Register  |   | 
 
Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Harbor freight greenhouse
 
 


Reply
  Author   Comment  
rookie

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 384
Posted Reply with quote  #1 
   Well, I finally bit the bullet and bought a greenhouse. I got the 6x8 harbor freight greenhouse, got a pretty good deal on it, 299.00 with a 20% off coupon $260.00 including tax.  Probably 80% of the reviews said it's worth the money.Most people who had anything bad to say about it were talking about the lack of clear directions and the springs that hold the clear panels in place. I picked up some silicone to keep the panels tight and I have plenty of patience to figure out the directions.
I'll be starting the project tomorrow along with a cigar and a nice well aged glass of single malt, wish me luck.  I'll post pics when it's done. Anyone have this  same greenhouse and know anything about it that I should know?
__________________
Scott, Long Island ,NY  
 All my figs have been exposed to  FMV,some have it, some don't. It doesn't seem to bother them so it doesn't bother me.
ohjustaguy

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 324
Posted Reply with quote  #2 
good luck...
__________________
San Jose 9b
http://www.kevinsedibleyard.com/
will

Registered:
Posts: 226
Posted Reply with quote  #3 
My mother just bought me the same exact one but I might exchange it for the 10x12.
will

Registered:
Posts: 226
Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Make sure you build a level foundation and make sure to secure the greenhouse to the foundation so it dosen't blow away.
rhopkins

Registered:
Posts: 106
Posted Reply with quote  #5 
A suggestion take you a flat blade screwdriver and put a notch in the center of it.  It makes putting the spring clips in 100% easier.  I  have the 10x12 version and it is strong and very well made.  The directions are not that bad it least I didn't think so.
__________________
Richard Hopkins South Western Arkansas Zone 8A Wish List: Keeping The Trees I Have Happy!
fortisi876

Registered:
Posts: 81
Posted Reply with quote  #6 
I've been considering the 10x12 for a few yrs now, the problem I'm having is coming up with an idea for a slightly raised foundation. What are you guys typically seeing used for the base foundation???

The lower portion of my property where I'd be placing this is prone to some mild flooding (6-12") once maybe twice per season, I was thinking of using 6x6" pressure treated timber???  

Do you think the weight of the 6x6 timber would be enough to keep this thing from blowing apart?
johnnyq627

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 710
Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Do you plan on heating your greenhouse? I tried to use one this spring, but found it did little good since the night temps got so low and I didnt heat it.
__________________
Nick- Youtube: PA Figs | eBay: tdepoala
Zone 6B/7A - Douglassville, PA
Wish list - Galicia Negra, Paritjal Rimada, Black Ischia UCD
rookie

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 384
Posted Reply with quote  #8 
The rain we have had all day put a stop to me building the greenhouse, it'll have to wait till tomorrow. I'm chomping at the bit though, have everything I need to ensure a solid level and square base. I will probably purchase one of the small heaters for sale , some say they work well, others say no good,guess the only way to find out for myself is to try it.

Thanks Ohjust

Rich ,I'll try that trick with the screw driver.

Fort, I'm putting mine onto a treated wood base atop a concrete slab. If you're placing the timbers onto dirt I'd drive stakes into the ground next to the timbers and then bolt the  stakes to the timbers.


__________________
Scott, Long Island ,NY  
 All my figs have been exposed to  FMV,some have it, some don't. It doesn't seem to bother them so it doesn't bother me.
springlakenj

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 281
Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Scott
Keep us posted, I bought the same one, haven't put it up yet.
__________________
John G. Spring Lake Hts, NJ Zone 7A

Italiangirl74

Registered:
Posts: 628
Posted Reply with quote  #10 
I have this exact greenhouse and I have said for last 2 years best investment made for survival of figs trees outside, we heat it in winter only at night until the sun hits it, works wonderful, when sun is out it gets very warm very quick! Good investment you have made. we anchored it by digging int he ground long trenches and putting 4x6 treated lumbers into the trench and drilling foundation of greenhouse into the wood. The directions was the only thing,, it was horrible. As above said, use the silicone to secure the panes in, that is what I did, during hurricane sandy they all blew out, so after I secured with silicone cocking?? don't know spelling.. it work wonderful.
__________________
Maggie Maria zone 7
rookie

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 384
Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Got the greenhouse almost up yesterday afternoon....wasnt too bad considering the directions are THE WORST!!! actually the only bad part is the damn door...if it wasnt for the picture on the box id still be trying to figure out the door. This afternoon the panels will go in and that should be it. John you need to yours built ...if you need a hand with it im available. Its the least i can do after the delivery you made for me last year.
__________________
Scott, Long Island ,NY  
 All my figs have been exposed to  FMV,some have it, some don't. It doesn't seem to bother them so it doesn't bother me.
tmc2009

Registered:
Posts: 854
Posted Reply with quote  #12 
I'm always reading about the poor instructions.  You'd think they would have put some effort into improving them by now.  Looking forward to some pictures.  
__________________
Tom
Massachusetts Zone 6b
DesertDance

