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To buy a greenhouse on a mitlider gable. Greenhouse construction according to Mitlider - installation diagram, drawings and calculations

The author of narrow land ridges, Jacob Mitlider, is the creator of a special greenhouse. Mitlider’s idea of the beds was slightly altered in Russian, but the drawings of a special greenhouse are copied and built with their own hands. All about technology, as well as video - further.

Greenhouse according to Mitlider: features and types

Already, many people who are engaged in agriculture around the world have managed to evaluate the effectiveness of the "American" - a greenhouse of a peculiar design proposed by Dr. Jacob Mitlider. Its differences with a traditional greenhouse are as follows:

Attention! If there is no room for a greenhouse of this size in your summer cottage, you can reduce the proportions. However, keep in mind that in this case, the rate of warming up and cooling down of the greenhouse will change.

The traditional view of the Mitlider construction is a vertical building with a roof having 2 slopes of different heights. Another common option is a greenhouse in the form of an arch with a two-level roof.

There are also drawings according to which it is possible to build a greenhouse with two ventilation windows. One of them is located under the slope on the south side, and the other is above it, but from the north. Plants in any of these structures do not overheat, you do not even need to use additional ventilation. The natural exchange of air helps to maintain the required level of carbon dioxide, which nourishes the future crop.

Preparations for the construction of the Mitlider greenhouse

If you decide to build such a greenhouse on your own, first choose a suitable place at your dacha. It should be flat and sunny. If the site is located on a slope, terracing. Form horizontal ledges and reinforce them. Remember to orient the building from west to east. Having made the necessary measurements, stock up on a drawing of the future greenhouse. It will help coordinate your actions at any stage of construction.

Prepare the necessary material:

bars with a section of 100 x 100 mm. For 5 central posts, the length should be 3.05 m, for 10 side posts - 2.15 m;
10 rafters: 5 - 1,900 mm long each, 5 more - 1,310 mm long, rails for side parts and doors - all these elements should have a section of 50 x 75 mm;
boards 25 x 200 mm for the bottom trim and corner struts;
wooden bars for the ridge element and beam guides;
bars with a section of 50 x 50 mm and wedges of 7 mm for windows;
5 triangle shaped wedges cut from 7mm plywood. Size - 500 x 500 x 500 mm;
5 support bars 327 mm long with cut corners;
film or;
rails (for film fastening) or polycarbonate, self-tapping screws, nails.

Advice. The Mitlider greenhouse is a fairly reliable structure, but if you still want to give it additional stability, make a foundation from any material available to you before starting construction. This is justified if you put the greenhouse in one place once and for all.

Construction erection. Step by step instruction

Base installation:

lay 3-meter bars around the perimeter with a section of 100 x 100 mm;
fix the corners with self-tapping screws;
check the diagonals of the resulting rectangle: they must be equal;
measure with a level how horizontally the bars are located;
drive pegs around the entire perimeter of the resulting base and fasten them with self-tapping screws.

Frame installation:

knock down the side walls on a flat surface;
measure their diagonals, and if they are equal, set the slopes;
put the walls vertically, attach with screws to the base;
from a beam of 50 x 75 mm, mount the end walls, making the distance between them 0.7 m.

Arrangement of window and door openings:

make 2 windows, keeping in mind that the base for the frame, like the roof slope, has a slope of 30 °;
attach window structures to frames using clamps and canopies;
assemble the door using bars with a section of 50 x 50 mm;
attach 7 mm wedges to the base: at the corners and 2 at the junction of the door frame with the bar in the middle;
install the door, if desired, equip it with fittings (handles, locks).

Roof installation:

assemble 5 structures, using for each one rafter 1900 mm long and one rafter 1310 mm long. Do this in such a way that the northern slope is steeper than the southern one and 45 cm higher than it. The distance between the extreme points should be 2.4 m;

attach plywood wedges-triangles, making gaps between the nails about 0.5 m;
install the rafters on the walls, placing first 2 side structures, and then 3 others, at the same distance from each other. Fix them with self-tapping screws. Make a temporary support for the roof so that it remains vertical;
under the very top of the roof, place a bar for fastening window sashes with a section of 75 x 50 mm;
additionally fix the board from above;
between the rafters below the window openings, fasten a row of short bars.

