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Greenhouse make-over

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by KellyW, Feb 6, 2023.

  1. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I built my greenhouse in 2001 and have only done minor repairs since then. It needs major repairs and remodels now. The evaporative cooler burned out at the end of summer so the cooling system is a major part of the renovation. I’m going to post my progress or problems as I proceed.

    This is from the outside after I removed the old swamp cooler.
    D6B71334-2729-44E6-99C8-7E3F1F68E775.jpeg

    I’m replacing the swamp cooler with a wet wall and an exhaust fan on the opposite end. All of the plumbing, fertilizer injection and some electrical was in the way of the wet wall location so lots of shifting is going to happen.
    58012290-FB69-4690-87CC-005A792A4E78.jpeg 4053BA8A-EF97-4DF0-AE94-3D3264D18417.jpeg 95769D62-3614-4C62-858A-08C8AB40EF34.jpeg

    More to come as I proceed.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2023
  2. Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Good luck with the labor, Kelly.

    I erected my sixth and last greenhouse in 1989 and it went through at least 4 “upgrades” before I disassembled and sold it in 2016. It can be a big job - especially if you have to move plants out and back in - but each job left me with a major “worth it” feeling, or maybe more to the point, “why didn’t I do that sooner?”.
     
  3. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thanks Ray. It is difficult having to move plants around and work among them.

    I appreciate the encouragement.
     
  4. DPfarr

    DPfarr Well-Known Member

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    I hope you’re fueled by the promise of growing things better or even new things!
     
    KellyW likes this.
  5. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I've built and remodeled quite a few greenhouses since my first one in 1985 and I don't regret having done any of them. I've forgotten how much work it was at the time and just remember how much better they became.
     
    KellyW likes this.
  6. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Starting to look like something. Still lots to do.

    3D524196-EA0A-4D36-897D-C02B243E592D.jpeg
     
    J E, Selmo, Lil Duck and 1 other person like this.
  7. MikolajLawson

    MikolajLawson New Member

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    It's great that you're planning to document your progress and challenges as you renovate your greenhouse. It sounds like a significant project, especially with the need to repair and update the cooling system.
     
  8. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    During the renovations I’m finding some rotten wood that can’t be ignored. This 4x4 heart redwood corner post had started rotting after 22 years. This redwood had been repurposed and was originally part of a play structure I had built for my kids so it has served me well.

    I had to attach crutches on 2 sides then cut and chisel out the rot. I applied a liberal dose of wood preservative, inserted a block and shimmed with plastic garden edging. The crutches will stay in place. Fortunately the sill plate is still sound. Not sure yet how much more rot I will find.
    00F4B471-4F2C-4B8E-9C43-CB559C961FFB.jpeg 5FDF6828-87E0-49E2-A1F1-983A14FC2914.jpeg
     
    J E likes this.
  9. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Good save!
     
  10. J E

    J E Jaime Escobedo

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    Yikes!