Greenhouse - Orchid Board

paleofreak · #1 03-06-2009, 12:04 AM

I want to get a greenhouse. We bugeted 5000 for a fully equipted one. Does anyone have any sugjestions to get a good greenhouse for this price. I want a big temperatre range misting/watering systems and it must be freestanding. I only have a half dozen orchids but I also have houseplants that need to go out there.

mojomick · #2 03-06-2009, 11:02 AM

I bought a SunGlo greenhouse kit through COSTCO last year. It came with almost everything I needed except a swamp cooler and mister system. I built it on a concrete foundation and built a small patio outside it. With everything and the concrete and some plumbing work, including what I paid my friend to help me build it, the total price was less than 5 grand. I love it and my orchids do as well. We live in a high wind area and have had no problems so far. Snow was not a problem and i covered it was a solar pool cover in the winter to help with heat preservation. So far so good. It is almost 8 X 14, and I think was a great buy. They have it this year but the price is a little higher now. If you need to do any research, google SunGlo in Kent, Washington. Best of all, the freight was free through COSTCO. Betty

BikerDoc5968 · #3 03-06-2009, 11:52 AM

I purchased the same SunGlo through Costco about 2 yrs ago. The one they sell is an 8 x 12 and I purchased an addition direct from Sun Glo. At the time it was on sale and the sale price allowed me to increase the size without really costing more. Mike Lowenstein at Sun Glo is a really wonderful person.

Sunglo Greenhouses

For my application, I would say I spent just under 5 G. I changed things around.

1. Installed a natural gas line because NG is much cheaper here in Michigan than electricity and installed a vent-free NG 20,000 Btu forced air heater. I use the 240V electric heater that comes with the kit s my backup.
2. Changed the electric panel to fit my desires by splitting the breakers to add circuits.
3. Installed lighting along the roof so I can use it when the winter nights come at 5PM...The GH looks really coooool with the lights on at night!
4. Added additional wire shelving.
5. The headroom is only about 7+' at the peak and I wanted more room so I wouldn't feel "closed-in". The narrow walk area (30") is tight enough. I chose to build the GH up on a wall and insulated the walls and floor with 3.5" of styrafoam. By elevating the GH it matches the height of my deck.

All in all, I think it is a reasonable pruchase for the money. You can purchase larger from them. I would make the initial purchase through Costco... not a memeber, find another family memeber who is or a friend.... order online using their memeber numbe and have it shipped to you. Then give Mike a call and add on, if that's your desire....build bigger than you think...you won't be sorry...trust me!

A downside for me and maybe just for me is the condensation on the inside. And now I have some algae growing between the panels....

PM me if you have other questions...but from my research 2 yrs ago, this is about the most bang for the buck.

PleuroPal · #4 03-06-2009, 12:02 PM

Awesome setup Howard!

mojomick · #5 03-06-2009, 12:45 PM

Looks great Howard. The only thing I would have changed is to build it on a higher foundation to have more head room. Am thinking of adding on and figuring out how I can elevate the addition. I'm sure my friend and I can figure out a way to do that. But for now am really happy with the results. Betty

BikerDoc5968 · #6 03-06-2009, 12:55 PM

Betty, since you placed your GH on a cement slab, have you had condensation problems inside? As I mentioned above, I have water dripping all the time from October to May. I resolved the issue by installing a layer of acrylic inside and securing in place with aluminum T-bars. I have a feeling because the floor is treated wood decking over the earth, I have a water issue

mojomick · #7 03-06-2009, 01:22 PM

Howard, I only did a concrete foundation. the inside is dug out, has weed fabric and then a layer of sand. No problems with water sitting as we have quick draining soil and rocks here. I do get condensation and had a real high humidity in the fall. I countered that by increasing the low temp. to 58 at night. Voila, the humidity now runs between 60 and 80%. At one point before i increased the temp, the humidity was 99% and it was raining inside! Now no problems. The picture above is a little dark as I put my shade cloth over my pool solar cover as I was getting sunburn on sunny days. I will take the solar cover off in a few weeks and then just have the shade cloth. Am contemplating some sort of a structure on the outside to put the shade cloth on but will allow a 6 inch area underneath for the house. That way I should get more air movement. Kind of like those metal car shelters you see around. Haven't decided what to do as yet, but am thinking real hard. Betty

paleofreak · #8 03-10-2009, 11:43 PM

thanks everyone! I'm definately going to get one!

Bob2741 · #9 03-14-2009, 09:43 AM

Under the floor you needed a vapor barrier. Your region is dry summer wet winter.

BikerDoc5968 · #10 03-14-2009, 09:49 AM

Bob, you talkin to me.... are you talkin to me!