Advice. Wooden structural elements that will touch wet ground should be pre-treated, for example, with drying oil. This will increase the resistance of the material to destruction. It is also possible to use larch as a raw material for the manufacture of frame parts. It is quite resistant to decay, although additional treatment with an antiseptic will not hurt her.

Features of sheathing the greenhouse frame with film or polycarbonate

If you decide to cover the greenhouse with a film, take note of a few nuances:

attach the material to the frame and secure it by laying thin wooden slats on top;
upholster window openings and doors in the same way;
mitlider technology involves a double layer of film on the greenhouse. The distance between them is at least 5-7 cm. This effectively protects plants from severe frosts.

Those who have chosen polycarbonate as a covering material for a greenhouse should remember a few recommendations:

holes for self-tapping screws must be made in advance, and the diameter of the drill should be 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the required holes;
polycarbonate sheets cannot be pressed hard;
the material is protected from UV radiation on one side only. Most often, it is not colorless, but bluish, because it is covered with a special film.

Advice. For a greenhouse that is planned to be covered with polycarbonate, the frame is usually made not from wood, but from a profile pipe. Bars are more often used for film greenhouses. This is due to the peculiarities of fasteners of the material itself: self-tapping screws are taken for polycarbonate, and rails with nails for the film.

Greenhouses built according to the technique of the American Jacob Mitlider are considered the most functional. They have earned such a reputation due to the fact that each structural element of them is as effective as possible. The construction of the structure is not too different from the installation of other greenhouses.

If you decide to make a greenhouse according to individual markings, but are not confident in your abilities, you can involve a specialist in drafting the project. At the same time, it is not difficult to find ready-made drawings and calculations on thematic resources, as well as video examples of do-it-yourself construction.

Construction of a greenhouse according to Mitlider: video

Greenhouse according to the Mitlider scheme: photo

Modeled after California's Jacob Mitlider, greenhouses are well thought out. They optimize gas exchange, the use of sunlight and heat. A large area of window openings provides fast and efficient ventilation. Such structures are erected from wooden beams or a metal profile. Greenhouses are sheathed with two layers of polyethylene film or polycarbonate. The Mitlider greenhouse is also good because it is easy to build it with your own hands.

Unlike traditional greenhouses, the two roof slopes have a different angle of inclination. They do not occur on a ridge beam, but are connected by a half-meter vertical wall. All of it consists of one or more fanlights for exhaust ventilation. This wall is oriented to the south. In the upper part of the southern wall there is a row of inlet transoms. The design optimizes the use of greenhouse space, improves natural gas exchange, which is necessary for the rapid development of plants and obtaining good yields. With an equal consumption of materials, a greenhouse according to the Mitlider method is 25-35% more efficient than a conventional one.

Advantages and disadvantages

What are the main advantages of the American gardener's design? It has the following advantages compared to conventional greenhouses:

fast uniform air exchange due to the large length of the transoms;
the location of the building relative to parts of the world keeps the plants from excessive cooling during ventilation;
when airing, there are no drafts that can harm sensitive crops;
the use of a wooden frame prevents the formation of condensate;
frequent set and frame braces provide resistance to wind gusts;
large height and volume create comfortable conditions for plants and care for them.

Along with the advantages, the greenhouse also has a number of disadvantages:

the complexity of the design, high accuracy of marking, manufacturing and assembly of parts is required;
the upper location of the transoms makes it difficult to manipulate them;
in the northern regions, it is required to significantly strengthen the structure in order to withstand the increased snow load.

Varieties of designs

The most common version of the simplified Mitlider greenhouse design, assembled by hand, consists of straight walls, two roof slopes and a ventilation opening. The aspect ratio is usually 1:2. Cover the greenhouse with plastic wrap or polycarbonate sheet.

The classic design of the Mitlider also provides for another row of vents along the top of the south wall. It is this design that ensures optimal air circulation in the volume.

In the arched version, the frame is assembled from a curved metal profile. This design is better suited for the northern regions: a smaller volume of air warms up faster, and the arched frame is better able to withstand snow loads. In addition, snow falls off the sloping walls on its own. Profile pipes are heavy, so a concrete foundation is required.

