An average greenhouse size is not a fixed number, but rather depends on personal preferences, backyard space, and preferred crops. A hobby greenhouse can range from 6’x4′ to 10’x20′, with an average size of 6’x8′ or 8’x10′. Medium greenhouses typically measure 8’x12′ and are suitable for serious hobbyists and small-scale growers. Commercial greenhouses are generally wider and range from 20 feet and up, while lean-to greenhouses are smaller and detached greenhouses can be up to 5 meters in height.
The width of the greenhouse is the most important measurement, as traditional greenhouse styles offer a choice of nominal widths in 2′ increments. The length of the greenhouse can also vary. Medium greenhouses (8 to 10 feet wide) are suitable for serious hobbyists and small-scale growers, offering more space for diverse plants, increased growing capacity, and versatility. However, they are higher in cost and require more space.
Medium greenhouses typically range from 150 square feet (about half the area of a parking space), while large greenhouses are anything more than 150 square feet. Medium greenhouses are ideal for enthusiastic greenhouse planters and are typically around 150 square feet. Commercial greenhouses typically range between 3000 and 5000 square feet, but it can vary depending on factors such as budget and type of greenhouse.
The ideal size of a greenhouse depends on various factors, such as budget, the type of greenhouse, and the desired size. The most popular size is 8ft wide (2438mm) and is available in different lengths to suit your needs.
📹 Watch This Before Buying a Greenhouse
IN THIS VIDEO → Chris’ Greenhouse: https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/ → Universal Bottom Tray: https://growepic.co/3uWjz4F …
What is a commercial greenhouse?
SolaWrap greenhouses are designed for commercial growers, allowing them to grow crops for sale for commercial consumption. These high-tech facilities are equipped with transparent roofs or special lights to allow sunlight to enter the greenhouse. Exposure to sunlight increases the temperature inside the greenhouse, protecting plants from cold weather. Commercial greenhouses have a financial stake in crop production, and the profitability of the operation is heavily influenced by greenhouse components and supplies. Artificial methods like heaters and coolers control the greenhouse environment, while ventilation plays a crucial role in the success of a greenhouse.
The greenhouse works by allowing sunlight to heat the space and grow plants, extending the growing season in specialized microclimates. Computers control various aspects of the environment, and commercial growers often use scientific methods to maximize the benefits of their crops. Professional greenhouses rely on the best growing practices available, ensuring the structure and plastic protection of the greenhouse are in good working order.
Why do greenhouses fail?
Greenhouse issues can be managed by changing air filters regularly, controlling temperature swings, and maintaining existing heating systems. Overly hot greenhouses can be controlled with shade cloth or a greenhouse whitewash. Irrigation and fertigation systems can be addressed by timely repair or replacement of defective equipment, flushing systems with hydrogen peroxide and water solution, and cleaning drippers with a hydrogen peroxide and water solution.
Mold issues can encourage pests and diseases, necessitating system disinfection after each harvest using a water and hydrogen peroxide mix. Fertilizer salt accumulation in fertigation lines can cause nutrient solution spikes in electrical conductivity, so regular inspection and cleaning are essential. If crops seem dehydrated, inspect water, timing, and cycle controls for clogs or failures to prevent under or over watering. Signing up for the Gardening Know How newsletter can also provide a free download of the DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.
Why are greenhouses so expensive?
The cost of constructing a greenhouse depends on various factors, including size, design complexity, materials used, location, labor costs, and permits. Greenhouse kits are generally cheaper than custom-built options, as they come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions for easy assembly. Custom-built greenhouses offer more flexibility in design and can be tailored to specific needs. Operating a greenhouse once built can include heating, cooling, lighting, water, and fertilizers, which can vary depending on the size of the greenhouse and the plants being grown.
Do greenhouses get enough sunlight?
Greenhouses require six hours of direct or full spectrum light daily, but supplemental lighting is necessary if this is not possible naturally. Supplemental lighting uses high-intensity artificial lights to promote crop growth and yield. Hobbyists use it to maintain growth and extend the grow season, while commercial growers use it to boost yields and profits. Photoperiod control lighting simulates long days, triggering early or delayed flowering depending on the plant’s needs.
