There is the other theory that they keep the good stuff for themselves, and ship out the defective parts ;(

What are your Vent openers doing? Mine are working now that I tweaked them

What are your Vent openers doing
NOTHING With the screw turned all the way in they should open at 57 degrees but mine did nothing with the temp in the 80"s

I took the vent opener apart and worked on them and I now have three of them working. It got too hot in their I will try to fix the fourth one in the morning.
Even though I have them working I'm not impressed with them. They are very flimsy built I would not recommend buying HF vent openers, Spend a little more and buy something like Bayliss mk7

I have to agree with the Flimsy Issue, but with the sale price on the HF openers, you are looking at three times more to get a wax based opener. I will be replacing them with Wax based openers as the HF's Fail

Yea the price is what suckered me into buying them.
Now I get to throw away these worthless P.O.S. and buy some good ones.

Every time I'm sure HFGH is the one I want to go with something like this happens which makes me think again! Stop scarying me guys!
We're getting ours (10 x12) the first week of October and anticipate a lot of work ahead of us. Note to self DO NOT buy vent openers from HF.
Has anyone bought their solar arrays? I thought of getting one to run the lights off of.

Molly Denza

Molly Did you read the posts on this forum about the modifications that is required to make the 10x12 HFGH survive in a thunderstorm. If you don't do these mods you will lose it. Under NO circumstances should you buy the opener not even if they are two for a dollar
Their has been pictures posted on how to do the mods on the 10x12 and after all those things are done it is not to bad. Not everyone wants to invest $3000:00 in a GH

After months of reading up on greenhouses in different forums I crossed out HF for greenhouse. The reworking adds up to a nightmare. With the help of my son and a bender made right here in the USA, that bends greenhouse hoops only (found on the internet)It really works perfectly, Gary had the hoops bent in 15 minutes.I now have a really nice greenhouse made from plain old fence tubing the kind I have running along the top of my chainlink fence. Covering, frame and all for my 10x20 cost less than $300.00. I've started moving my plants in for the winter but am running out of room all ready. My son said he will double it next year. I did not waste my money on mail order junk mainly because I read these forums and learn from you folks and I have a son that can read a measure tape.

Here is a link that might be useful: lost creek greenhouses

Almost forgot, Gary told me that these guys also sell these benders on ebay. I don't know how to find them there because ebay is so big. but he said they cost less on ebay. I'll try and get more infomation.

beescorner,

Congrats on your new greenhouse. I'm sure your son did a great job for you. I don't know where you are located but I'm in zone 4b and here hoop houses wouldn't withstand winter. They would be good for spring, summer and early fall but not for the winter season which is when I really need my GH. So a hoop house isn't for me but I understand that in some zones they're great.

gardenerwantabe:
Yes I've read every thread I could find on HFGH. We're going with it and will reinforce but still a bit scary. We're hoping to have the same success as you did. Fingers crossed.
There is a really good chance that we may actually buy it tomorrow!!!! I'm so excited. Sure hope they've got one in the store since the coupon I have is for in store purchases only and they're on sale till tomorrow.

MollyD

Hi Molly, Gary choose the hoop type because they are stronger in high winds and winter ice. A friend of his living in Butte Montana told Gary about this new bender thing. He built his two years ago and withstood thier winters great. I'am in zone 7 but we get a lot of ice in the winter. Regardless I'am sure you will enjoy whatever greenhouse you get, they are great fun. Best of luck.

Gary choose the hoop type because they are stronger in high winds and winter ice.

I hate to bust your bubble but a hoop house covered with the plastic is nowhere near as strong or durable as polycarbonate. The wind will tear it and the sun will destroy it in two or three years. Replacing the plastic film is a never ending job and you will soon spend more than what it would have cost to buy a GH with polycarbonate panels. All you got to do to convince yourself of this is look at the warranty on both types.

Hi Molly,

I've recently decided to GO FOR IT, too (with my fingers crossed). My DH is a very capable DIY guy, so I do believe we can make it work with a smaller investment than other greenhouses of the same size and type.

So, keep us posted! I ordered on-line last week, and I have no idea how long it will take. I've not received any confirmation except there is a temporary charge on my credit card from HF.

