The greenhouse is indispensable in the country, because it protects plantings from the weather and helps seedlings to develop more actively. Plastic bottles are a great alternative to expensive components that are just as reliable.
Pros and cons of plastic bottles as material for greenhouses
As a blank for constructing a greenhouse, plastic bottles have a number of advantages over other raw materials: film, glass or wood.
- Strength. Provides a high level of reliability for the frame of the greenhouse. This light substance that does not tear and does not burn out in the bright sun will not break under the weight of snow. Unlike a layer of glass, a bottle is much stronger, will not break and will not burst in severe frosts.
- With the help of various colors, it becomes possible to control the places of blackout. For example, using green or brown, you can create comfortable conditions for shade-loving sprouts. Transparent colorless - provides bright light, scattering ultraviolet rays, thereby protecting plants from their harmful effects.
- Excellent thermal insulation. In its structure, plastic is able to retain heat without blocking the access of oxygen, and thanks to the air gap in the bottle, heat conservation reaches the highest level. In areas with a cold climate, 2 rows of containers are designed to protect seedlings from frost and drafts.
- Cheapness. Compared to other materials used in the construction of greenhouses, plastic bottles cost significantly less. It is not necessary to buy, just have patience and start harvesting in the fall. Plastic does not harm plants and soil, it is a relatively environmentally friendly material that can replace metal and wood, sheathed with plastic wrap. The greenhouse made of this material will not rot and rust; it will serve as intended for a long time.
- Processing plastic containers is very simple and non-hazardous, such work can be entrusted even to a child. Special skills are not required for this, only enthusiasm and one's own desire. In addition, plastic is not heavy, so the construction will not take much effort.
However, there is one drawback, because of which gardeners refuse this idea. In order to construct a strong, stable greenhouse that has been idle for many years, it is necessary to have 600-2000 plastic bottles. True, it is rather a matter of time and patience, having accumulated the right amount of procurement material, the rest of the assembly is not difficult.
Necessary tools
During the construction of the greenhouse, starting with site measurements and ending with the installation of the frame, the assembly of the main part, special tools must be prepared in advance:
- construction awl;
- cutter;
- hacksaw for wood and metal;
- hammer;
- nails of various sizes;
- kapron thread and copper wire;
- tape measure and measuring tape;
- level;
- pencil, paper, ruler;
- plastic bottles;
- wooden bars;
- mounting rail.
At various stages of construction, a need for certain tools will arise, so it is important to organize the workplace well.
It is necessary to build in protective gloves, so as not to damage the hands, it is also advisable to wear special overalls and glasses when working on wood, to prevent sawdust from getting into your eyes and clothes. In addition, you always need to have a first-aid kit on hand, in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Plastic bottle preparation
Before proceeding with the construction of the greenhouse, the procurement material must be prepared. For this, a number of events are carried out:
- First you need to sort the bottles according to certain parameters, such as color and displacement. It is not necessary to divide the plastic into green, brown and transparent; sorting color or colorless is enough. Accuracy must be observed with the volume so that no difficulties arise during assembly.
- Each container should be cleaned: remove labels and adhesive layer. To do this, they need to be placed in water, and left for 2-3 days. Thanks to this procedure, the containers are disinfected and the glue residue can easily separate.
- After cleaning, they need to be checked outdoors for several days. This is to ensure that all unpleasant and chemical odors are weathered.
This procedure is time-consuming, since it is necessary to carefully process each of the 2000 containers, therefore it is carried out gradually, as the necessary materials are acquired. After completing the preparation of plastic blanks, you can begin construction.
Seat selection
The best location for a greenhouse made of plastic bottles is the south or southwest part of the plot, depending on the development of the territory and the placement of beds. Shaded areas near buildings and fences should be avoided; it is important that the greenhouse has direct direct access to sunlight.
Plastic perfectly disperses ultraviolet radiation, so there is no need to create additional dimming. It is worth paying attention to the direction of the wind, because due to an unstable foundation with strong gusts and hurricanes, the greenhouse can turn over. It is desirable that the wind does not penetrate the structure. If the greenhouse is located in an open space, then you only need to think about placing the beds inside and strengthening the foundation with the help of improvised means: tires or concrete. In particularly rainy regions, the choice of place should be approached with particular forethought. It is important that the foundation is not washed away, and the tree that serves as the frame does not rot, otherwise the greenhouse may collapse, destroying the seedlings.
