The Ultimate Guide to DIY Greenhouses: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between

This video details pros and cons for FIVE different DIY greenhouses. Information about the builds and materials used are below.
1) PVC GREENHOUSE:
Build Video: • Building a Greenhouse ...
Condensed Version: • Building a Greenhouse ...
2) METAL HOOP HOUSE:
Build Video: https: // • Basic Hoop House │ DIY...
How To Bend Poles: • How to Bend Poles │ DI...
3) CATTLE PANEL GREENHOUSE
Build Video: • DIY CATTLE PANEL GREEN...
How To Build A Cattle Panel Greenhouse: • From Cattle Panel to G...
Step-By-Step Plans: https: docdro.id/GyHY93h
Material List: docdro.id/Afj7P29
4) A-FRAME GREENHOUSE
Mini A-Frame Build (Original Build): • GREENHOUSE Build │ MIN...
A-Frame Rebuild (From this Video): • DIY Self-Watering GREE...
A-Frame Material List With Pricing: docdro.id/xjtzjT1
5) TWINWALL GREENHOUSE:
Build Video: • Brothers Build Dream D...
6mm 4' x 8' Clear Polycarbonate Twinwall Panel
Support The Channel!
Patreon:
patreon.com/TheNorthBranch
North Branch apparel to support the channel!
www.redbubble.com/people/TheN...
Instagram: thenorthbranch_wi
Facebook: profile.php?...
About Me (Evan):
I moved onto our century old family farm with the goal of turning the land back into a self-sustaining homestead using regenerative agriculture practices. I want to set up long term food systems that will provide my family with food security for the next 100 years.
Chapters:
00:00-00:35 INFO IN DESCRIPTION
00:36-03:17 PVC GREENHOUSE
03:18-05:36 METAL HOOP HOUSE
05:37-08:15 CATTLE PANEL GREENHOUSE
08:16-11:35 A-FRAME GREENHOUSE
11:36-13:37 TWINWALL PANEL GREENHOUSE
13:38-14:12 GREENHOUSE FOUNDATIONS

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Hey everyone! I wanted to clarify what I meant when I list "bugs" for a con on the 6mil plastic greenhouses. In our experience there were always an excess of flies and other insects in these designs and they would die and end up in the crevasses of the 6mil plastic. It was difficult to clean them out and over the years there were a gross amount of them built up. There were no issues with pests on the plants or anything like that! So far this has not been the case in our greenhouses with rigid plastic panels, so that I why I list that as a "pro" for those designs and a "con" for the 6mil. However, they are young so we will if that continues over the years. Our A-Frame greenhouse is older than our cattle panel greenhouse (with 6mil) and the same issues appeared in the cattle panel shortly after it was built, so that is why I decided to add that to the video. I realize that there are other factors that go into that, but that has been what we have observed. We are also close to industrial farms so there are an abundance of flies hatching in the summer months with the spreading of manure. I just thought I would expand on this a bit, I have gotten a lot of comments on this topic. I should have been more clear in the video. Thank you all for watching! I appreciate it more than words can describe.

[@jackrigsby6017]

You may want to look into 12volt diesel heaters for one heat source. You can power them with 12v solar and 12v batteries. I have a video on my page showing an off grid greenhouse I built.

[@brianbassett4379]

Well... wouldn't it be better to figure out where you are going wrong before posting a "how to" video?

[@marcuscicero9587]

flies are attracted to heat big time

[@chefgiovanni]

Awesome builds here. Love your greenhouses. Where do you get the DoubleWall Plastic Panels ? What is the thickness of them in MM ?

[@cascadia_101]

@@brianbassett4379 thanks for contributing lol

[@FrederickDunn]

These are all great examples that should get the greenhouse design wheels turning. One thing I would recommend for anyone building some of the more permanent designs is, Build a Model first as in a small wooden model that is to scale with all of the structural elements - hobby centers sell balsa wood in scalable dimensions. You will work out joint angles, and material use, and encounter any design challenges before you're working full scale. I did that before I build our home, and it was a great tool. AND always stop at the commercial desk of Home Depot, or whatever building center you're using, they can often give you a package discount if you're getting everything there, including windows, translucent panels, etc... can't hurt to ask. Thanks and thumbs up! Also, ask for Scratch and Dent, or Returned Windows/Doors, building centers won't tell you about them unless you ask and you can design from your most expensive items up. :)

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

great advice!

[@jeweleratlarge]

I did just that...built a model. Here's my design kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIbGiaRmeJhjjrM I also did a build video of the model. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn66f3-Mac-UapY

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

You won’t see moths in the twin wall unless you go with the 11 mm

[@ericredbear425]

NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERD!!! Just kidding --- great idea there!!

[@jamesthiel5721]

Great video and design! thx for the content and sharing this. For heating greenhouses: I found out the best option on a youtube: some dude has built huge greenhouses with nice climate control system and with one motivation: build with scrap/recovered materials and cheap options yet doing the right job the optimal way. Smart man, understanding thermo-dynamics, his climate control vents are like so: Large intakes vents circulate outside-air through layered-pipes of circulating water from the underground reservoir. The large reservoir is a huge temperature buffer. In summer, this vent is cooling down hot air, and in winter it's heating up cold air. With this buffer option you can also lay some pipes on the ground. Reservoir solution/liquid: 1. You could also have this reservoir be your nutrients reservoir for aero. (low nuts and R.O. water to keep maintenance low cleaning the system). You may need to keep the reservoir topped with ambient temperature for it to be the most effective. If there is less volume the buffer liquid will heat-up or cool down much faster. 2. Dedicating the vent reservoir for climate control using R.O. water (filtered soft water for pumps and pipes) and as extra: adding some kind anti-crap agent (like bleach) and maybe a cooling/ temp buffer agent (to increase the buffer potential) in it. This is finalise the dedicated solution for climate control. 3. Simply use filtered (rain/tap) water (filter particles/debris for pumps and pipes) you could use to water beds. Happy gardening, Love

[@briarpalek9254]

Thanks for a very well detailed overview of your various builds. We are currently erecting a 10x12 greenhouse kit on a wood deck and adding a 12x12 to one of the gable ends that will be wood framed and sheeted with the corrugated polycarbonate panels same as one of yours. I have used those panels in pole building construction, so I am very familiar with them. They last far more than a few years. We will be heating our greenhouses with hot water heat from an outdoor wood furnace that also heats a 36x 104 pole building. We are also building a 12x24 greenhouse as a addition to another pole building that will not be heated. Perhaps in the future it will. All your greenhouse designs look well done!