Best of luck with yours.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

My local store has it in stock and on sale. We couldn't get there today (last day of the current sale) but the store did a rain check over the phone. We're picking it up tomorrow and then begins the fun part!
I've got about 90% of the tadpoles and frogs moved down to the creek. They were living in the remains of a swimming pool we took out to make a spot for the GH. I'm not sorry to see either the frogs or the pool go! By this Friday I hope to have all those critters in their new home and the sand that had been under the pool pushed out of the way. Leveling is the next step but we have a tractor so that shouldn't be a major hassle . Biggest problem is finding time for my Paul to help out. He has a full time job and a part time one too so he has his hands full. Most of this I can do myself but I don't have a clue on how to run the tractor. It has more bells and whistles than anything you can imagine!

MollyD

I hate to bust your bubble but a hoop house covered with the plastic is nowhere.

Hi wantabe, My bubble is just fine & still going strong. We used the same greenhouse plastic as our local retail nursery used. and it has been on their greenhouse for 9 years is in great shape, no tears,no rip's. I know this because I ask them, they expect to get 12 years life out of it. After all I'am their best customer. They told me were to buy the poly and were very helpful with instructions on the proper way to install it. It's the grade and installation that determine the out come not the material. Yes polycarbonate is stronger material and it only cost 7 times as much as greenhouse quality high grade plastic, and it just as likely to the same failures as plastic when it comes to sever wind and snow/ice buildup. Fact that small and large scale nursery owners are much more aware of. My bubble floats very well and follows me the bank. Best of luck to you. Bottom line is enjoying our greenhouses, isn't that right.

beescorner
Please share with us where you bought this miracle plastic.
What is the name of the manufacture.
I'm sure people would like to know where they can find a plastic that will last 4 times longer than anything else on the market

Hi there wantabe

Absolutely, First I'll say that I have researched this material in depth. I prefer educated choices and saving money in the context of having both at the same time.

Fact #1 greenhouse plastic comes in 3 basic thickness's 3,5,and 6 mil. there are others.
Fact #2 greenhouse plastic is divided into 3 basic life spands, the lowest grade is what they call nursery season(one winter only) grade, next is the 1 year grade , followed by a 4 year grade, there are others.
With millions of rolls sold to nurseries world wide, the manufactures produce this product to outlast the guaranteed life spand by a factor of 3 to 4. Thus a 1 year grade plastic will last 3 to 4 years and a 4 year grade will last 9 to 12 years in most cases. If plastic manufactures did not build in this extra life spand they would go broke replacing millions of rolls of plastic. Guarantees are most always based on one third of the real time life expectancy of product such as these to avoid replacing their product. Perhaps you missed the article in Wall Street Journal on greenhouse kit nightmares as well, here is the link to that article. The forum is on HF G/Hs and I stated how I feel about them and why I choose plastic hoop house.

Manufacture is Tyco Plastic (6 mil- 4 year 24x100 ft)
Supplier is BWI (Bunch Wholesale Inc.)in located in Arkansa

Here is a link that might be useful: The Wall Street Journal Online

Hi Molly :D

"I don't have a clue on how to run the tractor."

I learned to drive our tractor, but that was 2 years ago and I haven't driven it since. I keep telling myself that I need a refresher course from my DH just in case he's out of town and I really need it.

You're brave! I don't think I would even open the HFGH box without DH here. I can only hope he is not too busy with work - only 1 job but travels more than I'd like.

What's your plan for a foundation? Have you searched the other threads for 10x 12 HFGH? There is someone who posted to this forum, "glawson" if I am remembering correctly, who posted oodles of detailed information and photos during the construction phase of his 10x12. I will be referring to that thread often during our construction.

What was the sale price for your GH? The flyer that I received was for $599. I have heard others say they had coupons and other offers and got a REALLY good deal.

Please keep us all posted when you get yours and how it progresses.

Lisa

Lisa the price is the same here. I have a coupon for 15% off but it's only good till the 27th. If you want a copy email me and I'll forward it to you.

MollyD

Thanks, Molly, but didn't you say it's an "in store" coupon only? There is no store near me that I know of. And, I don't know that they would take it after I have already paid.. but maybe?

Lisa

"I did not waste my money on mail order junk..."

I've really held my tongue a long time because I didn't want to ruffle feathers or hurt feelings, but, dang it, excuse me but I'm going to have to speak up here. I have the little 6'x8' greenhouse that last year was called nothing but a glorified coldframe, and now a piece of "junk". What, pray tell, does a poly-covered hoophouse look like in a surburban back yard? Talk about junk!?! It may be fine out in the country, and that's all well and good for those of you who can have them ... you can certainly have more greenhouse space for less money than I can ... but in some settings, frankly, it just doesn't fly.

Now let's please just be a little less judgmental and a little more realistic about the various factors involved in one's personal choice of a greenhouse.

