Solexx XP pre-cut
3.5mm1188 ft.2
4.13’ x 8.25’^ Greenhousemegastore.com^ $1627.56^Nontransparent
WallsPlywood (^) 572.0 ft.^2 ¾” x 4’ x 8’ Home depot $1246.96
R13 Roll (^) 572.0 ft.^2 1.24’ x 32.00’ Home depot $171.60
Foundation
Sonotube ~14 pieces 0.80’ x 4.00’ Home depot $97.86
Redi base ~14 pieces 0.60’ x 2.00’ Home depot $279.86
Totals
Total Wood
(approximate)
$5423.84^
Table 14. Estimated Cost of Materials for the Structure
For more information on the structure materials refer to appendix B.
Although this table has good approximations, it is always good to plan to spend about 20% more than
estimated.
4.2.5 Ventilation
Ventilation is essential for both the structure and the ecosystem inside of the greenhouse.
To choose the fans it is required the total volume of the greenhouse and the rate of air change per min.
With this numbers we can calculate the cfm (cubic feet per minute) that is required.
Amanda Barker, who directs a greenhouse, advise on the use of two fans on opposite walls as well as
doors on both side to facilitate air circulation and the cooling of the building in the summer.
4.2.6 Heating
We found that to prevent frost during the winter and keep ambient temperature up, especially at night,
a space heater would be strongly recommended. Operating a greenhouse in a location with a very cold
climate is very challenging due to the heating cost. Beside the expensive heating equipment required
when we first set up the greenhouse, looking forward in long term the energy required to maintain the
greenhouses in a steady temperature is really high especially in the winter months. In Worcester
according to the table below the temperatures are below our indoor temperature goal of 60 F most
appropriate for seedlings.
*Source: NOAA.gov