In this video, Heidi Rader, Associate Professor of Extension, shares tips on building and maintaining greenhouses in Alaska. Successfully growing plants in a greenhouse depends on selecting a structure that meets the requirements of the plants you intend to grow and effective management of the greenhouse. Having a greenhouse in Alaska can extend your growing season, provide a place to grow starts, and offer a beautiful and rewarding addition to any Alaskan garden. Greenhouses Extension offers publications with advice on maintaining a home or commercial greenhouse environment for various plants that can thrive in Alaska. With a little care and attention, a greenhouse can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to any Alaskan garden.
Alaska has a short growing season, averaging from June to August. A greenhouse is a good way to extend this season. Choose a south-facing location with little obstructions and consider the low winter sun on the Alaska horizon. A 200-page handbook provides step-by-step plans for building most types of home greenhouses, including simple DIY Hoop Greenhouses made from plastic conduit and covered with clear plastic.
Check out the Anchorage/Alaska gardening groups on Facebook for a wealth of information on greenhouse gardening.
📹 Building Your First Greenhouse — In the Alaska Garden with Heidi Rader
In this video, Heidi Rader, Associate Professor of Extension, shares some tips on building and maintaining greenhouses in Alaska …
How to build a cold weather greenhouse?
Building a winter greenhouse involves selecting a sunny location, prioritizing ventilation, having access to water and power, using materials that absorb and retain heat, choosing high R-value materials, sourcing commercial greenhouse-quality materials, and securely securing the greenhouse to the ground. This guide provides expert tips and tricks to create a frost-free haven for plants, ensuring they thrive even in the chilliest months. By following these steps, you can turn your winter gardening dreams into a blooming reality and enjoy year-round gardening.
What is the cheapest way to build a greenhouse?
Building a greenhouse is a cost-effective and easy way to create a greenhouse. To attach the plastic sheeting, you need a frame made of PVC pipe, PVC connectors, fence mesh, or tree saplings. The frame can be attached to a wooden base or anchored into the ground. Bending the frame into a hoop shape ensures rainwater runs off the greenhouse. Attach the plastic sheeting to the frame using nails, screws, zip ties, or other sturdy fasteners. This greenhouse can be made to any size and cost around $50, with an estimated cost of $1 a square foot.
What is the most inexpensive way of heating a greenhouse?
Gas heating is the most cost-effective option for greenhouses, with an average efficiency of 80 percent due to heat loss through exhaust ports. Open flame heaters emit ethylene gas, which can affect budding plants and cause depleted oxygen levels in newer greenhouses. Gas heaters with a flu and power exhaust are best for greenhouse applications, but they need a hole punched into the side of the greenhouse for exhaust.
Electric heating is the most efficient, running at 100 percent efficiency, but it is expensive and may not be suitable for many gardeners’ budgets. Passive solar heat can offset some of the cost associated with electric heating, and 240V units are recommended for greenhouse applications. For 120V units, avoid infrared heaters or heaters that transfer heat to objects instead of heating the air. Oil-filled radiator-style heaters are the best inexpensive 120V heaters for greenhouses, which can heat small hobby greenhouses during winter months when placed near a fan.
Passive solar heat collects heat from the sun’s radiation during the daytime and releases it into the greenhouse during the nighttime. This is usually done with water or other thermal mass that can absorb and hold heat for a duration of time. One technique is to line the north wall of a greenhouse with black water containers, which absorb light and heat that passes through the greenhouse to the north wall.
When the sun sets, the heat held by the water slowly dissipates into the greenhouse environment. When combined with electric heat, passive solar heat can significantly reduce the annual cost of heating a greenhouse.
Do greenhouses work in Canadian winter?
Winterizing your greenhouse is crucial for growing healthy crops in Canadian winters. The optimal temperature ranges from 37F to 50F, depending on the seedling. To maximize the benefits of your greenhouse during colder months, find a sunny location with sufficient sunlight to keep your harvest alive. Sunlight helps heat up the ground and air inside your unit, ensuring the optimal temperature for your greenhouse.
Can you have a greenhouse in the Arctic?
Arctic gardening often requires the use of greenhouses, which can extend the growing season but can be costly to set up and maintain. In some Canadian and Alaskan villages, community garden greenhouses are installed to accommodate this growing method. For instance, Inuvik, Canada’s Northwest Territories, has a large greenhouse made from an old hockey arena, which has been successfully growing vegetables for over 10 years.
What is the best material for a greenhouse in a cold climate?
