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Dean W.
04-28-2010, 04:20 PM
Well I did it. I bought a greenhouse.:woohoonaner: Preparing for winter ahead of time.

Now I have to find out if the Home Owners Association approves it.:rolleyes: Then I'll have to get a permit from the city. The greenhouse is fun, the other stuff a pain.

I went ahead and staked out the area and have begun leveling it. There is a Chinese Pistachio tree near it and I will cut some limbs off. It will only gets a little shade in the afternoons and it is a deciduous tree.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31162&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31162)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31163&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31163)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31164&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31164)

Abnshrek
04-28-2010, 04:52 PM
Well you got your start :^)

Jananas Bananas
04-28-2010, 05:45 PM
I hate HOA's! Good luck with that! I agree! You have a great start there! ~J

Bob
04-28-2010, 05:52 PM
oh boy Dean..... the start of an addiction! ....get the biggest one you can....:ha:

Dean W.
04-28-2010, 05:54 PM
oh boy Dean..... the start of an addiction! ....get the biggest one you can....:ha:

No, I'll have to collect dwarfs. :bananas_b

Bob
04-28-2010, 05:58 PM
No, I'll have to collect dwarfs. :bananas_b

The Greenhouse I meant !!!... everybody's a comedian.... that's my role here!:ha:

You know I'm collecting dwarfs too....:woohoonaner:

LilRaverBoi
04-28-2010, 05:58 PM
I really hope the home-owners assoc. approves it. That'd be pretty disappointing if they didn't after you spent the money. Do you have a pic of what it will look like when it's all built?

Jananas Bananas
04-28-2010, 06:06 PM
I have DWARFS too!!!!! :ha: HA HA!!!! Yet I also have four Sabas. Go figure!

Dean W.
04-28-2010, 06:19 PM
The Greenhouse I meant !!!... everybody's a comedian.... that's my role here!:ha:

You know I'm collecting dwarfs too....:woohoonaner:
Ya, I know, it's alot smaller than I wanted. I had to compromise a little. It's only a 8 1/2' x 12' 7".
I have DWARFS too!!!!! :ha: HA HA!!!! Yet I also have four Sabas. Go figure! Yes, it's a little addictive.

I really hope the home-owners assoc. approves it. That'd be pretty disappointing if they didn't after you spent the money. Do you have a pic of what it will look like when it's all built? I know, I got ahead of myself and it's being shipped to. You can look them up on the net. Rion greenhouse.

sunfish
04-28-2010, 07:36 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31182&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31182&ppuser=2868)

novisyatria
04-28-2010, 07:39 PM
congartulation for your greenhouse, Dean

Patty in Wisc
04-28-2010, 08:28 PM
Hope they approve it! I don't understand why you need a permit for it though. Usually you don't need one if it's movable or has no foundation. Good luck!

conejov
04-28-2010, 09:20 PM
Congrats Dean, Hopefully the HOA wont hassle you about it.

Scuba_Dave
04-28-2010, 09:43 PM
Have you talked to the HOA at all before buying one ?
Do they know you want to install a greenhouse ?
I had to get approval/permit for mine (no HOA) because it was closer then 15' to the property line

Dalmatiansoap
04-29-2010, 05:20 AM
Well I did it. I bought a greenhouse.:woohoonaner: Preparing for winter ahead of time.

Now I have to find out if the Home Owners Association approves it.:rolleyes: Then I'll have to get a permit from the city. The greenhouse is fun, the other stuff a pain.
I dont get it. U need permit for placeing greenhouse in own yard?

cherokee_greg
04-29-2010, 09:53 AM
Good for you it will be great

Dean W.
04-29-2010, 09:58 AM
Have you talked to the HOA at all before buying one ?
Do they know you want to install a greenhouse ?
I had to get approval/permit for mine (no HOA) because it was closer then 15' to the property line
Nope, I bought it then my plumber friend said, "you should get an approval." They know I want one now though. I submitted the paperwork and got my fingers crossed. I have neighbors a few houses down who have a gazebo and one who has a storage shed. So I don't anticipate any problems.

I dont get it. U need permit for placeing greenhouse in own yard? Yes, it's crazy! They just want to make sure your not devaluing the property.

jwmahloch
04-29-2010, 04:36 PM
I bought a greenhouse kit last fall and installed it myself. I did not need a permit from the city because it was less than 120sq feet and less than 15 feet tall.