[@vanessacrouch7637]

This is one of the most helpful videos on this topic like EVER. thank you so much for putting this up. My husband and I had a hard time deciding which one to build that will last just a few years and our winters are not too bad. We'll have maybe one or two snow storms a year so I think we want to go with the cattle panel greenhouse. Awesome content thank you again

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is so great to hear! I am glad that this can help you out in some way:) Good luck with your build, cattle panels are awesome. If you are interested here is the link on how we build our cattle panel structure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp7UdZ5vqdurg5I

[@berrnisimon9785]

Thank you

[@johnwyman6126]

For keeping the greenhouse above freezing in the wintertime, there are some folks who bury tubes 4 to 6 feet into the ground and have a small pump or fan to bring the heat down into the ground during the day, then back up at night using either air, or water. It uses very little electricity.

[@zogworth]

Unfortunately if I do that it gets very very wet very fast!

[@jackietomkins5085]

We made our greenhouse sort of like your cattle panel. We use 2 by 12 ground contact wood to creating basically like a raised bed. Then 2 foot post above that before the cattle panels so that it would be taller. All of it is window screened in. At first we covered it with plastic and being in the far south that was the biggest problem we had because it cooked everything. The solution was to make long strips of window screen and sew them together. Then down the center of the greenhouse put 6 foot wide by 20 foot long plastic which we anchored via eye screws and rope. This helped keep the screen from catching wind and tearing loose from the framing. We also added an outside bed for plants that require bees for pollinating. We placed pvc as a cold frame over that bed. In our not too cold winters (as low as 20° overnight) we can completely cover the greenhouse and outside bed with plastic that is attached to 1" pvc pipe that rolls and unrolls. We tried bug net before using window screening and it disintegrated from the sun/heat in 3 months. We critter protected the underneath of the whole build plus lower sides with 1/2" hardware cloth. No bugs, no moles or any other pests after the changes. The beds are to either side and full length with covered walkway in the middle. T5 plant lights under cover take the edge off the cold nights and oscillating fans on low create wind pollinating. My only wish now is I wish it was 2 feet taller. 4' sides would've been better for tall tomatoes and such. I almost forgot, we also attached gutters and use them for growing herbs. Total size 16wx20l

[@CynthiaMorehead-es5ul]

Would love to see your finished greenhouse. I am a visual learner, but it sounds like it would be great for my area too. Thanks a lot. Cindy

[@JaHFarms-eb4du]

In case one's mentioned it... on the next build I would do the following: #1 build a single slope greenhouse with a corridor on the north wall... running East to West. #2 use a solar tracking app to find out your locations true optimal location and this will determine your optimal roof slope. #3 Look into geothermal heating and cooling through intake and exhaust systems. Usually requires a concrete slab floor and some excavation of sub structure.. but totally worth the effort. #4 look into insulated metal panels for sidewalls. Tons of new effective options now that add barriers andr value to your build. 10 years on polycarbonate is not happening... unless you grease the insurance agent. 😂 Nice work all together.. keep up the innovation!!! Cheers

[@munchkin5674]

We use temperature actuated foundation vents in our raised bed hoop houses. These hoop houses are wood frame built with concrete reinforcing wire to form the arch that is covered with 6ml greenhouse plastic. We store these hoop houses inside a building when not in use, but we know that wear from the plastic against the wire causes damage we watch for and repair with clear Gorilla tape. But what makes these hoop houses possible for us to use are those vents that open and close on their own. These or similar vents could also be installed in any of your greenhouses. As for bugs & insects, thats part of greenhouse and hoop house gardening, so progressive IPM should be used. Sticky traps, etc., can also help. And keep weeds, etc., back away from your structure 2-3’ around the outside perimeter. These are not perfect solutions, but can help. Of course too, it depends on where you are and your environment. Maybe even planting beneficial plants/flowers outside the structure.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is awesome! So the arms are temperature actuated? The next step for us is upping our vent game. Yours sound like an interesting approach. And those are good ideas for the bugs. I should have been more specific in the video. In the 6mil plastic greenhouse we would get dead bugs caked in every crease and crevasse and could not get them out and they would pile up year after year. Our rigid plastic ones have had no real bug issues and nothing even close to the 6mil. I am planning on making raised garden beds for the outside and planting beneficial plants:)

[@munchkin5674]

@@TheNorthBranchWI Temperature actuated foundation vents have fins that open and close. You can Google them. These are vents use in the foundation of houses. Greenhouse vents use the arms that are temperature actuated. You should be able to Google those too. We will be changing out the foundation vents before next fall. The vent frames are plastic and have cracked where the mounting screws pass through. The builders of our hoop houses should have anticipated this issue and been a bit more creative in how they installed the vents. Oh well. Nevertheless, the vents still open and close as they should. : )

[@munchkin5674]

@@TheNorthBranchWI Our raised bed hoop houses look like giant caskets. Lol We installed 3 carry handles on each long side. Each of these are 4’x 8’ long and they both are use in one particular raised beds we have that has a 4’x16’ growing surface. The raised bed is cinderblocks high. The hoop houses sit just inside the cinderblocks on the soil. This would be a great idea in places that get a lot of rain. But in the high desert where I am, where we only get about 8” of rain a year, its not been a problem, even using automated irrigation. Something else. We installed indoor/outdoor wireless thermometers in each one. They transmit to receivers in a nearby work shed.

[@stevenschnepp576]

@@munchkin5674 Depending on the plastic, you may be able to repair the cracks with something like acetone or plastic cement.

[@munchkin5674]

@@stevenschnepp576 You might, but these are 4 years old and showing more stress and wear. Desert heat and sun can take its tole.

[@msddehaan]

I was in China a few years ago. They had large earth mounds on the north and west sides of their partial hoop houses. It kept the wind at bay and the earth mounds did a great job of insulating. Has anyone tried this approach?

[@garethbaus5471]

Passive greenhouses are an old concept, they work best when really big. The Chinese designs are great.

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

Extremely soil demanding which means your wasting nutrition and water. Fantastic if you can make them big enough but if you can there’s a entire system that’s been used throughout the world for hundreds of years that will include it

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

It’s a good design for developing countries and probably won’t be beat. 1st world you might find a lot of challenges outside of the most rural zones you can solve more efficiently with synthetics even in the rural zones

[@allie9006]

I’d love a waipini but am afraid the goats would fall in

[@factspirate99]

Mounds are good for insulation but less sun entering the structure.

