Greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of the best solutions for a suburban area
Greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of the best solutions for a suburban area
Greenhouse cultivation of cucumbers in our region is quite common, because thanks to this method, you can enjoy your own vegetables in early spring. But how to create a suitable microclimate for them? Consider how to make a greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of examples, diagrams, as well as some options for ready-made designs that can be purchased.
The use of a greenhouse allows you to create a suitable microclimate for growing garden crops
What is better: to make a greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands or buy a ready-made one
Today, you can easily buy a ready-made greenhouse for cucumbers, which will be enough to install on the site and start using. Nevertheless, many owners prefer homemade structures. Let’s consider what advantages this or that option has, and what is actually better.
Growing cucumbers in a greenhouse allows you to harvest fresh vegetables most of the year
Among the advantages of ready-made greenhouses, it can be noted that the structure is completely ready for use, which saves you from all the hassle associated with its construction: calculations, purchase of materials and assembly. However, this solution also has a number of disadvantages associated with some restrictions in the size and shape of the greenhouse.
If you want to buy a greenhouse for cucumbers, you will have to face such a phenomenon as standard sizes, which are not always suitable for a particular site. Moreover, there is also no way to influence their shape. The disadvantages also include their considerable cost.
For growing cucumbers, you can buy or build a convenient greenhouse with your own hands
If you are engaged in manufacturing yourself, then you can install a perfectly suitable design of the size and shape that you need. Such a greenhouse can be dismantled and reassembled at any time, if such a need arises.
We must not forget about the difficulties that we will have to face in the process of work. In order for the structure to be strong and reliable, it is necessary to accurately make calculations and follow them during the construction process. Despite the fact that the cost of a homemade greenhouse will be less than that of ready-made structures, taking into account the time and effort spent, the costs may be almost the same.
A homemade greenhouse for cucumbers can be built from improvised materials
Useful advice! Before purchasing all the materials necessary for the work, it is necessary to make the most accurate calculations. Otherwise, you run the risk of running into unnecessary expenses and a shortage or oversupply of materials.
How to make a greenhouse from arcs: choosing the most suitable material
The strength and reliability of your greenhouse will depend on the quality of the selected arcs, so it is worth paying attention to this issue. Before giving preference to one or another option, it is recommended to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are four materials that are suitable for this purpose: steel, metal, plastic and aluminum.
The greenhouse should be located in an open, well-lit place
It is worth paying attention to the difference in the price of these materials, since their cost is significantly different. The most expensive are aluminum arcs, and besides, they are quite difficult to work with. It is necessary to choose products of sufficient strength and thickness, as well as the same size. The advantages of using aluminum pipes include:
- high strength and long service life;
- light weight;
- resistance of the material to corrosion processes;
- simplicity of facing with a covering material.
The sizes of greenhouse structures made of arcs can be both large and very small
However, these costs and efforts are fully justified. As a result, a strong lightweight structure will be obtained, which is easy to install both on a pre-prepared foundation and simply into the ground.
It will be much easier to work if you give preference to metal arcs for a greenhouse in PVC winding. Retaining such characteristics as low weight and high strength, the purchase will cost you much cheaper. In addition, after reading the instructions on how to assemble a greenhouse from arcs and film, you can easily and quickly assemble the structure yourself.
The greenhouse can be built of various materials: wood, metal, plastic
Useful advice! Having decided to purchase metal-plastic pipes for a greenhouse, it is best to give preference to products of a larger diameter, since they have increased strength and resistance to corrosion.
The simplest, cheapest and therefore most popular option is plastic arcs for a greenhouse. It is easy to work with them, and the low price and long service life surpass all other materials. The only thing worth considering is that it is better to buy plastic arcs for a greenhouse of larger diameter and density. This will save time and effort, and the strength of the finished structure will be higher.
Plastic arcs for a greenhouse are one of the most economical options for creating a frame
Greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of various options and models
Homemade greenhouses for cucumbers can differ from each other in a huge number of characteristics, starting with what materials were used for its construction and ending with the size or shape. Of course, you can develop your own scheme that will be most suitable for the proposed conditions, however, this requires a lot of effort, and no one has ruled out the risks of serious errors.
Let’s consider some of the most popular options for greenhouses for cucumbers with our own hands, their advantages, features of construction and operation.