Growers have a variety of lighting options, so understanding the nuances of different styles is crucial. Four different lighting types are discussed, including direct, supplemental, and photoperiod control lighting.
How warm does a small greenhouse stay in winter?
To maintain a frost-free greenhouse, maintain a minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F) for most plants, 7°C (45°F) for tender plants, and 13°C (55°F) for delicate species. Avoid heating large greenhouses with only a few delicate plants, as it can be expensive and wasteful. Divide the greenhouse into smaller areas using perspex partitions or bubble wrap insulation. Position electric fan heaters carefully in an open, central spot at one end of the greenhouse, avoiding positions where the heater can come into contact with water. Angle the heater to direct airflow above plants to prevent desiccation. This will help prevent plants from being desiccated by warm air flow.
What is the ideal size for a greenhouse?
Greenhouses come in various widths and lengths, with a minimum width of 6ft (1. 8m) for room for movement and 8ft (2. 4m) for staging. The eaves should be at least 5ft (1. 5m) tall for light. The biggest greenhouse is preferred, as most gardeners wish for one. There are three main greenhouse shapes: traditional, lean-to, and round, with newer shapes like domes also available. Traditional greenhouses use existing walls to hold heat, while lean-tos use bricks to hold sun heat, making them ideal for growing. Round greenhouses are useful for awkward spaces.
Is a 6×6 greenhouse big enough?
The Halls 6×6 greenhouse is a compact structure measuring 50 inches in width, designed for individuals requiring additional space beyond that afforded by the smaller 6×4 model. It incorporates a roof vent, integral gutters, and a smooth sliding door.
What is the size of a commercial greenhouse?
A commercial greenhouse typically ranges from 3000 to 5000 square feet, depending on the type of plants you want to grow. For beginners, starting with a smaller greenhouse is often the best approach, especially if you’re starting a small business. These structures can range from a few hundred square feet to larger areas, but it’s crucial to select a size that provides enough space for growth without being too large for initial needs.
How big of a greenhouse do I need for 2 people?
A small greenhouse measuring 8×8 feet is ideal for a couple starting their gardening journey. For a diverse and resilient crop range, a family of two should require 100-200 sq. ft. per person. This article provides insights and years of expertise to help determine the perfect greenhouse size that aligns with your family’s needs and aspirations for fresh, home-grown produce. It covers everything from square footage to the types of crops that will thrive in your green space, whether you’re a couple or a busy household of eight.
Are small greenhouses worth it?
Small greenhouses are ideal for those lacking outdoor space and need extra room to house plants. They effectively keep plants sheltered from the elements at any time of the year. The best small greenhouse depends on the space and number of plants to grow. Design is also important, with both traditional and stylish options available. Patio Glasshouses are small, durable greenhouses that prevent plants from freezing during winter and well-ventilated during summer. They are suitable for any garden size and are recommended for first-time greenhouse growers.
What is a good size starter greenhouse?
Small greenhouses, typically 6 feet wide, are ideal for hobby gardeners and beginners due to their ease of management, lower cost, and compact design. They are compact, affordable, and easy to heat. However, choosing the right size for a commercial greenhouse is crucial for success, as it affects growing capacity, plant types, and efficiency. Factors such as space availability, budget, type of plants, and intended use influence the ideal greenhouse size.
A large backyard or dedicated plot of land can accommodate larger greenhouses, while limited space may require smaller ones. Accurate measurements and consideration of obstacles or landscape features are essential when determining the size. Budget constraints also play a role in greenhouse size, with larger greenhouses generally costing more due to higher material and construction expenses. Creating a budget helps narrow down options and prevents overspending.
