Greenhouse kits

[sparkyaclown]

We were thinking of erecting a greenhouse because the last couple of years our garden has been a total bust due to squirrels and other interlopers stealing everything as soon as it comes out before it's even ripe.

I've been looking at some of the different kits but haven't really found anything. We are looking for something in the 8x10 or 12 range. I was looking for recommendations from anyone who has built one from kits and how they handle our local weather. I'm not against building one from scratch if I can find something other than film to go over it.

[kwillia]

Originally Posted by sparkyaclown

We are looking for something in the 8x10 or 12 range.

My sister did one about that size and it didn't last not even one year because all it took was for one of our regular big wind storms that we get several times a year to come blowing though to twist it into a demolished unusable pile of rubbish.

She was devistated. So I got her this for Christmas this year. She has raised beds so I'm thinking because it is low profile it should do better in the storms and the 4 x 4 size was perfect to go over one of her raised beds.

Amazon.com: Frame It All GRE-FIA 4-Feet by 4-Feet by 33-inch Polycarbonate Hard Sided Greenhous: Patio, Lawn & Garden

[GWguy]

I made a few of these:
green-house-kit.net
You can get them in various sizes ( mine was 12 x 24) and tailor them however you want. Even tho it is film, it's really sturdy 6 mil UV resistant, held up thru many a storm. Once in a while a stick would fall thru it, but patching it is easy. I had a heater, automatic door openers, piped in water and electric, automatic watering system... built it for the ex to grow her orchids.

The biggest change I made was to the sidewalls. The kit brings the plastic all the way to the ground. I fabricated hard walls 2 foot high and brought the plastic down to that. Makes it much more sturdy and saves heat loss in the winter.

[sparkyaclown]

Originally Posted by GWguy

I made a few of these:
green-house-kit.net
You can get them in various sizes ( mine was 12 x 24) and tailor them however you want. Even tho it is film, it's really sturdy 6 mil UV resistant, held up thru many a storm. Once in a while a stick would fall thru it, but patching it is easy. I had a heater, automatic door openers, piped in water and electric, automatic watering system... built it for the ex to grow her orchids.

The biggest change I made was to the sidewalls. The kit brings the plastic all the way to the ground. I fabricated hard walls 2 foot high and brought the plastic down to that. Makes it much more sturdy and saves heat loss in the winter.

Squirrels are my biggest concern, have you ever had an issue with them getting in? I had 16 tomato plants last year and never got one because they would come and steal them before they even had a chance to turn red. I'm wondering if just putting up something like this is enough to deter them.

[aps45819]

Spread used kitty litter around your garden

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by sparkyaclown

Squirrels are my biggest concern, have you ever had an issue with them getting in? I had 16 tomato plants last year and never got one because they would come and steal them before they even had a chance to turn red. I'm wondering if just putting up something like this is enough to deter them.

Nothing ever got in that I'm aware of. No squirrel, no deer, no rabbits... Occasional bird if the door was open.

[fisherpw]

I had a similar problem years back. Lost strawberries and veggies to critters. I bought and setup a box trap and caught and relocated all the critters destroying my garden. One possum, racoon, and dozens of squirrels. Mite give that a try.

[Crewdawg141]

Originally Posted by fisherpw

I had a similar problem years back. Lost strawberries and veggies to critters. I bought and setup a box trap and caught and relocated all the critters destroying my garden. One possum, racoon, and dozens of squirrels. Mite give that a try.

Or a good air rifle of frozen paintballs.