Materials such as film, glass or polycarbonate can be used to cover the greenhouse
How to make a greenhouse for cucumbers with a film
The easiest way to make a greenhouse yourself is to use film and metal arcs for this purpose. Although such a structure will not differ in excessive strength, it is very convenient because it is easily repaired and, if necessary, dismantled. With the help of improvised materials, the polyethylene with which the arcs are covered is fixed, which allows the greenhouse to maintain integrity.
In order to equip a space for growing cucumbers, and to understand how to cover a greenhouse from arcs with a film, it is necessary to adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- choose a suitable place that gets enough sunlight. It is desirable that the greenhouse site is located at some elevation to avoid accumulation and stagnation of water in case of rain;
The simplest version of a greenhouse is a frame covered with a plastic film
- mark the territory by orienting the greenhouse from east to west. The maximum size of the greenhouse for cucumbers of this design is 2 m wide and 3-4 m long;
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- using wooden boards, make a small frame (about 20 cm) around the future garden bed;
- observing a step of about 50-60 cm, make holes along the entire length of the board that will serve to secure the arcs;
Useful advice! Any flexible metal elements, including wire, can be suitable as arcs.
Metal arcs as a frame for a greenhouse, with proper care, can last a long time
- using a metal wire, connect the arcs at the upper points. This will give the frame additional rigidity;
- the film with which you plan to cover the greenhouse should be at least 120-200 microns thick, otherwise it will tear too often;
- on one of the long sides of the greenhouse, the film must be rigidly fixed, and on the other, it is enough to press it down with something heavy (bricks, stones, boards);
- the short edges of the film can either be fixed using the same materials at hand, or stretched and secured with pegs, as is done when installing a tent.
Scheme of assembly and covering of the frame with a film
Like the installation, the process of operating such a simple greenhouse for cucumbers with their own hands does not present any difficulties for the owners. All that needs to be done is to turn one of the edges of the film to ventilate, water and take care of the plants.
How to make a greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands: Butterfly design
The butterfly greenhouse is famous among summer residents, thanks to its simple and convenient design, which allows rational use of all available space, and at the same time have an approach to all beds. Such structures are more durable and durable than the previous version, and the level of protection they provide to cucumbers is much higher.
Another popular option for a greenhouse for cucumbers is a butterfly greenhouse
“Butterfly” is able to withstand quite serious bad weather. This applies to heavy downpours, hail and even snow, the level of which does not exceed 10 cm. But even in hot weather, this greenhouse is very convenient, as it is perfectly ventilated.
Externally, this design resembles a house with a gable roof, each part of which can be opened. This system allows the owner to access any part of the greenhouse or simply ventilate. Quite often you can find butterfly greenhouses on sale, but they can also be built independently.
Ready-to-use metal frame of the Butterfly greenhouse
If you buy a ready-made greenhouse of this design, then it will be made of metal and polycarbonate (sometimes glass). But for independent work, a wooden frame and polyethylene or glass are more suitable.
Pay attention! One of the most difficult components of a butterfly greenhouse is a locking mechanism. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider and plan all stages of work.
Step by step we will consider how to make a greenhouse for cucumbers “Butterfly”:
- carefully clear the area allocated for construction from grass and foreign objects;
- to create a frame, use high-quality boards (best suited from coniferous trees);
Assembly scheme of the polycarbonate Butterfly greenhouse
- you can install a greenhouse directly on the ground, but it will be better to prepare a base of timber for it in order to avoid rotting of the base in the future. To do this, remove the top layer of soil and make a drainage layer of about 10-15 cm using fine gravel;
- insert the glasses into the prepared frames (it is permissible to use ordinary window frames) and fix them securely;
- fasten all the elements of the structure.
In order to protect the wood and avoid rotting processes, be sure to treat all wooden elements with a special composition. This will significantly extend the operational life of your greenhouse.
The Butterfly greenhouse has a very comfortable design with a convertible top
Greenhouse for cucumbers made of polycarbonate with your own hands: features of the material
Not so long ago, a new type of greenhouses appeared, for the manufacture of which such a material as polycarbonate is used. This synthetic material has found wide application in the field of agriculture, and is often used for a wide variety of purposes, including the creation of greenhouses.
The advantages of this material include low weight, as well as resistance to mechanical loads. The transparency of polycarbonate is about 80-85%, which allows plants to receive the necessary amount of sunlight. At the same time, it is resistant to precipitation and cools down slowly, keeping the heat inside the greenhouse longer.
