Mini Greenhouse for $20. Worth it?

FarmboyBill · #1 01/31/15, 01:26 PM

I saw in TSC that they had one of those around 2ft sq by around 6ft tall with around 4 to 6 shelves for $20. Is it worth it? Would I need a heat pad and grow lites over each shelf.

Ceilismom · #2 01/31/15, 01:37 PM

If you already have a metal or plastic shelving unit, or can find one for around the same price, you'd probably be better off doing that. I don't think I'd be successful starting seedlings outdoors with only the mini greenhouse for protection at this time of year. Indoors, I still use the heating pads for starting tomatoes and peppers, and I still use the clear lids on the seed starting trays. I still use grow lights because there isn't enough sunlight coming in the window to prevent weak, spindly seedlings. I found the zippered plastic cover to be in my way, and it has the potential to result in condensation dripping on the floor. The shelf itself is a bit wobbly and flimsy. On the plus side, the thing doesn't take up much space when disassembled and stored in a closet for the 10 months out of the year when I don't need it.

billinwv · #3 01/31/15, 01:38 PM

I saw it also. The only use I could get out of it would maybe an indoor seed starter. It would keep the humidity up and could be warmed easily. In a bright window you could forego lights. I have decided to go with a hoop house to extend the growing season. Great thread on here from a guy in the north east who is able to grow cold crops like broccoli all winter.

FarmboyBill · #4 01/31/15, 01:43 PM

I don't have a window that I havnt got something in front of. It would have to go outdoors.

Helena · #5 01/31/15, 02:49 PM

Have a lot of different seed starter shelves.. The ones you are talking about I have a couple. They are nice in the way because for me...my cats won't get into the seedlings and soil. Actually bought mine from sportmansguide.com. around the same price. Last summer TSC had them greatly reduced. Not a bad buy to keep things "neat" growing in the house but will need to rotate top and bottom shelf for sun light. glad I picked up a couple for myself a few years back..

Harry Chickpea · #6 01/31/15, 04:06 PM

I suspect that upon the first breeze it would fall down go boom, or more accurately fall down go psshtt.

FarmboyBill · #7 01/31/15, 04:11 PM

Yeah, but I can anchor that Pretty easy. Drive a couple T posts beside it, and wrap long rubber tie downs from post, around GH and then to post. Take off hooks that touch GH OR crimp them in tight enough they wont tear the material.

Would a heat lamp at the top, with the GH outside, be enough heat for the entire length of it, with trays of seedlings on each shelf?

RichNC · #8 01/31/15, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmboyBill

Yeah, but I can anchor that Pretty easy. Drive a couple T posts beside it, and wrap long rubber tie downs from post, around GH and then to post. Take off hooks that touch GH OR crimp them in tight enough they wont tear the material.

Would a heat lamp at the top, with the GH outside, be enough heat for the entire length of it, with trays of seedlings on each shelf?

Not knowing your night time temps, I would say no, heat mats would still more than likly need to be used.

Wanda · #9 01/31/15, 05:04 PM

There is not enough internal mass to hold heat overnight or in cloudy weather.

Dixie Bee Acres · #10 01/31/15, 05:39 PM

Honestly, for what you are getting, I would think a handful of 2x4s, and an $8 roll of clear plastic could do the same thing.

Danaus29 · #11 01/31/15, 06:08 PM

I had one, paid $8 for mine. It wasn't worth that. The cover ripped apart the first season, upright pieces rusted out the next. I still have a couple of the shelves but trust me, it's throwing money away.

I bought a large stainless shelving unit at a swap meet and have a roll of semi-rigid plastic that I'm going to make a mini greenhouse out of. It's one of my little projects for this year. But as others have said, it's simply too cold outside here for anything like that. It will be useful later for protecting seedlings when I start to harden them off but even that use is weeks away in this area.

willow_girl · #12 01/31/15, 06:25 PM

I have 3, plus an inexpensive (>$80) 6x8 greenhouse made along the same lines. The plastic covers tear after 2-3 seasons, but they're still useable.

I've calculated that I can get about 100 pots on one of those four-shelf units. I start my seeds inside under lights, then move the seedlings into the carts for 2-3 weeks to harden off. If we get a cold snap, I cover each cart with a blanket, and sometimes put a light bulb inside to keep the plants warm.

DBF is always pestering me about building a permanent greenhouse, and I'm, like, "Why bother?" I can get along fine on the cheap with my carts.

Johnny Dolittle · #13 01/31/15, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanda

There is not enough internal mass to hold heat overnight or in cloudy weather.

Yep

and they over-heat real fast when the sun hits them directly ... better come running or your delicate young seedlings will be toast.

cmd1965 · #14 01/31/15, 07:41 PM

I put one up in our 2nd bathroom. I've got 12 trays of seeds going, with a grow light inside sitting on the top bars.

jwal10 · #15 02/01/15, 11:21 AM

Me, I would rather have a good solid hoop on a raised bed. I use a plywood 1/2 circle for the ends and attach corrugated greenhouse panels. I have some that are 10 years old. For starts or kitchen garden I have even put manure in the bottom for heat....James

FarmboyBill · #16 02/01/15, 01:30 PM

Can you NOT buy new covers for them?

cc-rider · #17 02/01/15, 01:59 PM

I had one for awhile, but only used it inside. Ending up selling it this summer to someone that was going to use it to store outside toys in for her kids. I rigged up grow lights under each shelf, but it was still cumbersome. The plastic was still fine after several years, but like I said...I only used it inside. I cant' imagine it would hold up outside. It'd blow over, even staked down. And too small to not overheat or lose what heat it has. I think you'd be better off with cold frames or something using the heat of the ground.

1sttimemom · #18 02/01/15, 04:15 PM

My mom bought one a couple yrs ago. The 1st gust of wind tore the plastic to shreds and it was sort of sheltered on the downwind sire of their home. The shelving part is also pretty flimsy.

FarmboyBill · #19 02/01/15, 04:33 PM

SO IF I decide to make a plastic pipe frame greenhouse, which im sure I can do, what im NOT sure of is how to seal off the edges as ill be using sheet plastic covering How to seal off the door area.

cc-rider · #20 02/01/15, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmboyBill

SO IF I decide to make a plastic pipe frame greenhouse, which im sure I can do, what im NOT sure of is how to seal off the edges as ill be using sheet plastic covering How to seal off the door area.

I wonder if you could buy sheet vinyl and sew it to fit, just like the $20 one? Put in a zipper or Velcro door. I've seen some that are just a solid door wall, with two cuts (one on each side of the "door") so the resulting flap rolls UP and is held open with Velcro ties. Not sure how they keep it down, however, and sealed. I'd be more tempted to cut a door out completely, and then make a LARGER flap to cover that door opening, sewing it at the top, and Velcro-ing the sides to the sides of the door.

Or just make a door out of PVC, too, that is independent, and cover it with plastic.