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Low-Cost Greenhouses
Made From Cattle Panels

Joe Leihgeber uses wire cattle panels for many jobs around his Williamsburg, Ohio farmstead. His newest and best idea is using them to make low-cost mini-greenhouses.

So far, he's built two 8-ft. high greenhouses using cattle panels and barn siding. He covers the arched panels with 6 mil 20 by 100-ft. plastic that can be easily replaced as needed.

The 3-ft. high walls are made from 2 by 4's and particle board, covered on the ouside by used barn siding. He puts a new storm door in one end and installs a fan, electric heater and shutters, all operated by thermostatic control. There are tables down each side to hold plants.

"Lots of the greenhouses on the market are very costly and some don't hold up in storms," he says. "This method is cheaper and the buildings will last as long as your house."

Leihgeber builds the greenhouses on skids so he can easily move them. "I made them portable so if I decide I would like it in some other spot, no problem," he says.

It cost him about $1,000 for the materials to build a 12 by 14-ft. greenhouse and $850 to build a 8 by 14-ft. greenhouse.

He's willing to sell detailed plans if there's interest.

Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Joseph Q. Leihgeber, 1815 Bardwell West, Williamsburg, Ohio 45176 (ph 937 444-4835; email: Josephq12@aol.com).

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