Polycarbonate greenhouses have excellent light transmission and retain heat
It will not be difficult to buy a greenhouse for cucumbers made of polycarbonate, however, since it is quite simple to work with this material, many prefer to do everything with their own hands. In order for the result not to disappoint, it is necessary to adhere to some recommendations for working with this material:
- the thickness of the sheets used for the construction of the greenhouse should be at least 4 mm and not more than 6 mm.;
- since plants require not only sunlight, but also fresh air, carefully consider the ventilation system and how watering will be carried out;
Polycarbonate greenhouses retain heat longer, creating ideal conditions for growing cucumbers
- a sharp knife is perfect for fitting polycarbonate to the right size, but it is important not to damage its surface during operation, since it is very easy to leave scratches;
- in order to avoid unnecessary material costs, carefully calculate everything in advance and try to act in accordance with these calculations.
Special attention is also required for the care of a polycarbonate greenhouse. It is highly not recommended to use cleaning agents to clean it. This will negatively affect its appearance: it will become cloudy and lose its attractiveness. To remove dirt, it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth.
If the rules of operation are followed, the polycarbonate greenhouse will serve for many years
Polycarbonate cucumber greenhouse: step-by-step instructions for construction
In order to make a greenhouse for cucumbers, you will need the following materials:
- wooden bars or metal profile for greenhouse frame;
- polycarbonate sheets;
- film or roofing material;
- screws and a screwdriver.
Assembly diagram of the polycarbonate greenhouse frame
The amount of materials you will need must be calculated individually, since it directly depends on the size of the structure.
Pay attention! Coating with a protective agent is required not only for wooden elements of the greenhouse, but also for metal ones. Processing of metal parts is required to avoid corrosion.
Preparation for the installation of such a greenhouse must begin with laying the foundation. To do this, you need to dig a trench with a depth of 0.5 m and a width of 2 m. The length of the trench will depend on how large a greenhouse you plan to install. A layer of a mixture consisting of sand and gravel is poured into the pit, and this is covered with a 30-centimeter layer of soil on top. After that, you can proceed to laying the waterproofing layer, for which you will need a film or roofing material.
Before installing a greenhouse, it is necessary to prepare the foundation for it
We adjust the wooden base to the size of the prepared foundation, which we install and securely fasten. After that, we make racks with a pitched top from boards or beams. Observing a step of 1 m, we fasten the frame to the base of the rack, after which we attach polycarbonate sheets to them. Since this is a rather fragile material that can easily crack, it is recommended to put metal washers under the screws.
How to make a greenhouse with your own hands from a covering material in the form of a hut
The greenhouse-hut is ideal for growing crops such as cucumbers, as they are able to grow up to 1.5 meters in height. Conventional arcs are not suitable for such a design, since it will not be stable, but improvised materials and covering material are well suited for this purpose. Of course, you can weld a frame of heavy metal pipes, but it will cost a lot.
The design of the greenhouse type hut is perfect for growing cucumbers
It is worth starting with the assembly of the box, which will serve as the base of the greenhouse. After that, you can proceed to fixing the upper part. It is best to use a wooden beam for this, the length of which is 1.7 m, and the cross section is 50×50 mm. On one side, it is attached to the base, just as it is done with arcs.
It is important that after fixing, the beam is located at an angle towards the bed. The two ends of the elements located opposite each other are also fastened, which gives them the shape of a hut.
Finished greenhouse frame made of wooden beams
To give the structure greater strength, transverse crossbars are installed between the vertical supports of the hut, which, moreover, will serve as the basis for fixing the film. At the very top, in the places where the bars converge, a solid board is attached.
The finished frame can only be covered with a film. In order for wind gusts not to tear it, you can nail polyethylene to the transverse boards, using thin slats for this.
Useful advice! To make it convenient for plants to weave, you can pull an ordinary garden net inside such a hut.
For the convenience of growing cucumbers in such a greenhouse, you can install a grid
How to properly organize the space inside the greenhouse for cucumbers: photo
Regardless of whether you have made a mini greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands or built a full-fledged greenhouse, it is very important to use the space available inside rationally. As a rule, the sizes of arcs for a greenhouse or other elements that make up the frame are selected taking into account the fact that in the future you will need to take care of plants.