📹 The Secret To Building A 10×12 Greenhouse In One Day
I’m going to build this 10×12 greenhouse in one day and I’m not making any cuts with a saw. That’s the plan anyway. I’ll also show …
I installed the Costco greenhouse made by Yardistry in November, and it’s got the poly carbonate roof and cedar wood walls. It has a great automatic vent as well which is such a blessing in my warmer zone 9B Northern California garden. I have lots of seedlings growing well, and I also protected my Dragon fruit and Curry leaf plants in it over winter. I amd really enjoying this Greenhouse
Where I live, a greenhouse isn’t a good idea because the temps even in winter can get far too high. A shade house is far more common in my local area for that reason – same thing but with shade cloth or a heavily tinted polycarbonate covering. We still call it a greenhouse as it does the same job – help us control temperature and humidity. That doesn’t stop companies pushing the idea that people should have a normal greenhouse, people buy them and then not long after they’re getting rid of it because it cooked all their plants. The more creative people will strip the glass or clear polycarbonate and replace it with shade cloth or tinted poly. I’ve also seen greenhouse frames covered in wire purely to keep birds out of what becomes a berry house, or to keep birds in by turning them into a large walk-in bird cage or chicken coop. I’ve also known one person that spray painted the glass white as a way to reduce the extreme direct sunlight and heat but still let in plenty of light. My point being, if for any reason a greenhouse isn’t working out for you, before getting rid of it, investigate other options for what you can use as the covering for it to make it something that will work better for you.
I purchased a 10 x 12 greenhouse this past fall. I’m soooo excited to get it up. I have been gardening for about 15 years, so I have a grow room where I start seedlings, but since I started a small flower farm, I really needed more space for seed starting & hardening things off without having to bring trays in and out, in and out, killing my back!
I got a 10’x12′ polycarbonate greenhouse last year, and am loving it! It has been great being able to grow lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, and Chinese cabbage all winter long, even when it was -12ºF outside. Now that spring is approaching I am starting seeds for planting in the raised beds starting in mid-March.
You will love having the greenhouse Kev. I do love greenhouses, but a high tunnel gives me more space for the cost. I have 2 36ft x 16ft tunnels that are the engine. I have built a double-skin sectioned room in the back of one, which becomes my seed starting the engine I can heat, so I am not heating the entire tunnel. Great article guys
Check your local regs (always!): While a lot of greenhouses count as “permanent structures”, there are a surprising number of states where a “PVC hoop house” without a foundation is considered a temporary building. That means no permitting, and because they are anchored by rebar inside the PVC, they may also fall outside the local HOA’s control (again: NOT legal advice; check your local/city/county/etc regs with a microscope!) So there can be several advantages to going with a flexible 6mm plastic-covered hoop house over both tempered glass and the harder plastic paneling espoused here. Plastic I used shrugged off Wyoming hail and snow loads for years, so I can’t argue with the results! Happy gardening!
Much as I appreciate you, Mr Epic, these two ladies stole the show! Production value is top notch and the point-counterpoint delivery was PERFECT. I have oft wondered “what is the value of a greenhouse?” I can already store seed-starting materials and raise seedlings on shelves under light (I mean, what else is a dining room good for? 🤣). I have searched YouTube, and even Pinterest (👎), for ideas on how to set up a greenhouse that might work for me. THIS article is the best collection of information I’ve seen. Easily one of your Top Five articles! ❤ Thank you!
Yep. We get hail, too. I’ll stick with the greenhouse plastic I can tape back together, if necessary. I use bricks in my tunnel for heat retention, too, and it’s a good solid place to put my heater. I had some thick Styrofoam that go in garage door panels, and placed those around the walls… they really helped. Good info, though.
8:00 – those auto-vent devices are genius and almost compulsory for any greenhouse. I cannot recommend them enough. For the floor it does pay to do a proper paved path with bricks or pavers for places you want to walk/stand. These compact greenhouses are small enough it is not a massive expense or too hard to DIY. For areas under potting/seed raising benches or for large pots though, a deep gravel bed is cheap, easy and provides decent drainage. On the other hand, for permanent plants like grape vines or espalier fruit trees, just leaving a soil bed is fine.
Very good coverage of different materials! I favor the polycarbonate panels as I’m in a cold Z5a, WI. We built our garden shed for about $7 because we had reclaimed materials. The polycarbonate panels were used from a friend’s blown over greenhouse. I love my lean-to greenhouse as it utilizes the shed wall on the north side to increase heating efficiency. Too large of a greenhouse means too large of electric bills. This is the year we will rework the greenhouse. I have plans for a heat sink in the floor, new polycarbonate panels, operating vents, reclaimed refrigeration panels for lower perimeter and north wall, and a new vented/screened door. To see out a bit we will reuse the storm windows. I prefer wire racks and patio blocks for floor over piped heat sink. It will be work, but worth it. I believe these improvements will allow me to utilize the GH way earlier than I do now. I used a shade cloth previously, but will need to figure a way to hold it off the polycarbonate as to not scratch it. And yes, lighting on second shelf is necessary. And future improvements include off grid wind and solar.🎉 All good, can’t wait! Thanks for the comparison and spot on with keeping size small for those of us that use GHs to start seeds. Read a comment about tempered glass—yes, once they shatter get your sifter and vacuum out—it’s a mess.
