"Has anyone ever constructed a greenhouse using PVC pipe and plastic? "

Yes.

You need lumber for the base framework, boiled linseed oil to treat the lumber, some 5 ft. garden stakes to lock it in place, etc.

I spent... $101 on lumber, preservative, screws, metal 'mending' plates, another $50 or so on PVC, glue, "U" shaped pipe clamps, etc.

I happened to have a louvered screen door. I built another door for the North end and, having lost all perspective, bought a louvered vent for that door and an electric vent opener.

I had a bit of a melt-down, I admit. BUT I'm Feeling Much Better NOWWWW !

Okay. Sorry about that.

I'm planning to extend the length of the hoophouse this Spring, but I'm looking at PolyEthylene pipe instead of PVC this time. PVC is not environmentally friendly.

The steel stakes are to hold the frame lumber from bowing once you start attaching the bows. During my melt-down phase, I got a friend to weld me up some iron rebar and slid it inside the bows.

Makes for stronger bows but a LOT of pressure outward on the framework.

Actually, this would have been un-necessary if I had special ordered Schedule 80 PVC instead of Sch 40.

The link below is my greenhouse, half finished, as of last May, I think.

It's got doors and an exhaust fan on the top now.

Things to do:

1) waterproof the lumber

2) bolt the base frame together

3) start with the size of the doors, and make the door frames

4) Now figure out the angle for the "A" frame members and cut them

5) Cut the lumber for the ridgepole, make it from 2x4's in a "T" shape, glue and screw it together and mount it across between the "A" frames.

6) Send Jkirk $20 for the rest of the steps ;)

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:293742}}

We saw a picture in a country magazine that looks very simular to you pic. Does it get warm enough in spring to sprout flower seedlings and vegges? Will I have to have some alternative heat source for cool nights? I have lots of questions. It looks easy enough for two people to assemble in one day.

Here's a few of every shape and size.

http://www.snapclamp.com/greenhouse.htm
http://www.pvcplans.com/pvc-greenhouse.htm
http://www.sd1new.net/GardenPages/greenhouse.htm
http://www.i4at.org/surv/green.htm
http://www.westsidegardener.com/howto/hoophouse.html
http://www.westsidegardener.com/howto/hoophouse.html

"Will I have to have some alternative heat source for cool nights?"

I have two small electric heaters I keep near the base of the plants.

Last Fall, I picked tomatoes up to the day before Thanksgiving.

I want to add a double layer of poly, and get a real heat source. A wood burning stove calls to me.

It says "I'm cheeeep, I'm cheeep".

Then again, if my research in Gassification wood burning pans out, maybe I can build a woodburner.

I haven't used PVC but I've heard that you need to paint it or it will deteriorate the plastic where they touch. I was also concerned about estimated lifespan of PVC. Schedule 40 isn't that pricey but for Sch.80 you may be better off buying metal.

I am not sure what to do. I now know that from reading in this forum that I will have to have some type of heating for nights. I have a heated garage (wood) that I can set up with lights and etc. I might be just as well off to do it this way. any thoughts?

hosta_gnome, with the name hosta are you planning on growing hosta or other things. I'm sure you know hosta like a dormacy period. Just wandering.

Not hostas just perennials to sell to support my hosta habit.

There's a great website that has detailed greenhouse plans and materials lists. Hope this helps!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: pvc greenhouses

Here are a couple pics of Greenhouse I built 100% alone(3/4" PVC and 5/8" rebar for roof) and next one can be much easier,hole diging and concrete mixing only really hard work, size is 16'x40', 5' high on each side and 9' high in center,cost $600.00 for greenhouse.If anyone has an interest in construction of this in detail please inform me at rogergl@gmail.com and I will walk you through finished product.

Copy and paste into your browser bar
Don't let picture fool you it is Square not leaning
http://img95.exs.cx/img95/2961/fronttorearview0kp.jpg

Trying to break soil(no tiller) lot's roots and Rocks!!!
http://img95.exs.cx/img95/9638/centershot2oa.jpg

Beams are interconnected to post every 10'
http://img84.exs.cx/img84/1634/posttocenterbeam1ub.jpg

Closeup of connection
http://img97.exs.cx/img97/5186/endpost4ds.jpg

I am still working on my own website on the MSN.com servers, but if you go to the webgroups and look up No-Till Gardening webgroup, I have a message board dedicated to greenhouse plans and ideas. I am currently working on a message about PVC pipe shelter frames, and trying to expand not only the many ideas used, but limitations and advantages of various frame types using plastic pipe.