[@handlewithcare999]

Yup. Your tips about cattle panels are spot on. My cattle panel hoop house here in Colorado, the hail capital of the states, was great until the snow collected in the hail cloth and flattened out the tops of the curves on a more or less permanent basis. I cut a big branch off a dead tree - about like yours -- and propped it up in the middle so I can at least walk semi-upright in it again, but I wish I'd known in advance that the hoop needed support. I could have taken off the hail cloth and just put it up again next spring since I wasn't using it for winter growing anyway. But that's a pain.. And yes, jagged edges. The hail cloth has many little tears, which don't really matter like it would on a plastic cover.

[@Mark_Nadams]

Very nice video of some basic build overviews for greenhouses. Thanks for sharing. Good luck in all your future builds. I like to build with cattle panels too. Last thing was a 12 x 16 wood shed. I am thinking of making another greenhouse soon using a walled A frame style design with cattle panels for roof sides. Using cattle panels, I make sure to put the lengthwise wires on top so the crosswise wires are underneath. Then I grind the cross wires flush with the lengthwise wire so the cover won't catch on the wires as it is pulled across. The ridge support is key for snow loads. I also bind the panels together where they meet with wire. - If you continue to have problems with bugs in your greenhouses open to the ground try tarping the ground for an extended time. The longer the better to interrupt as many pest life cycles as possible. I mean you can't get them all , cicadas are, what? every 11 to 17 years? Best is a total permanent tarp and grow in raised beds. - It would also help to put tarp or weed fabric all along the perimeter of the greenhouse to create a plant desert buffer to enter your greenhouse.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is so cool, Mark! That is a good idea (grinding the crosswires). And thank you for the suggestions on bugs, we don't have too many issues anymore because we are only growing in one 6mil plastic greenhouse anymore and the sides are open on that one. We have raised beds in everything now:) Good luck with your builds! It sounds like they are going to turn out great

[@Kaelland]

For your self-watering system, it seems to me like you could better spread the water throughout the bed if you were to find some way to adapt your funnel from your gutter into the greenhouse into something to which you can attach a water hose, and then connect a soaker hose to it so that the soaker hose distributes the water throughout the plant bed.

[@shaunbell6100]

Or collect his water run off into a rain barrel and water from that when need

[@shadowlps6900]

I had the same thought about a soaker hose, but carefully consider the soaker hose material. Recycled tire rubber seems environmentally friendly, but it leaches chemicals into the water (incl. carcinogens). Heating the rubber (greenhouse) makes this problem worse. You could make your own by poking holes into old drinking water safe hoses. I would add more length onto the flexible, black hose connecting the gutter to the beds - run it through the bed, drill holes and plug the end.

[@robertschmidt9296]

Ah, soaker hose. Reminds me of a woman at the cash register in anger threw down a roll of soaker hose on the counter, THIS HOSE IS NO GOOD, IT LEAKS EVERYWHERE. 😂

[@danielleterry2331]

@@robertschmidt9296😂😂

[@Tinyoak2]

we built the cattle panel version and in order to avoid tearing of the plastic, we made a slit along one side of pool noodles ( not in half) in order to make a kind of sleeve and then slid them over any edges that directly touched any plastic. it has worked like a charm

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That’s awesome, someone else commented the same idea. It seems like a smart, cheap solution!

[@dayamitrasaraswati6276]

My husband and I built a cattle panel greenhouse and did the same thing with the pool noodles. We've had no problems at all with tearing. Love my greenhouse!

[@putheflamesoutyahoo1503]

pipe insulation comes with slits and cheaper

[@kannettestewart8677]

What size cattle panels did you use? Thanks!

[@Tinyoak2]

@@kannettestewart8677 we used 5 ft tall x 16 feet width. and we used a total of 8, making the 5 ft height the length of the Greenhouse for a complete length of 22 or 24 feet long by 10 feet width. give or take a few inches. It was built in 2020 when we had plenty of time on our hands so the measurements may be a bit off depending on how many panels used. Home depot sells $5 landscape posts we used for the corners and center support down the middle, for a total of 9 timbers so the snow wouldn't crush it down in winter.

[@ReidRankinRealEstate]

This is a great, and very informative video! Thanks for sharing it and your experience in building these different types of greenhouses. I am looking to build a greenhouse in the South of France, and have limited construction skills. I have been thinking of a cattle wire hoop house, and am wondering if you think it’s possible to side it with either corrugated plastic panels, or the double plastic panels? The weather in the South of France gets very, very hot in the Summer, so I need to either vent the greenhouse, or remove the siding altogether. In the Winter it freezes, but does not snow. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!!

[@truthseeker635]

Love the ideas you gave, the pros and cons for each and the detailed plans and cost links. My favorite was the cattle panel one for ease of build, cost, size and sturdiness. I do like the idea of using the plastic panels you use in the A frame but the small size and cost of it just negates it as a choice. I want room. Is there possibly another choice that can use the simplicity of the base of the cattle panel house with plastic panels of the A frame? Just a thought and idea.

[@audreysmith2557]

I made a hoop house and covered it with (I think) 11 mil UV treated reinforced plastic. Ordered it from a guy in North Dakota (actually, I think he’s in Canada, but ships from ND.). I took down the plastic hoops and replaced them with EMT. This plastic has lasted me 12 years and is showing no signs of breakdown. I live in zone 5, cold country.

[@donnakennell5111]

Well done video. We started with 10mil and wood framing. The biggest challenge was rough points. Last 2 windstorm before #3 shredded it. Currently converting to the plastic panels. EVERYTHING costs more now. Grateful we already have the frame up (although, its being reinforced). Weather has been challenging, and we're considering how to create a venting system. It's 10x20 with a grow box down one side. I have a water barrel inside and use old soup cans spaced out to slow feed water into the soil. Its an experiment, as most of our ideas are, to mitigate weather, temps, winds. You gave great tips and ideas

[@jsmythib]

I just finished my cattle panel greenhouse after a few months on KZbin looking around. I just wanted to say your framing of it on a slop was priceless! lol I also just decided to wing it! Love it. 8am now 32f outside , greenhouse is 47f.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is awesome! And that is the best way to do it ;)

[@danielleterry2331]

Thankyou for sharing all the different ways you have made greenhouses, I live in south texas and my winters have gotten colder and colder each year, I used the pvc build you showed and it works good to hold up my toule in fall and I am ordering shade cloth for my brutal summers, thank you

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

there you go! That should be a nice setup

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

This is a fantastic video! Lots of great information in one place. I love when people share what they learn through hard work, trail, and error. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! And that is the great thing about youtube. Potentially saving someone else from having to learn through trial and error haha

[@timallen9818]

I built a cattle panel greenhouse, and i use cheap black plastic water pipe to keep the plastic from ripping. I just put a hoop of the water pipe on top of the panel every 4 feet to keep the plastic off the wire. I screw it to the base and zip tie it to the wire to keep it from moving.

