Summary: I have been though a few greenhouses at this point, enough to now have an opinion of what I would do if I had my choice and sufficient budget for a brand new one. I do what to be clear, what I am talking about today is a homesteader’s or gardener’s green house. Not a small farm in high tunnels or a nursery growing 10s of thousands of plants. There are many advantages to a Green House but if you don’t pay careful attention to design, materials and placement you are going to end up regretting it. I have tried a variety of materials, I will talk about them today and specifically tell you which ones to avoid. I also think what you design should be compatible with your goals for it, there is no one right answer. For instance some people may just want a place to start a few dozen to a few hundred plants each winter. Honestly such people would be better served by and indoor rack and light system, a cold frame or a grow tent. Either that or a small heated green house more like a big closet than a true green house. That said I am also now for building the most square footage you can, in today’s show I will tell you why. Join Me Today to Discuss… Purposes of a Green House For starting plants early Growing though the winter Holding food crops though the winter Protecting tender perennials To combine with another system – (Like Aquaponics) Green House Transparent Materials and My Opinion of Them Tuftex Polycarb Clear Panels Polycarb Twin Wall Panels Green House Films Recycled Windows Plate Glass Panels My View on Green House Structure Plan how big you want it, then make it bigger The cost and work of a concrete floor is likely worth it (unless you want to grow in ground) If significant light can’t get though a wall, make it an insulated wall/roof etc Design your Solar Aspect for Nov. 6th to Feb. 4th – (45 days each side of the winter solstice) If you want to grow in winter, consider true heating ability (gas/electric/etc) Use geothermal heat in some way if you can For the best results design your green house to “close up” at night Think about ventilation, this is where second hand or cheap windows work well Additional considerations Don’t put it in the back 40 Run electricity and water to it Keep things as “square” as possible Stick to “standard” sizes as much as you can In ground, etc. is a great idea if it works for you Make sure you really are going to get a positive ROI before you do this My opinion on “pop ups” just don’t do it! Final Thoughts Resources for today’s show… Join the Members Brigade Join Our Forum Walking To Freedom TspAz.com The Granddaddy’s Gun Club Bullhead Fishing Forum – A new little site I started Biltong for Breakfast Its A Jack Life on Instagram Feel Good Inc. – Luca Stricagnoli Products Mentioned on Today’s Show Tuftex Polycarb Clear Panels Polycarb Twin Wall Panels Green House Films Plate Glass Extreme Cold Weather Greenhouses I Mentioned Sponsors of the Day Ridge Wallet Butcher Box Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air. Join the MSB Today Want Every Episode of TSP Ever Produced? Remember in addition to discounts to over 40 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.
