Building an Inexpensive Greenhouse

An unheated PVC hoophouse can be a useful addition to your garden. It keeps excessive rain off the plants, blocks the wind, raises daytime temperatures 5-10 degrees (and often much more), and keeps frosts and heavy dew off the leaves. This can extend your warm-season gardening a month or more at both ends, and makes it possible for year-round gardeners to grow a wider variety of plants through the winter.PVC hoophouses are inexpensive to build, and can be put up in about an hour. Take a look, and decide for yourself!
Parts list for a 10'x21' PVC hoophouse
1/2-inch heavy duty PVC pipe (30-inch lengths), for stakes
16
3/4-inch light duty PVC pipe (10-foot lengths), for ribsNote: Check that the 1/2" pipe fits inside of the 3/4" pipe while you're still at the store!
16
3/4-inch light duty PVC pipe (34-inch lengths), for ridgeline
7
3/4-inch PVC tee connector (3-way)
2
3/4-inch PVC cross connector (4-way)
6
20'x25' sheet of clear visqueen-type plastic ( NOT greenhouse plastic)
1
1-inch black poly pipe (8-inch lengths), for clips
16
Optional: 1/2-inch PVC pipe (12-inch lengths), to reinforce joints
8
Optional: 10'x25' sheet of clear plastic, for ends
1
Optional: Large binder clips
12
Tools needed:hacksaw (for cutting PVC and poly pipe to length)rubber mallet (for snugging up joints)utility knife (to slit poly pipe lengthwise)25' tape measuredrill with 5/8" spading bit (if internally reinforcing joints)

Total amounts of pipe to be purchased
5 10'-lengths of 1/2" PVC19 10'-lengths of 3/4" PVC11' of 1" poly pipe


Before getting started, you need to mark out where in the garden your hoophouse will be placed. The diagram to the right gives you the distances for the hoophouse I am describing; but you can easily modify it to the size you need. As described, this 10'x21' PVC hoophouse will be roughly 7' tall in the center.To ensure that the sides are all parallel and square, measure across the diagonals: Both distances should be the same.
The first thing to do is collect all your separate parts. The construction will go much quicker if you have a helper.Drive a stake into the ground every 36 inches along the two sides (this is much easier if you cut the bottom of the stake at an angle). Try to get them as straight up as possible.

I find it easiest to put up all the separate hoops first, then connect the ridge afterward. Each of the two end hoops is made using two 10' lengths of 3/4" PVC, joined with a PVC tee. The other six hoops use the PVC crosses in place of the PVC tees. Since I like to be able to move the hoophouse around the garden from season to season, the joints are dry-fit together (no glue). They seem to stay together, especially if I use a rubber mallet to snug up all the connections.
Optional step: I have found that the joints mentioned above are sturdier if I reinforce them internally, by inserting a 1-foot length of 1/2" PVC through the joint. These pieces seem to fit through a 3/4" PVC tee okay; but you may have to drill out the PVC crosses in one direction, using a 5/8" spading bit. This can be tricky, so be sure to clamp the cross down well BEFORE attempting to drill it out!

The two ends of each hoop slide easily over the 1/2" PVC stakes. If the stakes aren't in the ground perfectly straight, don't worry about it; the pressure from the hoops tends to even out their alignment somewhat.When setting up the hoops, having that helper around REALLY makes things easier.

The next step is to connect the ridgeline. Starting at one end of the hoophouse, connect the hoops at the top, using the 34-inch sections of 3/4" PVC. As I go, I like to use the rubber mallet to set each section as far into the connectors as possible. Note that the ridgeline will be slightly shorter than 21 feet, for increased stability.Congratulations! You have finished the frame!
The plastic sheeting can be secured to the frame in many ways. 8-inch lengths of 1-inch black poly pipe can be slit lengthwise, making clips which can hold the plastic onto the PVC frame. A slightly more expensive solution is to use large binder clips, which can be found at any office supply store.I like to sandwich the sides of the plastic with 2x4 lumber, screwed together. When it gets windy, this extra weight holds the plastic down much better than the clips alone.
All sorts of heat-loving plants thrive in a hoophouse environment, including tomatoes, peppers, and, unfortunately in this case, horsetail.