Here are some recommendations that will help to properly organize the space inside the greenhouse for cucumbers:
- for small-sized structures, the ideal scheme for planting cucumbers in a greenhouse will be the division of space into two equal parts, where beds will be located on the sides, and a path will run in the middle;
In a small greenhouse, it is convenient to plant cucumbers in two rows with a passage between them
- in order for the beds to have clearly defined borders, think about fencing for them. It may be small, but it should clearly outline the landing places and passageways.;
- be sure to treat with a special protective agent all materials that are used to decorate the space inside the greenhouse. This will prevent rotting as a result of increased humidity;
- attention is also required by the soil that is in the greenhouse, and in which you will plant cucumbers. Its humidity should not be excessively high, especially in the cold season;
You should also take care of the quality and humidity level of the soil in the greenhouse
- high humidity in the greenhouse is a prerequisite for good plant growth, so all the materials that you plan to use for the design of paths and fences must be resistant to moisture and temperature.
By strictly adhering to the recommendations on how to make a greenhouse for cucumbers yourself, many problems related to the elimination of defects can be avoided in the future. Thereby saving time and effort to eliminate errors.
Unusual greenhouses for cucumbers with their own hands from improvised materials
In order to make a mini greenhouse for cucumbers, you can use a variety of improvised materials. Including those that in ordinary life we used to throw away thoughtlessly. Let’s consider a few simple options.
Mini greenhouse made of old window frames
Greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands from plastic bottles
Empty plastic bottles are considered to be garbage, however, they can be useful in the household. Including when it is necessary to arrange a place for planting cucumbers. Of course, to ensure the rigidity of the structure, other materials, such as a wooden frame, will be required. However, such a design will be made of those materials that will surely be found at any dacha.
Useful advice! For a homemade greenhouse from improvised materials, it is better to make a gable roof, since the wooden base will not bend, and water can accumulate on a flat roof.
Do not throw away used plastic bottles — they are perfect for building a greenhouse
Having built a primitive wooden frame, it must be sheathed. To do this, you will need plastic bottles. They can be of the same or different colors, but it is important that a sufficient amount of sunlight penetrates into the greenhouse, so it is better to abandon too dark ones.
The bottom and neck of each bottle must be cut off. After that, the remaining part is cut along and straightened in such a way that a smooth plastic rectangle is obtained. Then you have to sew the resulting elements together, using a wire for this. Having assembled a fragment of the required size, it is easy to attach it to the frame using a construction stapler.
The use of plastic bottles will reduce the cost of construction at times
Given that the wire connections will not be sealed, an additional layer of polyethylene must be used for the roof. So at minimal cost, you can make a greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands from boards and plastic bottles.
Using window frames for a wooden greenhouse for cucumbers with your own hands
Another option to save money and make a greenhouse yourself from improvised materials is to use used window frames for this purpose. If there are enough of them, you can make a completely transparent structure with an opening top. If there are not enough frames, you can build a structure near the building, using its wall as one of the sides. It is important to make sure that the upper frame is located at an angle, otherwise rainwater will constantly accumulate on the roof.
Having shown a share of imagination from improvised materials, you can make a beautiful greenhouse
Even if you have only one window frame, a small greenhouse can still be equipped. For this purpose, the box of an old refrigerator, which can often be found in dachas, is perfect.
After getting acquainted with the features of the choice of location, as well as general recommendations on how to make a greenhouse for cucumbers yourself, you can proceed to the assembly. First of all, treat all the wooden parts of the frames with a special protective impregnation and paint. It is important that the tilt level of the finished box is at least 30 °.
Using an ordinary box and an old window, you can easily build a small greenhouse
To do this, the rear wall must be installed higher than the front.
If you approach the construction of the structure with due attention, it is quite possible to organically fit into the overall design of the site, a greenhouse made with your own hands for cucumbers. Photos of examples of such greenhouses can be found on the Internet on thematic forums and blogs.
Independent production of a greenhouse for cucumbers from a vine
In order to grow cucumbers, it is not necessary to purchase ready-made arcs for a greenhouse. 4 meters of flexible material can be found among the materials at hand. In order to make a solid construction from a vine, you will need an old garden hose and a vine that can be found at almost any reservoir. The main thing is to select rods of sufficient length and thickness of at least 10 mm.
The greenhouse can be attached to the building using one of the walls
The collected vine must be cleaned of knots and bark. After that, the existing garden hose needs to be cut into pieces, each of which will be about 20 cm. Rods are inserted from each of its sides. It is important that the vine enters it as tightly as possible. As a result, you should get one full-fledged arc, consisting of a piece of hose and two rods of vine.
Using the principle of constructing a conventional arched greenhouse, the necessary number of arcs is installed on the prepared frame and covered with polyethylene, tightly pulling it, and fixing it where necessary.