The solution was to combine both the greenhouse and storage shed into a single building with the roof of the shed being taller than the greenhouse. The idea is that the shared wall between the two buildings can be insulated, so that one wall (north side) of the greenhouse isn’t exposed to wind. With the greenhouse roof being somewhat low to the ground, it’ll hold the heat in closer to the ground (think along the lines of a “walapini”). I also built it at the lowest point on my property, with the hope of retaining ground moisture in and around the greenhouse.
Clearing Land
So we started! We harvested a few trees (used for firewood) to clear an area for the new building.
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProId164a031890
Tip: We used our pigs to help clear the rocks and roots from the area. They're like free excavators!
Concrete Footings
Measuring, Digging, and Mixing of Concrete Ensued
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProId3bf5fc9d69
Framing
And we started the framing.
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProIdaca1865330
A big thanks to Joe “Bebop” Stenson for helping with the framing. Given that this is my first project of this nature, I didn't want to risk wasting any (expensive) lumber!
Storage Loft
The Loft
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProId9f0c17524d
Siding
Siding
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProId3884be2beb
Siding is rough-cut pine lumber (1x10's)
Greenhouse Paneling
Polycarbonate Plastic Paneling: Greenhouse Roof and Walls
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProId4b59b09170
We ordered the plastic paneling in 12' and 8' lengths from Farmtek. Particulars:
- Panels Themselves:
8mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Sheet - 47.25"W x 144"L (12' for roof) - Wall panels held at bottom and sides with:
End Cap - 8'L - Large rubber backed washers screwed into paneling and H-channel:
1" Neo Bonded Galvanized Washers - Bag of 100 - Panels are seamed together with:
Polycarbonate H-Channel - 8'L (12' for roof) - Panels are sealed at the top with 100% silicone (so that air doesn't flow freely through the panel, for better insulation):
Boss® 310 Industrial Silicone Sealant - Clear - Panels are fitted with vented white tape at the bottoms (so that moisture doesn't build up inside, it can breathe):
White Vent Tape - 1" x 36 yd.
Strong Enough for Snow
A Greenhouse Design that Supports a Snow Load on the Roof
https://www.natecovington.com/homestead/diy-shed-greenhouse-project-made-with-real-lumber#sigProId2085a2f23a
Now that we've had our first snow, photo proof! This came down as around 10 inches of heavy, wet snow.