The best greenhouse for cold climates should combine sturdy construction, superior insulation, and efficient ventilation. A robust frame made from high-grade aluminum or galvanized steel is crucial for withstanding heavy snow and strong winds. Thick glazing materials like Polycarbonate or insulated glass help retain heat and create a warm environment for plants. Automated venting systems ensure optimal internal temperature and humidity, ensuring a healthy growing space despite cold external conditions.
Do greenhouses work in Alaska?
To create a greenhouse, choose a south-facing location with minimal obstructions and set it back from tall trees or structures to ensure full light. The greenhouse may not receive enough natural light from November to February, so 4′ LED light tubes were installed. The 70-degree front wall allows for tiered racks for seed starting. A standard home hot water heater can be used as a boiler for in-floor heat, but it’s crucial to have a mechanism to bleed air out. DIY videos on the internet can help share homemade systems.
How can I heat my house in Alaska?
Wood and coal stoves are useful in cold climates as they cannot freeze. However, not all parts of the house will be as warm as with a regular system. Baseboard and forced-air heating systems may not prevent freeze-up in areas where water pipes and utilities are located. Thermostatically controlled heat tapes applied to isolated pipes may prevent freezing if electricity is working. Frozen gas appliances with pilot lights must be relighted manually and closed after unsuccessful attempts. Wood heating systems must be properly installed and maintained to prevent house fires during cold weather. Backup stoves may not have been properly maintained, adding to the need for caution.
Do greenhouses work in cold climates?
To use a greenhouse in winter, add heat through passive solar heating or electric heaters. Polycarbonate panels are natural heat insulators that can retain heat at a higher rate than other materials like glass. Look for a 4-wall construction on the roof and window panels for better heat retention. This allows for an extra few weeks in spring and fall without adding heat, saving money and plants.
For a greenhouse that requires little exterior maintenance, choose a rot-resistant material. Wood greenhouses may blend in with the aesthetics of a backyard, but they should not start to rot during the first rain or snow. By choosing a greenhouse that effectively retains heat, you can save money and ensure the health of your plants.
Are greenhouses bad for global warming?
Traditional greenhouses, powered by non-renewable energy sources, significantly contribute to CO2 emissions, with conventional greenhouses emitting around 575kg of CO2 per ton of lettuce. Advanced greenhouses, using renewable energy and closed-loop water systems, emit 352kg of CO2 per ton. This highlights the need for technological and methodological advancements to reduce greenhouse environmental impact. Additionally, greenhouses require significant energy to maintain optimal growing conditions, often sourced from fossil fuels, resulting in carbon emissions.
Can you grow your own food in Alaska?
The regular harvesting of crops such as peas and beans is essential for maintaining production levels. Home gardens play a pivotal role in the economy and lifestyle of Alaskans. The cultivation of vegetables and flowers is a pastime pursued by both the indigenous population and immigrants.
📹 Building a Massive 30’x60′ Greenhouse | Trenching Ground Posts + Framework
We get a head start on next year’s growing season assembling our 30 by 60 foot Rimol Greenhouse. Our rocky soil leads us to …
when I think about the huge quanset building,now the big greenhouse, AND your huge garden with raised beds and large fencing you have built this year WOW!! What an accomplishment, and just you two!! So amazing!! That’s in addition to your other regular chores!! I never tire of perusal Bandit! Love that dog 😊!!
Thank you both for being so inspirational in how to work together. I’ve been perusal and learning better communication techniques, and a show of support for each other which my husband and I have been integrating into our marriage. We’ve been together for 11 years and we always struggled with our communications and listening. An occasional “that’s a good idea” or “that looks great” and having the patience to hear each other out and/or try something the way the other person wants to try it has truly been life changing for us. I just wanted you to know that perusal isn’t only entertainment and enjoying beautiful scenery of your home, but making a difference in relationships from your example too. From my heart to yours – sincerely – I thank you!
One day I’m going to be patient and go to bed instead of perusal your articles, but today was not that day. I happened to see it 19 seconds(!) after you uploaded, so I really had no choice. The greenhouse is looking incredible – I have no concept of imperial units of measure, so 60 feet tells me nothing, but seeing those long lines of posts and how far apart they were really drove home how HUGE this thing is going to be. You’re going to be able to have a garden only every two years with all the food you can grow there! Excited to see it all come together.
Y’all work harder on a daily basis at your place than people do on a 9 to 5 job and you always make sure that you’re doing a perfect job, with you doing this all of your projects should last a lifetime. The 2 of you are just super talented and amazing, and you still make time to make a delicious meal. Can’t wait to see the finished building. You deserve a break after this for sure. Y’all ROCK! Love ❤y’all!