Make sure you build a good foundation before you install your greenhouse. I built mine out of 4 x 6's. I put landscape (weed cloth) down and then put down a layer of pea gravel, then used 16in patio blocks and some bricks to build a floor. A few months later I bought some rubber floor mats and cut them to fit on top of the patio blocks.

Its a lot of work but it will be well worth it. Let me know if you have any questions.

Dean W.
04-29-2010, 04:52 PM
Thanks Jeremy! I plan on making the base out of 4x6s too. Did you anchor those to the ground?

Abnshrek
04-29-2010, 08:56 PM
Thanks Jeremy! I plan on making the base out of 4x6s too. Did you anchor those to the ground?

Take the time to seal those 4x6's before you put them in place so they last longer. :^)
You running electric to the greenhouse?

jwmahloch
04-30-2010, 08:10 AM
Thanks Jeremy! I plan on making the base out of 4x6s too. Did you anchor those to the ground?

Yes, I used 4 bags of concrete, I bought some alumium things that attached to the 4X6s with screws to go into the ground. I cant remember what they are called but I bought them at Home Depot in the lumber section. I used treated wood.


If you go to greenhousemagastore.com they have some info on building a foundation for a greenhouse. good luck...

Dean W.
04-30-2010, 08:28 AM
Take the time to seal those 4x6's before you put them in place so they last longer. :^)
You running electric to the greenhouse?

You really think I need to seal them if they are treated wood? Yes, I'll be running electric to it if my budget allows.

Thanks Jeremy! I'll look for the aluminum things. I've seen plans using re-bar hammered in the ground and attached to the wood.

jwmahloch
04-30-2010, 07:11 PM
You dont need to seal if you use treated wood. I just ran an extension cord from my garage to my greenhouse and burried it about a foot underground. Its worked great for me. Just make sure you do not over load the cercit that you run it too. And dont plug it into a GFI outlet. If you do you risk losing power. I had this problem and had to actually run the cord trhough my garage and into my kitchen. No problems after that. Make sure you run the cord under the foundation before you install the 4X6s, you can also do it after by diggin under the 4x6s.

I used 5 inch lag bolts to secure my greenhouse to the 4x6s.

Another thing that helps is lots of clear silicone caulk. Its much easier that what ever rubber stripping that comes with the greenhouse. I think I used about 8 tubes of calk. Make sure you seal everything.

When winter comes it helps to insulate the inside with bubble wrap.

Also, I bought a portable thermistat that plugs into my heater. I got it on ebay for about $50.

Dean W.
04-30-2010, 07:51 PM
Thanks so much for the sound advice, Jeremy.

I have the area leveled now. I need to start digging the corners where I will attach an anchor bolt to the 4x6s using concrete. How deep of a hole did you dig for yours? I got some lag screws too. I just got the boxes (greenhouse) today. I don't want to open tell I get an okay, etc.

sunfish
04-30-2010, 09:25 PM
Why does pressure-treated wood need to be coated with a preservative? If it's so dang tough, why bother?

Though the infused preservative prevents rot, it does not inhibit weathering...
The effects of the elements on pressure-treated wood are no different than with ordinary wood. So a preservative is a must, and should be applied as soon as possible after your project is completed

Dean W.
04-30-2010, 09:32 PM
This is a lot of work for a small greenhouse.:ha: Thanks Tony, Micheal and Jeremy. Tony, how much sealer do you recon I need, a gallon?

sunfish
04-30-2010, 09:43 PM
This is a lot of work for a small greenhouse.:ha: Thanks Tony, Micheal and Jeremy. Tony, how much sealer do you recon I need, a gallon?

I don't know if you need to seal it or not. That info. was from a web site. I didn't seal mine but I have it sitting up off the ground .


Pressure-treated wood will not rot, even if buried, making it ideal for fence, mailbox, and light posts. Check with your local building inspector to see if code allows burial of pressure-treated deck posts in your area, or if the concrete footing must be exposed above ground level

Scuba_Dave
04-30-2010, 10:48 PM
Actually there are different grades of PT wood & it will rot
It may take 10-30+ years depending upon conditions (literature indicates decades)
The PT wood make-up was changed in 2004, so who knows long term for the new stuff ?
It is more prone to cracking & splitting as time goes on
So the sealer is usually for that purpose

And, Carpenter ants will still chew it, they do not eat the wood
They carve into wood to make a nest, not to eat it

Dean W.
05-01-2010, 05:40 AM
Thanks, I'll go ahead and treat it after I have it cut just in case.