Diane

It may be fine out in the country, and that's all well and good for those of you who can have them ... you can certainly have more greenhouse space for less money than I can ... but in some settings, frankly, it just doesn't fly.

Diane, I have to agree with you. I live on 15 acres in the country, but one of the reasons I chose HFGH is because it looks so pretty. I've looked at other greenhouses and they are way out of my price range, and even if it takes an additional $599 to complete the greenhouse, I figure that I'll have a $3000 - $5000 greenhouse for $1200 and it will make a aesthetic contribution to my farm as well as a practical one.

Looking forward to the challenge of putting mine together,
Lisa

"I did not waste my money on mail order junk..."

"It may be fine out in the country, and that's all well and good for those of you who can have them ... you can certainly have more greenhouse space for less money than I can ... but in some settings, frankly, it just doesn't fly."

Judgmental! Lets look at post from others that own the HFGH.
________________________________________________-
CONCERNING HFGH PARTS:
"gardenerwantabe (My Page) on Fri, Sep 22, 06 at 8:45 Yea the price is what suckered me into buying them.
Now I get to throw away these worthless P.O.S. and buy some good ones."
_______________________________________________
CONCERNING MODIFICATIONS TO HFGH:
"by gardenerwantabe (My Page) on Fri, Sep 22, 06 at 18:58
Molly Did you read the posts on this forum about the modifications that is required to make the 10x12 HFGH survive in a thunderstorm. If you don't do these mods you will lose it."
___________________________________________________
LET"S LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER AT JUDGEMENTAL SHALL WE:
"by gardenerwantabe (My Page) on Sun, Sep 24, 06 at 17:10
I hate to bust your bubble but a hoop house covered with the plastic is nowhere near as strong or durable as polycarbonate. The wind will tear it and the sun will destroy it in two or three years. Replacing the plastic film is a never ending job and you will soon spend more than what it would have cost to buy a GH with polycarbonate panels. All you got to do to convince yourself of this is look at the warranty on both types."
________________________________________________
AND:
"by gardenerwantabe (My Page) on Mon, Sep 25, 06 at 13:44
Please share with us where you bought this miracle plastic. What is the name of the manufacture.
I'm sure people would like to know where they can find a plastic that will last 4 times longer than anything else on the market."

__________________________________________________

A beautiful thing that requires so much modification to keep it intact, and parts that are (to borrow a quote from another post) "POS" are not only in my opinion junk, the Wall Street Journal thinks so also. You will find the link to their story in a earlier post above. Everyone should read it.

Yes, some would not find a hoophouse an aesthetic contribution, but many do. They are also featured on television home improvement shows in surburan settings in back yards of 200,000.00 homes, and look quite good there.

LASTLY LETS LOOK CLOSER AT AN EARLIER POST OF MINE:

"Best of luck to you. Bottom line is enjoying our greenhouses, isn't that right."
This forum should be named "SUPPORT YOUR HFGH" Postive, comments welcome: Negetive, comments go elsewhere. WILL DO SO GLADLY

Lisa,

You are right about that coupon. It was only good in the store at time of purchase. Sometimes they put out coupons that are good on mail orders but I haven't seen those yet.

Cheers!
Molly

I am not trying to beat a dead horse, but I just got around to reading the Wall street article that bees linked to.

I thought it was supposed to be about HF greenhouses. I want to thank Bees for the Link.

It seems that even if we had paid for a geenhouse kit costing 10 times or more than what we paid, we would still have the same experiance.

Admitedly I have not fully tested mine yet, the strongest wind gusts we have had since I assembled it was 45, with sustained winds of 30.

Next spring will be the real test

Once again Thank you bees for the link. It proves what I thought, that the origional cost of the greenhouse does not make a difference. It is the stuff you add on later that makes the big costs

jimmydo2,

You got the idea. A "kit" is the basics. a "kit" assumes you can put it together yourself. a "kit" assumes you can work out the rest of the things not supplied.

Greenhouses should be rated like childrens toys.

"not for children under 3 years of age, may contain small parts"

"Batteries, fans, intake vents, sealant, foundations, water supply, electric hookup, heaters, thermostats not included"

Yeah when I opened up my GH kit, it reminded me of when I used to build Balsa wood airplanes, you would get this 4 foot long box 6 inches wide, 5 inches tall, with plans, and a bunch of balsa sticks, it looked nothing like the 7 foot wingspan airplane you would have when you finished

You bring up a good point. I have said that the HFGH is not for everyone in fact like the WSJ article pointed out all kits require some building knowledge.
Many don't have the talent to build something like this but with the HFGH you also need to redesign the basic structure to make it stronger. Does that mean it is junk ???
That depends on your ability. For those who can make the changes it is a bargain for those that can't do it they have to pay thousands more for one that has all the thinking already done for them.

