skip to main content

Northwestern Gardening

Greenhouse Ideas/Uses

17 years ago

Hello all,

This is my first time on your forum. I moved this spring/summer into a new place, (renting), which inlcuded an unused greenhouse in the corner of the back yard. It is aprox 8' X 10' X 8', glass in the typical peaked roof style. It is surrounded on the sides and top by a latticed frame, about 1 foot from the glass. There are 2 panes missing, 1 on the corner of the roof and on on the bottom side. (Both can be replaced)

It is terribly overgrown with black berries, an unknown clematis on the top and one side and am English Laurel on the other.

There is no power to it directly, but an extention cord can be easily run to it if needed.

I have been given permision to do whatever I wish with the yard, including the greenhouse. There is a built in wood table/potting shelf running down one side and a low bed with 16 inch wall running down the other on the inside.

As I have never had access to a greenhouse before, I am unsure how I can take full advanatge of this.

Most of my plantings are in containers, (easier when moving) which include Japanese Maples, hostas, dalihas, irises, (under water in a small pond of mine), osteospernum, fuschias and bamboos. This year I picked up some Heliotrophe (which I would love to standardise somehow), Gunnera, 2 Cryptomeria, a few Papyrus for the pond, several Cannas and 2 Daturas (1double purple, 1 single white) both have seed pods right now.

I am looking for any ideas for over-wintering plants, spring, summer plantings and/or any other advice you may have to take advantage of the greenhouse.

Thnaks very much and have a great day

Scott

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

Embothrium
17 years ago
You could fix it up and run it during the winter only, to overwinter frost-susceptible subjects. Minimal heating will keep frost out.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
17 years ago
Lucky you! Many of us covet having a greenhouse at our disposal. For that size, even a couple of heat lamps will keep temperatures above freezing on all but the coldest nights. Do clear overgrowth away sufficiently so that what sun does appear is able to penetrate.

Also a good facility for winter sowing of various seeds of your choice as well as nice bright storage of those containered plants that might prefer drier conditions than out in the elements.
Related Discussions
Greenhouse 5 gallon buckets using drip system...what mix to use?
Q
Comments (5)
Hey Al, Thanks for checking in. In response... 1) I am looking to water more to allow the media to not always be saturated and also for the nutrients to not build up and become toxic. I would like to be able to keep the nutrient levels consistent and allow the plants to dry up a bit. I am growing tomatoes and heard flavor is better when this occurs. 2) I am planning on two tomato plant rotations in the greenhouse...could do one, but refreshing the tom plants might be a good idea and would allow me to rotate varieties and work the seasons more efficiently. All input is truly appreciated, Al. Thank you.
...See More
Greenhouse/turtle house ideas
Q
Comments (5)
Actually he is an african tortise and getting near 60 lbs. He will be getting over 200 lbs over the next several years. Eventually I may not need to ever mow my bermuda grass with him around. He doesn't hibernate and when we tried an unheated house he caught a cold and had a snotty nose and was wheezing. I found a mother earth news solar regulating greenhouse design that looks good. It seems that most of the greenhouses use a fortune in energy heating during the winter and then nearly as much in the summer cooling. Its nuts. Any one here ever make a passive solar greenhouse? I've been collecting old windows for a year now. Thanks, Damon PS I may be heating parakeets now also.
...See More
Michigan Greenhouse ideas.
Q
Comments (3)
Yeah, with the roof I am kind of leaning towards using something like 10' 2x6's and having the gable go west-east, spanning the 16'4" span. It would keep the greenhouse in line with the house and barn here, and I would think I could get away with something a little cheaper for the north roof if I really wanted too. I believe it would let the roof be step enough to let snow slide right off of about anything that's pretty slick, and would also let me have a little overhang as well to keep rain and snow melt from running right down the side of the green house. As for where I would put the doors, to me, the obvious place to me would be along the west wall. I was thinking of one storm door and then some sort of garage door that would be big enough to let me park a mower in there, and yet be tight enough that I wouldn't have to worry about assorted critters getting into it to raid after possible chickens in it during the winter. Prevailing winds around here would be from the west. Would I be able to just get away with having a big window on the east wall that I could open up for air flow??
...See More
Patio Doors to Greenhouse?-Workable Idea?
Q
Comments (5)
As I used to work for a commercial glazing contractor, I think I can answer your question. yes, this is do-able... just bear in mind that the panels are going to be VERY heavy. Tempered glass is suprisingly strong, provided you give the panels good support, they should be able to hold a very heavy snow load. You will probably need 4 or 6 panels for the roof alone.. there should be no issues with mixing glazing materials other than the difference in insulating qualities. Any ideas on how you are going to plug the hardware holes? might try some aluminum flashing and a good URETHANE caulk. Silicones just dont seem to stick well after a while
...See More

Related Stories

OUTBUILDINGS Studio Solution: A Kit Greenhouse Becomes a Creative Private Office

By Annie Thornton

See how an inventive work-from-home designer made an office from a greenhouse, for some inspired thinking in the backyard

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING See a Family Greenhouse Grown From Scraps

By Annie Thornton

Can-do resourcefulness and less than $400 lead to a new 8- by 8-foot home for plants on a Tennessee family's property

DECORATING GUIDES Go for a Greenhouse Effect With an Exotic Conservatory

By Samantha Schoech

Cultivate a rarified hothouse feel with or without all-glass walls; these inspiration photos and product picks show you how

GREENHOUSES A Greenhouse Rises From Texas Tornado Wreckage

By Sarah Greenman

Barn damage became a blessing in disguise for a thrifty, creative couple with a hankering for more greenery

LANDSCAPE DESIGN A Luxury Greenhouse Lures Manhattanites to the Country

By Becky Harris

Industrial meets rustic in this stunning new structure for living and entertaining in rural Pennsylvania

OUTBUILDINGS Room of the Day: An Old Shed Becomes a Spa and Greenhouse

By Becky Harris

A garden-loving couple create the perfect place to have a soak and putter with their plants year-round

WINDOWS The Best Uses for a Bay Window

By Liz Miller Interiors

See how to furnish a bay window or merely enjoy the view more, in both casual and formal settings

COLOR Cooking With Color: When to Use Gray in the Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Try out Trout or shake up some Martini Shaker gray for a neutral-based kitchen that whispers of sophistication

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Choose and Use Ecofriendly Kitchen Appliances

By Ivon Street Studio

Inefficient kitchen appliances waste energy and money. Here's how to pick and use appliances wisely

GRASSES 10 Ways to Use Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

By Laura Gaskill

These low-maintenance plants can add beauty, texture and privacy to any size garden

Sponsored

The Creative Kitchen Company

47 Reviews

Franklin County's Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

More Discussions

Gossler Farms Nursery visit...Embothrium purchase

7

Arctic blast - NW Edition

27

Time for Winter to Go!

5

My favorite plant, Easter 2024

4

We wants it! (But will it rule them all?)

10