When the cold of winter has the northeast in its grip, the garden catalogs arrive and we are seduced by the myriad of offerings. For those of us that do not have real greenhouses, this indoor miniature one fills in.
This "greenhouse" is made from 2x4's for the frame, a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood, 3/4x11/2 inch strips along the sides of the plywood to help fasten the leg braces and eight double 40 watt fluorescent lamps on chains. A thermostatically controlled heated shelf at one end, mid way up, is used to provide bottom heat for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings.
The plywood is 1/2 inch thick, of exterior grade, and sanded on one side. Exterior grade is used to minimize delaminating from the ever present water. Use some good water resistant paint over primer on the plywood after the side strips are put on and the unit is assembled. For extra security, you may glue and clamp the side strips to the plywood and add some wood screws. Use a water resistant glue such as Titebond II.
The side strips on the short side of the plywood are recessed to make room for brackets attached to the vertical legs. These brackets are for supporting the plywood table on the legs during initial assembly.
The brackets were attached 29 inches up from floor level. The plywood table was then placed on the brackets of all four legs (this may require others' help) and fastened to them with wood screws. A 45 degree angle brace was then attached to the leg and side rail, then another to the bracket and the short side of the plywood. Lag bolts were inserted in the bottoms of the legs for leveling the table.
The tops of the eight foot tall vertical legs were then connected together with 2x4's. The long sections are the supports for the fluorescent lamp chains and the power outlets.
Setting Up the Greenhouse Lighting
Standard three wire grounded double outlets were used for power. Instead of four for the eight lamps, two were used and a converter attached from two to six outlets for each. This simplifies the power distribution and provides outlets for the heated tray and a fan. Your electric code probably calls for connecting the outlets with armored BX cable.
Hooks for the lamp hanging chains are attached to the same upper rail used for power outlets. The chains should be four feet in length. The bracket that comes with the fluorescent lamp is supported on an S hook which is attached to the chain. The height of the lamp is easily adjusted to accommodate the growing plants. The S hook can also be temporarily attached to the top of the chain to lift the lamps out of the way for watering.
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