I never wanted this article to end! I was so engrossed with everything, especially the delicious meal you cooked after laboring all day on the gigantic greenhouse…and before I knew it, it was over. 😢 You two are so amazing. I know so many of the comments reiterate this, but really, you two are super soldiers. Look forward to perusal this build continue. ❤❤❤
Your flowers and garden look soooo healthy‼️👍😊 And – another HUGE project begins‼️ I’m not sure I ever remember you 2 tackling a simple, small task‼️ Every task you achieve matches the state you live in – MASSIVE‼️ ALL the pieces, steps to each part, skills you have and learn in the process of doing each part- your tenacity and perseverance and the strength you need – I say it again – YOU 2 are absolutely INCREDIBLE‼️ It is so AWESOME to watch your wonderful articles and watch your dreams become realities ‼️👍😊 And then- after ALL the HARD PHYSICAL WORK of the day you share making a healthy, yummy meal😊👍‼️WOW‼️‼️‼️👍
I spent 7 years as a heavy-duty welder fabricator. A dirty dangerous job. Four-year apprenticeship then 3 years with the same company. A man came into the company offering to undercut the current supplier of overalls. We were each individual measured for the new overalls. At my fitting, I looked at the material of the new overalls. Noticing they were a polyester mix material. The current supplier supplied pure cotton overalls. I turned to the salesperson stating these would not last as they would melt/burn with the sparks from grinding and welding. I also spoke to the works manager his reply was” to give them a chance”. The new overalls were delivered and we started using them. And the overalls began to become very holly. One welder insisted on grinding with the sparks coming into his waist. He cut a pair of overalls in half on his front. About 2 weeks later the company requested to be released from their contract. Welding and grinding sparks are hot.
As I watched, I imagined you ten years from now enjoying the ease of living you get from these mega constructions done while you were younger and stronger. In the future I see you still working hard but enjoying smaller improvement projects, taking time to go fishing and hunting, maybe working on a house expansion. Just wishing the best for you both. ps: love that you put some rocks in the water for Bandit.
UN-REAL. That greenhouse looks extremely difficult to build. Extremely. You guys are getting it built and doing well. Do you have any idea how amazed we are out here in YouTube land at the things you guys accomplish? WOW. And after a hard day’s work, you cook up a super looking meal from your garden veggies. I would be going to McDonald’s. I know you don’t have a McDonald’s right around the corner. Hats off to you both!!
I have been perusal you two for years and I’m in awe in how much energy you both have…. It must be all that Alaskan air and the greens😏 You are building yourselves a small empire there…. I’m sitting here in Athens having watched my grandchn and my sons go off for a swim… ( I’m staying at home today!} take care and that was news about black bear meat!!
I’m in central southern Missouri and I woke up to 60 degrees this morning! What a pleasant thing that is! Garden work today for sure to get the fall seeds/crops in before it’s too late. I moved here to zone 6b from Texas zone 9-10 1 year ago and trying to learn as fast as I can how you garden here! Texas Deb ❤️
Exciting times on the homestead. I had just been perusal a few articles of the past years. I am so amazed and impressed at how much you both have transformed the new place. It is really looking amazing !!. I’m looking forward to when you get to start really harvesting and preserving everything. Stay safe and healthy, you two. Your friend in Oregon ..JoNi
Welcome to my gardening life! Where I live along the foothills of the Rockies, in Canada, we can get frost or snow in every month of the year. We usually get a wake up call(that’s what I call it) around the first of August. I’ve learnt to always watch the weather during all of the year but especially during gardening season
Awww, Bandit having fun in his pool. ❤❤ I gotta tell ya, the way they had you build that thing seems like it was harder than it should be. Mine is 19 feet high, and my builders had it done in 2 days. Of course, they do this for a living. So, that helps. But, YAY, I am so stinkin happy for you guys. This place is really coming together. GARDEN-Hoooo 😁😁
I really hope this place is your forever home, with the level of work you’re putting in! I was so surprised by the move from the old place bc so much work had gone into it, but I guess I didn’t realize the sheer scale you guys had in mind for what you wanted! Hopefully all of this effort is a one-time investment that you’ll be reaping rewards from for decades to come. By that measure, every year after this one should be less brutal, right?
Your garden has simply exploded. I guess it’s the 20 hours of daylight y’all have there. Great articlegraphy of the flowers and bugs, as usual. This greenhouse is another capital improvement to your ‘new’ property that’s going to make life easier for you – more work – but a better lifestyle. Can’t wait to see it covered in plastic. I’m impressed that you’ve gotten oveer 110K views in just seven hours. Wow! You’re so popular!
