Build an Easy 5 x 5 Home Greenhouse for under $25

Step 6 Attaching the plastic

Attach the plastic sheeting to the frame with zip ties starting with the straight edge. Be sure to tuck plastic around the pipe. Slice small holes through plastic close to the frame. I poked a few of my holes too far from the frame structure, but it still looks just fine. Pull ties tight and trim tails. Repeat all the way around the frame.

Comments

[jrwygant]

Instead of zip ties I've been using very short lengths of the PVC pipe, maybe 1/2 to 1-inch, that are then sliced open. They slip over the other PVC and plastic tarp to make great removable clamps. They were the idea of wife Sandy after I complained of not having a good way to fasten on the tarp. The one in the photo has been stretched open from use, but it was just cut straight across. I've had one of these hot houses for several years and always get 30-60 days head start on my vegetables.

[Kelly2006]

How do you cut the PVC pipe?

[jrwygant]

I used a cheap replaceable-blade hand saw, the kind that has a U-shaped frame with a thin blade stretched between the ends. I sawed off a short length of pipe first, maybe about a 1/2-inch, producing a ring. Then I sawed a small gap across the ring to permit it to open. The PVC pipe saws very easily.

[Kelly2006]

Thanks for responding. I am assuming you are talking about a hack saw - see the picture on this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacksaw

If so, how did you hold the pvc pipe so that you didn't cut your fingers. Sorry for the silly question.

[jrwygant]

A hacksaw is used mostly for cutting metal, although pretty much any kind of saw will work. I was actually referring to a coping saw, which is cheaper and smaller: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coping_saw
The coping saw also has less risk of cutting fingers, since it's smaller and lighter. PVC comes is long lengths, so you can hold it well back from where you're cutting. A vise works best to hold it but is not necessary.

[Kelly2006]

Ahhhh, never heard of a coping saw. Thanks for the link and info.

[robj98168]

A hacksaw will cut through pvc just fine. No need to go out and buy a coping saw unless you need help coping.

[lasersage]

yep, coping saws are primarily for sawing intricate shapes, not straight lines. Mine actually has a far rougher blade than my hack saw, a hack saw, or junior hack saw is the ideal tool for cutting this plastic, though you can butcher it with many tools, scissors, tin snips etc.

I saw similar fancy green houses for sale in the garden centre, but they're were made by folding the pvc sheet over, then sewing it. It looked like it was just done on a sewing machine so I just bought the pvc sheet at a fraction the cost of the kit and sewed it on my girlfriends machine. Its been going for two years now and still not come apart. Brilliant solution.
We don't have plastic pipes and all connectors though, we just use bent hoops of stiff wire stuck in the ground.

[PondPlantGirl]

That is a fantastic idea! I will be sure to pass the information on.

[jrwygant]

Thanks. My wife gets credit. I forgot to mention that I built my hot house over a 4x8' raised bed, with embedded PVC in the corners (slightly larger diameter than the tarp supports), into which I slip the bowed verticals that support the tarp. It makes take up/down quick and easy.

[linda4444]

We are doign this over 2 x 8 framed raised beds. Drilling holes is the 4x4 supports and bending the pvc into the holes will create the frame for the plastic, and can be easily removed when the plants get to tall.

[skcactus]

Hi, I have a question how to bend PVC pipe to join? and the Plastic cover is strong not to blow away in wind? I live in North East (Philadelphia, PA) and grow cactus. Please let me know. Thanks in advance.

[kiefmom]

about how far are they spaced apart?