[@digsindirt4490]

This is a great video! I need to create a “temporary” house for 2 months of the year in winter and shade for 4 months. This gives me more options than I realized. Thank you!!!!

[@ROZALTEREGOZOR67]

The last greenhouse you did, I have a few ideas that I wonder if you have thought of. 1. Digging down 5 feet so part of the greenhouse is under ground. Keeping growing beds at a depth from a hard frosts or freezes. 2. Below that dig a trench 3 to 5 feet below the greenhouse that you put piping in in a u shape so you have a inlet and an outlet. So you have thermal heat and kooling kind of idea, keeping the greenhouse at a constant temp.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

We considered that but we do not have the equipment for all that digging. It took me over two weeks to dig to foundation out with a shovel haha But your thoughts/ideas are correct :)

[@markperron851]

Greatly appreciate the variety and analysis. You guys have the skill set now to consider a Walipini. It works extremely well in snowy climates. Great for year round cultivation.

[@waynefisher4327]

I've always wanted to do a greenhouse. Then add a functional raspberry pi to it to monitor the inside. Functions could be soil dryness, humidity, or course temp, a small fan could regulate temperature also. This would take a bit of wiring for power and light programming knowledge. Good thing is the RPi community has people that have already written support apps to run for this.

[@ColCurtis]

The greenhouse i built in a northern climate has 2 spaced sheets of plastic only on the south wall, the other walls are 2x6 insulated. It's very easy to heat in winter

[@djnatrocksjohnson1232]

A thought on your A-frame build would be you could set up a self wicking system of containers that could maybe capture your stored rain water. Thanks for sharing your builds! Really amazing. 😊🤗

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! And we are considering a lot of options for the rainwater collection setup. There are so many ideas haha I appreciate your comment

[@Trottelkopf911]

I read about a really nice fuel free heating system. you just need a pv-panel, some insulation material, 2 pipes and a fan. The fan blows warm air through the pipe throughout the day into the soil. They insulated a cube of soil, to storage the heat there. At night warm air will go up again and keeps the greenhouse above freezing temperature. It think its from: Self-Sufficiency for the 21st Century: The Complete Guide to Sustainable Living Today, but i only know the german version.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is so cool! Thank you for sharing

[@eco_logic]

and even more efficient way is to store your warmth in a sand battery. Make sure the soil or sand is always super dry.

[@technics6215]

Thank you for sharing your experiences! P.s. I don't know much about gardening, but as a carpenter's son, I think you should strip the bark off the wood thoroughly. Fungi and various other microorganisms live on the bark of dead wood. As I mentioned - I don't know much about gardening and perhaps these organisms are not harmful to the crop, but the pole you made will rot faster than the pole with the bark removed.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! And you are 100 percent right. We were in a hurry to finish before winter, so i will probably have to replace the beam at some point.

[@PsychNurse.]

Gothic Arch Greenhouse: you can curve the twin Wall into the frame.

[@travishuisman1817]

Really appreciate this video! Thank you. Super helpful and well done.

[@RobertHenderson-cr7xb]

Hi watching from the UK. I noticed the one you built using cedar did not have a bug problem. So my thoughts are you can put some cedar in the others. Bugs hate cedar. But if you have tomatoes etc you need those bugs. Hope that helps.

[@boa1793]

Oh, You’re in a cold climate and didn’t do a geothermal greenhouse. There’s a Chinese guy in Edmonton who runs one. They’re all over the place, but a great idea for us northerners who don’t want to rely on California for their veggies. Then there’s oranges in Kansas. There’s a lot we should be doing.

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

We can probably knock trillions out of the deficit if the warming areas of Alaska was ale to build. Over half the state gets our fresh produce from 300 miles away an our canned goods come from 3000 miles away

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

Gas, oil, peet and wood along with a good amount of ore. Neglect is damaging our water reserves though and the rural zones need to get our sewage ponds and dumps under control . We should also probably start building homes so we can go back to large family homes over many smaller singles to minimize resource waste

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

@Disabled-Megatron Water is going to be a big thing. Everything from agriculture to local industry relies on it and we’re going from plenty to low fast

[@lostcoffeemug]

Does or could any one ever use the heat naturally generated from the decomposition process..? I've been thinking about that a lot lately.

[@boa1793]

@@lostcoffeemug, Good thought. It’s probable that might be included in someone’s geothermal greenhouse.

[@toolman9081]

Thanks for this! I fortunately do not deal with any snow. But i definitely need some form of a greenhouse to starting plants and such.

[@honeycovecreations5013]

Very nice video. Excellent work you guys did for not being total professionals, but at the rate you're learning it won't be long before you are lol. I loved the info, thank you

[@eaesteve]

You could look into Jean Pain for heating for the last greenhouse. A woodchip pile, with some nitrogen elements, could slowly decompose and provide enough heat to make it toasty.

[@garethbaus5471]

It seems like the conduit combined with the cattle panels could probably span a larger asymmetrical area with an insulated north walk. It would be intermediate cost/complexity with good performance and durability.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I like the last 2 greenhouses. Been thinking about a greenhouse to have fresh veggies and herbs all year long. I see that there's no trees for shade around the greenhouse, how do you keep it cool enough in the summer when it's 80 to 90 degrees. And for the winter, how did that work with the heater ❓ Thanks

[@eviemaddox3038]

Going to watch the A-frame vid now. It's the closest I've seen to the idea I have to add on one side of my "Shed to Greenhouse." I'm not ready to give up my perfectly good roof, so I'm going to add a slope of polycarb coming off the roof and creating another little room essentially. Thanks for making your videos!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That would be awesome!

[@Sixclickz]

I always thought it would be interesting to install geothermal heating in a greenhouse but without the heater... Just an air intake to move air underground through some piping to pick up the ambient ground temperature of roughly 50°F and cycle it back up into the greenhouse. Which is warm enough for most plants. Plus maybe a solar panel or windmill to power it.

[@honsville]

That's a really good idea.

[@garethbaus5471]

It has been done, one guy was growing oranges in Nebraska that way.

[@jeffreykershner440]

To do that well you have to put it in before the foundation. It takes quite a bit of time underground to change the temp.

[@Jcewazhere]

Neat, might try something like that twinwall design to make a front porch/greenhouse/mudroom. Worried about the permitting though, could get more complicated than actually building the thing.