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 4,518
Posted Reply with quote  #13 
If you want instructions, you will pay double!
__________________
Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!"  Wish List:  I wish all of you happy fig collecting!  My wishes have been fulfilled!
kudzu9

Registered:
Posts: 35
Posted Reply with quote  #14 
rookie-
  Gardenweb has a greenhouse forum and lots of people there own Harbor Freight greenhouses and have posted a lot of info about assembly and ways to improve the GH.  Here are a couple of links that will take you to many of these posts:

http://search.gardenweb.com/search/nph-ind.cgi?term=HF&forum=strucs&forum_name=Greenhouses+%26+Garden+Structures

http://search.gardenweb.com/search/nph-ind.cgi?term=harbor&forum=strucs&forum_name=Greenhouses+%26+Garden+Structures
rookie

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 384
Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Ok, I finished the greenhouse yesterday, the really only bad part was building the door as the directions are very poorly written and the pictures are even worse. BUT, once it was all built and the panels added I have to say that it's a good product for the money. All told this has cost me a total of $340.00 for a pretty nice greenhouse. I had help from my son one day which helped speed building the frame. The panels went in fairly easy once you figure out the clips that hold them in, I will be siliconing the panels into place to ensure against them getting blown out by high winds. Only have one  picture because there's a problem with editing the size. 
kudzu thanks for that link, I was going to order the auto window opener from harbor freight but after reading what people had to say about it I 'll be looking elsewhere for one. 
   One last comment on the 6x8,,, if you have the room go for the bigger one because it does fill up very quickly.

Attached Images
jpeg 2013-05-21_18-28-17_674.jpg (713.84 KB, 95 views)


__________________
Scott, Long Island ,NY  
 All my figs have been exposed to  FMV,some have it, some don't. It doesn't seem to bother them so it doesn't bother me.

Pattee

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 1,417
Posted Reply with quote  #16 
Looks great Scott. It certainly was a good price too.
__________________
7a & 9b ►I assume all my figs carry FMV ◄

Seeking :  Italian 376,395 , Galicia Negra, Negretta,UNK Pastilliere ,Pananas Purple,  Malta Blk+purple/red, Italian + Calabrian UNK's , Catanzaro, Malone, Sucrette(Baud)


"We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of hearts?"
-  Gandhi
kudzu9

Registered:
Posts: 35
Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Looks really nice.  Keep those links since there are also some good maintenance and repair tips if you encounter any issues down the line.
nkesh099

Registered:
Posts: 863
Posted Reply with quote  #18 
Hi Scott,

Any updates on your greenhouse? Are you happy with it?
Just yesterday almost bought the same (6x8) greenhouse as yours from HF. But, I thought the panels were a bit thin. I can get it for $150.00. Any inputs appreciated.

Navid.
rookie

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 384
Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Hi Navid,
    I really do love my greenhouse, there are two things about it though. Size, which I'm sure most people have an issue with, if you can possibly go bigger then do it. the other issue is the door, it sucks. Other than that I love what it's done for my figs and veggies,,,, the heat it provides for faster growing really pays off. I just installed a drip watering system in mine and I really love that too, I had no idea that a drip system worked so well. If you can get yours for 150.00 then I'd jump allover it. I'm into mine for about 400.00 including everything, the house, frame, drip system and I am very happy with it all. Good luck with yours if you get it.
ps. the panels really are very strong when the whole house is completed , make sure you silicone the panels into place along with the provided clips.
__________________
Scott, Long Island ,NY  
 All my figs have been exposed to  FMV,some have it, some don't. It doesn't seem to bother them so it doesn't bother me.
bullet08

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 6,920
Posted Reply with quote  #20 
that's a nice looking green house. i might have to look into some in near future. my garage will be packed this winter.
__________________
Pete
Durham, NC
Zone 7b

"don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill
"the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher

***** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. *****
***** and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...*****
snaglpus

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 4,072
Posted Reply with quote  #21 
here is the one I built.   LIke others, I store a lot small trees inside during winter.  It's a great investment.  BUt you have to build a level and solid foundation.  Mine is anchored in the ground using rebar every 2 feet around the entire GH.  I also completed the floor with those pavers seen in the pics.

Attached Images
jpeg IMGP0398_1.jpg (985.02 KB, 40 views)


__________________
Dennis
Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a 
nkesh099

Registered:
Posts: 863
Posted Reply with quote  #22 
Thank you Scott for the detail and thorough information.. Sounds like a excellent buy. I just need a temporary GH to help out few plants that were killed to the soil level and are, now sending shots from under the soil. Temps has been rather cool these days, with high winds during the days. Not the ideal condition for these plants.

Thanks,
Navid.

bugs

Registered:
Posts: 356
Posted Reply with quote  #23 
Scott, what drip system did you go with?
What size drip nozzle did you go with?
Thanks Bugs
Previous Topic | Next Topic
Print
Reply