I got 2 Greenhouses 🙂 1 for all the veg. seed for the summer, and for all chilli, paprika, yes every thing u can eat basicly. The other is for all tropical plants. 1. is 25m2, number 2 is 16.5m2. Greenhouses for me is the only way. Norway got cold winters, but still avr. 5-7C in the winter. (Liveing near the cost). Summer is not to hot, around 20C. So all my figs tree, and grapevine have a healty life outside all year. Tropical fruts live ok here to, like Peache, Nectarine and Apricot. Plums (4 diffrents types), apple (3 diffrent types), pear (2 diffrent types), and Cherry, morel. So i got all the frut trees i want and eat. Ofcores alle types of raspberry, and dont forget the lovely strawberry 🙂 And ofcores potato, carrot, cauliflower, onion, broccoli, Organo and diffrent spices. THIS IS THE LIFE! And i LOVE IT!!
I have one that is polycarbonate and have had it for 20 years now. We are just now needing to replace panels and the only reason is bears have been breaking in and damaging them not because of age. You also need to remember that sunlight is magnified through glass and can burn plants more easily. The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers had to paint the glass white as that is what was happening to them. The sun through the glass was frying the plants. I just bought enough new poly panels to replace all on my greenhouse and it was only $800, which is much, much less expensive than glass. And my husband used to build glass high-rise buildings so we can get glass wholesale, I can’t imagine what the price would be retail. I just wanted everyone to know that the 10 year life span of poly is severely under what it actually lasts.
I worked at the biggest vegetable nursery in Australia. One winter they couldn’t get the propane water heated pipes on the floor to increase the temperature any more than 2C. The propane burner was going non-stop, they were thinking a pipe blockage or restriction, the pump was working fine, etc. They had thermostat controlled roof vents. One of the dumb managers had switched it to manual around noon, opened them and walked off. And they were open overnight and I think the owner got an alert in the middle of the night that it was too cold. Took a maintenance guy to realise that the thing was even switched to manual vent opening. Maintenance guy told me about it.
We have 20×7 metres. Looking forward to build two more this summer. We do ourselves. For heating we use old style – bricks and wood. 5b – seeds starting starts in April and we have to use heating maybe one night per week when drops below 10 Celsius. I would love to share picture. Like gothic arch type
I live in Denver Metro & have been wanting to set up a green house. My only reservation is the hail we get. The 2017 hail storm demolished a large portion of the metro area from Lakewood to Aurora. We’ve not had one that bad since but it’s still the fear of spending that $$ only to have Mother Nature take it out. Still on the fence BUT.. thank you for this!
Excellent article. I am in Colorado like Briana. I am at 6200 feet and I bought my greenhouse last year. I got the frame up and then it snowed and we have had snow ever since. I love some of the ideas these ladies have. I bought a Planta Greenhouse which is out of Canada. Gardner Scott purchased one. It was in my price range and should withstand my high winds. Thank you Oh and I will be putting in some of your raised garden beds in my greenhouse. I ordered those last year.
Yoo, this was really awesome! I loved not only seeing the difference between the two, but hearing why they like the one they chose! 😁 I have a serious conundrum. Glass or Polycarbonate. I would love to display what im growing, but at the same time, i love the idea of knowing it is my place without being seen!
That was a great article! My husband and I just bought our new house this past fall that has a nice, flat just shy acre of land and although we have blackberry bush clearing to do, it’s a blank slate for our gardens! So a greenhouse is definitely on the list. Thanks to all three of you, lots of grey info! 👏 Ps, I have to say it.. Chris has an excellent news reporter voice lol.
