low cost pvc commercial greenhouse construction 1
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction
Farmer to FarmerJamaica W. I.
Land O’ Lakes International Division&
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
![Page 2: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
PVC FACTORS
• PVC (polyvinylchloride) plastic pipe is a cheap material for hoop frames.
• It is a lower cost material, lightweight & easy to use.
• It is a weaker material than metal frames.• PVC hoops are vulnerable to wind uplift.• PVC expands and contracts with temperature
changes.
![Page 3: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Polyethylene Factors
Greenhouse-grade polyethylene, a plastic film, is the cover material for hooped greenhouses.
• "Poly" is sold by thickness in mils (1 mil = 1/1000 of an inch) and rated for longevity in years.
• A single layer of greenhouse grade 6-mil poly rated for 5 years is used.
![Page 4: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Design of Hoop Tunnel
![Page 5: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Basic Hoop Greenhouse Structure:A. HoopB. RidgepoleC. End Wall D. Hip BoardE. Side WallF. Baseboard
![Page 6: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
PVC Greenhouse Illustration
PVC Pipe frame covered with polyethylene sheeting.
![Page 7: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Completed PVC Greenhouse
![Page 8: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Low Hoop Row Cover
![Page 9: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Site and soil selection are important.
![Page 10: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Site Location Factors
• Sunlight and shade.• Well drained soil.• Good drainage improves plant quality.• Avoids water logging and flooding.• Level interior with slope to the exterior.• Convenient to the grower. • Accessible entrance and exit to roads.• Adequate water source.
![Page 11: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Sloped mountainsides can be made suitable sites with proper drainage.
![Page 12: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Wind Direction Ventilation
• Air flow moderates temperature and relative humidity .
• End ventilation gives maximum air flow.
• Roll-up sides can increase air flow.• High wind loads are worse against the
side walls. • High winds can cause the house to lift
out of the ground.
![Page 13: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Use Water Pipe Grade PVC Pipe for the hoops and the anchor pipe.
Do not use electrical grade PVC. It is too thin.
![Page 14: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Select 20 ft length ( cm) of 1.5 in ( cm) diameter water pipe grade pvc for the hoops.
![Page 15: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Use ft ( cm) diameter) water pipe grade pvc for the anchor pipe.
![Page 16: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Use stakes and a string to layout the greenhouse corners. Put stakes in the ground.
Pull the string tight and tie it onto the stakes to square the foundation.
![Page 17: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Measure each hoop pipe 6 in ( cm) from each end and mark the pipe with a felt marker.
![Page 18: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Select a pipe as the roof ridge pipe. Mark off on the pipe every ft ( cm).
(Later the erected hoops are attached at each mark with wire.)
![Page 19: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Measure and cut the anchor pipe into 18 in( cm) pieces. Cut 2 anchor pipes for each
hoop. (Later each end of the hoop pipe is placed
inside the anchor pipe.)
![Page 20: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Cut one anchor pipe.
Use that anchor pipe to measure the length for the rest of the pipes.
![Page 21: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Place the anchor pipes at each of the four corners inside the foundation string line. Drive the anchor into the ground.
![Page 22: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Clear away any rock before you drive in the anchor pipe.
Secure the anchor pipes in the ground.Cut off any excess anchor pipe above the
string.
![Page 23: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
The space between the anchor pipes depends on the space between each hoop pipe.
![Page 24: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
For more strength put the hoop pipes closer together at equal distances.
For less strength put the hoops farther apart.
![Page 25: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
The length between the anchor pipes in the ground and the center ridge pipe marks must be the same.
![Page 26: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Carefully bend the hoop pipe and insert it into the 2 anchor pipes across from each other.
![Page 27: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Put the ends of the hoops into the anchor pipes up to the 6 in ( cm) mark.
Carefully drill a hole into the anchor pipe and hoop pipe. Attach each together with wire.
![Page 28: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Secure the rest of the hoop pipes into the anchor pipes.
Place the center ridge pipe down the middle of the hoops.
