Tag Archives: self sustainability

How do I make sure it stays where it is supposed to?

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Pointers on anchoring, what kind of things will impact holding power of anchors,
anchoring after moving a structure

A phrase Norm has used thousands of times in his career is, “There is no such thing as too many anchors.” We consider it important to help customers understand the aerodynamics involved with a greenhouse shape.

The relatively small cost of the anchors is a short-lived savings after a building has blown away or shifted. By understanding and implementing what is required you can ensure a long term usage of your structure.

The job of your anchoring system is to counter the three aerodynamic forces working on your building.

  • Down force is usually seen as snow load
  • Up lift and lateral shift are forces typically associated with wind load
  • Wind going over a structure creates lift similar to wind going over an airplane wing

The first thing you will need to assess is what you are actually working with. If you have bedrock close to the surface, you have large rocks, or you have straight sand, it will impact your options for anchoring.

The actual holding power of your soil is an important consideration. Soil that has been recently excavated has considerably less holding power than soil that has not been moved in a long time.

The total surface area of an anchor post in contact with the soil is an important consideration. Large and short may have more contact area than long and slender.

When anchors can be used in alternating directions, it will multiply their individual holding power.

Wet soil usually does not have the same holding capacity as well drained soil. An important consideration here is rainwater which is shed by the building. As an example, with a 16’ wide structure, 8’ of rainwater goes each way. This means that the narrow area next to your building get 8 times the rain that the rest of the property gets. If you have poorly draining soil, this could be a potential problem.

If you are planning to use the movable structure option, proper anchoring has some additional challenges. Since your building is vulnerable to sudden increases in wind during this process, your anchoring protocol needs to be done quickly. Always do a test in the new area to confirm what you will be working with. With the quickness that is required, there is also a reminder that taking shortcuts will come back to haunt you.

We would like to reiterate, “If you are not 110% sure, please ask” There is no situation out there that is so unusual that we have not already been through it.

Your long term success is very important to us!

We hope you are finding value in this series of posts, helping you prepare for your new growing adventure! Reminder that the deadline is May 31st for Fall Delivery. We look forward to working with you for your projects!

Important Reminder – Self Sufficiency Packages

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Just a quick reminder that you are still able to order the self sufficiency packages after May 31st (and any of our structures!) But it will be later delivery. As an example, when you order in June, it will likely be October delivery.

Please contact the office for specific pricing and delivery times. That is the most reliable way to stay up to date and accurate during these rapidly changing times

We are incredibly grateful to everyone for planning ahead, and for your patience. We love working with you on your projects and are grateful we have been able to continue that throughout the last three decades. Cheers to growing & more in 2021!

self Sufficiency Package InformationDownload

Where is the best place to put the greenhouse?

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Considerations for determining optimum location for growing,
air flow, snow shedding and ground moisture

The first bit of advice we share when asked that question is “Do not put a greenhouse in a place that is not good for anything else”.

You need to pick the best spot to accomplish the goals for your greenhouse. Any of the reasons why this spot would be less than desirable, will come back to haunt you.

This is particularly true when it comes to ground water. If a particular piece of land is always moist or has a very high water table, moisture will be an ongoing problem. A greenhouse will trap and exaggerate excess moisture and become a very unhealthy spot for plants.

If the soil is sub-standard or undesirable where you put the greenhouse, you will be putting extra effort into bringing the soil up to standard.

Proper consideration needs to given to shading on the property. Plants grow in direct proportion to the amount of daily light they receive. Really analyze where and when shade happens. Vegetables and flowers need sun.

A greenhouse needs to be level from side to side so shed snow uniformly. With uneven snow load on a building, it will surprise you how little snow can be a problem. 

Excavation to level a site is usually expensive and messes with the make up of the soil. There are ways to build up the low side if that becomes necessary for the location of your choice.  Some end to end slope is not a problem structurally.

It is generally acknowledged that a north/south orientation will pick up the sunlight better but this is not a serious consideration unless you are into production crops.

If your prevailing winds are constantly hitting the side of the structure, there will be a sideways push which is good to avoid. This orientation will also encourage uneven snow loading. Ventilation is typically easier if the prevailing wind hits the end of the building.

Since the chances of having the “perfect” location, is not likely, it is important to evaluate all of the angles.  Some of the undesirable points can be worked around better than others.

By doing a thorough assessment and then prioritizing, you will be able to come up with the closest to perfect that is practical. You will also have an idea beforehand on what needs to be done sooner than later.

Here is to happy planning and planting.