Site Selection Criteria

The main criteria in determining the location of the Mitlider greenhouse are:

orientation relative to the cardinal points and the horizon;
illumination;
soil properties.

The Mitlider greenhouse is oriented with the upper transom to the south or southwest. This orientation ensures the maximum use of sunlight and heat for the rapid and full development of plants. The blind wall will be directed to the north, the ends - to the east and west. For installation, choose a flat piece of land or a prepared terrace on the southern slope. A slope of up to 10 ° can be compensated by deepening the foundation on one side. The northern slopes are not recommended for installation: the temperature and illumination on them are lower, this will not allow to fully show and use the advantages of the structure.

To ensure maximum illumination, the southern, western and eastern wall should not be obscured by fences, trees, other plantings or buildings. But to cover the "American" from the predominant wind direction will be very useful.

If natural soil is used, its qualities must be assessed:

depth of subsoil waters;
drainage efficiency;
acidity.

Neighborhood with septic tanks and settling wells, wind turbines, garden ponds is not recommended. If the soil in a favorably lit place is heavy, bulk beds supported by boards can be used. And bring good soil into them. Waterlogged soils will require local drainage.

Installation technology of a wooden greenhouse with a gable roof

This design is the easiest to manufacture, but with the installation it will have to tinker. From the home master you will need a confident possession of carpentry skills.

Materials and tools

You will need the following tools for installation:

electric saw or jigsaw;
screwdriver;
shovel;
ladder;
measuring tool: tape measure, level, square.

From the materials you will need:

timber 100 * 100 for the foundation;
bar 50 * 75 for rafters and racks;
bar 50 * 50 for transoms;
bioprotective impregnation;
painting tool or spray gun;
reinforced corners 50*50*35*2;
hinges for doors and windows;

self-tapping screws;
polycarbonate or plastic film from 150 microns.

Blueprints

According to the above drawing, you get a greenhouse with an area of 16.1 m2

The same dimensions can be realized with the help of a metal profile.

Foundation

For a wooden structure, a foundation of beams is usually placed. The sequence of operations is as follows:

clear and level the site;
mark the place for the foundation, mark it with pegs and a cord;
dig a recess of 10-15 cm around the perimeter, width - 25-30 cm;
half fill with sand and tamp;
moisten abundantly and repeat the rammer;
mark and cut out the foundation beams, make quarter cuts at the corners;
impregnate the timber with bioprotective impregnation;
lay waterproofing on a layer of sand so that it goes onto the walls of the trench;
lay the bars, check the squareness of the structure: the diagonals should be equal to each other.

The foundation is completed with a second layer of waterproofing.

frame

The frame is more convenient to assemble together. This will significantly speed up the work and increase the accuracy of installation.

Start with the construction of side (long) walls:

mark and file vertical racks based on a step of 70-100 cm;
mark and saw off the bars for the horizontal top trim;
assemble a wall blank on the ground, strengthen it with building corners;
install jibs;
move the wall to the foundation and attach to it with the help of corners.

For the manufacture of end walls, two racks of 100 * 100 timber are connected to the horizontal parts of the end frames. The blanks are moved to the foundation, docked with long walls and fastened with corners. The verticality of the frame elements is checked using a level or plumb line.

Windows and doors

The greenhouse door should be wide enough for a garden wheelbarrow or cart to pass through, usually 70-80 cm is enough. The height of the door should allow you to enter the greenhouse without hitting the lintel with your head. Given the height of the foundation, 180 cm will be enough for most.

Bars for doors and windows are cut and assembled using corners. For doors, it is imperative to make and carefully fit the jibs directed from the lower hinge to the upper opposite corner. They will help to avoid sagging and warping of the door. The same jibs, only symmetrical, strengthen the window frames.

Roof

The roof is assembled in the following sequence:

two horizontal beams are attached to the central end supports;
rafters are installed from them to the top of the long walls, moving alternately either along the north or south side;

Building sheathing

To complete the construction, it must be sheathed. To do this, use a plastic film or polycarbonate sheets.