You just get better and better! Fully agree with all everyone has said, about total awe for what the two of you achieve, and have already done. You both explain so well what you are doing, what you are using, and how you adjust when it doesn’t go exactly to plan. And you are never, never boring! The way you break up your articles with shots of the bigger picture, or wildlife or nature – just brilliant articlegraphy. X Oh, and you’re so good at this, it was an actual laugh-out-loud moment when the camera fell over at 15:15. Never happens!
Greetings from Islamabad Pakistan.Wow garden is at full bloom neat and tidy because it is carefully looked after by you guys.Teamwork at the par of excellence,you guys are really made for each other’s. Building this massive structure shows your dedication and perfect homework to complete another big project at your homestead. I really loves your chickens and enjoying summer time after spending cold winter in heated coop 😊 Keep traveling, working,gardening, cooking, eating,camping, fishing, hunting,canning and always smiling 😊
Hi do you know you really make me very happy when you keep coming back because I really love your show and I really love the animals outside you I will always praying 🙏 for you 🙏 and your 🙏 husband 🙏 and your 🙏 dog 🐕 and cats 🐈 ok 🙏 can you do more new show for all of us please we will be waiting for you ok I really do love your show ok can you show more animals outside for all of us please thank you sosososo much I really love your smile 😃 😊 keep on smiling 😃 😊 ok and I really love your laugh 😃 😀 ok 🙏 you have a wonderful day and have a good night and day ok and please 🙏 be 🙏 careful 🧐 out there ok 🙏 and please 🙏 be 🙏 safe ok love Lorilee xoxoxoxox 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 😊 ☺️ 🙏 🙏
Wowzers, seems like this greenhouse is the most complicated of all the projects so far!! A good dose of patience and determination needed for sure & you’ve got that in spades☺☺ Didn’t realize it was going to be so big!! I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen such beautiful, fresh veggies – just gorgeous, and now you’ll have stuff year round – guess it does make your challenges right now worth it. What a team, you can’t help but succeed!! Stay safe, be happy, eat many veggies!! 😄😄❤❤
First time I heard Bandit Bark! He’s usually just laying there perusal you guys working and looking bored. He was really enjoying himself. I remember he used to go and play in the bog at your last place. Once again, you both never cease to amaze me. That is a hiiiigghh tunnel. With strong winds and heat, that was a difficult project. Sautéing swiss chard leaves in onion and garlic with a pinch of mustard seeds and cumin, (add the seeds in hot oil for a few seconds, then add sliced onions & garlic) is delicious. Eat it with rice or cauliflower rice and protein or just a simple veggie meal. Use your veggies in winter like this. ❤❤ and blessings. 🇦🇺 fan.
Hi I really love your show how is your dog 🐕 and cats 🐈 doing fine I really love when you show the animals outside to and your dog 🐕 and cats 🐈 to ok and I really love your cooking 🍳 you really do a Beautiful job cooking 🍳 I really love fish and I really love to fishing 🎣 to you have a wonderful day and have a good night and day ok I really do love too wach all of the animals outside they are very Beautiful love Lorilee xoxoxoxox
Wonderful article. It is amazing how emotionally involved we all get in your projects, no matter what they are. I am so happy to see the greenhouse going up. It is going to make such a difference for your entire gardening life. You’re going to love it! We are going to love it! The erecting of the framework was very reminiscent of the start of the Quonset hut. As usual this was great from beginning to end. Loved the meal and ferments. It’s not a full time job for you, it’s more a 24/7, full life effort. Blessings and positive thoughts for all your efforts.
GOOD ÑIGHT TO MY ALASKA FRIENDS ERIC ARIELL BANDID AND PEPPER HAPPY 9TH AUGUST STILL RAINING EVERY SECOND DAY IN SOUTHERN IRELAND GARDEN DEFINITELY NOT THRIVING THIS YEAR DIDNT HAVE 4 FINE DAYS IN A ROW YE WILL BE DELIGHTED WITH YOUR GREEN HOUSE STAY SAFE LOVELY TO SEE BANDID LOOKING SO WELL MARGARET LYNCH SOUTHERN IRELAND 🇮🇪 🙌 👌 😳 😳 👏 👀 🇮🇪 🙌
When I saw the title of this article I was so excited as I have been waiting for this installation and it didnt disappoint. That was an incredible build, having to be so precise, but you two have no problem with any of it. Its a good job you are so resourceful, to come up with the best way for getting all the stages done and get all the parts into place. I love it guys x
Good morning guys . And I got to say the garden is doing phenomenal. You guys work so hard getting it all set up and going and now it’s producing and you should have good crops yielding from now on. And I would invest in a Porter band saw . They may come up to a 4 and a half inch deep cut. And I use them in the fencing business and then still business they’re great for cutting steel with the right bandsaw blade on it. You can’t wait to see the tunnel greenhouse completed. Have a blessed weekend and be safe guys
Love perusal you guys build things. I love a garden and eating fresh veggies, so it’s so nice perusal you guys build this huge greenhouse to grow lots of foods in Alaska. I can not get a single family member to move to Alaska with me; they all say, “your on your own there”, but I can watch y’all and dream. Love perusal y’all. ❤Great Job Again!
