You can build a simple greenhouse as you describe. However, in Florida you are going to have heat buildup problems that could fry your plants in the summer. I live in the Pacific NW where it is mainly in the 70's during the summer and often cloudy; my greenhouse can still get to over 100F on some days, even with my automatic roof vents, an oscillating fan, and shade cloth in place. Also, if you get any strong wind, such a greenhouse could become airborne unless it's well attached to the ground, or at least you may have some of the plastic tearing loose. Also, clear plastic sheeting will degrade in sunlight, so you may have to replace it every year or two.

If I were you, I'd consider having the plastic on each side hang down and be held in place at the bottom by a piece of wood that you could roll up during the day to get ventilation.

What kinds of things are you concerned about eating your plants?

I'm not trying to discourage you...just want you to be aware of some of the potential complications before you put a lot of effort into it. Many people build simple greenhouses and they work fine for their needs.

Hi
Have been working on a GH for almost 30 years in 10 and still have not arrived lol. The runaway main problem is HEAT even in winter. During summer you will have steamed veggies. Look around your area and see what other people are doing.. Even in 9 I suspect a SH would be far more useful,cheaper to build and operate. look up some designs for these geared toward your zone. gary

Hi Coyle,

How cold does it get during your winters?
I would think that in most of Florida the problem with a closed GH is the heat build-up, and the humid outside air that reduces the effectiveness of evaporative cooling.

I agree with Gary that a shadehouse will probably offer the best balance for you.
Set up the square structure that you plan, and then cover the roof and all sides with the appropriate shade material.
Shade fabric with fine mesh will also double as a critter screen so that you can minimize the number of critters dining in your growing area.

For frost protection (if you need it), you can add a layer of 3-mil or 6-mil greenhouse plastic on the roof and all around the GH during the winter months.
Designate a side that faces away from the cold winds and you can set up a roll-up door there made of the same greenhouse plastic.

And as others have stated, high winds could pose a challenge if the structure is not anchored properly.

Yeah, I thought heat buildup would be a problem. I'll pass on the greenhouse idea (was concerned with squirrels eating my crops but we will see, maybe they won't.)

You could enclose the shadehouse with the wire mesh that they use for chicken cages. I'm not sure what they are called exactly, but that should make it very difficult for squirrels to get into your growing area.
And those would not impede air circulation at all.

I have 4 GH in zone 9 in FL. And use them all the time. The 2 10X12 HFGH that are attached back to back to make one large 10X24 and I love it. I have an auto mist system that I made myself. It keeps the large GH about 82 on these hot days. Spend all my free time out there. I grow orchids and many other plants.
If you want a GH in FL I say have one

This is what I am trying to figure out. I am in the panhandle zone 8. I want to grow some 9 and 10 plants. But worry about the cooking them alive problem. My design I am working on has two fixed insulated ends but the center is removable. That way when it March I can remove the plastic center section. Then when cold weather comes I can pop it back together.
I am also thinking to use in ground solar heating.

What do you all think about an outdoor air conditioner for a backyard greenhouse in Southern Florida (Zone 10)? I mean, it may be a bit expensive, but I figure just run it on the hottest days in summer?

We heated our 8x8 greenhouse with a small electric heater. I don't think it would get that hot to cook your plants. How warm does it get there in the winter? I'm in 8b Ga.

Hi,

I have more of a question than a comment. I live in Inverness FL and it gets into the 40's here sometimes. How can I keep my garden warm in the winter but not have it cook in the summer? Right now I have PVC hoops set up for shade cloth. If I put plastic over the hoops for the cold weather and just rolled up the sides and put shade cloth on the top in the summer would that work?

Also, what would I have to do to actually be able to grow all year long?

Thanks,

Maria

Maria,

If you see lows in the 40's I am guessing that you are close enough to the many small lakes to avoid frost most winters. Each situation is unique but I think you have a good basis to start with what you suggested. Just remember to vent those hoop structures during the day, even in the winter the sun can drive the temperature pretty high by 9:30. We live about 10 miles North of you and our greenhouse is in the mid to high 80's during the day this time of year.

Don

Hello everyone,

Very interesting topic and great responses!

I live in Melbourne, FL. My wife and I have decided to build a 2000+ sq ft greenhouse.

Does any of you know how I can find a professional consultant? If you are the person I'm looking for, please leave a message.

Best,

Mohsen.

Try Imperial Builders Supply in Apopka. They manufacture and have some units on sight.

@roseguy Thank you! we've been going to them recently, and they're awesome and so helpful too.