Lessons learned

The greenhouse is dismantled, the plastic sheeting is rolled up and in the shed for future use. The pipes are in a pile which I'll make neater tomorrow. A number of pipes and fittings simply broke from the wind. Pipes are still usable, just have to cut the broken parts off. Salvaged the self-drilling screws, which come in handy.

So, I learned a few lessons from all this. Think it best to pass them along for anyone who may wish to build a greenhouse in the future.

1- PVC is a great choice for building a greenhouse in most places. Not so much in Albuquerque. There are even other places in NM where it would be suitable but the winds here are too strong at times. At least, for anything the size I was building. Something smaller would have less wind resistance, so would be more likely to work. I'm also sure it could be done here but the strength, fittings and such required would become so expensive that any savings would become lost. Wood or metal is much more practical for anything large here.

2- If you plan on building a greenhouse, spend the time and money on continuous plastic sheeting. It will save you time, effort, heartache and most likely money in the long run. Order it before you start building and, if you do the work yourself, it will probably be delivered by the time the frame is done.

3- If you have a large dog, plastic sheeting may well be a bad idea. If you still choose to use plastic sheeting, I would advise placing lateral PVC pipes about every 6-8" for the lowest 3-4 ft around any sides the dog can access, starting at ground level. If you place them vertically, the dog may still try to squeeze between them. If you leave a space at ground level, the dog will try to dig underneath.

4- Wood is more expensive than PVC but only by about 50%. If funds are limited, start with a smaller and adaptable design. If designed for it, it can be expanded later. Just build to the width you want and keep the length short. Then it only requires taking down the sheeting, adding length and putting the sheeting back up on the new rear end. It is also much easier and more secure to attach plastic sheeting to and can later be adapted to glass or polycarbonate, if so desired.

Hope this gives some valid advice to anyone who decides to build a greenhouse in Albuquerque or anywhere that experiences winds as we do here. PVC simply won't stand up to wind gusts of 50-60 mph.