Harbor Freight Greenhouse Construction

troutsqueezer · Apr 20, 2014

For the interior shade cloth, I ran three pieces of PVC on the inside; one at the top, suspended from the ridge and one on top of each of the two side walls. I draped the cloth over the top PVC, fastened it with a couple more cable ties and draped each hanging piece over the side PVC's. If I want, I can drape both sides of the cloth over just one of the sidewall PVC pipes so that full light enters thru one or the other half of the roof. Or I can roll both sides up and tie them to the center PVC but I've never had to do that. I cut slits in the cloth so I can access the vent handles.

dragoneggs · Apr 20, 2014

Power on! Night shot...

corl · Apr 21, 2014

Your total build looks great! When I made tables for my little greenhouse I used two levels. I calculated the angle of the sun at my latitude and place them so trays on the lower level would get sun too. The space under the lower shelf is for storage since I use all available space on the tables for trays. I can get 33 flats into my greenhouse. I really just use mine for growing bedding plants but it paid for itself after two years. Its a bit more sturdy than the HF greenhouse but that is described in the posts. New Greenhouse Nunamaker Farms - Nunamaker Farms in West Grove, Pennsylvania - Home

4shorts · Apr 21, 2014

dragoneggs said:
Power on! Night shot...

View attachment 371548

That just looks so well done. If you had that around here you'd have families living in it :laughing:

I wouldn't expect anything less from you. That's a super job. :thumbsup:

dragoneggs · Apr 21, 2014

4shorts said:
That just looks so well done. If you had that around here you'd have families living in it :laughing:

I wouldn't expect anything less from you. That's a super job. :thumbsup:

Thanks Paul! Yeah some of the detail is a bit of overkill but you know how perfectionists are!

Here is a day shot with some diffused evening sun. Note the auto vent openers doing their job even though it is only 60degF outside. It is a nice sauna! We are thinking of adding a couple of plastic chairs and a few overhead misters and we will have a tropical paradise right here in the cool NW. :cool2:

Now I better do a little landscaping around it so it isn't an eye sore.

dragoneggs · Apr 21, 2014

corl said:
Your total build looks great! When I made tables for my little greenhouse I used two levels. I calculated the angle of the sun at my latitude and place them so trays on the lower level would get sun too. The space under the lower shelf is for storage since I use all available space on the tables for trays. I can get 33 flats into my greenhouse. I really just use mine for growing bedding plants but it paid for itself after two years. Its a bit more sturdy than the HF greenhouse but that is described in the posts. New Greenhouse Nunamaker Farms - Nunamaker Farms in West Grove, Pennsylvania - Home

Hi Corl... thanks for the compliment. I checked out the thread you posted on your greenhouse but unfortunately the pictures didn't seem to be there. Sounds like you have a very nice operation going!

dragoneggs · Apr 30, 2014

An update and a couple of 'action' pics.

The Univents are working great! We had an 80degF day today here in PNW!!! Near record temps I think. Vents are opening and closing wonderfully. Starts are sprouting and I installed a misting system on a rod that I can raise/lower and it is on an auto timer. I left them for 4 days and all is well so the goal of automation is working! I do think I will need a powered/louvered fan for the summer heat though.

wngsprd · May 1, 2014

Thanks for the update. I've really been amazed at what you've accomplished. Maybe I'll give it a try after I complete some other projects that sit top on my list.

dragoneggs · May 1, 2014

wngsprd said:
Thanks for the update. I've really been amazed at what you've accomplished. Maybe I'll give it a try after I complete some other projects that sit top on my list.

Thank for the compliment... I will be glad to answer any questions in detail regarding adding strength and stiffness to the HF structure and also the plumbing/electrical. I have a ways to go to completely outfit it but figured I would add or modify as we populate with plants. Looking now to add a wash/rinse basin with drain and a dedicated potting area that captures spilled potting soil for easy recycling.