When choosing a polyethylene film for sheathing, the following factors should be considered:

ordinary thin film will hardly last one season;
the material must be resistant to ultraviolet rays, otherwise the season will not last;
reinforcing mesh fused into the film will allow the material to last for several years;
antistatic coating reduces the amount of settling dust and preserves the transparency of the film;
the hydrophilic coating of the film saves plants from waterlogging by condensate dripping from the roof: the drops roll down the walls.

The film is attached as follows:

polyethylene is unwound from a roll on a flat area, one edge of the sleeve is cut;
the panel is cut to the size of the wall, applied to it and attached to the uprights with the help of a glazing bead and wallpaper nails;
for fastening, you can also use wide strips fixed with self-tapping screws.
the roof, windows and doors are covered;
the operation is repeated from inside the greenhouse.

The air layer formed during the two-layer coating will ensure the preservation of daytime heat even with occasional frosts.

The nuances of manufacturing an arched structure from a profile pipe

The arched structure is able to carry a large snow and wind load. The streamlined shape reduces wind resistance, and the snow itself descends from the slopes. You can purchase a ready-made greenhouse "Novator" according to Mitlider, or you can, if you have the skills to work with metal and the appropriate equipment, make it yourself.

Materials and tools

Such a design can no longer be made from wooden beams, a metal profile will be required. To process it, you need the following tools:

pipe bender;
hacksaw or jigsaw;
welding machine with consumables;
Angle Grinder;
screwdriver or drill;
measuring and marking tool: tape measure, level, square, marker;
drills for metal;
shovel;
container for mixing the solution;
construction mixer or nozzle for a drill;

The need for a concrete strip foundation will also change the list of materials:

metal profile 30*30*1.5, galvanized or paintable;
metal profile 20*20*1;
fittings 4-8mm;
fittings for doors and windows;
primer and paint;
painting tool;
solvent and rags;
cement, sand, gravel, water.

Be sure to use personal protective equipment:

welding mask with adaptive light filter;
suit and shoes made of non-combustible material;
split leggings;
respirator for respiratory protection.

When cutting the metal profile, you need to use safety glasses and gloves.

Blueprints

The building is 4m long, 2.58m high and 4.95m wide, has 4 doors and 4 transoms. The total area is 19.6 m2. Transoms are made separately. As a coating, a polycarbonate sheet with a thickness of 4-6 mm is used.

Foundation

Karkaya and metal profile and polycarbonate sheet weigh significantly more than wood, coated with polyethylene. Therefore, it is necessary to build a concrete strip foundation:

along the perimeter of the cleared and leveled area, dig a trench with a depth of 500-600 mm and a 300 mm tire;
arrange a gravel cushion with a thickness of 70-100 mm;
assemble plank formwork;
inside it, assemble a reinforcing cage, fix it by welding or tie it with wire;
mix the solution by adding 3 parts of sand and 5 parts of crushed stone to one part of cement;
pour the solution into the formwork, leveling it with the rule.

The foundation must be closed from precipitation and allowed to stand for 2-3 weeks. During drought and high temperatures, the surface must be periodically moistened so that the concrete does not crack. After the final setting of the solution, the formwork is dismantled, and a layer of waterproofing is laid on top.

frame

Vertical racks and horizontal bars are cut from a metal profile 40 * 40mm. Cutting is carried out on a flat, dry surface using a grinder or band saw. The ends are welded on the ground, then transferred and fixed to the foundation with anchor bolts.

The specification for blanks for end walls is given below:

40*40, length 2980mm: 2pcs;
40*40, length 860mm: 4 pieces;
20*20, 2980mm long: 2pcs;
20*20; length 1980 mm: 8 pieces;
20*20, length 1900mm: 4 pcs.

As jibs, sections of a 20 * 20 profile or pipes with a diameter of 20 mm and a length of 400 mm are used, the ends are cut to 45 o.

For the side walls, the following details are cut out:

40*40, length 1920mm: 2pcs;
20*20, length 1980mm: 4 pieces;
20*20, length 1920mm: 2pcs;
20*20, length 400mm, corners cut to 45°: 8 pcs.

First, the central parts of the side walls are installed, then 4 corner parts are attached to them.

Polycarbonate mount

When choosing polycarbonate, you also need to choose a model with UV protection. The thickness of the sheet depends on the climatic zone, the estimated snow load and the step between the rafters. A thicker sheet has more strength, but less light transmission. Properly installed high-quality polycarbonate lasts up to 7 years.

