Harbor Freight 10 x 12 Greenhouse Build

[shadytrake]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't been on in awhile. Winter was especially challenging this year in the shadehouse. We lost many orchids because someone came in and stole the main heater while we were away and the temps dropped below 40 for several hours.

This made us come to the realization that it is time for a greenhouse with a built in system (that will be harder to steal).

After much research and number crunching, we have decided that the Harbor Freight 10x12 greenhouse is a fantastic starter.

For those who are interested, note that these are usually in stock at your local HF store. They are usually on sale in the store for ~$689.99 AND if you sign up for HF coupons, you can receive a 20% off coupon for any single item purchased in store. This means our greenhouse will be $551.99 + 51.06 tax for a total price of $603.05.

We already have a driveway pad that came with the house. It used to have a garage, but we tore it down two years ago before it fell down. Behind that pad, we discovered another concrete slab that was apparently poured to install a storage shed. It is 11x17 and was poured properly for level drainage. PERFECT for the greenhouse pad.

So today's project is to clear off the pad and mark the foot print. We will be picking up the kit on Friday.

I'll take lots of photos, but basically we are going to follow a lot of tips from this blog

I especially like the way they installed their benches and the fans. One thing that we will be installing is anti-fatigue interlocking foam mats instead of pea gravel and pavers. We have them in our shadehouse now and they are great for reducing back pain from the concrete floor.

More later as we move along in the installation.

[Orquiadicto]

Can't wait to see pictures of the built.

[shadytrake]

Picked up the GH today. It is encased in a single box that weighs 99KGs (216 lbs).

If you are planning on getting one, make sure you have a truck and helpers to unload it. The box is 8' long (I have a long bed truck and it fit from front to back with the tailgate barely clicked closed).

First pictures will come very soon.

[RJSquirrel]

woohoo ...fun in the sun...you wont need the heaters for awhile.

I not been looking for a greenhouse anymore I'm looking for a home with a BIG greenhouse already built

[shadytrake]

Wow! That's a lotta parts!

Well I checked the list and we have all of the parts. I took the advice of several blogs and ordered an extra bag of the panel clips.

135 extra clips at about $25 total.

Here are the first pictures.

The panels should be stored out of the heat until installation because the film will stick.

[shadytrake]

We made the decision to add a Brisa 2800 CFM slimline window evaporative cooler.
Brisa 2800 CFM 2-Speed Front Discharge Window Evaporative Cooler for 600 sq. ft. (with Motor)-WH2906 at The Home Depot

So today was spent digging up all of the Liriope so we can drop in an underground water line and electrical.

I don't think I have the energy to trench it tomorrow. We'll probably spend tomorrow clearing off the pad.

I'm lucky that we have that concrete pad.

[Optimist]

I like that. Nice buy!

[AussieVanda]

I like the first picture.....you know with arrows pointing right way up......

[shadytrake]

Aussie, Good thing it was upside down because the poly panels were on the bottom so the weight would have been on the panels instead of the frame. It turned out just fine.

We're hoping to begin construction this weekend.

[shadytrake]

We had to trench a french drain and boy was that fun. Almost 40' long. But now we have good drainage and we can run a drain line from the greenhouse to the french drain.

We decided to put the base together just to see the footprint. We still have to trench for the water line and electrical.