Gardeners Greenhouse

Recently, a friend of my husbands asked if we would like to come to his home to see the greenhouse he, his son and wife had built in their backyard. He went on to tell us how successful his summer garden had been and where he had donated his excess produce. On a weekly basis, he took bags of produce to Opportunity House and the Episcopal Church in Vacaville plus Mission Solano in Fairfield.

Needless to say, I was curious about his successful venture, especially when he told us this success was his motivation to build the greenhouse. He wanted to grow and provide vegetables all year, not just in the summer. The vegetables he had grown were peppers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, carrots, plus herbs, raspberries, blackberries and blue berries.

The greenhouse is 8.5 feet by 12 feet. The entrance height is 7 feet while the peak inside is 8 feet high. The welded framework is made of 2 inch steel tubing (like horse corrals and ranch gates). The four corner anchor posts are cemented and the rest of the greenhouse is clamped to these posts. This allows it to stand straight on uneven ground. There are two ends with nylon screen “windows” and a window in the rear. Over the entire framework is ‘Green.tek’, a plastic sheeting obtained online that was designed for greenhouses. This plastic can be rolled up over the 3 windows to allow air circulation.

It took 3 weeks and several weekends to construct the greenhouse. An electrician added electricity and a water line was brought into the interior. The ‘floor’ is a thick layer of bark. Raised beds (1 ½ feet high) were built. River rock was placed in the bottom of the raised beds, with layers of leaves, potting soil and topsoil added.

This project was so gratifying, his son has decided to go into the greenhouse building business. Being a mechanical engineer he has the knowledge to succeed. Meanwhile, his dad is eager to share his produce with those in need.

Garden bed.(photos by Sharon Rico)

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