The Little Greenhouse That Could.

[chris09]

Well it looks like it is that time of the year again. Time to get the greenhouse cleaned up and ready to go. I put the new plastic on it and built a raised bed in it and all is looking good. I hope to turn the heat on and get some plants in the flats this week.

Old Picture of my greenhouse -

Inside of the greenhouse -

South bench (added 02:39 Mar. 3) -

With out the heater running I have been getting some OK temps. -
At 8:53 18 outside air temperature and 40 greenhouse air temperature. (with the sky clear and the sun shining strong)
At 10:07 20 outside air temperature and 75 greenhouse air temperature. (with the sky clear and the sun shining strong)
At 10:39 22 outside air temperature and 80 greenhouse air temperature. (with the sky clear and the sun shining strong)
At 11:30 25 outside air temperature and 90 greenhouse air temperature. (with the sky clear and the sun shining strong)
At 02:09 30 outside air temperature and 84 greenhouse air temperature. (with the sky some what clear and the sun in the west, hazy and shining not as strong)
At 03:31 35 outside air temperature and 80 greenhouse air temperature. (with the sky some what clear and the sun in the west, hazy and shining not as strong)

Chris

 

[lesa]

Looking good Chris! Can't wait to see it full of green! So, the plastic does not need to be clear?? Those temps look toasty! I'd be setting up a chair in there!

 

[chris09]

Looking good Chris! Can't wait to see it full of green! So, the plastic does not need to be clear?? Those temps look toasty! I'd be setting up a chair in there!

Thank you Lesa,
No the plastic doesn't need to be clear. I used 4 mil construction grade plastic sheeting (not clear at all in fact it is what I would call "milky") it lasts for about a year but I get it in a 12 foot x 100 foot role from the local hardware store.
I have a double layer of plastic on the greenhouse and it is about a 1 between the outside layer and the outside layer and that makes for a little bit more insulation and also help the cold water from dripping down on young plants when the greenhouse "sweats".

Chris

 

[chris09]

Well I got a jump on the south bench and that puts my one step closer to getting the seed in the ground.

Chris

 

[chris09]

Well the last two days we have been needing to run the heater to keep the temperature at 70 in the greenhouse at bench level.
I did get some of the seeds in the ground yesterday,
Marigold, Petunia, Portulaca, Geraniums, Coleus, Leek, Celery, Onion, Lettuce all when in yesterday.


Chris

 

[Collector]

Sounds like you are in buisiness, how often does that space heater kick on?

 

[chris09]

Sounds like you are in buisiness, how often does that space heater kick on?

I haven't checked yet, but I would say on day like today with temperature at 28 outside and very cloudy out it will run about 4 time in a hour and about 20 to 30 seconds running time. (giver or take)

I did put a small fan in the peak of the greenhouse to circulate the air and it help cut down running time. I will get some pictures of what I have done posted to day.

The fan I used is a 3012 Motor, Fan, and Bracket from GQF (it was to go in my cabinet incubator I'm building but works great in the greenhouse also)

Chris

 

[chris09]

Here is a picture of the fan that was talking about in post 7 -

Thermostat for the heater -

Some of the flats that I have planted -

Some of my herb cuttings that I had started in the house now moved into the greenhouse -
Sage, Rosemary, Coriander, and Tyme (in the background)

Basil cutting in bloom

Chris

 

[Collector]

That little fan prolly circulates the air plenty. Cannot wait to see more green things in there.

 

[chris09]

That little fan prolly circulates the air plenty. Cannot wait to see more green things in there.

The fan work real well for the size of the greenhouse and keeps a good bit of heat moving from the peak to bench level.
Give me about a week and it should be real green in there.
I should have Tomatoes, Peppers, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli going in the ground tonight so hopefully they will stat coming out of the ground Wednesday or Thursday if all go's right.


Chris