Polycarbonate is cut with a mounting knife to size and fastened with roofing screws with wide rubber-coated washers. Channels inside the sheet should be vertical. Before screwing in the self-tapping screw, a hole with a diameter of 4 mm is drilled at the installation site.

For joining polycarbonate strips, a special H-shaped profile is used. The edges of the sheets are protected with a C-shaped profile or sealed with strong adhesive tape. It is necessary to bend polycarbonate along the channels. A kink across the strips will cause stresses within the sheet and cause it to break quickly.

A Mitlider greenhouse is a structure built according to the method of an American scientist, Dr. Jacob Mitlider and named after its inventor. Sometimes, in order not to bother pronouncing an uncomfortable foreign surname, this type of greenhouse is called American.

The undeniable advantages of the developments of a lover of agricultural and construction innovations and improvements have led to an increase in unprecedented popularity and the spread of such buildings in all developed countries. Lightness and simplicity of design, excess air and light, a significant increase in yield - all these are the advantages available to every gardener who is used to building with his own hands.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Mitlider greenhouse?

The stormy scientific activity of Jacob Mitlider was directly related to the nature of his occupation. This man also dealt with fruits on an industrial scale, but, unlike other large producers, he was constantly preoccupied with various kinds of optimizations and improvements.

He was concerned about the preservation of the fertile layer, the creation of comfortable conditions for growing fruits and plants at minimal cost, his authorship is recognized not only in the field of cultivation by progressive methods, but also in measures to enrich the soil, increase its natural fertility.

Mitlider developed methods for applying fertilizers and for saving space, methods of breeding, packaging, maximum safety during transportation, accelerating growth and increasing the size of cultivated plants. Many of his discoveries were ubiquitous, but did not make him famous.

Therefore, the surname of an agricultural technician and inventor, first of all, is associated with garden greenhouses improved and optimized to the required degree.

The list of the main advantages of Mitlider's developments is as follows:

innovative ventilation to avoid stagnation and the occurrence of diseases associated with insufficient ventilation;
structural strength provided by a system of spacers, beams and other specific features provided by the author;
relative freedom of movement of the greenhouse (which is undoubtedly convenient for the owner of the land allotment, who can redraw the site as needed), if its mounting variety is assembled;
the specific location of the holes for circulation avoids the ingress of cold air from the north, reduces the cost of insulation and lighting;
the American greenhouse is built from certain materials (most often, from wood, to avoid the accumulation of condensate;
the construction technique provides optimal conditions for plants and makes it completely independent of external temperature changes.

Experts in the construction of this type of horticultural buildings argue that good circulation can be achieved without the tricks that the vaunted American design suggests. Then you do not have to build a low northern wall, which deprives the greenhouse of stability and forces you to build a higher southern one. The consumption of building materials will decrease, and it will be possible to open ventilation openings using automation, and not just by hand.

Judging by the reviews, the American-style greenhouse, like any invention, has its pros and cons. One of the negative features in a temperate climate is the accumulation of snow on one side of the greenhouse, after which the structure loses its original stability.

Greenhouse according to Mitlider on video:

Varieties of American greenhouses

To date, this design has long lost its resemblance to the originally developed version. People who appreciated the idea and principle at their true worth began to improve it according to their own understanding, adapt it to urgent needs, dimensions and design features.

There are many differentiations according to the types, materials used, dimensions of the building. All this was born on the basis of our own developments and practical experience, the use of new building materials, the use of the latest developments in the construction industry.

The traditional construction option - a house or a tunnel, seems to be the simplest, but it has its own characteristics that cause difficulties for amateurs who have begun construction of this kind for the first time.

The arched structure is liked by a large number of gardeners who are confident in the undeniable prerogatives of such a building. It is easier to install, because it is built from individual arched segments, built in a shorter time and with much less difficulty in development. Arc structures greatly facilitate the life of an amateur gardener also because ready-made arc elements are used. They also allow you to lengthen the structure, if such a need has ripened.

Experts are sure that arched structures also have their drawbacks - if you build more than 2 meters in height, you need additional reinforcement, especially in regions where there is a lot of snow. The main argument is a violation of the principle of construction according to Mitlider, who is sure that the materials of construction must be natural, preferably wooden, in order to avoid the accumulation of condensate.