We hope you find value in this series of posts, helping you prepare for your new growing adventure! Reminder that the deadline is May 31st for Fall Delivery. We look forward to working with you for your projects!

**NEW** Self Sufficiency Packages

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As an interest in growing our own food and being more self sufficient becomes an important value in today’s society, Multi Shelter Solutions wants to offer a solution to those new to growing: something simple, practical and easy to get started

~ Slightly higher ~ Snow Resistant ~ Not high enough for Wind Impact ~

STEPS FOR CHOICE

  1. Choose Your Size
  2. Choose Your Cover Option
  3. Choose Any Add On Value Option
  4. Place Your Order

Please see the download package for full details on all these steps

self-sufficiency-package-information-3Download

1. SIZE OPTIONS

Single: 10′ x 9′ x 8’8″
Double: 14′ x 24′ x 9’7″
Family: 18′ x 30′ x 10’6″

Please note, these packages are different from our MADE TO ORDER STRUCTURE KITS, as these are meant to speed up quoting and ordering, and as such are not able to be modified to be eligible for the special package pricing for these units. They do NOT have engineered drawings available and are sold for customer assembly.

2. COVER OPTIONS

Basic: Season Extender, Single Plastic
Deluxe: Year Round, double plastic, roll up sides, inflator fan

3. ADD ON VALUE OPTIONS

Base Option: Includes pressure treated 4x4s with t-post anchors and fasteners
Vertical Growing Option: Added Roll up Pipe for hanging baskets
Movable Option: Added Skis for versatile growing locations
Ventilation Option: Added Exhaust Fan, Motorized Louvres and Thermostat

4. CONTACT US FOR QUESTIONS & ORDERING

1-866-838-6729
multisheltersolutions @ gmail (dot) com

click to download below slide show in a printable pdf

Self Sufficiency Package InformationDownload

In the following weeks, we will be sharing some articles to help you learn more about growing and considerations for your greenhouse purchase. You can subscribe to have them delivered to your inbox, or you can also click the links below to view them right away.

1. Where is the best place to put the greenhouse?

Factors that determine optimum location for growing, air flow, snow shedding and ground moisture

2. What is the best size and shape for what I want to do?

Covering the sizes we are offering and when it would be best to choose from the website for a more custom situation.

3. How do I make sure it stays where it is supposed to?

Pointers on anchoring, what kind of things will impact holding power of anchors, anchoring after moving a structure

4. How Can I make my greenhouse its best?

Different tips to make it more efficient, proper space for plants, proper light, when to heat and not

5. What are the considerations for growing over the summer?

Ventilation, excess heat, making sure roll up sides are critter proof

6. What are the considerations for growing over winter?

Heating, interior tunnels, air circulation, humidity control

We look forward to helping you with your projects!

Tips for How to Install a Cover and Wirelock & Growing Over Winter – Coffee Time with Norm ep.1

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In the first session of Coffee Time with Norm, Norm answers Nathan Morrison’s question from Maple Grove Nursery and shares tips for installing a cover as well as growing in a greenhouse over winter

1:40 where is the end plastic attached to the end hoop?
Is it the same wirelock channel that I use for the top cover?
If so, how do I go about attaching the bottom of end wall plastic section where the roll up sides are located? (as there won’t be any wire lock down the bottom)
3:00 Norm discusses tips for installing the cover more efficiently on a greenhouse
22:40 Norm discusses growing in a greenhouse over winter and key things to keep in mind and plan for
37:00 We thank you for joining us and invite you to stay tuned for a special announcement about Self Sustainability and Our Greenhouses, coming soon!

The YouTube video mentioned in the video can be found here:
YouTube video “installing multiple covers into one wireless channel”

The article mentioned about being in a windy area can be found here:
https://multisheltersolutions.com/2020/02/28/youre-in-a-windy-area-we-can-help/
Subscribe to our website multisheltersolutions.com to be notified when the full article about Growing Over Winter goes live!

We created Coffee Time with Norm as a way to connect to everyone, regardless of which coast you live on. We aren’t able to attend trade shows this year, so this is our way of still being able to touch base face to face with customers, new and old. It will be a weekly feature, every Wednesday at 9am EST, with recordings posted on social media afterward for anyone who can’t attend live. Please send your questions to multisheltersales@gmail.com and we will address them on the next zoom call.

Please note this is a time for connection, brainstorming solutions to your challenges, learning some information about structures and other questions. If you have a question about an order, or would like a quote, please contact the office separately and we would be happy to help you.

We are excited to have you join us for this new event and we look forward to your questions!