[@johnwyman6126]

Permitting? If you're in the United States, the Constitution guarantees your property rights. You don't need permission from other people to do things on your own property, unless of course you have signed those rights away living in an HOA or other such silly situation. One of the largest problems we have in this country is that very few people have read the Constitution for themselves.

[@Jcewazhere]

@@johnwyman6126 Zoning, urban planning, public design controls, and other forms of government intervention by regulation will not be held confiscatory simply because regulation prohibits the owner from making the most profitable use of the property or results in a substantial diminution in market value of the land.31 Generally, a regulation will be held confiscatory only where it deprives an owner of every use to which the property is reasonably adapted.32 Government interventions that regulate housing are generally permissible if they leave the owner with an economically viable use of the land.4 ' This general rule is true for most ordinary government planning restrictions on building development, such as construction standards related to building bulk and height, lot size, setbacks, open space, fences, building design, landscaping, and parking.42 Where does the constitution say regulations against aluminum wire are banned? All it says is that if the gov't takes your property title it has to fairly compensate you, and that they can't enter your house without a judge saying they can. Not much protection imo. You're right that HOAs are evil, but I don't see where the constitution protects me from not needing a permit to install things like greenhouses. Then there's state laws...

[@engchoontan8483]

Nice to know available farming-gardening materials. (Usually the cheaper alternatives due to the farmers needing them in bulk)

[@rwoodvet]

Would you recommend painting any interior wood supports white or do you even see a need to do so? I have a shed that I want to turn into a greenhouse, but won’t need to tear down one side of siding. So I thought about painting that interior surface white, but not sure if it’s worth it. Thanks for the video and ideas!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

I would say it is probably best. I wish I took the bark off and/or painted our log supports. We use milk paint and add an outdoor additive if you are curious.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

The reflectivity of Matt white paint is really high. It's got to help.

[@failure2communicate2u]

Nice overview of your evolution! Not sure if you've already chosen a heating method for the last one, but if not consider what many growers use: a simple propane garage heater, and soil heating mats. The propane space heater heats the air quickly (for when you're working in there) and the soil heat mats keep the plants happy for a lot less heating cost the rest of the time. One last thought, snow is a very good insulator. Maybe don't work too hard getting it off the non sunny side of the greenhouse. Cheers.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

We are still considering options. We have a lot of little propane heaters for hunting. I think we could use those for an emergency but I don't know if that will be what we do long term.. This was great communication ahha :)

[@donbenoit2072]

You don't need plastic on the north side of a greenhouse. You need a reflector on the north side.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

And insulation.

[@kangacrew540]

Depends on the amount of sun your getting with heat. Colder climates get long days the summer and heat becomes a major issue. In the cooler months it would work well.

[@cnico9296]

If you double up plastic they make small air inflation pump that creates air insulation layer between they plastic

[@Peachy08]

We had a large 12×12 deck we never used. It was raised off the ground about 4 ft on one side as it was built on a hill side. Never used it and decided to tear it down and turn it into a greenhouse. Still working on it and am excited to get it done!

[@dancowles2699]

Did you ever think about black plastic drums with water? Also look into digging a narrow track for using the ground heat.

[@honsville]

Could you explain what you mean about a narrow track? Also do you mean the drums to hold water so the water stays warm?

[@meauxjeaux431]

Just finished building a long narrow, winding (rectangle caterpillar shaped) two part, interconnected greenhouse that is separated by a corrugated door, and has a brick walkway in the center. One half I used corrugated, the other half using the double panels. It's almost impossible to get a good air seal using corrugated, while it's a lot easier doing so using the flat panels. Unless you seal the ends of EVERY panel with silicone, water gets in and condensates for days and blocks some sun. Dust also gets inbetween that you can't get out.That hasn't happened with the corrugated half. Right now, it's a toss up to see which one works better, and has the least cons. The panel half is a little more insulated, and is sealed tighter, so it is warmer. It will house my house plants which I really don't want to freeze. The cooler corrugated half is for veggies which if they do freeze, (zone 9-A) is not as big a deal.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is so interesting! Please let me know how it performs this year

[@meauxjeaux431]

@@TheNorthBranchWI I will !

[@aionphriend]

Use a large old trampoline frame for a polytunnel..Nice and quick, cheap and easy. $100 and 60 was on the plastic cover.

[@LastChanceTinyHouse]

Take a look at the Gothic Arch green house. Not expensive to build, Sheds snow easy, stand up to weather. Also, when you build your raised bed boxes, line the box with plastic, fill the bottom with river rock, about a foot deep, add a drain pipe just under a foot and then cover the rocks with gardening cloth, add a 4 inch pipe that stops at the river rock, fill the bed above the gardening cloth with a foot of wood chips and the remaining two foot with dirt. After that, fill the bottom with water till the drain begins to weep, plant your plants and forget about them. The plants will draw water from the bottom as needed and you shouldn't need to water again aka fill the bottom, unless the weather gets hot.

[@slamrock17]

Use a solar thermal solar panel with a barrel to heat the greenhouse!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Now that is interesting. I am researching now haha thank you

[@drewrobinson9120]

As far as the thermal regulation of the 6 mil plastic sheet, double it over on itself. IT helps to something in between the two layers so there is an air pocket between the layers also. Some production greenhouses use an air pump to maintain a layer of air between the two layers of 6 mil. Personally, i put 0.25 inch thick strips of wood or other durable material lengthwise every 3-4 feet from the top of the greenhouse down to either side. The last one I put up got 0.25 inch by 1 inch pine strips, took 1inx4in furring strips and ripped them down to 0.25 inch strips. Love your design for the twin wall greenhouse. Should be very functional and aesthetically pleasing.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

thank you, Drew! I have had a lot of people suggest that to me and it seems like it a very effective option. I am not sure if we will put that into practice because he have two rigid plastic greenhouses now that we are focusing on. And thank you, I love the twin wall, I can't wait to finish it up and put it to work. We have been planning the layout of the beds and everything and it has been a blast. Thanks again:)

[@jonleiend1381]

I was thinking about using bird netting between 2 layers of 6 mill plastic. Even the heavy duty netting is really cheap.

[@vickimartintingle3391]

Awesome builds😊

[@InMyPurview]

Nice video. Good info for starters. The last one is definitely the best one.