Making the Optional Ends
This goes much easier if it's done before the frame is "skinned" with the 20'x25' plastic sheet.
Cut the 10'x25' piece of clear plastic to make two 10'x12.5' pieces. Take one, and lay it over one end hoop of the PVC hoophouse (the 10' measurement should be vertical), such that the hoop is completely covered, but at least one foot of plastic is on the ground. Use the poly pipe clips to secure this plastic end piece to the hoop. Cut a slit down the middle to make the door. There will be some excess plastic, which can be cut off if desired. That's it! Repeat this at the other end of the PVC hoophouse. These "doors" can be tied open with twine, or held shut with weights such as bricks or water jugs (which is why that extra foot of door, laying on the ground, is necessary).

It has been my experience that the poly pipe clips do not hold well if they are used over two layers of plastic. So I use the poly clips to secure the end pieces to the end hoops, and then hold the walls in place using the large binder clips.

Further Notes
Although I use the more inexpensive PVC for the 3/4" ribs, I have found it worthwhile to purchase the heavy gauge 1/2" PVC for the stakes. When the wind catches the hoophouse broadside, the stakes experience a lot of stress at the point they enter the ground. The thicker the wall of the pipe is, the less likely it is to break. One gentleman wrote and suggested inserting Rebar inside the stakes, which certainly would be worthwhile in an unusually windy location. Since any stress on the ribs is spread over their entire length, there isn't much point in getting the thick-walled 3/4" PVC. Also, the thicker PVC will be less flexible, and in addition it may not fit over the 1/2" pipe used for stakes and reinforcement.

In most cases, I have found the weight of the 2x4s (used to hold down the plastic) sufficient to keep everything in place. People in very windy spots may need to further secure these either with ground anchors or by pounding Rebar into the ground (using it as you would a tent stake).
In case it isn't clear: All clamping with binder clips or home-made poly pipe clips is at the ends of the hoophouse (at the ends of the plastic sheeting, in other words). Putting them in the middle will just guarantee that you will lose them as soon as the wind rises. It's also a good idea to clamp the plastic while it is dry - even a thin film of water between the plastic and the PVC pipe greatly decreases the holding power of any clamps.

Sweet Pickle Relish

4cups chopped cucumbers (trim off both ends of cucumbers before chopping)
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell peppers
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup pickling salt
3-1/2 cups sugar
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon mustard seed
1 Tabl;espoon celery seed

Mix peppers, cucumbers and onion with the pickling salt in an enamel or large glass bowl. Pour 2 trays of ice cubes over top of mixture and let set for 2 hours.

After 2 hours, remove mixture and place several cupfuls into a white cloth. I used an old pillowcase that I keep specifically for pickle making. Squeeze out as much of the salty liquid (brine) as possible. Continue until all the mixture is squeezed.

Placed squeezed mixture in a large enamel pan and add sugar, vinegar, mustard seed and celery seed.

Let simmer for 10 minutes

In the meantime, prepare at least 4-5 pint jars and their rings. Boil the sealing lids for 3-5 minutes.

At the end of the 10 minute simmer time, ladle pickle relish into the jars. Wipe tops of jars with a clean damp cloth. Place a ca and ring on the jar and screw it on firmly.

Process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes after the water reaches a boiling point. Remove jars and cool on a towel. Lids will "pop" when the jar is sealed. If a jar does not seal, place it in the refrigerator and use it first. Don't push the lids down and forcefully seal it.

Chunky Salsa

12 cups chopped tomatoes
3 cups each: chopped red and green peppers, onions
1-2 cups jalapeno peppers (optional)
1 cup sugar
1 garlic head, chopped
3 teaspoons salt
4-1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
2-5 ounce cans tomato paste

Combine and boil for 60 minutes over low heat. Stir frequently to keep mixture from scorching. Process in pint jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.

Flan

1 can evaporated milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
4 eggs at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar

Melt sugar in a skillet until light brown. Pour into a glass pie pan. Blend milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour this into a pie pan. Put glass dish on a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan so that the smaller pan is sitting in water (about 1/2 way up) while the flan is baking. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 hour. Cool and refrigerate.

Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls

4 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 Cup Karo syrup

Mix sugar, cream of tartar, vinegar, and Karo syrup. Boil to soft ball stage. then add:

2 teaspoons butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pour over popcorn. Using heavily buttered hands, quickly shape into balls. Cool on waxed paper sprayed with cooking spray.

Recipe for Bisquick Mix

8- 1/2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1- 1/2 cups instant nonfat dry milk
2-1/2 cups vegetable shortening

Mix dry ingredients well. Cut in shortening until the mixture appears crumbly. Store in an airtight container. Keeps well for 8-12 weeks. Use just like regular Bisquick mix.

Reflections on 2009

Today is the end of this year and in less than 5 hours we will begin the new one. It's been a fairly good year for the most part. Some sadness in my father-in-law's passing and at my brother's passing shortly thereafter at the beginning of the year, but even this was followed by joy and gladness that they would have loved. We celebrate life in many ways. I met a new grandson this summer. Polux is the shining star of the family. Such a little guy, but always happy and laughing. I retired from 23 years as a Registered Nurse. My household menagerie grew to include over 2 dozen chickens, a duck and 2 more cats that we found orphaned in Tennessee. Our beagle (surprise, surprise) is expecting her 1st litter of pups by the male male pup mate she shares a pen with. We didn't even know he was old enough. Surprise of all surprises, he is!!! When you ask him if he's going to be a father, he actually bares his teeth and smiles! The beagle, beaglett as we call her, Maggie, is tiny. We're watching her closely. I suppose my nurse's training may come in handy again. :-( Our middle daughter is expecting her 3rd child, a daughter, after 2 boys who are ages 8 and 11. This darling granddaughter is due mid next April. It was a rough go getting her going as Sara was on bedrest for over a month in the beginning. She and baby Aimee are doing fine now and Aimee is growing by leaps and bounds. If you don't believe me, just look at her mamma's tummy! I 'm learning more and more about homesteading and loving every minute of it. We make our own soap now, I canned all of our summer garden veggies, helped dress a couple of roosters that went into the freezer, made a good part of our Christmas presents and am stocking the pantry. It's been a labor of love, but well worth every second of it. looking back on this past year, I remember all the friends from Utah and Kentucky who have given grace and peace to my life. How much of a blessing each and every one of them are! And, internet friends, 1 of whom I was blessed to meet this past summer, and all those whom I would love to meet, I say prayers of thanks for their contributions to my life as well. Workmates, dearest friends, church family, our family, all of you I wish a New Year of peace, love, health, happiness and prosperity for each of you.
Candy

And in the begining was the internet, and the blog writer was unsure. Well, somewhat nervous, wanting to get a beautiful website and not as computer savvy as I thought I was. It'll get better. I'm sure of it. Practice DOES make perfect, doesn't it?

This is a new venture for me and I am excited to be able to share successes and divert a few failures that we've experienced along the way for others who follow this blog.

There are so many aspects to homesteading. It consists of learning ways to sustain yourself and your family on smaller budgets, being able to "make do", using what is available, learning to live without commercial entities and creating an existance that is healthy and wholesome without feeling deprived. It's learning to live off the land. It's learning that you can, and "cannot" becomes a word that is far removed from your vocabulary.

I came from a farm family. Acreage, animals, gardening, sewing, gardening, and living the simple life are no strangers for me. My husband lived part of his young life in the extreme north, his parents out of work and getting by on odd jobs, baking and selling bread, and living off the land in a cabin by a lake. Food for them was what they could raise, catch, or shoot.

Three years ago, while living in Salt Lake City, UT, we made the decision to move to a country setting, where we could have a large garden and dogs and cats. Little did we know that this was the beginning of a homestead venture for the 2 of us.

As we joined internet groups, read what seemed like a library full of articles and books on actual homesteading, creating a self-sustainable existance, we fell in love with the idea of living off-grid as much as possible. It's still a work in progress. So, join us in this venture. Let's share what we've learned, what we've done, where we're going with our individual journeys to this end. Life is what we make it. So, together, let's make it do-able.