In this case, you need to place the structure on a natural or artificial hill, overlying the foundation with pebbles or rubble.
It is not necessary to construct a greenhouse in the vicinity of flower beds and beds, so as not to damage the root system of plants. After the location is determined, it is necessary to prepare the land. To do this, a number of works are being done to level the soil and clean the area from debris, weeds and residual root systems. Also, stones found in the soil should be removed, the earth should be soft and loose. Having prepared the site, you can start marking the territory.
Types of greenhouses and walls of bottles
Greenhouses from bottles are divided into only 4 types, which differ not only in external characteristics: shape, size, but also in how to use the prepared material. Depending on the type chosen, the construction will take different time and effort, as well as the number of containers needed and the quality of their pre-treatment. Each type has its advantages, disadvantages and is used depending on the needs of the gardener.
From whole bottles
This method is most popular due to its simplicity and practicality. Preparation of material and carrying out appropriate work will not take much time and effort. Also, the appearance of the finished greenhouse is quite original, the structure will serve as a bright decoration of the site.
To construct it, you must follow the step by step instructions:
- First, the bottom of the cleaned bottles needs to be removed so that the cut is approximately rounded. Thus, the diameter of the resulting hole will be slightly smaller than the diameter of the container in the middle part.
- The greatest strength is achieved by stringing the finished plastic material to each other. Carefully press the top of one bottle into the cut at the bottom of the other. It is important to ensure that the containers do not slip and hold tight.
- The frame needs to be prepared in advance. The best material for it will be wood, as it is light and strong. On the frame, it is necessary to pull 2 rows of elastic threads at a small distance equal to the approximate width of the bottles.
- Then carefully lay tight pipes between the threads, consisting of plastic bottles connected together. It is necessary to ensure that there are no gaps between them and they are closely adjacent to the walls of the frame, otherwise the design will be unstable.
- For greater reliability after installation, plastic pipes should be carefully secured with adhesive tape, electrical tape or wrapped with thick adhesive paper. If everything is done correctly, the structure will be able to withstand any weather, even in winter: heavy snowfalls and snowstorms. Dismantling the frame with the onset of cold weather is optional.
- The design of this type will function for at least 10 years, after which it must be updated, replacing adhesive tape and deteriorated plastic bottles.
For a project of this type, solid containers with a 1.5-2 liter displacement are used. Moreover, all bottles should be the same size. The minimum amount of procurement material is 400 pieces, there is no upper threshold. During construction, it is not recommended to use unreliable tools that will only reduce the life of the greenhouse. For example, you should not fasten the containers with the help of a clerical stapler, otherwise, with a strong wind, the plastic will tear and the structure will collapse.
Also, fishing line, which will fray after 5-6 years due to exposure to sunlight, will negatively affect the stability of the frame. An ordinary thread can rot, which is dangerous not only for the long-term structure, but also for plants.
From bottle plates
This method is more complex and requires more impact, but the result is worth the effort. The greenhouse is not inferior in reliability and structure to wooden and metal structures, and the appearance resembles a glass greenhouse.
- First, the bottle must be cut from both ends, removing the neck and bottom. The resulting part should have a rectangular elongated shape.
- In order for the plastic to stop folding, the sheets must be carefully smoothed with an iron, using thick paper.
- Aligned blanks should be 17x32 cm, after which they can be sewn together with metal wire.
- Plastic sheets need to be laid on top of each other so that there is no space left between them.
- Finished plates must be secured with nails to the frame.
Greenhouse for tomatoes and cucumbers
The main principle of this type of design is the alternation of bottles with colored and transparent plastic, which results in the effect of half-dimming, which favorably affects the growth of cucumbers and tomatoes.
- First you need to choose a suitable rail so that it matches the height of the entire structure.
- Plastic plates prefabricated from bottles are attached to the rails using a furniture gun. It is important that the workpieces are the same size.
- On the inside, you can also place a film for greater reliability and insulation.
Mini greenhouses
To make such a greenhouse is very simple: just remove the bottom of the bottle and cover it with a plant. The result is an individual greenhouse. The cover should be opened as necessary for ventilation.
Such a greenhouse can be used both in an open area and in an apartment when growing seedlings. To do this, you need to divide the bottle in half and make a hole in the bottom for drainage, fill the soil there and cover with a second fragment from above. Bottles are recommended to be selected with a volume of 3-8 liters, depending on the size of the shoots.
