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Boy was I right to build that greenhouse. This last week while I was away, we got over 5 inches of rain and temps down to the 40's! Had I moved my cacti outside without the protection of the greenhouse, I'm quite sure they'd all be dead now from the cold and wet!

BTW Tony - I checked on that corrugated polycarbonate sheeting and found out that to cover my greenhouse with it would cost about $1000!!

So I guess I'll stick with the plastic sheeting for now. Maybe I can panel a little bit at a time.

Wow, that would have been disaterious. but, you done good!

Krikey $1000!!!
BTW, if you went with the none corrugated polycarbonate, it would only cost about $360
I think they come in 10ft x 3ft sizes @ $30 each at Home Depot.

Glad you were astute enough to provide shelter for your plants while you were away, Daiv. And yes... the polycarbonate panels are crazy HIGH, especially being a petroleum product. That's why I feel like the Harbor Freight GH is such a bargain if you are in a low wind/snow area.
BB in SC

Ya Daiv, The poly is way expensive.
I used the acrylic panels, much cheaper but not as tough. But we dont get alot of golfball sized hail here
The polycarbonate is very tough.
I dont think anything could break it.

Yes, it just figures that the stuff that would work best for me is the most expensive!

The double-wall will provide good insulation which I will want in Sping and Fall. We DO get hail and heavy snow and wind. So I think that it would be worth the investment in time.

That is why I'm thinking - do a little at a time. Start with the roof - Save money - Replace the back wall - Save money - Replace the removeable side panels - Save money - etc. etc.

The good thing is that the plastic sheeting is available in abundance and if tears develop, I can easily replace it in the meantime.

Maybe you can make it with glass and protect it from hail with a net.

Well I'm going to do some more careful thought on this now. The greenhouse project was supposed to be a temporary and cheap as possible project using mostly scrap lumber and my brother's leftover plastic sheeting.

As I start thinking about putting money into it, then I think. Every dollar I put into this temporary setup is a dollar that could go to a more permanent structure. So I'm stopping myself here and trying to come up with the best approach. Right now, thermostatically controlled ventilation is what I wish it had the most.

I've got these two books that I'm studying on right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Gre ... 1841881457

http://www.amazon.com/Orthos-All-About- ... 0897214633

Not sure what I'll end up with!

Daiv

I have the Ortho book. Very informative and well laid out. Lots of info in there!

I got it at Borders, but i don't think it was as cheap as Amazon has it.

I'm actually borowing both books right now.

Daiv,

I've used all three of the materials for covering greenhouse/sheds/decks and I can say that you get what you pay for.

The 'plastic' single corrugated lasted just about 5 years and the winds blew it apart.

The polycarbonate single corrugated has been on my shed for 12 years and is still going strong.

The multi-layer polycarbonate is expensive, but is worth the money. Long lasting and you can buy it with sun-block characteristics. We re-covered our back patio with 60% sun block and it's great. Only up for 6 months, but I'm counting on 12 years or more durability (Guarantee is 10 years).

Thanks Buck. I'm thinking of stepping up to the good stuff, but doing it over time. That way I can start to benefit without draining my wallet!

Yes, I'd hate to cut a piece of the expensive stuff anwonder if it will fit in on the new, bigger house. Just for reference, the multiple layer suff moves, a lot, with heat, sideways across grain.

Daiv
I built mine from scratch, and could only afford a couple polycarbonate sheets at a time, and recycled as much as I can. But poly is the only way in the long run, it lets more wave lengths through, and the plants appreciate it with better colors and flowers. I bought it at Home Depot for about $1.50 per foot, 2 ft width.

Good info, I think it insulates better than the rest too, which will be good for me come spring and fall when I plan to combat cool nights with a propane heater to keep the plant out as long as possible.