FAQs

Because Mud Hub Greenhouses are self‐supporting without footings, they aren’t considered permanent structures and would generally not require a permit. We suggest you check with your local building permit department and certainly the CC&R’s in your neighborhood before proceeding.

We suggest using our standard 3‐season wire mesh cover when temperatures are above freezing in order for crops to benefit from rainfall while eliminating wildlife. During colder months, either freeze cloth or plastic cover is advised for winter crops.

The beauty of a hoop house is that it needs no auxiliary heating or cooling system. There is natural ventilation in the summer, with shade cloth included in every kit to shield hot summer sun. Conversely, the low winter sun radiates through the plastic cover to heat the growing surfaces of the raised beds, which in themselves control the temperature of the soil.

Absolutely. The round 16 gauge 1 1/2 “tubular steel frame is designed to withstand both. In addition, the hoops are fortified by steel struts and purlins, which add growing space and support to the greenhouse for hanging baskets.

Our standard sizes are 10’ x 12’ and 12’ x 20’, which accommodates most yards. However, adjustments can be made at 4’ increments if need be, which helps keep costs down.

Our standard hoop house plan layout is u‐shaped with adequate aisle space in the middle for work and entertaining. Access is through a screen door at one end. However, the plan can be altered to accommodate an access at both ends.

Mud Hub Greenhouses, with built‐in work counter/benches, are ideal for entertainment, an alternative outdoor recreational space or as a controlled secure environment for animals.

We use galvanized steel components that are made to withstand outdoor conditions.

Each kit comes standard with 24” high Doug Fir raised beds protected on insides with black polyethylene and on bottoms with weed barrier over metal mesh to keep rodents out. They are topped with 2x work bench/counters for easy gardening with limited bending and reaching. Steel hoops, purlins and end struts comprise the structure, which holds up the wire mesh and shade cloth covers. Access is made through a swinging screen door which can be latched.

Partnerships with vendors who provide useful accessories, such as automatic drip irrigation systems and specialty lighting, are currently being explored. If you or your company having any interest in co-linking regarding this effort, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our greenhouse can be completely disassembled and moved to another location.

Yes! Our growers have the freedom to manage their own businesses, work part-time or full-time, and to spend lots of time outdoors. Also, many are able to work from home, which is wonderful for families with children

Our unit is about 7’‐4” at the peak. The spring point is at 42” at the sides so there is plenty of head room to seed, transplant and harvest comfortably.

Our scale model is a 15% replica of our 12’ x 20’ kit. It is not designed to take on water without disintegrating. However, if there is enough interest, we will design one using a hydroponic system. Please contact us at info@mudhubgreenhouses.com or 505‐670‐6370 with your thoughts.

We assume an average yield of ½ lb. of produce per square foot and 3 growing cycles a year, planning accordingly for warm and cool season crops. At an average market price of $4.00/lb., most growers should be able to recover their investment in 2 – 3 years.

It will save gardeners water but just how much is difficult to quantify for the following reasons. Climate is a contributor because water will evaporate at a greater rate in dryer climates than ones with more humidity. The type of soil is a factor in raised beds because each classification (sand, loam, clay) has its own physical properties. Sand has large particles and water will percolate a lot quicker than clay which is dense, causing water to gradually seep through. The beautiful of raised beds is being able to control soil quality so that plants are nourished properly. Another factor is the amount of rainfall in the region. Given the harshest conditions, with little rain & a dry climate, it is best to direct drip water directly down to roots of plants. Shade cloth will help reduce the rate of evaporation. Scattering 2-3 inches of mulch, consisting of leaves or wood chips for example, around plants will help keep vegetation moist. To gauge whether plants are getting enough water, dip your finger into the soil about 3″. It should feel sponge-like and moist. If not, regulate more water when your system is on, water twice a day or adjust the timing to early morning or late evening.

If you opt to have us assemble, it generally takes 3 people two days or 16 hours to complete. Depending on your carpentry experience it could take another day or two, just because of the familiarity element with components. However, the $$ savings may make it worthwhile and think of the sense of accomplishment you would experience.

Prefabrication & ordering of components normally takes about 2 weeks before arriving at greenhouse sites.

Although we do our best to protect our greenhouses from the elements, they are outdoors and winter covers are of polyethylene. However, components and connectors are very durable. It is best if wood is resealed every 2-3 years & expect the poly cover to last a minimum of 4 years, after which it is relatively inexpensive to replace. Because it will be rolled up for a substantial part of the seasonal, the 6-mil uv- rated cover will not be subjected to constant exposure to the sun.  

Understandably, this is what everybody asks, once their greenhouse is completed. You will need 6.5 cubic yards of soil for 10 x 12 units & 12.5 cubic yards for 12 x 20 units. Suppliers sell by the truckload or bag. Check suppliers for delivery rates of bulk material and make sure it is piled where the soil can be easily transported to the greenhouse. 

 

Santa Fe, NM Resources

Newman’s Nursery: sells by 2.0 Cu. Ft. bags only of “premium quality mix” (13.5 bags make up a cubic yard)

7501 Cerrillos Rd., 505/471-8642

www.newmansnursery.com

 

Ulibarri Landscaping Materials 

2805 Agua Fria

505/471-7661

 

Montano Sand & Gravel

4519 Agua Fria St.

505/989-7921

 

Santa Fe County Solid Waste Facility,  compost & wood chips (call for availability)

2600 Buchman Rd

505/424-1850 x-400 

 

Albuquerque Resources

Plants of the Southwest: bags only                                                                         

6680 4th St., NW

505/344-8830

 

Village Mercantile: bulk and wood mulch                                                                     

3675 Corrales Rd.

505/897-9328

 

Soilutions Inc., bulk and wood mulch                                                                             

9008 Bates Rd. SE

505/877-0220

 

Sandoval County Solid Waste Composting Facility: bulk compost & wood chips (call for availability)

2708 Iris Rd. NE, Rio Rancho

505/867-0816

 

ABCWUA Soil Amendment Facility: bulk only (call for availability)               

ABQ West Mesa

505/289-3600

www.abcua.org