The start of the greenhouse project...

[MiHale]

Last year was a dismal growing season for us. Crazy weather from too dry to too windy caused too much work and worry. Yields were down not badly but slightly disappointing. So we decided to greenhouse it. This is an inexpensive Quictent house should be enough to make the wind a non factor. Started last fall smothering the ground where the greenhouse is planned to inhibit growth of undesirable plants.

Yesterday was a nice 40 degrees sunny day perfect for groundwork. Armed with my 3 prong hoe, iron rake and determination I set about getting to work.

Snowing today so I get to rest the old bod and get ready for a beautiful weekend and beyond.
Ms. MiHale’s birthday is at the end of the month. This is her birthday present wanting to get it finished by then.



The before.



Tarps removed.



Interestingly the mice had a wonderful time undercover building quite a complex.



At least I think they were mice.



Not quite done but we beat the snow scheduled for tomorrow.



Overview of the garden area the greenhouse will be an imposing structure. On the left we’re trying straw bale gardening. They should house the squash varieties we have chosen. I’m going to try to grow edible flowers, nasturtiums, on the sides of the bales for a little beautification and toppings for salads.

[Bayard]

1. Please post again with the finished product

[WhiteTara]

2. Good luck with your project

I've built a couple of greenhouses and my suggestion is that you don't remove the weed barrier mat. I've done it both ways and without a barrier mat, you have a constant battle with weeds and growing grass. Unless you're building a floor. Then all bets are off.

I'm installing my water system this spring. I'm not terribly happy with my new high tunnel. It's too cold in the winter and holds the heat in summer. I should have sprung for the vent system, silly me. If I can make it work for this season, I'll think about the vent.

[MiHale]

3. Oh by the roots of me ...

The barrier will be the floor forever. Field grass grows all over this was a working farm, orchard, hay field in the day. It’s a hay field now. That’s behind our property, it creeps in. Another grateful plant that has ahold on the ground is field horsetail. It’s an amazing plant on its own, benefits are awesome but it’s so invasive, I harvest as much as I can.

In the house water shouldn’t be a problem, we have an “ungreenhoused” raised bed garden and some in ground “free range” plots, plus an experimental straw bed garden.

Weather and age has been a slowdown in progress. We went from the high eighties to the high of fifty plus a wicked rain in 3 days, took the time to help rest up a 70 yo body.

I’m in the northern part of the lower peninsula in Michigan at approximately 44 degrees latitude 15 miles west o Tawas City.

Here’s the inside so far…

[WhiteTara]

4. fabulous! Good floor!

20 year barrier.