Wow! What a huge green house! Plastic will be fun! Lol I was told by a woman who grew culinary herbs for Chefs that basil should be all harvested before it hits 40F as it tanks a bit after that! Of course you could use row covers to extend those odd cold spells. But you garden looks absolutely lush! I bet you all are happy to have one again! Good luck with the plastic!!❤
Agree with everyone that y’all are the best working together couple there is. That’s gonna be some greenhouse. It’s big! Here in Florida roasting to death and it’s just the beginning of August and y’all have light coats on. Oh how I wish it was cool here. I’m ready for it. Oh yea, your garden is looking amazing. You always grow some of the most beautiful veggies.
WOW that is so PRETTY that is what I am saying as you do the High Tunnel !!! It is MASSIVE there !!! Glad you all like to do things together You do a great job with working together there !!! Wish more couples were like you two here !!! Thought it was rhubarb at first there but man that looks great to make there Thanks for the tip on the recipe !!!
You both amaze me at what you’re able to accomplish. Looking forward to seeing the completion of the greenhouse and your using it throughout the winter (I assume). I thoroughly enjoy perusal your articles and living in Alaska vicariously through them, but I’m definitely not tough enough or skilled enough to do it!
A neighbor of ours grew his own garden, made his own hot sauce too, where he cooked it forever like overnight! Which his son worked offshore and would bring fish like amberjack home, which he’d marinade the fish in the hot sauce before putting the cornmeal, where it really gave the fish a good taste!
With the ruggedness of the posts holding up you animal fence around the garden, Eric could have welded arch pieces from one side of the garden to the other over the entire garden. Those arch pieces would be welded to vertical extension pieces that extend from the top of the perimeter posts 4′- 6′, this is so the fruit bearing trees could be inside the green house all year long. Then the the arched roof and the 4-6′ vertical extensions are covered with plastic that stays on year round. The 8′ tall sides where the animal protection mesh is would be a removable sheet of plastic that encloses the entire garden and makes one huge greenhouse. In the summer the plastic around the lower 8′ tall section is removed so as to not overheat the plants. Then you do not need to start plants in the house or a separate greenhouse, your whole garden area could have been a massive greenhouse.
Love perusal you both doing all the jobs on your homestead veggie garden looks lovely and green hope it brings you lots of delicious fruit and veg and the greenhouse it massively massive can wait to see what you grow in it, never known two people that work so hard as you two do you’ll run out of jobs to do soon. Take care and be careful sending much love from UK
At Counter 26.:50, Bandit looked exhausted just perusal you two. Man oh man when you ‘two ‘go big’ you certainly GO BIG!!! That greenhouse is HUGE!!! It’s going to be interesting to see what you plant in there. I am assuming it is just going to be like your former one, but a LOT more. Right? You two are just so amazing at what you have accomplished since you’ve moved to this property!!! Looking forward to next year when you start to plant inside this greenhouse!!!
Hey guys thank you very much for sharing your adventures it’s a nice escape from the regularity of daily life – hey I just watched the last article where you were getting rid of some leaks before the spray foam got installed I’ve seen like a silver tar or silver sealant you can put around the roofing screws to help prevent any leaking – hope this helps thank you very much from Arizona
Great article. On the garlic. The top leaves of the garlic still looked super GREEN. Normally in the midwest harvest is late July or early August. But up in Alaska… you’ll probably need to wait until at least mid August. Again this is just based on the color and health of the garlic leaves. Rule of thumb from what I’ve heard is to wait on harvesting until the third leave from the bottom starts fading 35%+ tan color.
Dave here and I have a question / suggestion about the melted cable insulation. When running with high current and if the cable coils are not separated, the heat may not dissipate well. I have seen similar insulation heat damage with coiled up cables, but yours was about as bad as I’ve seen. Definitely replace because cutting out the bad part then splicing the cable back together technically would work, but the splice doesn’t dissipate heat as well as unspliced cable. Also, the splice has slightly higher electrical resistance and may cause more heat than unspliced cable. Really enjoy your articles – thanks for sharing.