It's a start, right? Are you working on it tomorrow too??

We'll do more tomorrow but probably won't finish.
And I haven't ordered the thermocubes yet.
But, no real cold in the forecast. So I have time, right? 😳
--Erik

Good start, folks.

3 more walls, couple o' beams across to hold a rigid roof, and Bob's your uncle 😆 😆

Did we forget to tell you that the moment it's done and in place, your temps will warm up for a month?
Barb

I'm sure you'll have lots of time.. Just keep plugging away at it.. When do you usually get cold to stay?

Scotty,
temperatures here fluctuate all winter. A few years ago we got to 0 oF (-18 oC) in early December; we have also hit 80 oF in February several times in recent years. In general, though, early January is always cold. Well, almost always. So, basically, I want to be ready on short notice.
Last night we only got to 31 oF (-1 oC) which is no big deal. This palm hut is for a trio of Chameadorea radicalis, which I have not grown outside but assume need serious protection. The extra challenge is that I am going to try over-wintering Musa basjoo stems in there to give them sun protection in Spring. So, I hope to keep temps at or above freezing all winter. And oh yes, I want to be able to see my palm hut plants in winter. Nothing like a challenge, right? And to top it off, we are broke and so have to make this palm hut with stuff we have lying around the farm.
The front is an old sheet of glass from a door. The back is insulated with unused fiberglass insulation, with sheet metal to keep the wind and chickens out. Sides are plastic so far. The roof is still being designed. I'll keep throwing the "sun shade" over top for the cold nights until it is done.
Stay tuned for construction updates.
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yjkNGKVvqlRw7O8C5Wkjqg?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " height="478" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" http://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/November2010?feat=embedwebsit e">November 2010</a></td></tr></table>

You two have been busy 😀
Is W on the south side? (glass is east?) great orientation

Nice work! Love it!
Barb

Barb,
this is a work in progress. W is MUCH better than I am at design details. Basically, this is all her work.
The glass faces SE and so will catch the morning light as it comes around the house (even down here the sun is low in winter). My hope is that will lead to quick warm-ups.
W wants to replace the sheet metal on the SW (where she is standing) with something translucent to let evening sun in to warm water buckets we have in there to buffer temp. fluctuations.
Again, everyone, this is a work in progress. Suggestions welcome! I know many of you have been building palm huts for years and must have useful tips for us. --Erik

looks better than mine! I set mine up today for my Trachy takil 'nanital', Wollemi pine and Sabal 'birmingham.

Before poly:
<img src= >

With 6mil film on:
<img src= >

Are you going with double poly layers?

Hi Steve,

I'm only using single poly layer with some jugs full of water inside......and xmas lights. I'll turn on lights on cold nights. Trachy has been through 2 winters with this protection and works......the leaves are green in spring. We don't get that cold here....generally less than 10 nights below 10F and a couple nights near or just below 0F (-18C).

good frame idea, Tim, heavy snow would just slide off as long as plastic is taut.
And that solid fence protects from winter wind. 😀
Zone envy!!!! 😆
Barb

Hi Barb,

so far the snow hasn't caused any structrual issues......10 years ago I started with 4 mil plastic and learned very fast that it's not durable enough.............I replaced the plastic in 20F degree weather in January after it was screaded by wind. 6 mil plastic does fine.

I'm not looking forward to this:
<img src= >

😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯

Hopefully it's a while yet before you see that scene again, Tim.
Thanks for the (BRRRRRR) pic.