portable greenhouse

Do-it-yourself projects such as greenhouse or shadehouse builds and related topics.
keith
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Joined: Wed Jun 12, 2013 3:50 am
Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

You should contract someone to build them on a large scale, then maybe go on "Shark Tank" and get one of them to market it."

Thanks!! probably should draw up plans first and see if I could pre-cut the pieces and then mail them out like Ikea furniture and not loss too much money ;-)

I use pine for the sides the cheaper plywood ones are not holding up very well. 1x12 pine for the sides and 1x10 pine for the bottom with 2x4, 1x2, 1x4 and 2x2 for the frames. I use metal hardware angle brackets all around and wood screws, I want them to be really durable. screw all the pieces together then stain them and then staple a shade cloth piece over the top and front. I install chest handles on each side so I can move them around with plants inside but it does take 2 people. I can swing them open by myself though. I used to have wheels on them that was really easy but you need a concrete type floor for that to work.

I use 50% shade cloth on the front ( S. facing sun side ) and 40% on the back bench, I can see through 40% much easier than the 50% . I also put 4mm plastic over the top most of the time and hold it on with thumb tacks. Then the wind blows the plastic off, I need to improve on this part of the bench design.

Be nice to have a walk in green house but that's not always possible in small spaces or if you move around. One benefit is I pollinate my cactus to get seed and having the separate benches keeps cross pollination from happening.

anyone want to copy the design go right ahead then post pictures of your set-up !!
keith
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Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

IMG_1295.JPG
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keith
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Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

50% shade cloth on this side
50% shade cloth on this side
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keith
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

Rainy weather configuration
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Tiggy
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Location: Inland from Imperia 800msl Italy

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by Tiggy »

They look nicely protected there. I too have made a couple of protected areas for overwintering my more hardy plants, but have lost a few this year due to the condensation caused when I enclosed them during bad weather. I know how to remedy it though (I think :idea1:) The plastic enclosure needs to be larger so that any condensation can't come into contact or too near the plants. I am also going to use corrugated sheeting on the roof next year. I do leave them open as much as possible though, and all in all it has been quite successful and some plants are already budding. Your set-up looks great and I shouldn't imagine that you will have this sort of problem where you live anyway. Hope you get good results from your work. =D>

Susi
Nature Lover
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keith
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Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

Super windy at 75 mph. Added braces because the high winds always comes from the North.
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Pereskiopsisdotcom
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by Pereskiopsisdotcom »

That's a great idea Keith! I've been looking for a way to move some of my plants outdoors during the summer in a way that won't be compromised by my children's outdoor activities. With a screen on it and a simple lock or notch, they cannot reach this would be ideal.
http://pereskiopsis.com

Interests include: Rhipsalis, Turbinicarpus, Gymnocalycium, and Lophophora.
keith
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Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

Replaced wooden portable greenhouses and added wider "feet" old ones in background holding Pots . Plastic on because Winter rain in forecast
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jerrytheplater
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by jerrytheplater »

Really nice Keith. The screen will keep deer and chipmunks away too.
Jerry Smith
Bloomingdale, NJ
45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
2012 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b: -5F to OF (-20C to -18C) min.
keith
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

Thanks Jerry, No deer but rats are always a problem .
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Holunder
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by Holunder »

I love your construction. I still have to set up my cold beds for my cacti and have not yet decided on a final design. Yours are very inspiring.
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ohugal
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by ohugal »

Hi Keith,

How are your PG's (portable greenhouses) orientated? With one of the open surfaces facing south?

Thanks.
Location
Antwerp, Belgium
temperate, maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers
hardiness zone 8a
keith
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Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

Yes facing south, this picture is facing south east . My kids made a video on the construction should be on youtube soon "cactusduty"
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jerrytheplater
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Re: portable greenhouse

Post by jerrytheplater »

Doesn't the rain blow in below the plastic covering?
Jerry Smith
Bloomingdale, NJ
45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
2012 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b: -5F to OF (-20C to -18C) min.
keith
Posts: 1860
Joined: Wed Jun 12, 2013 3:50 am
Location: S. CA USA

Re: portable greenhouse

Post by keith »

hi Jerry, maybe a little not much and the other side is completely covered.
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