Season extender

So I have been working on building a "covered wagon" like is shown in the book for my 2x12 bed. The problem is that the bed is up against a fence, so I can't really drape the plastic to the ground and weight it down in back or easily on the sides. My first attempt was a failure. I used clamps to hold plastic onto a couple of hoops - the plastic was too thin - like 1 mil - it tore easily in the wind and got all "flappy" So back to the drawing board:

So I tinkered around a bit. First, I used 3/4in pvc pipes (the low pressure stuff - the 1/2 pvc fits right inside of them) cut to about a foot (the bed is deeper than recommended) and put one in each of the 12 corners (I have cross braces at 4 and 8 feet. I attached them with pipe hangers to the side of the box.

I built three sets of crisscross 1/2in pvc pipes - one for each of the four-foot sections. I ran a 8 foot piece of 1/2 pvc across all three.

I then took a 10' x 18' piece of 3.5 mil plastic sheeting for the top. I cut 2x2 lumber into 3 4ft and 2 2ft sections. I took the 3 4ft sections and centered them on the one of the long edges of plastic and stapled the plastic to the boards. I then rolled the board in the plastic so that the board was fully rolled up in the plastic plus. I then stapled the plastic securely to the boards. I then set the plastic covered boards along the back edge of the board and pulled the plastic back up an over the pvc frame.

Next I took the two 2 foot sections, rolled them up and stapled the plastic to them. I tucked the extra plastic in and then used my metal t stakes from staking up summer plants to hold it down in front.

I am sure I am getting Amazon gift cards for Christmas so I am going to get a dual temp min max thermometer to see what how effective my mini greenhouse is going to be.

I am going to do a similar deal with a 4x4 box later this week so I will take some pictures and post to this thread.


Oh yeah, this box is already partially planted - radishes, some peas, carrots and lettuces and other greens... Radishes and peas have sprouted. If a freeze comes along and kills them, I am not overly stressed, just out a few seeds...

Attention: NR Attention: NR

This post desperately needs your emoticon. I can't find mine!

boffer wrote:Attention: NR Attention: NR

This post desperately needs your emoticon. I can't find mine!

Yes, I know, I will get some in a day or two... sorry...

ashort wrote:...Yes, I know, I will get some in a day or two... sorry...

Now that threatens to get your man card revoked!

I made a covered wagon Dec. 14th (its a form of a green house in my thoughts, posted pics in the greenhouse thread, would it be bad form to put it in this one too?) for a 4x8 bed and didnt get my thermometer... a cheap one too mind you in the wagon until yesterday. But~! I did have lettuce popping up that were planted on Dec. 13th !!! I am quite excited about that. I have other cold weather crops planted as well, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale and chard. I do have onions and garlic planted as well. The walking egyptian onions were planted last spring I think (a gift from a neighbor, her thinnings). We have been eating from them since then too, we eat the tops very oniony in flavor!!



I took 3/4 inch pvc pipe, two lengths of 10 cut it into 24 inch sections, pounded those into the ground to hold the 1/2 inch pvc pipe cut to 8ft pieces (5 of those). I bowed those to fit into the 3/4 pipe. I then took a 10ft 1/2 pvc to make a ridge pole and tied it to the ribs with string. I plan on making more of these for a couple other beds and a 10'x21' for a green house in Jan. This kid is jumping for joy I tell you. I will put a heater and fan into that one.
I have to say I didnt have to "guess" at where to put the ribs, with square foot gardening and my string grids made that easy peasy:)
Ha-v-v

Welcome to the wonderful world of season extension Ha-v-v !!!!

Great stuff and love your enthusiasm to build all those other wagons PLUS a greenhouse.

Can't wait to see pics ashort

Here are a couple of pics of the completed project. I am working on a second bed and taking photos step by step...



and tonight after I installed two 100 watt light fixtures....



the lights are keeping the temp up quite well so far...



more pics to follow in the next couple of days...

That looks lovely Ashort(or handsome whichever you prefer ) I am in heaven with my hoop house!! I just threw it together.. the next one goes in today or tomorrow, and I am going to do a variation on that one. I will post pics later of the one that is growing food for me !! The lettuce popped up!!! along with the garlic, brussel sprouts, broccoli, baby pak choi and onions! I have no lights just a thermometer in there, I like the thermometer you are using. Is the bottom number for humidity?
I am eating tiny sprouts of lettuce I over planted on purpose
Love where I live
Ha-v-v

It looks like the top is the current time, the middle is the inside temp, the bottom is the outside temp.

Close, top is time, middle is the outside temp and the bottom is the temp inside my little hoop house with the two 100 wt bulbs going... 14 degrees warmer - I'll take that. I just used two of these clipped to the ridge pole....

outside temp this morning 28* inside 5x5x6 ft plastic greenhouse with 1 string of lights 33*, Supposed to go down to 20* tonight so I added another set of christmas lights.

hope spring eternal

Kay