However, modern construction methods not only offer ready-made drawings from a profile pipe of the most variable sizes, but also ready-made kits for sale in specialized building materials markets.

Building with wood would be a real challenge for beginners or even experienced builders, because wood elements don't lend themselves well to being formed into a semi-circle shape. To date, the prices for such structural elements are completely democratic.

Considering how much time it takes to process and shape wood raw materials, the savings in time and effort will be even more significant than the small difference in cost.

Greenhouse according to Mitlider - diagrams, drawings, calculations

The traditional type of building, sometimes referred to as a lodge, can be of variable sizes, which depend on the size of the land and the existing need for cultivation. A person can plant plants solely for their own needs, or for industrial production.

In the first case, a small, chamber structure like a tunnel will suffice, and in the second case, it may be a significant building, for example, 3x8 meters in size.

Using non-traditional materials, but using the developed scheme for air circulation, it is possible to build a variant of aluminum with polycarbonate, 3x6 or 4x6. But the scope for the builder's imagination is unlimited, as is the choice of building materials.

Greenhouses have many design options (see photo), so you need to focus on your own needs and the amount that is allocated for construction.

Construction of a greenhouse according to Mitlider at their summer cottage

The intricate terminology for designating the type of greenhouse does not mean at all that the stages of its construction are somehow different from the usual construction cycle.

The owner of the site chooses in the same way, and then prepares the intended place (taking into account not only the requirements from the author or manufacturer of the finished kit, but also building codes and regulations governing the distance from the neighbor's fence, the red line of the street and residential buildings, and then outlines approximate lines buildings taking into account the cardinal points, as provided for in American technology.

Location selection

For the construction of a greenhouse, a flat place is usually chosen, and its location is planned taking into account the cardinal points. It makes no sense to give recommendations to navigate by compass - every gardener knows perfectly well where the sun rises and sets on his site.

The only thing to take into account is the passage of the summer and winter sun, under each of which the future greenhouse is carefully adjusted.

Experts advise avoiding proximity to trees, buildings and fences, not only according to the requirements of SNiP, but also for reasons of ensuring maximum illumination.

An extremely undesirable place for construction is the northern slope. Under such conditions, it is unlikely that a satisfactory harvest will be obtained.

Foundation

The classic American does not apply to capital buildings, but requires a mandatory foundation. More modern options can be assembled for the season and perfectly perform protective functions without such thorough security measures.

However, the Mitlider greenhouse is certainly supplied with a tape base. The difference between capital and temporary lies in the material of manufacture - it can be made from a thick bar or by the method of classical concrete pouring.

The beam is laid on the bottom of the excavated pit, waterproofing is applied on the bottom and walls of the excavated ditch, as well as on top of the lumber, pre-treated with an antiseptic. Concrete pouring is carried out according to the standard scheme.

Construction of a foundation for a polycarbonate greenhouse on video:

Construction of a wooden frame - progress of work

An approximate construction scheme is shown in the photo, but there is nothing particularly complicated in this process. First, with the help of metal corners or connecting plates, a box is assembled from thick bars of the appropriate size.

Then vertical racks are installed and the upper trim is attached using the same rectangular plates. After joining the horizontal elements with the vertical posts, the prepared walls are fastened using corner connectors.

Calculations of the necessary lumber are made in advance, for this, the builders should have not only an approximate layout on the site, but also a detailed drawing, which indicates the number of building elements according to the optimal parameters (for example, the number of racks is determined by the length of the walls and the end, taking into account no more than a meter away.

For the roof and entrance, the material is considered separately - horizontal beams or door elements are required there. The roof is going down and then going up.

Structure from a profile - work progress

Self-assembly of a frame from a metal profile is possible only if you have a welding machine and skills in working with this device. Each of the elements indicated on the diagram is assembled separately - these are side walls and ends, vents and a roof with a ridge.

For the back wall, a metal profile is required, usually a thickness of 2x2 cm is sufficient, corner jumpers and segments for mounting the cross section.

