Our little greenhouse that we put up is doing ok but we need something bigger and stronger. The Texas sun and wind are brutal so we’ve done a bit of research and decided on this greenhouse.
Greenhouse (Photo from Mueller’s Website)
We’re getting it from Mueller’s out of Ballinger, Texas and it should be here by mid-march but then Vince and his buddies have to assemble it. Vince wants to put a concrete footing in so the building can be anchored, so the installation will not be a weekend project.
We decided on the 12′ x 18′, which is the biggest one they have. It should give me room to have space for a little potting area, or maybe I could talk Vince into building me a little potting shed. I think the 12′ x 18′ has four windows and then double doors and both of them have windows in them. We’re going to put a couple of vents and a fan in it, and we’re getting another 250 gallon propane tank and heat the greenhouse with propane. And, we’re praying propane prices come WAY down before we have to fill two 250 gallon and one 500 gallon tank.
I’m pretty excited about the greenhouse. At first we were thinking about the cost of the greenhouse and the savings of starting the seeds for our spring garden and the cost vs. benefit just wasn’t working. But then we thought about being able to have tomatoes all year, maybe a few peppers, artichokes . . I’ll even try growing eggplants in there. I would say we would have cucumbers all year but since I have never once in my life been able to grow a cucumber, I’m not overly optimistic about those cucumbers.
If nothing else, during the middle of winter when I’m just aching to get my fingers in the dirt, I can go out to the greenhouse, turn the heater up and play with plants.
Angie says
Propane rarely is ever goes down in price Judy. Our son works in the propane business in northern Calif. We have a propane range and one water heater near the kitchen and one of the bathrooms in the house plus the washer.. We heat our house with two fireplace inserts as we have access to wood constantly, or you can buy a cord of Oak quite reasonable around here. We have never bought wood though— Have you considered Solar, wood fireplace insert or a pellet stove. It has been in the 30’s and some low 20’s here since Nov.. We have a 500 gallon propane tank. We have it filled every 2 to 2 and half years. I can’t even remember the last time we filled it. There is only the two of us in a long ranch style house.
Angie says
I forgot to mention I love that Greenhouse! It looks very durable.
JudyL says
Propane was $1.99 when we last filled our two tanks in August (one is 500 gallons and one is 250 gallons) and last month it was over $4/gallon. It will come down . . it always has everywhere we’ve lived.
We’re filling up 750 gallons of tanks and we plan on refilling every 8 – 10 months.
Bev Austin says
I really love cucumbers. Here’s a good article for you. I hope it gives you tips for great cukes this year. My very favorite is lemon cucumber, great for pickles and just eating. Never gets bitter! Check out this site: http://www.texasgardener.com/pastissues/marapr99/cukes.html
Bev Austin says
Angie mentioned solar power, and you mentioned that in an earlier post, wondering about solar.. My daughter added it last year to her home, and can’t use up enough of it. Have to laugh at her – going around looking for more electric things to add to her property. Sells it back to the power company. Since last year, she hasn’t had to buy even a minute of electric, just pays a minimum fee to maintain power on the property, as is required by them.
It would be fantastic for you on your property, and easy to use everywhere!
JudyL says
The cost of utilities is so inexpensive here that the cost of solar makes it not feasible. The two companies we’ve talked to are out of Dallas and both tell us that we cannot generate enough solar power to cover 100% of our electricity needs. There is tax credit for installing solar and some electric companies offer incentives (ours does not), so for now, we may do more research into solar but I don’t see it happening.
Joan says
I paid $6.25 per gallon for propane when I filled my tank about three weeks ago. Eighteen months ago when we installed the tank it was far less than $4.00 per gallon! I would love to heat a greenhouse all winter, but it is cost prohibitive here in Alaska. Too bad because our winters are so long!
CJ says
What made you choose that type of greenhouse over a tunnel house? Just curious because we’d like to get one too. The place we picked up our blueberries from had two probably 30 x 50′. They said they use SIXTY TWO cords of wood per year to heat them ! OMG I can’t even imagine cutting that much wood. I’d like one about 20 x 30, and I’d definitely opt for wood heat, propane is just too expensive. I understand the heat must move the air.
Donna Williams says
I have one just about that size and I love it. Solar is cost prohibitive here too, and we had the same conversation you had with the power companies. It always surprises me for some reason how different things are in different parts of the country. One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to some things. Anyway, the greenhouse looks great and I am certain you will enjoy it! PS – I cannot successfully grow a cucumber either – great vines, pretty flowers, no cucumbers.
Susan says
And some winters, you’ll hardly use that heater at all, I’m betting. The good thing is, a little propane goes a long way in a small space, especially if it’s sunny and that solar gain is working for ya.
Robin Crittenden says
I have a little greenhouse from Rion. Nothing special but we put down concrete to anchor because of the heavy wind gusts at times. We also put a solar blanket over it so the plants wouldn’t burn. We just do a tiny garden as both my husband and I have developed bad back issues. Start the seeds inside and move to beds in late April.
JOY says
OOH! I envy you your greenhouse 🙂 we live in the city and our lot is SO small that a greenhouse would not fit. I’m living the country life vicariously through your chicken/garden posts and now your greenhouse 🙂
shirley bruner says
I have wanted a greenhouse for years now but we have no flat space by the house. there are hills and trees. I could put it behind the studio but that is across the road and out of sight. not a good idea out here. I guess I could put it in the garden area….hhmmmm….might have to think on that some more. you are gonna love your little greenhouse. just like an extended garden. have fun