Want a greenhouse? Here's the truth about them

Summary

In this video, the host discusses their experience with a 6x8 Pal Ram hybrid greenhouse, now in its third year of use. They highlight the structure's polycarbonate panels, which are flexible and replaceable but face challenges with temperature regulation. Despite initial struggles, especially with night temperatures matching outdoor levels, they've made modifications like adding an automatic window opener and solar-powered fan to manage heat. They also installed a passive solar heating system using water tanks to retain heat overnight. The host considers it more of a large cold frame than a true greenhouse, suitable for their climate but acknowledges that colder regions might need additional features. They express satisfaction with the greenhouse for extending their growing season and are pleased with their purchase, despite its limitations.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The speaker has been using a 6x8 Pal Ram hybrid greenhouse for three winters and shares their experiences, including both the advantages and disadvantages.
• 🔆 The greenhouse is made of polycarbonate panels, which are flexible and can be easily replaced if damaged, but are susceptible to heat.
• 🌡️ During the winter, the greenhouse can get as hot as the outside temperature during the day, but at night it can be the same or even cooler due to moisture.
• 🌤️ The greenhouse's design allows for a significant temperature increase with sunlight, which is beneficial for growing in the winter and fall.
• 🌱 The speaker had to adjust their expectations and plant cold-tolerant crops to make the most of the greenhouse's capabilities.
• 💸 The cost of the greenhouse is a consideration, especially when compared to the cost of a low tunnel, which can be a more budget-friendly option.
• 🏗️ The greenhouse required a foundation for stability, adding to the overall cost and effort of setting it up.
• 🌡️ The speaker installed an automatic window and a solar-powered fan to help manage the greenhouse's temperature and humidity.
• 💧 The greenhouse does not allow rainwater in, so an in-ground drip irrigation system was built to manage watering needs.
• 🔧 The speaker made several modifications to the greenhouse, including passive solar heating with water tanks and weatherproofing to improve its performance.
• 🌟 Despite some challenges, the speaker is happy with their purchase and believes the greenhouse has extended their growing season effectively.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the discussion of the pros and cons of using a greenhouse, specifically a 6x8 Pal Ram hybrid greenhouse, for gardening purposes.

What are the materials used for the greenhouse mentioned in the script?

The greenhouse is made of polycarbonate panels and has an aluminum frame.

What are some of the challenges faced during the first year of using the greenhouse?

During the first year, the user struggled with the greenhouse's inability to maintain a temperature difference from the outside at night, resulting in it being as cold inside as outside.

How does the greenhouse perform in terms of temperature regulation during winter?

The greenhouse warms up during the day due to sunlight but does not retain heat at night, resulting in temperatures inside being the same as outside, which can be a problem in colder climates.

What modifications were made to the greenhouse to improve its performance?

Modifications included adding an automatic window opener, a solar-powered fan, and a passive solar heating system using black painted water tanks to retain heat.

What is the user's opinion on the greenhouse's ability to extend the growing season?

The user believes the greenhouse extends the growing season, allowing for earlier starts and later harvests, but it's not a true year-round solution for growing.

What are the user's thoughts on the cost-effectiveness of the greenhouse?

The user considers the greenhouse cost-effective for their needs and climate, but acknowledges that for colder climates or different growing ambitions, a more expensive, insulated greenhouse might be necessary.

How does the user feel about the greenhouse's impact on their gardening productivity?

The user is satisfied with the greenhouse as it allows for multiple harvests and increased productivity within the confines of the space and the climate.

What are the user's recommendations for those considering a similar greenhouse?

The user recommends considering the climate, the intended use of the greenhouse, and being prepared to make modifications to improve its performance.

What is the user's final verdict on the greenhouse after three years of use?

The user is happy with the purchase, as the greenhouse meets their needs for their specific area and gardening goals, despite some initial challenges and the need for modifications.