 40’x50’ Poly with just one friend helping me. Be careful, this aspect of the job could get you into difficulty, or at the very least, ruin your Poly. It is somewhat tedious to tighten the Poly correctly, and using "wire locks" for the first time. I am sure that with practice, it becomes much easier. Mine turned out well, and the Greenhouse environment seems to be complete.

      I have added two large 24" shop fans, as well as 24” square window fans for each of the ends. They will keep air moving, and help make strong stems. I have decided to use “Grow Bags” for my planting pots. I am all now ready for the spring grow once the weather turns. Thanks for looking. Please become one of our registered patients. I am currently looking for new patients for the 2016 year.

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