Well the area is almost leveled. Just need to do a little more trenching to fit the 4x6s level. Then on to the corner holes.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31217&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31217)

LilRaverBoi
05-03-2010, 03:44 PM
I dont get it. U need permit for placeing greenhouse in own yard?
Yeah, seems a bit ridiculous, huh? It's just city ordinances and such. They vary from place to place but typically if you want to build something above a certain size, or some sort of permanent structure, they make you get approval (and often want to see the plans to ensure it is structurally stable).

Then again, I try to avoid living in city limits....the rules are much less stringent/imposing there!

Dean W.
05-03-2010, 03:48 PM
Then again, I try to avoid living in city limits....the rules are much less stringent/imposing there!

I used to live in the country and we could pretty much build anything within reason. Had my own greenhouse then. Now I have to conform.

Dean W.
05-06-2010, 02:22 PM
Well, finally got an okay from the HOA.:woohoonaner: Then I went down to the city and submitted paperwork for the permits. She said, "it will take 3-5 business days to review." After that I called to have the area marked for utilities before I do anymore digging. I don't think there is anything back there, but just to be safe, plus it doesn't cost anything.

Dalmatiansoap
05-06-2010, 02:33 PM
Thats good. I had "intervention" at work today couse guy hit a power cable digging arround house:ha:
He left whole neighbourghood in dark for few hours till we fixed it:ha:
:woohoonaner:

Jack Daw
05-06-2010, 03:38 PM
Thats good. I had "intervention" at work today couse guy hit a power cable digging arround house:ha:
He left whole neighbourghood in dark for few hours till we fixed it:ha:
:woohoonaner:
If he punched through isolation, he is likely very lucky to be alive. ;)
Somewhere in your neighbourhood or just in the city?

Dean W.
05-11-2010, 05:21 AM
Been Busy!
Waterline and electric line
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31455&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31455)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31454&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31454)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31453&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31453&ppuser=1102)

Abnshrek
05-11-2010, 08:29 AM
Its straighter than my rows in the garden :^) lol

Dalmatiansoap
05-11-2010, 08:49 AM
If U need help with electric lines I still can chatch late night flyght tonight!
:woohoonaner:

Dean W.
05-11-2010, 09:19 AM
Ha Ha! Ante, I wish you told me before I dug.

Scuba_Dave
05-11-2010, 09:20 AM
If you are using conduit you can only have a max of 360 degrees in bends

Dean W.
05-11-2010, 03:39 PM
If you are using conduit you can only have a max of 360 degrees in bends

I think he's using pvc.

Scuba_Dave
05-11-2010, 04:06 PM
I think he's using pvc.

PVC is conduit, can also be metal

Dean W.
05-11-2010, 04:46 PM
PVC is conduit, can also be metal

The 1st pic is two separate lines. The 2nd the electric line. Well, that's to bad. I was under the impression that it would bend a little on the long lengths. I better straighten it out. I was concerned about the water line not the electric. My helper stayed away from the tree I guess.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31463&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31463)

Scuba_Dave
05-11-2010, 05:41 PM
The PVC (grey for electric) does bend slightly
So it doesn't need to be a perfectly straight line

But turns in the conduit are limited to 360 degrees between pull points
That's (4) 90 degree elbows/turns

Usually (1) 90 going down into the ground & (1) 90 coming out
If you have an additional 90 turn you are up to 270 degrees
Having pulled thru (4) 90's I would not recommend it

If GFCI protected BEFORE the wire enters the trench it must be 12" to the top of the conduit
If GFCI outlet is at the end of the run, then it must be 18" down - again to the top of the conduit

sunfish
05-11-2010, 06:10 PM
Looks good to me.

Dean W.
05-11-2010, 06:15 PM
Well, he is only going to have 4 elbows. I dug the trench 18" deep. Once in the greenhouse that's another story? With outlets and all.

Abnshrek
05-11-2010, 10:08 PM
Well, he is only going to have 4 elbows. I dug the trench 18" deep. Once in the greenhouse that's another story? With outlets and all.

The plastic stuff they can heat up & bend without putting an elbow in. :^)

Dalmatiansoap
05-12-2010, 05:12 AM
Sounds like a problem there! Mixing left and right elbows is a serious problem to me:ha:
:woohoonaner:

Scuba_Dave
05-12-2010, 07:32 AM
Well, he is only going to have 4 elbows. I dug the trench 18" deep. Once in the greenhouse that's another story? With outlets and all.

