UnBrella - a Portable Greenhouse
by FFL Lobots in Outside > Backyard
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UnBrella - a Portable Greenhouse
The UnBrella is a water irrigation system designed to conserve water. It collects transporated water from the plants and puts it back into the soil. It is also equipped with a sprinkler system so all you have to do is connect it to a hose or a rain barrel if extra water is needed.
Materials
1 - Clear plastic umbrella
6 ft - 3/8" Clear plastic tubing
1 - garden hose adapter
1 - 3/8" tubing to garden hose adapter
1 - bubble level
1 - 3/8" tubing T-adapter
12 - zip ties
Plumbers Tape
Cut Tubing to Fit Inside UnBrella
Thread plastic tubing so that it forms a circle above the UnBrella stays. Mark the desired length to complete the circle. Remove tubing and cut on marking.
Drill Holes in Tubing to Make Sprinkler System
We tested 3 different methods of putting sprinkler holes in the plastic tubing. We test a nail, an X-acto knife, and a drill bit. We determined that the drill bit worked best. We then marked the tubing every 2.5" with a marker and drilled a small hole.
Install T
Place prepared tubing back in the UnBrella. Connect the tube with the plastic T-joint. Make sure the third connection is pointing toward the center of the UnBrella.
Zip Tie Tubing in Place
Make a Hole for Hose Attachment in Umbrella
Hold the brass 3/8" tube adapter up to the inside of the UnBrella and mark the plastic to remove. Cut out the marked plastic.
Install Hose Attachment
Cut a shorter length of plastic tub to connect the brass 3/8" adapter to the plastic T-adapter. Wrap the Teflon Tape around the threaded part of the brass adapter and insert the adapter into the UnBrella from the inside. Screw the garden hose adapter on to the 3/8" adapter.
Zip Tie Hose Attachment to Umbrella Struts for Stability
Saw Off UnBrella Handle
Cut off the UnBrella handle, leaving about 4-5" to insert into the ground.
Cut Holes in the Plastic to Allow the Plant to Breathe
Pinch the plastic together between the spars and use a hole puncher to make the air holes.
Put UnBrella in the Garden
Place UnBrella over some plants in the garden. Connect a hose to the hose attachment and water your plants. Use the bubble level to ensure that it is installed level.