Hi All –
I am considering setting up a greenhouse in Monument, CO at 7500 feet in zone 5b. My budget for the entire project is about $3500. I'm looking at the Palram Balance 8×20 foot.
https://www.costco.com/palram-canopia-balance-8-ft.-series-greenhouse.product.100131386.html
I don't plan to do any active heating or cooling. My objective is to extend the growing season and keep hail off for tomatoes, zucchini, and strawberries. I plan to grow spinach in the winter. I had a great garden in South Denver but now being 1000 feet higher means the season is just too short.
For my questions:
What's your experience with these planned crops? Does an unheated greenhouse provide value?
This is the cheapest kit I can find that doesn't have terrible reviews. Anyone have experience with it?
Could I build an equivalent size myself for less?
Does a greenhouse like this provide any protection from early/late season frost? From reading here and other places I'm concerned I'm kidding myself and there will be no difference between ambient and interior temperature after sunset.
Would 6×55 gallon water drums as thermal sinks provide any value? There is consistently hot sun all winter.
Do you have problems with pollination for strawberries or anything else inside the greenhouse?
Any other tips or things you wish you'd known?
Thanks!
by hoorah928
1 Comment
The R-value of these is extremely minimal, so at night, you won’t be holding much in once the sun goes down. That being said, during the day, they can easily get to 60+ from the sun alone.aline.
They can keep the frost off, as the moisture/dew won’t be settling directly on the plants, and could do a good job deflecting some hail. No experience with larger stuff, or what they’re rated for though.
That’s about the extent of my experience though. Rocking a heated 6×8 on the western slope.