It’s certainly one of the cooler days this week as we welcome the first day of spring in Ohio. I’m currently in the dome greenhouse, recording a VLOG where I address a question from a thoughtful reader. I truly appreciate the support you all provide by sharing your comments and questions. Tune in to discover my tips on constructing a ‘lean-to greenhouse’ attached to an existing chicken coop, along with some spring tasks happening in my growing area.
Lean To Greenhouse – It’s Spring VLOG
Given that today is one of the cooler days of the week, the stroll to the dome served as a delightful reminder that spring has officially arrived. We’ve been enjoying warm and breezy days in the 60s, prompting some trees and plants to begin sprouting new buds. However, it’s still too early to get overly enthusiastic about outdoor activities. In this VLOG (video blog), I share my insights on building a lean-to greenhouse and highlight some enjoyable tasks to tackle this season in the dome.
My video is embedded from my Bren Haas YouTube Channel. While you’re welcome to subscribe, the best way to reach me and get a quick answer to your questions is through my website.
Lean To Greenhouse on Chicken Coop
As discussed in today’s video, while I can’t draw from personal experience with chicken coops, I can share insights from having a greenhouse connected to a small livestock building. My first greenhouse was attached to a shed where we raised rabbits for shows. There are some crucial factors to consider if your greenhouse shares an entryway with livestock like rabbits. For the purpose of today’s discussion, let’s assume the chicken coop is no longer housing any animals and is solely used for growing. Here are the key points to keep in mind when constructing this lean-to:
- Be sure the greenhouse structure is in full sun. You will need as much light as you can get during the spring and Autumn season to extend the season when it comes to plants in Ohio.
- Make sure you use a treated lumber foundation board that is rated for moisture since this will be sitting on top of the soil or pavement.
- GO BIGGER then you think you may need because it is easy to heat larger spaces and nice to be able to move around in this space.
- Use treated lumber to build the frame of this structure or consider recycling an old aluminum greenhouse frame. You may just get lucky on resale or auction sites and find a frame that you can easily attach plastic or poly carbonate sheets to.
One of the top benefits of attaching a greenhouse to an existing sturdy structure is it will help block wind and also help with passive heating. That is a whole new topic to discuss. Maybe the new greenhouse we build will be attached to the bunny shed in a lean to design. The questions submitted give me something to think about indeed! Happy SPRING friends.
Happy Spring
Here are a few images from my home garden including the dome greenhouse. SPRING is here!
Click on Each Image for Bigger View
Let’s Connect
In conclusion to reading this post and watching the video I hope you consider leaving feedback below. I would love to hear about your greenhouse or maybe thoughts on building one some day. Please don’t be shy and comment in the space provided below.
Happy Spring 2025 Everyone,
Bren
