heat+light+water= growth. I know its not that simple but if you can provide that with the greenhouse all should be good for pretty much anything you wish to grow. The biggest issue with the smaller greenhouses is they can over heat quickly but since you are home most the time it shouldnt be a problem. If you dont have one get a remote thermometer so you dont have to go out and check all the time. If I had to choose between morning or afternoon shade I would go with the afternoon shade. mike

Well that's a bummer. Here's a secret that sometimes works, and sometimes doesn't. When you want DH to do something, and he's not getting with it, go out and start doing it yourself. If he's like a lot of guys, he'll want to get involved and/or take over as soon as you get started, to make sure you're "doing it right"! ;-) If that doesn't work, just do like I did, and do it yourself. I did ask for (and received) DH's help in screwing panels onto the frame and repairing the damage, but I did all the insulating myself. Granted, it's not pretty, or professional, and it probably could be tighter, but it does the job, and I didn't have to wait for him. I used bungee cords and packing tape to put my bubble wrap up (clear, so light could still come through), and foam board insulation for the bottom 2ft. of the walls, and 4ft. of the north wall (it's just leaned up against the polycarb panels, and I had it cut at the hardware store). I used the foam in a can to seal off gaps in the frame - yes, even the ones at the roof line and corner seams. Not pretty, but it worked and was easier than calking the whole thing. Anyways, good luck for next year...at least most of your plants are still alive, which means with a little work, they'll probably spring back nicely. Plants are resiliant that way... :-)

If this is the one I saw in their store last year, I would recommend that you pass. It did seem very flimsy and the single-pane polycarbonate panels will provide very little insulation value, resulting in very cold temps at night and high heat in the daytime. If your budget is limited, then you might want to look at the Harbor Freight Greenhouse. It usually lists for $329, I believe, often going on sale for $299, and if you sign up for their mailing list, you'll eventually get a coupon for another 10 or 20% off. I have the 6x8 model, which is easier to assemble than the 10x12 (my adult son and I put it together in one day) and does not require modification to make it sturdier. I've had mine three years and am very happy with it ... just wish it was larger (but I'd probably feel that way about anything that would fit on this suburban lot anyway). Adding up all the costs for fan, heater, insulation, thermo-hygrometer, benches, flooring, solar pool cover (for winter), and treated lumber for foundation (we set it on 2x10's), it still comes in well around $800. The HFGH has an aluminum frame, sliding door, and 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels. The twin-wall gives better insulation in the winter and helps to diffuse sunlight so your plants are less likely to burn on bright days. There are several threads in this forum on them, just do a search for HFGH ... but when you read them, notice whether you're reading about a 6x8 or 10x12 model; there's a big difference.

A couple of things come to mind, Brian, when reading your post. 1. The frame is aluminum, a relatively soft metal, and I fear that repeated assembly and disassembly would tend to weaken the joints. 2. In SE Michigan, you are probably going to need some considerable insulation unless you plan on spending a bundle to heat your greenhouse. This means you will also have to remove and store your insulation material. (Here in Zone 7 coastal NJ, I use 1" foam panels inside on the north wall/roof and a clear solar pool cover outside.) 3. Could you find an alternate use for the greenhouse in the warmer months? It can get pretty warm inside in the summer, but with adequate ventilation and perhaps by replacing a few of the pc panels with screen panels during the summer, you might find it useful. I find it a safe haven for plants I'm coddling: young seedlings/plantlings or other plants that need a little TLC and protection from squirrels and other garden mischief makers. 4. If at all possible, go with the 6x8 at a minimum, You'll be surprised at how quickly it fills up; your plant collection will most likely expand, now that you have space for them, and, as long as you have the space, it's nice to have fresh herbs available through the winter ... and then maybe a cherry tomato or two, and perhaps some lettuce/mixed greens ... and so on. And unless you already have a sun porch, you'll find it a delightful place to spend time on an icy but sunny winter day; that's why I keep a chair in mine. We did assemble our 6x8 HFGH in about six hours or so. My oldest son and I did the assembly and my daughter saved us time by applying the foil tape to the ends of the panels. I added the weatherstripping later, only because I didn't have it on hand when we were first assembling. Our yard is also quite small, but the space "invested" in our little greenhouse has proved to be well worth it, especially in the winter! Good luck and enjoy!