Thank you all for the info you put out, I’ve learned quite a bit, I’ve learned quite a bit even with much not applicable with me being in zone 2a. I got a greenhouse last fall so hopefully this summer I’ll be able to better grow tomatoes and peppers. My only option for keeping plants over the winter is my basement, but I’m actually looking at both hydroponics and some of those indoor grow tents (easier to get now that their main use has been legalized in multiple states).
Would love to see like, unheated greenhouses if you ever elaborate on this topic. I’ve heard some people use compost piles and ponds and things like that to add extra heat without the use of extra energy, but not sure how that works exactly. We have a lot of commercially heated greenhouses here to grow things out of season and it constantly gets brought up as being very ecologically bad (like you’re getting recommanded importing from other countries if it’s in season there is better). So I imagine, especially as home growers, it’d be best to opt for such things, unless your climate really sucks in terms of food growing.
I’m building one. I’m just use a aluminum tubing frame from a carport, of course no roof top. The side are going to be rails four feet high. Where I can actually slide the side walls down the rail to get air circulating if need to. The sides also will contain soap stones to hold heat from the sun and disturbed that heat during the cool nights. Will have a dirt floor, one door, window on opposite side. Of course fans and vents above door and window to have intake and exhaust. To circulate the air to control the temperature inside. The rest of the greenhouse will be double plastic sheeting with air circulating between the two plastics sheeting’s. Strong plastic sheeting and bolting down using metal grommets.
Been looking to get a greenhouse here on Maui. My partner and I want a polycarbonate greenhouse, but we know that lumber (even treated) doesn’t last long here. So, we’re looking into aluminum framed greenhouses. We want a greenhouse because we need to protect our seedlings from heavy rain, and the only place we have to do that is up against the house in the shade which is not ideal. It leads to leggy seedlings if I’m not constantly moving them in and out of the sunlight and rain. We’d love to set it up with automatic watering too. Finding a kit that we can get shipped here has been a challenge. If any company wanted to test the durability of their greenhouse, we’ve definitely got the conditions. Weather resistant, powder coated hoops for my raised beds rusted within three months.
I am a gardening in central Texas zn 8b. When you install your greenhouse, could you discuss the options available for maintaining cooler temperatures (under 95*) inside in mild winter climate locations, especially for summer time? Thank you for this content, really helps to know what considerations to think about before buying!
I like the idea of a greenhouse, but I know I’d have to do a ton more research and ask gardeners in my region specifically. I’m in Minnesota, so I live just a bit north of tornado alley, and that does mean large hail on occasion. Also, the snow tends to fall all at once during a storm, so it would need to be able to handle the occasional 15″+ of snow at a time (not as common but we’ve gotten that TWICE this season – 6″ at once is far more usual). And I’m genuinely not sure if heaters can make up for the couple weeks each year when it doesn’t get above 0F, although 15F is probably about average the rest of the time. I also don’t know how easy it would be to keep the humidity up because winters are also extremely dry. Honestly, I’m considering converting the second bedroom in my house to a sunroom anyway, because I’d like to have houseplants and culinary herbs in there (I’ve learned that I do not use herbs that grow outside even if it’s literally right outside the door). And I think a sun room would be good for my own mental health. So maybe with a sun room, since I am and probably will always be primarily a hobby gardener, I wouldn’t even need the greenhouse.
Great info! I live in an apartment in NYC but I do plan on getting those indoor greenhouse setups as I move into growing veggies. I have one of those cylindrical PVC mini-popup greenhouses and my patchouli is loving life. Hey Kevin, I know you do a lot of research before committing to purchases but since you do things on an epic scale, which greenhouse makers are currently on your radar?
