Greenhouses & Hoop Houses

[Andrew]

Anyone have experience constructing and/or maintaining either? Do you prefer to grow everything outside in season and either dehydrate, can or freeze produce for consumption when your local climate cannot support their natural growth?

[matt]

I realize this thread is old, however, I found an excellent guide to making greenhouses at:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Buil..._for_under_25/

I made one last week and it's working fine. It cost me about $40 (you don't need primer for the PVC pipe)

My father in law made a greenhouse out of an old trampoline frame. He was growing spinach, herbs, and veggies while there was a foot of snow outside!

[Medved]

I have built a greenhouse out of pvc pipe and clear plastic sheeting which worked quite well. I was able to get a good head start on the season. I grew brocolli, lettuce, and radishes, which have all been harvested already, and Spring is just beginning in the N. Hemisphere. Nevertheless, using such an approach is definitely working against nature. It also requires you to utilize petroleum based products, which are non-biodegradable. Moreover, to do it really well you need a ventilation fan, which requires electricity. I think it is best to plant with the seasons, working with nature (which provides the appropriate amounts of sunlight and wind). I think that God created the seasons for a reason, giving people and the land a time to rest.

[Pigmalia]

I have mine built for $30 measuring 4'x11', since I didn't have to glue it I hope to be able to reuse it a few times.

[Pigmalia]

Anyone here personally use hydroponic food production?