The side walls are assembled in approximately the same way. The most difficult thing is to assemble the door and vents and install them in place with the help of fasteners. Given that an American should have three transoms, then an inexperienced welder will have to tinker.

Polycarbonate mount

The fastening of this material, which is optimal both in price and in its features for the manufacture of a greenhouse, will be much faster if, when assembling frames from a profile, holes for fasteners are pre-drilled.

Polycarbonate can be cut at the place of purchase, but for this you need to know the exact parameters. If cutting takes place at home, the accuracy of measurements is no less important.

Fastening takes place with the help of self-tapping screws inserted into the prepared holes. A small gap is left for expansion under the influence of heat.

First, the slopes are closed, after them - the side walls, last of all, it is necessary to sheathe the ends and transoms. To give the building reliability and to avoid damage, experts recommend covering the ends of the canvases with a metal profile.

Detractors claim that this design was used even before the appearance of the famous doctor. In their opinion, this is easy to prove by examining all existing types of American-style greenhouses. To increase the bonuses received from the construction, you can carefully study the existing options and make an informed choice based on your own preferences.

Any gardener knows that you can’t do without a quality greenhouse on your site. It is in such conditions that good crops of various crops can be grown. According to many experienced gardeners, the Mitlider greenhouse can work wonders and turns out to be the place where the plants feel comfortable and bear excellent fruit.

Author and essence of the method

Dr. Jacob Mittlider has long been involved in the cultivation of vegetables and flowers on an industrial scale. He invented many new ways of breeding, packing and transporting plants.

Mittlider studied the difficulties that growers of different countries face when growing crops, and came to the conclusion that the problems are all the same. He cited outdated, inefficient agricultural methods as the cause of the difficulties. Conventional tillage methods deplete its natural fertility and reduce yields to zero.

Mittlider developed a technique to increase the natural fertility of the earth. Its basis is the construction of beds according to a special scheme, the introduction of nutrient mixtures to restore the soil.

The doctor improved the design of the garden greenhouse used by all gardeners. Let's consider what are its features.

Unlike well-known structures, the American doctor's greenhouse is equipped with a roof that does not close in the ridge area. Due to this, vertical circulation of air masses is ensured. Heated air does not stagnate in the upper part of the building.

The southern wall is equipped with several vents, into which fresh air enters. The southern slope of the roof is more gentle, the northern one is steeper. The opening between the roof slopes is also located on the south side. Ventilation gaps are complemented by transoms.

In a conventional 2-pitched greenhouse, the slopes are fixed on one beam. In the greenhouse according to the Mitlider, they are mounted on two bars, each of them is at its own height.

Other features of the greenhouse

The structure has the following features:

rafters are fixed on the topmost beam;
the wide part of one slope goes to the top;
the rafters on the south side are fixed on a ridge located 45 cm lower from the other ridge;
the formed opening of 45 cm makes it easy to mount the ventilation system;
this opening is equipped with a film, glass or polycarbonate.

The design of the greenhouse helps to optimize all the costs associated with growing seedlings and using the greenhouse. Thanks to this idea, the American specialist was able to win the deserved attention to his technology.

Differences from a traditional greenhouse

Let's continue to consider the features of the greenhouse according to Mitlider and list its other differences from traditional structures used in garden plots:

Innovative ventilation system. Heated air masses exit through the transoms at the top of the greenhouse, and fresh air enters through the door and windows.
The structure is strong due to frequent beams and struts.
If the structure is built using bolts and screws, it can be easily disassembled and moved.
The building is located from east to west. Ventilation openings are directed to the south. This prevents the arrival of the north wind, provides an influx of sunlight and heat.
The structure is based on wood, so condensation does not appear.
The impressive size of the greenhouse helps to create an ideal microenvironment for plants, independent of external temperature changes.

These are the main advantages of the Mitlider greenhouse.

What are the downsides?

Experts in garden structures believe that the American doctor's greenhouse is not an original structure at all, and before him similar structures were built in different countries of the world. The greenhouse according to Mitlider also has disadvantages. Here they are:

The need to build a north wall no lower than human height makes it necessary to build a rather high overall structure, which increases the cost of the materials used, and reliable wind protection is also needed.
It is problematic to open the windows with your hands, since they are located high. Automation allows you to open the holes vertically, and the method requires a horizontal opening.
Snow accumulates on one side of the greenhouse, for this reason the structure loses its balance.

