View source for Step 1: Design and Build your greenhouse

__NOTOC__
===1.0 What you need ===
====Bills of Materials====
{{:Greenhouse V3 - Structure: Materials and cost}}


{{:Greenhouse V3 - Cover: Materials and cost}}

====Nota====
{{:Greenhouse V3 - Structure: Materials Nota}}

{{:Greenhouse V3 - Cover: Materials Nota}}

====Equipment====
{{:Greenhouse V3 - Structure: Equipment}}


{{:Greenhouse V3 - Cover: Equipment}}

=== 1.1 Design your greenhouse ===
The final result looks something like this

[[Image:Structure.png|thumb|center|300px|The structure of the greenhouse]]

The first thing you need to do is to calculate the length of the different elements of your greenhouse, and firstly, the wooden barrens.

[[Image:DSC01826-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The wooden barrens]]

You need the following elements to build the structure: 


[[Image:Elements.png|thumb|center|400px|List of wooden bars]]


[[Image:Construction.png|thumb|center|400px|General Overview]]


((Insert table with general dimensions))

Use the [http://p2pfoodlab.net/greenhouse-dimensions.php calculator] to adapt the general dimension of the blueprint to suit your needs.

=== 1.2 Build the greenhouse structure ===
==== 1.2.1 Cut the wooden battens ====
Mark the different elements prior to cut the wood. Double check before cutting, and try to limit wood waste.


[[Image:markbarrens.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Mark the wooden battens]]


Use a hand saw or a [[:Image:DSC03609-crop.JPG|rotating saw]] to cut the battens to length. A mitre box is better to make clean cuts when using a hand saw.


[[Image:DSC01833-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Mitre box]]


Use sandpaper to smooth the edges.

==== 1.2.2 Assemble the battens ====
Start by assembling each sides and the roof separately.


[[Image:assembly2.jpg|thumb|center|300px|One side at a time]]


Use clamps to keep the bars in place while drilling.


[[Image:DSC01843-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|A clamp in action]]


Drill holes before screwing the bars


[[Image:DSC01844-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Drilling before screwing]]


Try to drill "in parallel" to avoid mistakes and measuring dimensions only once.


[[Image:DSC01847-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Drilling in parallel]]


Use a right angle when fixing bars at 90°. Tape bars to keep bars in place after angle is mesured.


[[Image:DSC01849-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Right angle in action]]


[[Image:DSC01850-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Tape on bars]]


To ease the operation, work on a flat zone.


[[Image:DSC01853-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The "flat" work zone]]


To assemble the sides together, use some help from someone else.


[[Image:assembly.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The final assembly, a team effort]]


[[Image:DSC01854-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|With a little help from a wall]]

==== 1.2.3 Cut the palette wood ====
Option 1: Disassemble the palette by using a crowbar, a hammer and/or a nail puller => best solution to limit wood waste

Option 2: Cut the palette woods between the legs => best solution if you're lazy

[[Image:DSC02026-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Option 1: Disassemble]]
[[Image:DSC02022-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Option 2: Cut]]


Cut as many panels as needed as width may vary depending on the palette. Length should be around 30 cm, check the up-to-date blueprint above.


[[Image:DSC02028-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Side panels]]

==== 1.2.4 Assemble the side panels ====
Put the side panels in place and use tape to keep them in place. Wait after putting the geotextile to drill and screw. 


[[Image:DSC02030-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Keep side panels in place with tape]]

==== 1.2.5 Add the geotextile ====

Cut the geotextile to dimensions (side-only or with bottom depending of your configuration) and place it inside the side panels. Keep it in place with tape to find the right position.

[[Image:DSC02035-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Cut geotextile]]


[[Image:DSC02036-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Place geotextile]]


Take extra-caution with the angles


[[Image:DSC02037-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Angle]]


Fill greenhouse with soil. Fix geotextile and/or wood panels if needed.


[[Image:DSC02089-1364x908.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The soil keeps panels in place]]

=== 1.3 Make the greenhouse cover ===
==== 1.3.1 Draw the shape on the plastic ====
Use a long ruler to draw the shape on the cover plastic. Respect the dimensions as we don't want any extra material on the greenhouse.

[[Image:cutcover.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Draw shape on plastic]]

==== 1.3.2 Cut the plastic ====
Cut the plastic with scissors.

==== 1.3.3 Sew the velcro ====
Use a sewing thread not too thick, as it will break in the sewing machine, but strong enough.


[[Image:coudre.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Sewing machine]]

==== 1.3.4 Fix the velcro on the greenhouse ====
Use staples to fix the velcro.

[[Image:velcro.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The velcro]]


[[Image:velcro2.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The velcro]]

===1.4 Add the roof===
Add the roof after putting the cover on the sides of the greenhouse


[[Image:Roof.jpg|thumb|center|300px|The roof]]


Add the velcro on the roof and cut the cover to make a hinge.