extend the growing season and to protect crops. The
following design, created by Dan Torjusen, comes closest
to what we have been looking for. While it is not
intended for winter use in areas with great amounts of
snowfall, the mini-greenhouse can be assembled early in
the spring and placed over a 50-square-foot growing bed.
This will increase the temperature of the soil and the air
surrounding the plants and allow the gardener to get an
early start on the growing season. The double-walled
construction of the design can keep the inside
temperature above the freezing point when the outside
temperature falls as low as 20°F. This makes the unit a
good season extender for crops.
The lumber for the mini-greenhouse can last for up to
12 years or more. We recommend the 6-year vinyl
plastic sheeting, although less expensive plastic sheeting
may also be used. Monsanto 302 is another good plastic
sheeting which lasts 2 to 3 years.
Tools
- Hand saw or circular saw
- Hammer
- Staple gun
- Drill and^3 ⁄ 16 ",^3 ⁄ 8 ", and^5 ⁄ 8 " wood bits
- Chisel
- Measuring tape
- Straight edge or carpenter's square
- Protractor