[@KH-vv5dq]

I like the idea of the metal hoop house... find people getting rid of old trampoline frames and repurpose those!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Theres an idea! You have to get creative with prices going through the roof ahha

[@ATravelerOfWorlds]

This is SO impressive!! I can't believe my eyes seeing all these amazing greenhouses and all their different designs and structures. Amazing, what a talent and skill you both have! And this is also very helpful for someone like me and my partner. We'd love to build our own as well and you gave us some really good insight. We'll probably have to start with the simplest one haha but how I'd love to be able to have one like the twinwall panel or A frame greenhouse one day! Loved watching this and seeing your awesome builds!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you so much! I hope this can help you out if you ever build one. I appreciate the kind words:)

[@kate739]

thanks, second time watching, it has really helped me to think of different things before I build or purchase. thanks

[@canalvocecomcristo]

Todas construções para mim são excelentes. No meu caso, no Brasi, minha região não neva (so neva na serra catarinense) dá pra escolher todas elas. Eu usaria madeira de pallets reaproveitada, e passaria óleo queimado com tinta preta. No seu caso , dá para aquecer no inverno com latas de aluminio pintadas de preto, de cerveja ou refrigerante, onde o ar poder ser controlado para entrar ou não dentro da estufa. Preciso calibrar bem a espessura do plastico, por conta dos ventos e granizo aqui. Abro e sucesso do Brasil.

[@ju6788]

I found this so helpful! Going to work toward the a-frame build to expand my garden! Thank you!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is so cool! Good luck with that! I love a frames. Please let me know if you build one and how it goes :)

[@tesshiva]

I sent this to my husband, who said “I thought you didn’t want a greenhouse!” and I said, “When you see this video, you will want to BUILD me one!” Many Thanks!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Hahah 😂 That is great, thank you! Hopefully he builds you one

[@beeyondblessedorganics945]

Period... Same. We wanna connect the greenhouse to our loft barndiminiun

[@easygarden777]

He will want to build 2 😉 One for him

[@beeyondblessedorganics945]

@@easygarden777 I was thinking of this idea already. You confirm my dream wow thanks. I'ma put chickens on other side for the pest control when I garden they can come out to help. God bless you dear

[@matkurcher9469]

Why is it that most women within society always expect men to build and maintain everything for them but at the same time we are everything wrong with society?

[@AnenLaylle7023]

This is my type of guy right here. I farm and I simply refuse to buy and prefab BS. Bravo my brothers. Bravo.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

I love this comment! Thank you! Kits seem to be cheaper, but I want to be set up for the long term.

[@TheDuckofDoom.]

Professional 6mil greenhouse film will triple the life, 12 years in the northern USA is a reasonable expectation(warranty is 4 or 6 years) and it is availible with infrared additives to reduce heat loss at night(plain polyethylene is transparent to infrared). Double-wall and triple-wall panels, or inflated double-film, are best for overnight freeze protection (Double wall glass is especially good as it blocks long wave infrared from escaping, but for the money plastic plus a thermal curtain may be better especially if it can be automated and put on a timer). Daytime temps are almost irelevent, they will be high enough with any material on sunny days even in winter. Overcast days are a bit more complicated to figure in as they have a lot more variables than may be immediately obvious. Use good anchoring, I am in a fairly calm valley but I have still had wind up-end a couple greenhouses, even with anchoring equivelent to those short stakes used in the video. I would double them and put them in at alternating angles so they don't pull out. Or bury a small log along each side and tie into it for an anchor. Secions of concrete foundation and anchoring is an option where the investment makes sense.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Where does one track down professional 6 mil?

[@TheDuckofDoom.]

​@@TheNorthBranchWI A growers supply. Places that sell commercial nursury/agriculture and greenhouse equipment, they are often regional businesses operated on a more wholesale model where you call to talk to a sales rep. Plastic with some added diffusion like is usually preferred over totally clear, it helps light get deeper into the canopy, reduces peak leaf temperature, and prevents bending toward the light(phototropism), less % diffusion is needed if using an inflated double layer roof because they add together. The exception is very overcast low light climates, where clear allows in about 5% more light. "thermal control" reduced transmission of longwave infrared, this keeps in more heat on clear nights(I don't know if it makes it hotter mid day.) "Bee compatible" means that it allows some UV transmission and is for indoor pollinators(YMMV testing recomended). Web search terms UV Resistant Thermal Anti-Condensate Greenhouse Film 6-mil 4 year[warranty in places like AZ] also look for manufacturer websites and follow them to dealers. green-tek cropking lumiteinc greenhousemegastore farmplasticsupply agriculturesolutions

[@Mr.Mister001]

I definitely recommend plastic sheeting over the corrugated or double wall panels unless you have plenty of money. Sure it lasts twice as long but costs at least 5+x more for corrugated and 8+x more for double walled stuff. I personally use two layers of plastic sheeting with 2x2 between them. The inner sheet lasts 8-10 years with the outer lasting 4-6. The biggest thing is getting enough slope so snow falls on its own. We use cattle panels on top of 4' treated lumber walls. No bug problems either.

[@brag0001]

My experience with the sheeting is that it only survives two to three years. Double wall survives easily ten years. And the difference is that the double wall stuff is far better suited at keeping your green house warm, extending the useful period by way more than a month where I live. Many plants simply won't grow fast enough in the open, and will struggle in a sheet green house if temperatures drop to low at night a bit early. Another thing he didn't cover: with rigid walls you can add windows to the roof which automatically open when the temperature gets too high. Where I live the double wall stuff also seems to be a lot closer in prize to sheets than where you live ...

[@LOVEANDLIFEYS]

Unambiguously amazing sharing. Keep it up. Watching here. Well done. Thank you very much. I wish you true love and a long happy life. The way you do the work gracefully. I am very proud of you. Thanks for going through the trouble and it's worth it. I’ve never witnessed such awesome editing as this one. You have the absolute power to rise above any situation or struggle and transform yourself into the strongest and most beautiful version of yourself ever. The secret to happiness is doing what you love and learning to love what you have to do to get it. Congratulations and best of luck for your promising future. Keep doing the best work. Great job, you are amazing, you are important, you are special, you are unique, and you are valuable! Never give up, go ahead, fight for your dreams, everything will get better for you. I wish you good luck. I truly love your channel. With love and respect, Yuriy Saliy. @}->>>--

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Wow, I am blown away. This is so kind I am at a loss for words. I appreciate everything you said and the well wishes. I wish and hope the same for you my friend!

[@catinahottinvan5012]

Awesome info. Thanks for making this. I think it will help a lot of people make informed decisions, where they wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

[@andyc972]

Thanks, some great advice here !

[@askthehealerofthebroken4516]

For heat, you can use solar heat with pop- cans

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

that is interesting

[@jeanmartin6410]

@@TheNorthBranchWI how does that work?