Also, experienced gardeners say that there are other ways to achieve efficient air circulation without breaking the symmetry.

Types and materials

The most popular are two types of greenhouses according to the Mitlider method:

Construction with a gable roof and vertical walls.
Arched building. More difficult in terms of construction, since pipes must be bent.

For an American greenhouse, profile pipes with a section of 50 x 50 mm or a wooden beam with a section of 75 x 100 x 50 mm will be required. A pipe frame is constructed during the construction of a polycarbonate greenhouse. The wooden frame is usually covered with a film.

Preparatory stage

If you decide to build a greenhouse according to the Mitlider with your own hands, you will first need to choose a suitable place. The site needs a flat and well-lit sunlight. If the garden area has a slope, terracing is necessary - the creation of sites on slopes.

Do not forget about the orientation of the structure from west to east.

Having made the calculation of the Mitlider greenhouse, you need to prepare a drawing. With it, it will be easier to carry out the necessary activities at each construction stage.

You will need the following materials:

Bar 100 x 100 mm: 10 pieces 2.15 m long - for side racks, 5 pieces 3.05 m long - for central ones.
Rafters with a section of 50 x 75 mm - 10 pieces, of which 5 are 1310 mm long, 5 - 1900 mm.
Boards for spacers and lower parts 25 x 200 mm.
Bars for the skate and guides.
Bars 50 x 50 mm for windows, as well as 7 mm wedges.
Triangular plywood wedges 7 mm in size 500 x 500 x 500 mm.
Support bars 327 mm long, 5 pieces, with cut corners.
Film or polycarbonate material.
Screws, nails, rails.

Greenhouse construction

The construction of an American greenhouse begins with the installation of the base. For this:

lay bars along the perimeter with a length of 3 meters with a section of 100 x 100 mm;
corners are fixed with screws;
check evenness level;
stakes are driven in around the perimeter.

separately knock down the walls;
measure them and fix the slopes;
the walls are placed in a vertical position and attached to the base;
end walls are made of timber 50 x 75 mm.

Windows and doors are made as follows:

when constructing a window, it must be remembered that the base of the frame and the slope of the roof have a slope of 30 degrees;
windows are attached to the frames with holders and canopies;
assemble a door from bars 50 x 50 mm;
wedges of 7 mm are attached to the base;
the door is installed and handles, locks are added - if necessary.

collect 5 parts from rafters 1900 and 1310 mm, while the northern slope should be steeper than the southern and rise by 45 cm, the interval between the end points is 2.4 meters;
triangular wedges are fixed with nails;
rafters are installed on the walls, fixed with self-tapping screws;
an intermediate support is being built for the roof;
a bar is placed under the ceiling to secure the window sashes;
the board is fixed at the top;
short bars are attached among the rafters.

To prevent the destruction of wooden materials in contact with the ground, it is worth treating them with drying oil in advance. Or you can choose larch for the construction of the structure, it is resistant to decomposition. Antiseptic coating will increase the durability of the building.

Next, the entire structure is sheathed with a film or polycarbonate. If a film is chosen, it is worth considering that the Mittlider method requires a double layer with an interval of 5-7 cm. This will protect the plants from the cold.

If polycarbonate is selected, recesses for screws are prepared in advance. Polycarbonate sheets do not press too hard. This material is covered with a film from ultraviolet rays on one side, it is usually bluish in color.

Opinions of gardeners

The greenhouse according to Mitlider has extremely positive reviews. It endures heavy snowfalls and gusty winds. This is achieved by a strong frame and the placement of beams every two meters. Inclined beams in corners and ceilings reinforce the effect.

Gardeners also note the following positive points when using an American greenhouse:

the greenhouse can be made collapsible, which is extremely convenient;
support beams help in tying tall plants;
you can work in a greenhouse without bending;
large area of the greenhouse;
thanks to the stable microclimate, there is no need to monitor the plants every day;
if necessary, repairs are simply performed on the desired fragment.

In general, the construction of American greenhouses differs little from the construction of traditional structures. Mitlider greenhouses have earned a worthy reputation due to their versatility and the effectiveness of their constituent elements.