I am here AFTER buying my greenhouse. Yeah, it says to watch this BEFORE buying a GH. I am just here to see just what I may have done wrong. But, I am kinda happy with my choice of GH. It is NOT perfect, BUT, it serves the purpose that I need it to serve. I can overwinter my “semi-hardy” plants successfully. I am able to get my GH to be a zone 8. And, that is because when the outside temps are in the single digits, and maybe even below zero F, my GH heater is only able to make it so that when it is single digits or even below zero, that it will just be maybe 25F to 30F higher in degrees than it would be WITHOUT that heater. It is about a 2 zone warmer experience in my GH. I can’t overwinter and grow houseplants in my GH. And, that is because of the fact that in winter, my GH can and has gone down to 28F breifly when we had a REALLY brutal cold spell. Now, IF I had more room in my GH I could try to make a small shelter encased in clear plastic. And, TRY to make sure that it was heated. And, that would REALLY be nice. I could grow lots of plants that I* can NOT grow now. But, I am now okay with growing the plants that I am now growing. I really can’t grow any more plants (in my house) than I have now as house plants. Those that I have are in hanging pots. BUT, eventually, my Schefflera IS going need more room than I have prepared for it. And, my other 2 plants WILL be fine for a LONG while. BUT, maybe IF I get into having a small shelter type enclosure being in my GH, I could see that I could heat that small enclosure with some NOT LED LIGHTS.
… I’m excited to see what you get! I have a small 6 x 6 hobby greenhouse that I got from Wayfair and I love it. It came in sections which was a perk for me and is made of wood. It does leak at the 2 functioning roof vents, but it is pretty and functional. I have enjoyed it immensely this winter with beautiful bloom colors and topiary within that I can see from my kitchen window. (Maryland, 6b) 🌸🏵🌳 🤗💕👩🏼🌾💚 =^..^=
My dream is to have a big property but instead of a house I would have a (plastic/petrochemical free) tree hight greenhouse just big enough to fit my tropical trees and plants, a personal lap/whirlpool, infrared sauna, room for me to park my bike camper set up for my bed/kitchen, a composting toilet & stowaway rainwater shower. I’d want the ceilings to be able to open so I can also let in pollinators and pest predators. I’d have those full spectrum grow lights hooked up to multiple sources of renewable off grid power. Then the only other structure on acreage would be a barn for the fiber/dairy/egg livestock to overnight in. They’d be fairly close together and both have rainwater catchment & storage systems. The small chunk of land with the structures on it I would zone as residential. The rest of the acreage would be divvied up into food forest, wetlands for wild rice/cattails/fish, and prairie for pasture & prey critters. Might even scrounge up some Bison. Wou,d definitely have at least a couple gard work mules. Would love if a creek wound through the woods too. The kicker would be that the acreage without structures I would zone as a private family cemetery so I would only pay property tax on the part with structures. Then I’d have a homestead base, but still be able to travel around on my bike with its’ various task trailers.
Maybe do one on the difference between a home production as apposed to market gardening, because you’re going to deal with the spaces differently. I worked at a aquaponics place and temperature variance throughout fall, winter and early spring is quite the science. Like it might get really hot during the day and you might be tempted to vent, but you don’t because at nighttime temperatures will drop drastically. It’s quite the balancing act. Having water vessels and not just rock to absorb heat and dissipate during the night is really good. Has anyone ever done one on walapinis?
We just bought an old house with a stone and glass greenhouse circa 1948 attached. Incredibly cool space that we have just begun to refurbish. We need advice! Do you provide paid consultations – like a Zoom call & conversation? We have the original blueprints left to us by the 92 yr old owner labeling the “Conservatory”. Lol! The whole place is a diamond in the rough but it was this space that made us want it! Broken windows, termites, old terrible plumbing and all!
Don’t go with either if your like me I live in a farm in Victoria Australia and my parents have a big one to sprout our potatoes that’s made out of glass and it perfect but it a little over kill go with a cheap one that you make yourself I made my own I used plastic vinyl witch is good mine only small you can barely walk in there if you want something small go for vinyl
Just a quick tip for the lady with the red hat: your gain seems too high on your mic, or maybe it happened in post. Anyway, your mic is clipping and a bit difficult to listen to. But it is an easy fix. 🙂 Just turn down the gain perhaps by 7dB (if you have an LED indicator, make sure it stays green or just into the orange). Hope this is well enough explained (simple enough in case audio is something new). Thanks for the great greenhouse tips!
What about those greenhouses/wallipinis that are dug into the ground and have geothermal air ducting. How do those compare to these greenhouses? I’m in zone 8 and want a green house for seed starting and growing plants that are zone 9 or 10. Like a small lime tree and ice cream beans. But I don’t know which way to go. I haven’t seen any articles that compare those things.
