Should I buy this greenhouse?

[OrchidNewB]

Hey everyone. Looking for a little expertise to help me decide whether to buy this thing or not. My husband found a 6'x10' lean-to style greenhouse at a client's house and they want to sell it. It is in perfect condition, with glass panels intact, 2 vents, some hanging rails, a heater, and a bench included. They paid over $2k, but will sell it for $500 and even help disassemble and load the thing for my hubby. I think that's a pretty great deal, but not sure if I need it in this climate. Here's my specifics to consider.

We live in Central Florida, so it's pretty toasty outside most of the year. We did have numerous dips into the 20's and 30's this winter which killed a lot of my ordinary plants despite the whole frost cloth protection method. All my orchids were brought inside which made my kitchen look like a jungle for 2 months (plus it was a pain in the butt hauling them in and out over and over.)

If I buy it, I have two options for where to put this greenhouse. The best fit is along a rear wall of my house which receives direct sun all day. I'm afraid in summer it will be about 5000 degrees in there with the vents open. I would have to use shade cloth and/or maybe remove the roof panels to let heat escapre. The alternative location is shaded by a 2 huge oak trees which occasionally drop branches, so that's a huge risk to the glass and probably a dealbreaker.

I have a steadily growing collection of orchids, currently about 15. The owner of this greenhouse says he fit about 40 plants in there pretty well.

Attached are 2 photos of the gh in the current owner's backyard. (homeowners assoc required him to keep it under his pool cage... weird).

What would you do if you were me? Buy it or not?

[Bob2741]

Go for it You can always leave the top side glass out and fit the greenhouse with Vent on one and Fan on the other. If you go on the sunny side you might need 60 -70 % shade and the cross ventilation. Winter a small electric heater should keep it from freezing.

For the price get and play with it be sure you get a good level foundation under it Makes it a lot easier going back up and easier to seal it up

[mojomick]

What a great buy. I'd jump on it and then do any modifications after I reassemble it. Can't beat the price. Betty

[DebsC]

It's a great price! But is it what you want? A year from now, will you be satisfied with it? If not, what would you do with it? Would it be hard to sell in your area?

A bargain is only a bargain if it's something you need/want.

If it suits you, go for it!

[peeweelovesbooks]

I wouldn't buy it. I think it's a good thing that the price is fantastic, but how quickly are you going to outgrow it? I mean, if you already have 15 orchids, and the owner says he can fit about 40, then that doesn't leave you much room to grow. Do you anticipate continuing to buy orchids at the same or higher rate that you have? if so, how much time do you think it will take you to reach the 40-50 orchid stage?

could you get the same materials for 500.00? Do you have room in your yard for a bigger structure, or would you be limited to this size?

I always tend to buy more than what I think I will need, because I inevitably calculate incorrectly, and then I'm dissatisfied with my purchase.

Like someone else said, it's only a good deal if it's what you are looking for.

[AHAB]

You could buy it now!
Then as your collection grows, you could use this for a quarantine area for new plants.
This way you can spray your new arrivals so you do not introduce pathogens to your healthy stock. In your larger greenhouse!
AHAB

[OrchidNewB]

Good points everyone. Thanks for chiming in. I'm leaning toward buying it I think. Mostly because I have several plants that just won't flower and I suspect the reason is low light levels. If they don't flower out in the light that thing will get, then I need to just give up!

[Bob2741]

You never give up you keep changing environments until it blooms that part of the mystic of orchids

[Becky15349]

I think that is a great deal - I would buy it!!! Its a great way to keep the plants isolated and to control pests, humidity, etc...

[neb]

I would buy it then when it is full you will have a precedent to justify buying another structure to house you orchids and whatever else you need a greenhouse for.