Greenhouse and Equipment Selection

Now that we have made the choice to move outside, here is the "plan"

Greenhouse:  Rion Prestige, 8' 6'' x 24 '   (see http://www.riongreenhousekit.com/rionprestige.php).  We have included two louvered venting fans (hot in Texas), the automatic roof vent and side louver openers as well as a shade screen.

Water Management:  300 gallon main water tank supplied by a Merlin Garden Pro 750 GPD R.O. system with automatic shutoff kit and Tall Blue Chlorine pre-filter.  For water mixing and reservoirs for the Ebb and Flow grow tables we are using 75 gallon stack-able units.  The water tanks are from Global Industrial (see http://www.globalindustrial.com).  We chose the tanks due to their size, shapes, and industrial quality for outdoor use.

Growing Systems:  We chose 3 Monster Ebb n Gro units to plant our Red Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, dwarf Meyers Lemon and Fig trees.  These units have 5 gallon planter capacities and support up to 12 planters per system.  We will start with 6 on each as the default configuration or 5, 5, and 8 depending on plant purchases / nutrient requirements.

Ebb and Flow Tables:  We chose Botanicare 3'x6'x7" trays for the strawberries.  They will be supplied nutrients from 3 different 75 gallon nutrient storage tanks by 900 gph Bluestone pumps.

Nutrients:  Although we have had great success with the Canna product line, we are going to give the General Hydroponics product line a go in the greenhouse.  They are slightly less expensive - especially on the blooming stage supplements.  Canna Boost is WAY expensive.

Foundation for Greenhouse:  we will construct a standard cinder block foundation to secure the greenhouse, raise it about 8-10 inches, and provide for a nice floor with proper drainage.  We will use 3/4 inch stone aggregate as a base and a crushed fill material that will be compacted.

Pictures / Video updates to come !