[@dianeladico1769]

@@jeanmartin6410 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKbbkqGCmdmqkLM

[@user-ij7ow2ti8k]

That doesn’t work very well

[@SeekingRootsNovaScotia]

We recently ordered a greenhouse online. We were hoping to build one, but after doing the math on material costs (and availability), it was more cost effective to purchase a mass produced product. It’s a cheapy, but will get us by until we build a custom one. Great video!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is awesome, good luck! I have learned that simple greenhouses can last a long time and get the job done. I am excited to see our more permanent ones perform over the years. Thank you!

[@SeekingRootsNovaScotia]

@@TheNorthBranchWI I think you built at the right time. As you mentioned, everything has gone up in price. We priced it out, and PVC conduit alone cost about the same as the greenhouse kit we ordered.

[@user-ql2id3ml3i]

excellent guide!!!!

[@user-we4wx3xu3r]

Love this video! Ty so much for showing us the pros and cons of each. Excellent workmanship and design. I really like the A Frame, it's terrific. Ty!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you so much!

[@debbiemarquardt6228]

Very interesting learning about all the greenhouses. I am sure you are anxious to get some plants 🌱 growing inside. 50 days until spring! 😊

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Start the countdown!

[@miasmom1230]

Thanks so much for this video. I’ve had a cattle panel greenhouse for two years now and did not put in a center ridge line. This winter, we had a snowstorm dump 26 inches of heavy wet snow followed by rain and a rapid freeze up and sure enough, it collapsed. With our weather becoming so unpredictable and wild lately, I’m looking to invest in the polycarbonate plastic with a rain catchment system. I’ll have to get by another year and rebuild the cattle panel greenhouse, but this video has given me more hope and ideas to run with.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Yeah 25 inches will do that! haha That sounds like a good plan. I am surprised with how sturdy cattle panels have turned out to be in our builds. I have seen people rebuild their greenhouses after they collapse and the panels seem to pop up without too much of a problem. Good luck with all of that!

[@CardsbyMaaike]

depending on the kind of bugs oyu mean, I have used Venus trap,(carnivorous plants) I hung them from the ceiling in their pot. love all the kinds you've built exp the A fame, that's cute

[@mariebaxter473]

Very easy to watch video, straight to the point , no music or filler clips, great work boys.

[@DailyRail]

For the heater of the last greenhouse, check out DIY solar heaters using a wooden box, cans, and BBQ grill black paint, with a Lexan cover. I love the greenhouses and appreciate the video. We are getting ready to add a couple of greenhouses to our farm this year.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

I will have to look that up! Thank you. and I hope this can help you out. Goodluck on your build! Also, I made a video documenting their winter performance in more detail if that is something you have to account for haha

[@kitt080863]

I would highly recommend that you check out if you get enough sun in the off season for that to work, I can tell you there is not enough in upstate NY.

[@meauxjeaux431]

@@TheNorthBranchWI You can also line the lower part of the walls with bricks painted black to function as passive solar heat collectors.

[@unionse7en]

He's probably talking about night time heat generation (not solar). SInce the greenhouse probably gets very hot during the day even in the winter. The state of the art for DIY solar heating boxes seems to be the ones that used window screen as the heat exchange surfaces. There are some sites with good test and data on this.

[@deanthornby2026]

Rocket mass heaters are the way forward ...

[@HomesteadOnAPrayer]

This is a great breakdown! I love that you have so many types of greenhouses to compare. I’ll definitely bookmark this video to watch again when we (hopefully) build a greenhouse in the future!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! Hopefully this can help out a little.

[@pinetree5489]

Aiming for a combination of the last two. Roughly the size and strength of the last one with the roof angle, shorter walls and 'corrugated' plastic of the 2nd last one. Need to shed snow, inland Maine here. Thanks. -- Oh, for anyone, we currently have our chicken house built on a trailer and it goes into the greenhouse for the winter. Of course you need to build a big door to get it in.

[@MichaelLMylen]

Nicely done video. Concise & to the point. Thank you so much for your presentation. Great comparisons & real info.. Looking forward to other videos.

[@flyty2134]

Excellent job on your video and your builds thank you so much for taking the time to educate the masses I know it took you a lot of time to document all of this can’t thank you enough.God bless you and yours.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! I am glad you found it useful

[@AHomesteadingHustle]

Evan this is so helpful!! We plan to build a green house soon and this gives us a lot of info! That A frame one is sick!! I remember watching that when you posted it!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Hey Sarah! That is awesome, I'm glad this could help. All of these have handled our winter so they at least stand a chance in Minnesota 😆 I love the a-frame. If you ever have any questions or anything let me know. Good luck on the build:)

[@NyctalopeDiurne]

Cool vid, thanks! Where do you live, what kind of climate do you have? You seem to have copious amounts of snow, that's pretty nice to see :) I live in nothern France and winters now don't look so white anymore, I miss the snow in the forests that you could walk in a few years ago... Anyway, great selection of DIY greehouses! In the case you were not time-pressed to build your greenhouse, would you recommand using old windows gathered here and there, assembled in a single construction? I think that would be a pretty cheap and effective way of upcycling potential waste, and your greenhouse could actually look like a Tetris game while being quite sturdy and durable, so that's fun :)

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Hey There! We are in the northern United States. Yeah greenhouses built with windows like that are awesome! Especially when you don't have huge amounts of snow. I love unique builds like that

[@astrotog7265]

Two questions; 1) Are you considering using a heat sink for your heating of the last greenhouse? , 2) Do you intend to leave the floor open dirt or do you plan on using pavers?

[@Heisstrong]

Another great informative video, Evan. Having 5 different types of Greenhouses, people can analyze what would be best for them. Great job guys!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you so much, D.L.! Your comments always make me happy. I appreciate you watching and following along, and I hope you are well:)

[@bluebirdhomestead]

Very cool! Thanks for all the tips, we hope to build a green house in the next few years and this was really useful info. -Ryan & cara

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! Hopefully this can help out in some small way. I am looking forward to your videos this year.

[@bluebirdhomestead]

@@TheNorthBranchWI Thank you! Our list of projects is long this year like yours I am sure haha, so lots of fun builds coming soon :)

[@aionphriend]

Bugs are probably coming out of the soil. Use cleaner soil. I bought some soil from a large store and it was full of bugs. The stuff used for growing indoor weed is great and clean. A little more expensive. If your not using your own compost. Stay away from store bought and learn to pasteurise.