Here is a post that I posted on this subject months ago

Posted by gardenerwantabe Z5 Indiana (My Page) on Tue, Aug 15, 06 at 22:22

mary_pacifica
You could use several methods to secure it to the ground.
I did what I did because it was easy and I had access to all the metal fence posts that I wanted. I think they are less than three dollars new at LOWES. I drove a metal post down in each Conner The post will keep it from moving and I don't think the wind will lift it I have dirt up to the top of the timbers . If you want you can drill a hole in the top of the post and put a lag bolt through the post into the timber then it can not lift.
I used strips that I cut from a poly tarp laid them on top of the timbers then put the base on that. I drilled through the base every two feet and be sure to use stainless steel bolts. The new treated timbers will corrode zinc coated bolts. Did you see the picture I posted of reinforcing the conner post to the base. This is a very badly needed modification. The instructions are very poor and the framing needs to be reinforced but after you work through these issues then you will have the same thing as a $3000,00 GH for about $700.00 For those who don't know how to do it or are not willing then they will need to pay the big price. For some of us this is a way to have the same thing at a far cheaper price. mine has survived 80mph wind with no damage but it did not get hit with the full force because of my location it has a good wind break.

I have been following the threads on the 10x12 HF's and also read the earlier discussions on building the smaller sized HF's, so I am well aware of the potential problems in putting these together.

I've been vacillating on buying a nice hobby greenhouse for the past 3 years, but keep putting off the final plunge. I was ready to shell out around $3,000 but find it hard to justify that price for something that I realistically will only use for starting seeds and transplants in April through May -- only two months! I don't need all the bells and whistles that a 9-12 month usage would use.

I have gone the plastic route, the first one I built myself on posts set into the ground (knowing nothing of carpentry) and after replacing the plastic every other year, eventually replaced the roof with clear corrugated fiberglas panels and plexiglass for three sides (the 4th side was partially set into a hill) It worked well for over 15 years until the frost heaves eventually unsquared my amateur structure and posts and the framing began drifting in various rickey directions. I still use it to store pots and garden junk, but it's not a pretty sight - at least it's hidden behind our garage.

My next greenhouse was a very large filament plastic zipdoor affair with velcro vent openings from FarmTek. I actually liked this one very much, it was roomy and had a high ceiling. But now about 5 years later, the support stitching has come out of the vent openings, and the door zipper quit working, so I punched holes and tied strips of T-shirt so I could tie the door shut. Since it sits out in the sun, direct high winds and snow, it actually lasted pretty well.

But now I am ready for something that I will not have to replace or monkey with for a long time and that looks nice. I have tried to study various models on the internet, and it seems like none of them are perfectly trouble free to erect, though HF's sound a bit worse than most.

I find a lot of satisfaction in building things myself, but I'm wondering if this is beyond my frustration level, and I should just plan on hiring a carpenter/handyman to put mine together. Assuming that there are no parts missing, roughly how many hours of work should I estimate on having to budget for in putting a 10x12 together? (OK - no laughing, best case scenario?)

Dee

Well For Me personaly it took me approximate 100 working hours.

But Keep this in mind, I have Congestive Heart Failure, so my energy levels are very low.

Also a large portion of that time was excavating the spot I located mine because I actualy buried my foundation in the ground.

I could feasably see this taking an average person 24-36 hours of working time (Less if you review the instructions ahead of time and modify the order of some of the construction, so there is less "Unbuilding" involved.

A weak (6v-9v) electric screwdriver with a 10 MM nutdriver will speed things up tremendously.

One of the More time consuming tasks it installing the panels Especialy the roof panels, because you want to take the time to ensure they are properly secured (Extra clips, Caulk, and or Screws)

Thank you, Jimmy! That was very helpful. I would hope to be able to do the ground leveling and prep myself. Or I may get ambitious and do as much more as I can until I get stuck!

Dee

Of course there was one other little glitch, after I got my ground all excavated, I found out I had it too close to my house (Local building codes say it has to be at least 6 feet away from the house, or it needs a firewall between the house and the greenhouse (Even if the greenhouse has no electricity, LOL))

SO I had to extend my hole three feet west, and three feet south...