I can just about guarantee you, with the current winds we have been having across the U.S., if you do not anchor these smaller greenhouses well, including over the top, the wind will take it. A friend lost her little greenhouse 2 days ago, a greenhouse that she has never had any issues with the wind before, because she though it was in a protected place. The wind grabbed it and flung it over a tall rock wall into the back yard of a neighbor, just barely missing a large picture window! Do not just anchor the inner frame, anchor over the top as well!!
very small greenhouses. I’d consider a 40’x60′ greenhouse, but odds are i’ll move before it would pay for itself. Seems they went with more expensive materials, rather than (single or double layer) 6mil polyethylene film-which can react with pvc. Much of the polyethylene film sold on Amazon seems problematic, when looking at the 1 star reviews. Nothing mentioned about various underground heat batteries: geothermal, water, or sand. Nothing really mentioned about securing the greenhouse to the ground, or corrosion/rust resistance of the material in contact with the ground. Nor how far apart the support structures should be. The article seems to be more about how to buy a premium priced turn key greenhouse, rather than solutions for the on budget DIY folks. Heck, we aren’t even given a materials list. I also didn’t see any system like a greenhouse extending from a house, and possibly keeping the interior warm through the heat radiation that would normally escape the house….if that is even possible.
I’m trying to get a movement going. Maybe you can help spread the word. April 21st is Gardening for Mental Health Day. I’m using the hashtag #GardeningForMentalHealth, my goal is to help people over come life’s challenges with gardening. I think it’s great therapy. I myself lost my two brothers to suicide and now I want to create a movement around mental health and gardening. Maybe you can help and we can make a difference.
Wow that was amazing. I am really impressed by who quick and somewhat straightforward approach on building this thing. I have read so many feedbacks for different greenhouses that complained about the instructions and how difficult it was to put together. I have been so apprehensive on buying a greenhouse because I have yet to find one that does not have issues building it. God knows I am not handy or patient..Thanks for this. Love perusal your articles..
I don’t think I’m concerned about the same this as you (prepping) but I really enjoyed a bunch of your articles this weekend. You are a good dad. I love to see you involving your girls, and keeping that relationship steady, as they enter their difficult years. My adult sisters really appreciate that our dad did this with them. The jokes are great.
48 and on my own (with this type of project). Hubby is a photographer/graphic designer and a darn good one but has almost zero handyman skills. Now, my dad had me (and sibs) working with some tools on small projects so I understand everything your doing. However, to do it myself? Oy!! It’d take me all summer!!!
Useless in Australia, we have termites, I put a pallet down 2weeks ago and half eaten… Hard wood took 3 months before they built a nest right next to it and started.. fortunately I saw the next and moved it and sprayed their next.. Texans would love the way we deal with naughty critters.. Australia/TEXAS a match made in heaven!!
First of all, I’m thankful for the warm family friendly POV. I’m very satisfied. but I have a simple question can you answer? I really hope #justKidding 😁 OK, my question is, how can the minimalist design of the homestead (that you built) withstand strong winds? Are there any parts that need to be modified or is your installation style sufficient for its strength?🤔
When you get in the tube and your favorite YouTuber has new content 🍺🍺🍺😜. 15 year custom home builder,love Milwaukee tools,hate those screws. 😆 Awesome little kit,I imagine it’s pricey AF,lol. Another great article man and you managed to say the word again 😜😜 warter…wuuuurter.. 😆 great job bud, greatly appreciated content. 🍺
Oh Haxman…the moment…the SECOND I saw the title and saw that crack team…heck fire and shucks, I knew it was a given! Besides, given that a day is 24 hours, I figured you’d even have time to do your Olympic style dismounting that you mentioned! Plus, with backward driving thrown in…there has to be some Oscar award out there for this!! Ok, now that my meds has worn off a bit, congrats on Mrs. Haxman’s new abode and two 👍👍 to you and the crew for your awesome work…well done! Take care, be safe and God bless!!