[@alanafarmlife2]

It's so admirable. Wish you a lot of health to make beautiful houses

[@LivingintheLoire]

Love everything you have done and in less than a year. Loads of inspiration for us in 2023. I think this is just the start of something big for your channel. All the best Evan.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! good luck with your year! And thank you so much, that is so kind:) I hope you are right haha

[@kalinystazvoruna8702]

I have a pvc irrigation system in my garden which I constructed about 15 years ago. It is about 6 feet up in the air and gravity feeds into the various beds. I've never had a problem with any type of deterioration, other than the wind blowing it down because I don't glue the pieces together so I can take it apart when needed and move it around if needed.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is so cool! Extremely interesting. And 15 years?! Nice work haha

[@Alepoudiitsa]

i was thinking about this i have BIG wind's here i used to have like there frist one the made but my was riped apart from the air.

[@kalinystazvoruna8702]

@@Alepoudiitsa I live in what's humorously called "the wind tunnel". When there's a slight breeze in town 7.5 miles away, here it's blowin' up a gale! Now that the trees I planted 25 years ago are more-or-less full grown, the wind problem has subsided a bit, unless the wind's coming from the SE. Then there's a problem. If you put your irrigation system closer to the ground, you probably won't have a problem. Greenhouses, on the other hand, covered with plastic can be a problem. How about building a small one and covering it with the corregated clear plastic that's used for roofs? I've had that on my back deck for over 15 years and, so long as you screw it down completely, there probably will not be a problem. Good luck with your project.

[@philip-mansur3452]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Ive been thinking of a GH DIY build and this helps.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Awesome! I hope you get one built, good luck

[@entomopathogenicfungus904]

In my polytunnel I excavated a large walkway down the centre to give it more Headroom and make it easier to work on the plants because everything is at a comfortable working height no bending over required

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

That is awesome! As a giant person I would appreciate that more than most lol

[@philhacker2405]

Insulation... Try 2" rigid insulation on walls up 8" inches. Dig down 4" install 2" of rigid and reinstall the ground. Keep that ground Damp if not planting in ground cover with landscape cloth.. if carrots is your crop you will need more earth of course in which you dig further down. Black colored water filled 55gal containers help regulate temp. Any thermal mass type insulated from the outside of the building on the north side.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you, Phil! You have given us plenty to think about, I appreciate that,

[@dayneholt4149]

I have seen some folks use passive solar hot water as a heat option you may want to consider. Best wishes ❤.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

Thank you! And I have had a couple people suggest that. I am looking into a lot of options and trying to figure it out. That seems like a great one!

[@nerfherder4284]

@@TheNorthBranchWI or even having some darkly colored thermal mass inside would help, but I guess all these require sun 😉

[@michellediesterhaft456]

I appreciate your matter of fact sharing of the pros and cons of these builds....easy to listen to, and follow along. Good to knoww about the differences....

[@handy-capoutdoors4063]

I've been thinking about putting together a cheap greenhouse. My idea was to use a 10x20 temporary carport where the canopy was torn beyond repair as a frame and reclaimed pallets around the base as weights. I was thinking using a transparent hard plastic for roof and walls then a couple solar panels to run a small heater and grow lights.

[@johnwyman6126]

A few solar panels will not make enough heat to carry throughout the long winter nights, although they can make enough electricity to move the heat from the top of the greenhouse 4 feet into the ground during the day, then back up at night.

[@annawimpey5307]

A small propane heater or a small pellet stove?

[@handy-capoutdoors4063]

@annawimpey5307 I was thinking of propane or natural gas. The unfortunate part would be the expenses to run it. I used a 12,000 btu propane heater when I lived in a 20x20 cabin and it ran constantly. If it would get below zero the heater maxed out only heated the inside to 50. And it dips to negotiate 50 for a week at a time in my area. The wood stove idea isn't that bad. Only problem is needing to constantly monitor and feed it. I would supplement the propane heat with an old potbelly wood stove on the colder nights. It was nice enough but still chilly and I only slept about 4 hours at a time because I needed to add logs and restart it. 😅. If I lived in the greenhouse the wood stove would be a great idea.

[@johnwyman6126]

@@handy-capoutdoors4063 You may want to look up rocket mass heaters. They combine a super hot, extremely high efficiency rocket stove along with thermal mass in order to only have to feed them every 12 to 24 hrs, and they use only between 1/10 and 1/4 of the wood of a normal heater for the same amount of heat. People normally use sticks instead of logs to feed it.

[@cindys.w.8566]

I'm always shocked that people don't paint the wood FIRST then construct things. When the wood is so easy to get to before its up in the air or below the hips to paint. I can't even imagine doing something like that it just makes zero sense to me to not paint wood or varnish etc FIRST!

[@cascadia_101]

Stated cedar is used. Very rot resistant, looks nicer than peeling and blistering paint or varnish

[@samfry6394]

It’s normal to do a first layer of paint when it’s material and a second when it is built, there will always be scratches or imperfections made in the building process that a second painting after construction will iron out

[@KatieMacWho]

Man! I so love your builds and the layout and the cute fencing and rustic branch posts! I laughed in glee when I saw your gardening because it is so impressing and AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

wow, Kathryn, thank you so much! That is so kind. :) Thank you for watching

[@KatieMacWho]

You are most welcome! I am going to be watching all of the videos! Can't wait to see what other projects you're going to produce!

[@StayPrimal]

Cool video, i'm planning to build a green house it was a great video for me. I really like the one at 8:16. But will I be able to grow tomatoes and cucumbers in it without the leaves touching the roof? Thank you.

[@TheNorthBranchWI]

It might depend on how you setup your raised beds. There is more room than it seems in the video. But, it is probably going to be tough to trellis a lot plants.

[@StayPrimal]

@@TheNorthBranchWI Thanks man !!!

[@robbieellis9650]

Thank you for this great video! My husband and I are very interested in your last greenhouse or Option #5 and your referenced updated pricing and that detailed plans would be attached but I don’t see either. Can you please repost these? Thank you again.

[@clearwax]

My Father made a green house…. Approximately 15x45ft that was in the style of the #2… but ousr was 1. made with curved pvc pipes, 2. Had a double layer of plastic & 3. There was a mouse wheel style fan that inflated between the plastic layers. (This created a gap of insulation between the inside area and the outside.(edit! 4. The greenhouse my dad made also had a foundation that had lag bolts going through the 2x4 boards on the foundation that secured the pvc pipes)plastic was secures to the 2x4 with staples and caulking to help keep it inflated) It did get destroyed in a snow storm 4-6 years after it was first built, later it was turned into a stable for a horse with open ends and a tarp. It was a great green house.