Hello, new here-

I have been searching the web for weeks now, trying to find the best way to add a greenhouse to my garden. I stumbled onto this site, and after reading a handful of threads, Figured its just best to ask for opinions directly related to my situation.


About me-

I live in Indiana, in flat, open corn country. Wind is constant here it seems, and takes a toll on young plants. I have several acres of open land, and plan to place my greenhouse within 100ft of my barn that has water/electric. I mainly want to extend my growing of (hot)pepper plants and tomatoes as much as possible. I would like to dabble with the idea of over winter with specific cold weather plants, but, not a necessity.

I am really handy and have a shop full of tools, and work as an industrial engineer. The idea of designing my own and building it are part of my options, but, I do like easy as well!


I thought I had decided on a "Climapod" due to cost and available sizes, but the more I read the shadier it seems. Most good reviews seem tied to the company itself, so I'm very leery. I've started looking into options like the Growspan round premium, but, the prices really get up there. I'd like to spend less that 6,000, and get the most room possible. I'm trying to get in the 200-250sq ft or better range.


What are the best options, and things to consider based on my budget, wants and location?


Thanks in advance!!

Hi @binfordw and welcome to the forum

I hear flat, open and Indiana in the same sentence, and I picture a lot of wind, and a lot of snow in the Winter. A greenhouse that will withstand these conditions would be my primary concern, but you won't get a good quality one of the size you are looking for below $6000...unless you build it yourself (and even that I think is a "maybe").

Take a look at Solexx (http://www.solexx.com/index.ht...) and Growing Spaces (https://growingspaces.com/best...). I don't have experience with either, but both are supposed to be excellent for wind and snow loads. ( @plantmanager (Karen) owns a Growing Spaces Dome, and she lives in a windy area. I know she'll be along on this thread and will comment.)

Conleys (https://www.conleys.com/) will engineer a greenhouse for your specific wind/snow loads. They are not cheap, but a few years back, I thought they were reasonable for structures they offered.

I looked at Climapod a while back, and I came away with the same impression you did.

Keep us posted with what you decide to do.

Jim

Thanks for the reply!

I think my best solution came to me in my sleep last night...

I'm tossing the idea of a cheaper polycarbonate greenhouse, and instead, am going to go with a hoop house/film covering.

I purchased a tube roller this morning (>$200), to roll my own hoop house(s) out of larger emt conduit. I can purchase film- as soon as I figure out what would be best!, and make end panels from 4,6 or 8mm twinwall and a simple patio/storm door with a wood frame. I assume the film would stand up to higher winds for the most part if applied correctly. If it works out well, I can always buy polycarbonate panels for the roof section and make a more sturdy/permanent version.

I figure I can erect one over some of my current garden area, about a 14'x28' section, and use it to house my starters next early spring. I could make a much smaller hoop house/cold frame inside the bigger one and heat it with a small 110v heater, to protect my starter plants while they get real sunlight. Or depending on the temps/weather, maybe heat the entire thing? Summertime, I could roll the sides up to keep from baking my plants, and hang shade cloth if needed?

I need to figure out how to irrigate the plants since I don't think I'd want to run a sprinkler inside and soak the walls. I have a few drip/weep hoses, and it looks like you can buy fancier versions of those in a tape form that would probably be cheaper and easier to work with for larger amounts of plants.

All in all, It will be much cheaper, and I won't be risking spending thousands on a small greenhouse that might blow apart in the first storm!

Sounds like you have a plan.