Im thinking about building a green house. My main goals would be freeze protection for things like citrus and apricots. Any advice on what kind of materials to use, etc. I work in construction, so building it isn’t the issue. I just need a few pictures to look at and some helpful pointers. Im thinking it would be 12x16 or something like that
Jimmy,
Check this site out, as it will have everything you need to build a hoop house. If you read through the DY series instruction it’s really very simple. Built mine over a weekend, and that included beer breaks.
What zone do you live in? If you are in a colder zone you should look into building a subterranean heated and cooled system green house. Do a google search of shcs greenhouses and there are quite a few sites that explain how to build a system that can maintain a fairly level temperature throughout the year by heating the soil under the greenhouse in the summer and using that heat in the winter to maintain a warmer temperature in the winter. Below is a link to a greenhouse built at Virginia Tech. The YMCA Solar Greenhouse in Blacksburg VA
There are other websites that explain the building and use of these greenhouses. I hope this is helpful.
I just built a small one 9’ x 9’. I got my plastic film from this store in the link. Look under steals and deals for plastic cut offs from large greenhouses. FarmTek - Hydroponic Fodder Systems, Farming & Growing Supplies, Hoop Barns, Poultry & Livestock Equipment, High Tunnels, Greenhouses & More I was able to cover mine for about $40. Look on youtube on how to make a hoop house. Harbor Freight has the auto vent part that opens the vent at a set temp for $25. Storm doors work good for the door and they have screened windows with sliding glass if you have one kicking around. Might find one on Craig’s list cheap too.
I live in portland oregon. Zone 8b. It barely gets below freezing. Most winter nights are about 50 degrees but it usually gets to roughly 20 degrees for a week every winter and it’ll freeze a night here and there during the spring. Just enough to kill early blooms
I hadn’t thought about a hoop green house. I was picturing a stick built green house. What’s the pros and cons?