![Page 29: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Locate the marks on the center ridge pipe.
![Page 30: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Place the center ridge pipe inside the hoops.
Tie each hoop with wire to the center ridge pipe at the mark on the center ridge pipe.
![Page 31: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Secure each hoop pipe to the center ridge pipe.
Twist wire around each hoop pipe.
Make sure all wire ends are pointed down.
![Page 32: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Next attach with wire along the inside bottom of the anchor pipes a straight pipe.
This inside bottom pipe holds the anchor pipes and hoop pipes upright and straight.
![Page 33: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Place and secure with wire a crosswise a pipe inside the greenhouse.
This pipe keeps the hoops straight and erect.
![Page 34: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Secure each upright hoop pipe with wire to the crosswise pipe. Twist the wire around each.
Make sure the wire ends face inside.
![Page 35: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Do not drill holes in the bend of the hoop pipe.
Drill holes weaken the pipe and can cause them to break.
![Page 36: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Dig a trench along the outside of the greenhouse. Place the dirt along the sides to use to hold down the greenhouse cover.
![Page 37: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Roll out the plastic greenhouse cover and measure enough cover to be placed from side-to-side over the hoops.
Add 2 ft ( cm) to the measurement.
![Page 38: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Side Anchor Options
Sandwich the sides of the plastic with lumber planks, fastened together.
![Page 39: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
To prevent the plastic from sagging tie the fishing line from end to end about every 6 to 12 in ( cm) over the exterior of the hoops under the plastic cover.
![Page 40: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Use fishing line on the exterior of the hoop between the plastic.
![Page 41: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Make sure that the fishing line is tight enough to hold the plastic cover firm without any sags.
![Page 42: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Carefully place the plastic greenhouse cover over the hoops from side-to-side.
Leave 1 ft ( cm) over lap on the ground to be covered with dirt to anchor the plastic.
![Page 43: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Allow about 3 to 4 ft ( cm) overhang of plastic over the front of the house.
![Page 44: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Pull the plastic cover into position and make sure it is level on both sides. Shovel some dirt on the overhang on each side to secure the sides.
![Page 45: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Make sure that both sides are pulled snugly into position over the hoop frame.
![Page 46: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Place the second sheet of plastic on the hoop frame. Overlap the plastic 36 in ( 1 meter) at the plastic seam.
![Page 47: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
End Wall Options
• To increase ventilation in the summer, use removable end walls.
• If end walls are removable, sufficient structural support must be maintained.
• Large screen sections, windows, and winged panels can also be installed in end walls for ventilation.
![Page 48: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Complete the greenhouse by closing the 2 ends with plastic cover, add a wooden door frame and door or add screening to the front and back.
![Page 49: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
WIND RESISTANCE
• Strong winds put stress on the sides of the house.
• The anchors stress at ground level.
• One option is to insert Rebar inside the anchors.
• Thicker walled 3/4" PVC is stronger but less flexible to bend.
![Page 50: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
List of materials
• Item quantity needed depends on the size of the greenhouse you want.
• Two 2 inch ( cm) PVC water pipe
• 8 1.5 inch ( cm) PVC water pipe 20 ft ( cm)
• 1 roll bailing wire
• 1 roll fishing line
• 1 roll plastic cover
![Page 51: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
List of Tools
• Tape measure• Saw• Hammer or mallet• Drill and small drill bit• Tube cutter• Pliers• Wire cutter• Knife• Shovel• Felt Marker• String
![Page 52: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Acknowledgements
For more detailed information see:
• High Tunnels
www.hightunnels.org
• Penn State University http://plasticulture.cas.psu.edu/H-tunnels.htm
• American Society for Plasticulturewww.plasticulture.org
![Page 53: Low Cost PVC Commercial Greenhouse Construction 1](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051312/5472f9dab4af9f6c388b45ba/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Project Contacts
Dr. Thomas S. Handweker
Small Farm Institute
Mr. Daniel S. Kuennen
Rural Development Center
University of Maryland Eastern Shore