Time to get this Board started

[muskrat24]

So in a scramble to get as many projects finished before the baby gets here I have been utilizing my vacation for such a purpose. So for today's project was a small green house. I did some research and found a youtube video for a small homemade greenhouse that seemed easy to construct. The guy sold instructions which I did end up buying but it is pretty self explanatory.

It starts off with a 7' wide frame. And with its simplified construction you can make it as long as you need. I opted for a 8' 3" long structure.



Next is the top and walls which is constructed with 50"x16' cattle panels. I live in Ohio and occasionally we get a decent amount of snow so I was a little hesitant. But after putting it all together I can just about hang from the roof and I weight 230lbs.



After all that was said and done I opted for 1 door and 1 window so got all that frame work done





I have yet to get the door for my greenhouse made but did get the back window constructed. I will eventually be adding an window opener from Harbor Freight. That way I dont have to be around to vent the greenhouse.





As mentioned I still have to build the door and install the plastic sheeting. I chose a 6mil 4year greenhouse film.

All in total I have a little under $180 in the whole setup.

[farmertrappe]

I a big fan of using the fence panels for construction purposes. I use the same basic design for my movable chicken pens. Nice work.

[shawn]

Looks good. 

[Brad H.]

Cool project. You guys keep putting ideas in my head!

[muskrat24]

Farmertrappe I actually have plans to build another one these for that sole purpose. But I'm debating if I want quail or chickens. The fiance said one or the other and she rules he roost so to speak haha.

[put'n the dog on]

muskrat,

Nice job. I built one with the same design last year. My only advice to you would be, if you plan on keeping it up all year put a 2x6 or 2x8 as a ridge beam down the center for snow weight. Those panels give out with not much weight. I have some pics of mine mostly finished in last years giant pumpkin thread, But great job it looks good.

[muskrat24]

Its been a busy past couple weeks. Trying this urban farming has been exhausting. With a little over 1/4 acre I have been trying to utilize every remaining space that I have. This includes greenhouse, composters, animal pens and raised growbeds. But between working on the babies room and picking up some meat animals to help fill the freezer over the next year or so I have not been on very much. It took me a little longer then planned to get the green house up and running but finally got the plastic sheeting on it and it is amazing how much heat that this thing actually traps in.



I also picked up 7-55 gallon barrels for $5 a piece so have been working with them on various other projects like this miniature aquaponics setup. It has a DWC bed which currently has lettuce in it and a constant flood bed that I plan on putting in some type of water garden plant like watercress. As it has a peppery taste and is edible.



Now the greenhouse is starting to get more plants in it since I have taken this picture so it is growing less and less empty.



Another project with the 55 gallon barrels is this Barrel Composter and soon to be a second one just like it:



One thing I am going to adjust on this composter is to remove the front leg support, replacing it with crisscrossed supports on the back and adding side leg supports. As it will allow a wheel barrow to be slid underneath for easier emptying of compost.

One of the biggest projects to date is my meat supply. Now I had mentioned earlier that I was debating between quail and chickens. Well the lovely fiance fell in love with chickens right after I decided quail. So she let me get both. Unfortunately for me I was at an exotic livestock auction a month or so back and ended up getting my quail and some pheasants I just couldn't resist. So after getting the chickens from TSC I had to start a chicken coop. The pheasants will be kept in a hoop house similar to my green house and the quail are getting put in a wire caging rack.

I will be posting about the poultry endeavor on the Homesteading board. So stay tuned.

[nytrapper23]

Cool stuff muskrat, what kind of pheasants did you get?

[farmertrappe]

Very Nice work on living your dream.

[Brad H.]

Man you guys make me feel lazy! Nice work.

[mdtreehugger]

Wow looks like you have been busy. I have been wanting to build a greenhouse similar to yours for a few years. I'll be waiting to hear what you think of yours after the season is over. Also been looking at doing a small aquaponics set up myself. Maybe next year. Everything looks great and keep up the good work. 

[muskrat24]

Nytrapper I got an ornimental pheasant. It's a yellow version of a Golden pheasant. My boss kinda talked me into it while I was at the auction lol

[nytrapper23]

Yellow Goldens, very easy to raise . Are they young ones ? Wait until you hear the male start screeching.

[muskrat24]

They are supposibly a little under a year old