Greenhouses limit increase: GCE

Greenhouse Greenhouse: Building used to house and grow plants -Climate can be controlled -Amount of water -Temperature -Nutrient levels -Humidity Uses: - Extend the growing season -Grow plants in areas that are colder then their natural habitat (tropical plants) -Run controlled science experiments

Types of greenhouses Cold Frame: An open bottom box with a slanted clear roof Purpose: To extend the growing season used to extend the growing season. Protect plants from cold or wet weather

Types of greenhouses Lean to: A clear panel structure built off the side of a building Purpose: Mainly used to start seedlings early in the year

Types of greenhouses Free Standing: A clear panel structure that stands on its own Purpose: Mainly used to grow plants for the entire season. Also used for hydroponics and aquaponics

Constructing a greenhouse 1)Hoop House: Easiest and Cheapest greenhouse to build Materials: -PVC piping -4-way connectors for pipes -Greenhouse quality clear plastic

Steps in building a hoop house Example: A 5 hoop house 1)Collect your materials 5 hoops: 10 lengths of PVC or metal pipe 3 four-way connectors 2 three way spacers for the ends 5 2 foot spacers to spread out hoops 10 ground pegs Plastic covering: 1 sheet of clear plastic 2x the length of the PVC pipes and 2n in length where n = the number of hoops

Model of Hoop House

Steps in building a hoop house 2) Determine a suitable place to put a greenhouse Consider the following: -Sunlight (ideally all day sun) -Wind (keep out of high wind area)

Placement of a greenhouse -Greenhouses should be placed where there is minimal shading during the entire year -Usually on the south side of the home South North

Steps in building a hoop house 3) Measure out the area where you are placing the greenhouse -Make sure the area is level 4) Measure out the area you need make sure it is square and map it out with string line -How do you make sure it is square? -If you measure the diagonals they should be the same

Steps in building a hoop house 5) Place the pole inserts or stakes 2 feet apart

Steps in building a hoop house 6) Insert the pipes into opposite ends of the 4- way connectors then place each pipe end into the stakes or pole inserts

Steps in building a hoop house 6) Insert the pipes into opposite ends of the 4- way connectors then place each pipe end into the stakes or pole inserts 7) Place the spacers between the hoops

Steps in building a hoop house 6) Insert the pipes into opposite ends of the 4- way connectors then place each pipe end into the stakes or pole inserts 7) Place the spacers between the hoops 8) Measure out plastic and cover hoop house. Secure plastic with nailing strips

Assignment Building Greenhouse Summary Paragraph Pre-lab If we were to build a greenhouse that is 8 feet how many hoops would we need? Determine the materials needed to build an 8 foot long hoop house Reference: