Author Topic: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse  (Read 1450 times)

K-Rimes

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I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« on: October 12, 2020, 09:31:41 PM »




I’d been hmmming and hawing about what to do about a greenhouse this year. I’m a bit short of space (width) and so this is what I came up with. It’s 24’ long and 10’ wide with a peak about 10’ and will have two 940cfm gable fans to keep the highest part of the tunnel cooler. The sides roll up 2’ and I haven’t decided quite what do for walls but will likely just use more vinyl plastic.

Total cost is probably about $600 so far:

$200 for the vinyl cover
$300 in building materials
$100 in shuttered gable fans

Really looking forward to a warm and humid space in the winter.
« Last Edit: October 12, 2020, 09:39:24 PM by K-Rimes »

Kevin Jones

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2020, 10:06:50 PM »
Sort of a walk-in cloche... Nice!
I need one as well!

Kevin Jones


Lovetoplant

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #2 on: October 13, 2020, 12:27:00 AM »
So beautiful 😍.  Eye love it.  What will you use as heating elements?

Kevin Jones

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2020, 11:55:37 AM »
Does Santa Barbara even get cold weather?

Kevin Jones


ScottR

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2020, 04:52:59 PM »
Nice K-Rimes, not to shappy nice your on hard drive way so you can have wood bottom.
very inventive 8) I would imagine you get some heat build up from black drive way too!

K-Rimes

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2020, 11:40:38 PM »
Does Santa Barbara even get cold weather?

Kevin Jones

It got down to 26f last year and lots of stuff defoliated that shouldn't have. I'm hoping to launch into next year's growing season with gusto. I'm at 2200' above sea level and several miles inland, so it's more inland cold and heat than ocean mellow.

No plans for major heating elements, just good old south facing sun heating up the asphalt inside the greenhouse and some incandescent string lights (total of maybe 200w) during the night hours.

Lovetoplant

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2020, 02:31:14 AM »
Does Santa Barbara even get cold weather?

Kevin Jones

It got down to 26f last year and lots of stuff defoliated that shouldn't have. I'm hoping to launch into next year's growing season with gusto. I'm at 2200' above sea level and several miles inland, so it's more inland cold and heat than ocean mellow.

No plans for major heating elements, just good old south facing sun heating up the asphalt inside the greenhouse and some incandescent string lights (total of maybe 200w) during the night hours.

I like your string lights idea as alternative heat sources.  I have a 22'X10' but electric heater was expensive, so I am looking for an alternative heat source.  I will give this a try this winter.  Winter in Oxnard is in low 40*.

Your mangoes were doing ok during winter with 26*F? 

Kevin Jones

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #7 on: October 14, 2020, 07:39:32 AM »
I've been using a pretty low tech heating solution for years... electric milk-house style space heaters with extension cords.
I only use the heaters when there is a chance of freezing temps.
So far so good!

Kevin Jones

pineislander

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #8 on: October 14, 2020, 08:22:33 AM »
They are expensive and special order but 4 way fittings can be used to integrate the top PVC rail into the structure better.
https://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/fittings/schedule-40-pvc/4-ways.html?p=2

Kevin Jones

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #9 on: October 14, 2020, 09:29:22 AM »
You can get them on Amazon also...  with free shipping if you are a Prime member.

Kevin jones


K-Rimes

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2020, 04:29:06 PM »
They are expensive and special order but 4 way fittings can be used to integrate the top PVC rail into the structure better.
https://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/fittings/schedule-40-pvc/4-ways.html?p=2

I tried to use those, but the flex of two 10' pipes was way too much and they popped out. Had to go with them just the 90º setting for safety and security. It actually worked out well and let me narrow up the greenhouse a bit. The only issue I can see is the peak is getting hotter than if it were more rounded - hence the gable fans.

Kevin Jones

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #11 on: October 14, 2020, 11:14:22 PM »
Mine had a tendency to pop out as well... ended up reinforcing the joint with UV proof greenhouse tape. Held until the next spring... actually a little difficult to separate for storage!

Kevin Jones


MorroBay

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Re: I built a Cheap PVC Greenhouse
« Reply #12 on: October 15, 2020, 08:15:06 PM »
What kind of plastic sheeting is that?  I kinda want to do a mini version to jump start next growing season as well.  Looks pretty good!