Best Greenhouse Kits - HELP! - Orchid Board

Uechi · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 04:31 PM

I checked the threads and with a few exceptions I can't find much on Greenhouse kits. There are literally dozens of sites selling kits. The problem is knowing which ones are good and which ones are crap. I am looking for 150 to 200 sq ft greenhouse kit. Many choices available, but I have read horror stories of kits with worthless installation instructions or ones requiring a PHD to install. Another issue is shipping. Many sellers offer free or moderate shipping none of them tell you that you have to unload the truck yourself. Since some of these kits weigh hundreds of pounds I don't want to be stuck. I assume forum members with kit greenhouses could let us know which kits they like and which kits are a problem. Everytime I look on line at the myriad of kits I get confouned by all the choices. The last thing I need is a lousy kit with poor instructions that won't be off loaded by the driver.

BikerDoc5968 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 05:09 PM

If you go to the thread you originally started about "how many per square foot", I posted some pics of my GH. I purchased it through Costco and then added to the length directly through the vendor to make mine 8 x 15. This is the link to Costco and has a list of all that is included: Costco - SunGlo 8' x 12.5' Expert Greenhouse

If you aren't a member, maybe someone you know is and you can order online using their member number. Otherwise you canb order directly from vendor but it is cheaper through Costco...my saving allowed me to add the addition at no cost! There is lots that comes with this kit; more than most others I've seen. This is the vendor's link: Sunglo Greenhouses

The instruction both printed and video are easy to follow. I put this up pretty much by myself but an extra set of hands is helpful. It took me a weekend and I was up and running.....That didn't include the foundation which took about a day and half and the floor took another day and a half. I chose to use this type of foundation for my specific application but it isn't a requirement

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 05:16 PM

Also, someone asked about a wood greenhouse. I built one from a kit when I lived in Southern Oregon. It was redwood and the company may have been called Redwood Greenhouses or something like that. I like the wood ones, especiall for Florida where the solid top is only needed or desireable for a couple or 3 months. Then in the summer, I replaced the fiberglas panels with redwood slattes panels same size (I custom built them myself) and screwed them to the upper rails. That gave me shade and cooling in the 100 degree + days in Oregon summers. Just Google on "redwood greenhouses" and you'll find lots. Just my 2 cents. I don't think Doc's kit would work for Florida because of the summer temps. Again, just my 2 cents (or is that 1 cent in this recession?)

BikerDoc5968 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 05:20 PM

Ross has a very good point about Florida heat and the ability to cool things off. Even my Gh which doesn't get full sun all day gets over 90 with big fans and misting.....

Ross · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerDoc5968

Ross has a very good point about Florida heat and the ability to cool things off. Even my Gh which doesn't get full sun all day gets over 90 with big fans and misting.....

Misting reminds me, I also had a fog nozzle system that I used in the afternoons when heat was highest, but humidity was like 4% then and the fog never reached the plants. It was really pleasant to sit under, though.

bonsai1504 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 06:56 PM

There is a person in our orchid society who built his entirely from things that he could get at home depot. No special order! It is a 12x30 greenhouse that he only covers in the winter and leaves open in the summer.

Ross · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonsai1504

There is a person in our orchid society who built his entirely from things that he could get at home depot. No special order! It is a 12x30 greenhouse that he only covers in the winter and leaves open in the summer.

That dog'll hunt! Get it?

mojomick · #8 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 10:19 AM

Biker Doc, I have the same model and am wondering what you have on the floor in the middle back next to the heater? Did you put in a mister system? How are your temps and humidity running this time of year? I covered my house with a pool solar cover to help with heat loss. Seems to be helping but winter isn't here yet.
Do you have a back up heater? If so, what is it? I am trying to decide what to do in case of electricity loss. Am afraid of propane and bud drop. Any ideas? Your plants look healthy in the picture. I built mine on a cement foundation and have a sand floor. Betty

brooke · #9 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 08:45 PM

My greenhouse is heated with propane and I have no bud drop, ever. It is vented because my husband would not consider any unvented heaters.

Uechi I hope you can find a g/h for your needs. Your summer cooling needs will be your biggest problem.

Brooke

amyqofu · #10 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 10:37 PM

I have a Sun Country greenhouse that is more of a pre-fab than a kit. It comes in six big pieces - 2 roofs, 2 sides, 2 ends. It is very high quality and easy to assemble. Mine is not heated, and cooled by solar power fans and automatic roof vents. If you think it might work for you, the website is:
www.hobby-greenhouse.com