Once in the greenhouse the run should terminate in a junction box
That is considered a "Pull" point & the (4) 90 count starts over
While many people do heat up PVC & bend it is is considered against code
Some Inspectors do not like to see hot bending
But if bent correctly (no burn marks or wrinkles) should go undetected
A stick of 3/4" PVC is .98, an elbow is .50-.70
I've bought the elbows, but they do present a "snag" point when pulling wire - usually more for the fish wire

Jack Daw
05-12-2010, 09:24 AM
Looks very well, but we will be able to imagine it better once there are some sketches. :)

Dean W.
05-14-2010, 02:03 PM
Looks very well, but we will be able to imagine it better once there are some sketches. :)

I would attach some sketches if I knew how. I made some in Microsoft Draw.

Well, I got approved for the permit.:woohoonaner: Now to jump through hoops to get everything to pass.:0517: Just let the thunderstorm pass then I can get back to work.

Abnshrek
05-14-2010, 04:08 PM
Now to jump through hoops to get everything to pass.

I hoop you got a case of hoops on standby.. lol & Good Luck with those holes. :^)

Dean W.
05-17-2010, 08:13 PM
I got an okay today. It was pretty painless. Poured three holes and ran out of concrete. :woohoonaner:

Abnshrek
05-17-2010, 09:53 PM
I got an okay today. It was pretty painless. Poured three holes and ran out of concrete. :woohoonaner:

So how many holes to go? Remember drink lottsa aqua... :^)

Dean W.
05-18-2010, 07:13 PM
All done with the holes. I finished the base. Starting on the roof. I'm having a problem snapping in the window flashing. Try again tomorrow.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31673&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31673)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31674&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31674)

sunfish
05-18-2010, 07:55 PM
If the flashing is rubber weatherstrip I used soapy water in a spray bottle. It was the only way.

Dean W.
05-18-2010, 08:41 PM
If the flashing is rubber weatherstrip I used soapy water in a spray bottle. It was the only way.

It's a rigid plastic like material. I may have to contact the company and ask them or try your method.

Abnshrek
05-18-2010, 08:52 PM
It's a rigid plastic like material. I may have to contact the company and ask them or try your method.

So basically its like a plastic shim? :^) Looks like a lotta hard work paying off to me.. :^)

Dean W.
05-18-2010, 08:57 PM
Yes, basically like a shim. You have to squeeze or slide to fit in a groove. It is a double beveled edge glazing is what they call it. Only problem is the darn thing isn't doing what it's suppose to.

Earlier I said it was flashing it's actually called glazing.

sunfish
05-18-2010, 10:14 PM
Found this

The RC's are a little tough to get locked into place. On my Rion (8x6) I only have RC1 thru RC3's but Im sure its the same on a larger one.

The RC pieces actually snaps in rather than slid in. What you do is align the RC directly over the top of the RB piece and start at the top of the arch using the heal of your palm to press the RC piece into place (should feel it when it snaps into the slot in the RB), do this while working your way down the RC piece.

What you might notice is that when the RC piece is pressed in all the way it will be almost flat rather than arched. To me this indicated that it was all the way in and clamped down tightly on the roof panel.

Dean W.
05-19-2010, 02:34 AM
Thanks for looking for that. I'm actually still on RA1. Should be the same.

sunfish
05-19-2010, 07:40 AM
Because you may find the
RD elements more difficult to
insert, we recommend that you first
moisten the profile channels with
soapy water.

Dean W.
05-19-2010, 06:55 PM
That did the trick, Tony! Thanks!

Now I got all the top enclosed.

Dean W.
05-20-2010, 06:02 PM
Got the plumbing done and attached the roof today. Just weather stripping left to do now and electric.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31776&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31776)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=31777&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31777)

sunfish
05-20-2010, 06:27 PM
Looks good

Dean W.
05-20-2010, 07:09 PM
A lot of work!:woohoonaner:

DaveE
05-20-2010, 07:16 PM
Looking good Dean!

Abnshrek
05-20-2010, 07:39 PM
Looks like your about to take a long water break from this thing.. :^)

Scuba_Dave
05-20-2010, 08:27 PM
Looks very nice !

Dean W.
05-27-2010, 05:29 PM
Complete, just need a shade cloth. It was a 120F in there today.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=32090&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=32090)

Jananas Bananas
05-27-2010, 08:01 PM
Good Job! That looks GREAT!!!

~JaNan

Scuba_Dave
05-27-2010, 09:26 PM
Complete, just need a shade cloth. It was a 120F in there today.

