Plans for Fall, Greenhouse and Watering System

     As I sit in the shade of the boxelder tree contemplating next year's garden, my mind often drifts over a number of things.  Lately, it's been a greenhouse and a rainwater collection and distribution system.

Greenhouse

    I have enough space in the house to start plants in the spring, but when re-potting time comes in April, finding space for these plants has been a challenge.
     2 years ago, I acquired the remains of a small greenhouse that had collapsed under a heavy snow load.  There were a number of bent and broken pieces, but some of the framing is still good and I have 18 panels 77" by 23", 4 panels 68" by 23", 2 doors 32" by 76", and a number of smaller pieces.  With these and a little lumber I am hoping to build a 6 foot by 8 foot greenhouse to put in the space between Missouri and Illinois.  I would also like to make it moveable so that once a year or so when I get a big load of manure, or if I need access behind the barn for bigger equipment, it can be moved out of the way.  I hope to have it ready by this fall's frost so I can save a few tomato plants, and maybe grow some greens for later in the year.

Rainwater System

      I mulch a lot, so the need for watering is reduced.  However, this year and all past years when I've felt the need for watering, I've used well water.  Besides the use of electricity to pump the water, cold well water is not as good for plants as warm rainwater.  For collection of rainwater, I've been thinking of installing new rain gutters on the front of our house, so would be able to collect rain from half of our roof, an area of about 420 square feet.  One and a half inches of rain should produce about 400 gallons of water, which is enough to put a half inch of water over the entire 1200 square foot garden.  If next year I decide I need more, I can put rain gutters on the south side of the barn, close to 1200 square feet, which would almost triple the amount collected.  For holding tanks, I have a 4 foot by 5 foot children's wading pool, most recently used as a duck pond, that holds about 125 gallons, and an old satellite dish, most recently used as a goose pond, that holds about 200 gallons.  We no longer have geese or ducks, but I could set one of the pools in the chicken yard, in case we ever do get waterfowl again.  The other will be an elevated water feature in the Alaska area, which is the highest spot in the garden.
     For distribution in the garden, I've done some experimenting with holes drilled in PCV pipe that should work out.  I'll have to do some more tests because of the low pressure of gravity feed, but I'm sure it will work out.   PCV pipe is quite inexpensive. about $2 per 10 foot section.
     With a little luck, my initial investment will be only a few dollars for hose fittings, and maybe $30 to $40 for lumber for the greenhouse.  First frost will be coming in about a month, a little later if I'm lucky, so I better get to work.  I hope my results look better than my "artist's conceptions."
     Any helpful suggestions or comments, please click on "comments" below, or e-mail me at bemidjidavid@gmail.com.