Steve -
Question:Is there such a thing as an all-inclusive kit, or do most of them just contain the basics for constructing the physical structure itself?
Answer: Yes, Steve, there is. It all depends on exactly what you want. There are a number of considerations when choosing a greenhouse kit.
1. Greenhouse specifications:
a. Your location and average high's & low's. If you live in the northern 2/3s of the country you need a greenhouse that provides the maximum insulating value. Yes, the sun warms it in the day, but at night when it gets cold, the more insulation the panels provide, the less heat you will have to provide.
b. Plant requirements: Some plants are able to withstand colder temps than others. Orchids are fairly sensitive to temperature variances.
c. Floor Material: You need a floor that not only will drain excess water but ideally store heat during the day and radiate it during the night. Water is the best material to do this, but obviously you don't want a floor of water! I've found that dark colored brick works well. It stores heat during the day and radiates it at night. Cut's down on your heating bill.
d. Panels: I've found that double or triple wall polycarbonate panels are the best. The dead air space is a great insulator. You need at least a 4mm thick twin wall. Triple wall can be expensive. Double wall is a good choice at least 6mm thick and preferably 10mm thick. We have a 10mm twin walled greenhouse. We live in Colorado. Average temp at night in January is 10 degrees F. We have a 10,000 BTU natural gas vented heater in the greenhouse which is 8' W x 14' L x 7' 6" H. When it's 10 above zero, the greenhouse maintains a 75 degree inside temperature.
e. Frame: Most greenhouses come with an aluminum frame. They're strong, but conduct the heat and cold. A polycarbonate frame is better, but more expensive. Not a big consideration, but worth noting.
f. Accessories: Most greenhouse kits just come with the outside structure as manufacturers have found that everyone wants something different inside their greenhouse. There are a few that come with staging tables and even hanging shelves and plant hooks. The ones we've found that have these features are usually just single thickness poly panels. No one has yet to come up with the Perfect Greenhouse for all types of growing.
Water source: I'd start out with just running a hose to your greenhouse. After you experience what it's like doing this, you can always add a water source inside the greenhouse. Take it one step at a time.
Floor: As I mentioned above, you probably don't want a concrete slab unless you also include a drain system and then put a wood slat floor over the concrete slab. I recommend red bricks laid on a compacted sand base. It allows drainage and stores heat during the day and releases it at night.
Electricity: Again, take it one step at a time. To begin with you can run a heavy duty extension cord to power the basics. For the low powered items, consider solar power for the lights and small fans. After you perfect your system, you can always have an electrician run an underground cable encased in a PVC pipe to your greenhouse. He will also install a breaker box and internal wiring with plugs, etc.
How hard is it to build a greenhouse kit?:
Usually it's very easy. The hardest part is preparing the ground, laying the brick (if you use brick), making sure it's perfectly level, etc. Just like any building, the foundation or floor, is the most important part of the building. Once you've got that done, the rest is easy. Most greenhouse kits only require a power screwdriver and pliers. Depending on the size of the greenhouse, it can take you between 4-5 hours or a couple of days.
100 - 115 Square Feet: That's about an 8' x 14' greenhouse. That's a good size to have. It's wide enough for adequate working space in the middle; you can have a 2' center aisle with 3' deep staging tables on each side and the back. Use 2 1/2' wide staging tables on each side and have a 3' aisle.
Hope this helps, Steve. My name is Chuck Cory. I live in Western Colorado and am an avid greenhouse grower. Although I have never used it until I got into greenhouse growing, I have a Masters in Agriculture / Horticulture from Ohio State University. Done some hydroponic growing, but I like working with soil. The hydroponics seems so sterile. I guess I'm just an old dirt farmer.
If you need some sources for good greenhouse kits, just let me know. You can email me at
chuckcory81621@yahoo.com.
The most recent greenhouse that I got was an 8' x 14' Twin Walled 10mm Polycarbonate model. We love it. Strong, good insulation properties, nice size and meets all of our needs.
Happy Growing!
regarding greenhouses. When I lived on the Oregon Coast I purchased a Sunglo greenhouse from the manufacturer and it was constructed on an old large concrete side porch that was in the 70's. I loved it it had everything I needed as I was growing Orchid Cactus. Water, elec. and heat were all there at the side of the house. We left there in 1984 and it is still there.. I now live in Central Oregon north of Bend, Oregon and plan on buying another Sunglo to house my Orchid collection and it will be a leanto just like the first one. However this one won't have direct access from the house as my other one did. You can go to the manufacturers website and order a catalog or just call them and talk to them. There were no problems with water leaking during the rainy season 
that's why we moved east to the high desert. Here its the heat in summer and the very cold winters so the Sunglo will be wonderful with its dual wall covering. Good Luck 
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