The secret to assembling a premade greenhouse in one day. We are supposed to use stainless steel screws with pressure treated wood. Epoxy screws will loose some of their coating when getting driven in and could be subject to galvanic corrosion caused by the copper in the preservative. Robertson square drive screws are the best
I wish we could build this kind of greenhouse. Two people in their mid 60’s, and I have been in 16 wrecks so that isn’t happening. We have no kids. I watched Jeri Landers of Hop-a-long Hollow build a greenhouse by herself with doors and windows she got for free. She is older than I am, and maybe she hasn’t been in any wrecks. So I would have to get someone to build something like this greenhouse. Have either of you heard of Toxic Foods (oxalates) by Sally Norton? Spinach, chard and beets are really high in oxalates. (toxins).
I built Mom an 8×10 greenhouse from scratch on top of her garden box (which wasn’t level). I used 2x4s and clear drop cloth, which was supposed to slowly disintegrate in the sun. The wind immediately tore apart my 3 $20 drop cloths. I bought proper greenhouse material, but bought 48 in. x 96 in. x 0.157 in. (4mm) Clear Corrugated Twinwall Plastic Sheet (10-Pack) panels from Home Depot, which everyone said would work okay, just slowly yellow over a few years. The front and roof disintegrated within months, even though I UV-treated them. I replaced the roof with Tuftex Multi-Wall 6mm Panel Clear 4-ft x 8-ft Corrugated Clear Polycarbonate Plastic Roof Panel from Lowe’s, which Bob of I Like to Make Stuff used to build a greenhouse. They worked, but cost as much as the 10 panels from Home Depot. Then, over the next 18 months, the Home Depot panels continued to disintegrate, and Mom refused to use the greenhouse that I built her, with permission, complained, and ordered me to tear it down. I am not going to spend several hundred more to replace the remaining panels on a greenhouse Mom refuses to use, so I removed the side panels, and the Tuftex panel on the roof gouged my eye and I needed to go to the E.R.
My city doesnt allow greenhouses without a nightmare of a permit process that we personally refuse to participate in, but this was still a great article! Not gonna lie, we were here for the jokes 😂 We would definitely consider this company if we ever move to where we the local government isn’t up our hind ends!
Putting the wooden parts straight on the ground is usually not a very good ideal (maybe in Sahara, only 😀 ). 3-4 years till the base will rot away. For me this looks like a very strange choice, esspecialy cause the greenhouse itself is so nice. Few screw piles or some bricks/building blocks with hydro insulation between woodens parts and itself, would prolong longevity of the construction for 10 years! P.S. I am from Northern Europe where the amount of rainfall is ~ 700 – 800 mm per year and average air humidity is 81%. So I have to think very carefully how to protect my wooden construcions.
Long time subscriber, first time commenter here. Love a lot of what I see here. However, for the love of everything holy PLEASE show your Mrs (and the kids for that matter) how to properly use a hammer. She was choking that hammer something terrible. I hardly ever get “triggered”, but seeing that did it. She could have driven that 2″ nail with just a couple of swings vs the tap tap tap. Yes I’m being a tad bit dramatic, but if you are going to teach/show people how to build things…well even the basics should be shown like that. At least pretend to know how to hammer nails Mrs. Haxman. haha Anyhoo keep doing what you do. Consider this nothing more than constructive criticism and ribbing. 😉 Are you going to be putting in a solar powered fan in the greenhouse? Lighting? Water supply inside? Outside? I’m gonna hush now. Take care.
Wow! My husband built me a 12×16 greenhouse from recycled windows… (we’re not going to talk about how long it took).. but I went to the website to check out the cost of the kit. Buy it folks! Seriously… our end costs were MUCH hire than this kit. What we “figured” it would cost (even without the windows being purchased) compared to how much we actually spent… buy the kit. Those recycled windows are sticking and I’m struggling to open them. Do you know how much a sheet of plexiglass for a 6 foot door costs?!?!? Yeah… and it breaks really easy too.. If the company wants to send me a 10×16 kit to retrofit on an older 12×16 foundation… I’ll send Haxman a article! Seriously….I was floored when I saw how fairly priced these kits are and how quickly it went up..with sofits, flashing, trim, shelving and a prehung door?!?!? It is NOT cheaper to build it yourself. What a great find!
Kinda funny how you tried to make fun of Phillips head users but then misnamed the Robertson combo screws as “square” drive/bit. LOL. That’s what you get for shaming Phillips users. All that said, a full combo drive (one where the bit/driver is a Phillips/Robertson combo) is better than both but still very hard to come by.