framework for the new greenhouse
| January 18, 2013 | Posted by Mama under homestead |
One way in which this year makes me think of sprouting, is that we have gone from jumping in to projects just to get started (part of the growing roots theme we had going on last year ) to identifying problems with existing homestead systems and either fixing them or replacing them with something better and hopefully permanent.
Take our garden situation for example. We have plenty of garden space behind the camper where we have been using it for two years now, but it is certainly not practical. To use existing dirt for the garden boxes, Papa created trenches between them, which are full of water for most of the summer (picture me hopping from one box to the next). There is also no room to bring a push mower around the side of the camper unless you want to carry it because of the way he designed the garden area surrounding be decking on one side of the camper, and how close the camper is to the bushes on the other side. So except for the once or twice a year trimming with the weed wacker the grass is always unruly. I can deal with the unruly-ness (we are a redneck family anyway, right?), but with the swampiness of the backyard and the arrangement of the garden boxes, it is not practical for producing enough food for long-term (12 month-ish).
To solve this issue, Papa came up with a design for a new garden set up, including several good size boxes surrounded by a 16′x24′ fence and a sunroom-style greenhouse, both of which will be on the other, front side of the camper, not too far from the clothes line. While the exact dimensions of the greenhouse have not been decided (we’re thinking roughly 6 x 8), he had enough information decided on that last Saturday he was able to begin construction on the framing for it. As it is all made with pressure treated wood, there was no danger on putting them together during the winter.
I fully intend to set aside all other non-crucial projects on hold for the summer to be working on the garden and other outdoor projects. The kids spend most of the day outside anyway, so the hardest part will be caring for Chickie while I’m working (I’m thinking along the lines of our playpen with an umbrella over it?). I’ve even told Papa I want some refresher lessons in basic power tool use so I can do things like, finish siding the chicken coop and tool shed and disassemble the old greenhouse. That ought to make for a comical youtube video. On second thought, maybe I ought to leave the video camera inside…
Anyway, here are the photos I took of the greenhouse framework Papa built last week. We’ll keep you posted on updates.
I got chills seeing the snow!
A greenhouse will be awesome.
We have this large frame in our backyard that would make a good greenhouse, IF we knew how to do it and had the funds to do it.
If you have the frame, would it be just a matter of covering it? Our first greenhouse we wrapped in plastic and attached it with staples (the kind construction workers use) and yes, ducktape. It doesn’t have to be fancy, pretty much anything that allows sunlight through but protects the plants from the elements. I bet you could find some great how to videos on YouTube!