Aspen Greenhouse Project

11/5/2012

Last week we decided that we have out grown using our kitchen as a nursery so we ordered a Aspen 9'x12' greenhouse from ACF Greenhouses out of VA. last year we had wire racks, lights, plastic covers potting soil, watering cans, hundreds of plants and did i mention the BLINDING lights in our kitchen. Even though we are running out of time before the snow comes for the winter this one project we need to squeeze in. Ella likes her toys in prime plant growing space in front of the doors and who are we to argue with that.

Stage 1 of 6

We decided to install the greenhouse on cedar 36" piers to anchor it against wind and provide a level and stable foundation. We will be installing a frost break of 4" thick foil backed foam board be between the piers 1' deep and covered in rough cut lumber to create the foundation for the greenhouse to bolt to.

Today we'll be leveling the piers, installing insulation and digging the raised beds around it. then it off the the saw mill for wood.

Stage 2 of 6

Yesterday we finished the base with rough cut and weather sealed it.

Afternoon a of raking and leveling we finally were able to put down a moister barer with small cuts for drainage every 2'. Next we started laying 115 solid 4" thick cinder blocks total weight 3000lbs.

Greenhouse: needs 4500 btu's a hours to increase 20 degrees

Concrete:
3000lbs of concrete @ 100 sqft = 1000 btu's per degree in difference. If there is a 20 degree drop in temp it will provide 20,000 btus or 4 1/2 hrs of heat (70 to 50 deg.).

Stage 3 of 6

I took the all day but we got the greenhouse up. The construction appears to be solid and there wasn't any fitment issues. Overall I would recommend a Aspen Greenhouse to a friend, that said snow is still on its way.

2 Comments

Jon

7/26/2013 03:57:31 pm

We live in northern MN and we believe a greenhouse would allow us to extend our growing season. What are your thoughts about your greenhouse after last winter and this growing season? Thanks.

Jason Fuller

7/26/2013 06:10:58 pm

We are happy with it. We run a 30k btu vent-less propane stove smallest one with a thermostat and ran it every time it snowed. I do think it would hold up to a good amount of dry snow but we can get a foot or more of very heavy wet snow " oak trees tops break off" here so I didn't risk it. We started seeds in February this year and every 3 weeks sense. It has also been great this summer for growing cucumbers and basil. Set up was easy and sturdy. The roof vents are leaky but I am sure all greenhouses do at this level. We haven't had any regrets with the purchase of the aspen green house. I hope this is helpful let us know if you have any other questions.

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