Food growing · Build soil, beds and infrastructure · food-16

Erect protected structures

Build the cold frames, tunnel, greenhouse or shade house chosen in food-10.

How

Anchor tunnel posts securely; NC State describes hoops fixed to posts driven about 60 cm (2 feet) into the ground.
Use greenhouse-grade polyethylene for covers. NC State notes film lasts about one to three years, so budget for replacement.
Install ventilation: roll-up sides, end-wall vents or ridge vents for tunnels; for greenhouses NC State suggests summer ventilation of 1 to 1.5 air changes per minute.
Keep temperatures for tomatoes, peppers and eggplant from exceeding about 32 degrees C (90 degrees F) for more than a few hours when flowering, per NC State.
Fit drip irrigation inside the structure; SARE notes this keeps foliage dry and helps avoid overwatering.
For shade houses, stretch cloth on a frame high enough to work under and allow air to move freely.
Never use unvented propane or kerosene heaters in a greenhouse; vent combustion heaters outside, as NC State advises.

Safety: Unvented fuel heaters can produce carbon monoxide. Fit a CO alarm in any heated greenhouse you work in (see safety module).