Yeah, mine hit 100 a couple weeks ago
My roof -sliding glass doors- slide open to allow heat to escape
With the door open it creates some nice ventilation

I've had a 4' wide solar water panel on the roof blocking a lot of sun
But I just moved that & I'm getting a lot more sun/heat now

Dean W.
05-28-2010, 05:31 AM
Yeah, mine hit 100 a couple weeks ago
My roof -sliding glass doors- slide open to allow heat to escape
With the door open it creates some nice ventilation

I've had a 4' wide solar water panel on the roof blocking a lot of sun
But I just moved that & I'm getting a lot more sun/heat now

Dave, we can always use it for a sauna.:ha:

Scuba_Dave
05-28-2010, 09:24 AM
Dave, we can always use it for a sauna.:ha:

Sure, I could make a steam room & charge people to use it
Good idea !!
I could have a whole therapy thing...swimming pool at 74, to warm hot tub @ 96, to hot tub 105, then steam room
Then jump back in the pool to cool off

LilRaverBoi
05-28-2010, 11:02 AM
Nice job on the greenhouse, Dean! Looks very nice. I'm sure stocking it won't be much of a problem, huh? :ha: So all the hard work is done!

justjoan
05-28-2010, 12:17 PM
WONDERFUL, I AM GREEN WITH ENVY :woohoonaner:

Dean W.
05-28-2010, 02:06 PM
Nice job on the greenhouse, Dean! Looks very nice. I'm sure stocking it won't be much of a problem, huh? :ha: So all the hard work is done!
Yes, I'll have to limit what I acquire for the small size.
WONDERFUL, I AM GREEN WITH ENVY :woohoonaner:

Don't be envious it's a lot of work for a small space. I know your just kidding!:ha::bananas_b

LilRaverBoi
05-28-2010, 04:01 PM
Yes, I'll have to limit what I acquire for the small size.
Oh, I didn't mean to make a crack about the size of your greenhouse....just alluding to the fact that 'plant people' like us never have any issues filling up a greenhouse of any given size!

sunfish
05-28-2010, 04:36 PM
Yes, I'll have to limit what I acquire for the small size.


And leave room for starting veggie seed next year.

Dean W.
05-28-2010, 05:14 PM
I know what you meant, Bryan. We are addicted.

Thanks, Tony, I already made a few shelves for just that.

Abnshrek
05-28-2010, 06:28 PM
Complete, just need a shade cloth. It was a 120F in there today.

Looks like your ready to get busy growing all kinds of stuff Amigo:^)

Dean W.
06-19-2010, 03:37 PM
Just wanted to show how it looks with a shade cloth.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33013&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33013)

Abnshrek
06-19-2010, 03:43 PM
Just wanted to show how it looks with a shade cloth.

Looks full to me.. lol :^)

Dean W.
06-19-2010, 03:45 PM
Looks full to me.. lol :^)

Will be come winter.

sunfish
06-19-2010, 03:52 PM
Just wanted to show how it looks with a shade cloth.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33013&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33013)

Gravel o mulch works good as a floor

Abnshrek
06-19-2010, 03:54 PM
Will be come winter.

Will you be able to open the doors without getting bowled over.. Or be able to walk in there? I can see Dean on a ladder having to water in thru a sky light..lol :^)

Dean W.
06-19-2010, 04:03 PM
Gravel o mulch works good as a floor
Yeah, I was going to add a little at a time.
Will you be able to open the doors without getting bowled over.. Or be able to walk in there? I can see Dean on a ladder having to water in thru a sky light..lol :^)
Won't be much of a path. Just room to water.

justjoan
06-21-2010, 07:21 AM
Looking good! :woohoonaner:

hammer
06-21-2010, 09:21 AM
Looks very nice are you going to heat it. im going to rent space in a greenhouse near my house they have 12 foot celling mine is just 8foot some of my dwarfcavendish where to tall for my greenhouse.

Dean W.
06-21-2010, 03:01 PM
Yes, I'm going to heat it with a space heater. Sounds great that you have an opportunity to rent space.

hammer
06-21-2010, 03:28 PM
Greenhouse saved me last winter all banana plants made it that was in the greenhouse. not so much luck with dormant plants i lost all of my orincos. i had a apple an prayinghands an dwarfcavendish in my house that lived.

Dean W.
06-21-2010, 03:46 PM
My Orinoco made it despite it getting down in the teens with snow. Your a little further north than I so I imagine it was colder there.

I'll be growing some dwarfs in the green house and maybe keep a few pups in there as well.

blownz281
08-11-2010, 08:51 PM
Nice :nanadrink: