Converting a Storage Shed to a Greenhouse

Any suggestions on converting a storage shed into a greenhouse? Or even suggested articles or links?
Thanks!
KD

I'm doing the same thing with what was built to be a garage. It's part of our basement but separate from the whole basement. You can see tons of pictures on my blog. You should scroll to the bottom and go back to March and see the raw beginnings :)

I'm doing part normal seed starting and part hydroponics. You don't have to spend as much money as I have. In some cases I got really good deals. But sometimes I spent a little more than I should have. I've learned a lot in the last almost 3 months.

The lights are the hardest thing to find. Of all that I have bought I really love the 400 watt high pressure sodium. You can get them on sale on Ebay for 99 dollars plus shipping and handling. That will bring the total to around 130 or 140 dollars. It's the best light in my opinion. I also have 1 metal halide light. But it's more expensive to run and the one I have is only 175 watts.

If you have any questions let me know. I'm not very experienced, but I've learned a few things so far.

You will need to consider air movement. I found a really cheap handyman to help me with installing this stuff. But if you are handy and can install a dryer vent, then get the 4 inch fans from Ebay. They are the right size for the cheap dryer vents. You'll want to hand them 3/4th the way up the wall and have one on each side so you can have air in and out. But, you'll need air conditioning and heat for part of the year more than likely. You can just use the ventilation and paint the outside of the building white to reflect the light and keep it from getting too hot. But a lot of plants won't do well in the strong heat of the day.

Are you looking to just extend your season or have stuff growing all year long?

www.suzisgardenhaven.blogspot.com

Suzi

I think both! But honestly I am not sure what I want. My garden experience is VERY limited. We have a storage shed in our back yard that is not being used, except for my gardening tools and a few scattered pots. I was thinking of trying to start some plants from seed, and also a place to overwinter plants. I would also love to be successful at tomatoes! I found out the hard way that they are much easier to grow back home in OK. The shed has a skylight, but only one window. My hubby is very handy and willing to make changes, but I want to make sure we are taking the right steps. I looked at clear, corrugated(?) roofing panels this weekend at Home Depot. I just don't know where to start.

Do you have any pics that you could post? There are all kinds of options available. If you are starting with just a basic shell you may want to look into the doublewall panels made specifically for greenhouses or greenhouse plastic. I have learned the hard way over the years to try and do it right the first time instead of "making do" with what I could find. If you are going to go through the effort of building it you might as well build something you are going to be satisfied with. After all, you are worth it and the initial investment will pay off later in the durability and enjoyment you will get from this new space! Let us know how it goes. :^)

kdfinley, Hi.. You won't regret having a greenhouse that is certain!! I would go for twinwall polycarbonate rather than the corrugated roofing panels. For one thing it's harder to seal the ends where the curviness is. The twinwall gives you better insulation also.
If you want to overwinter plants I would suggest getting the thickest or highest mil twinwall poly that you can. It will reduce the cost of heating in the winter.
I am sure someone will be along with more help for you soon

Thanks! I will post some pictures this evening. Although the hubby is willing to make changes, I really need it to be right the first time!
KD

I would get one of the catalogs from a speciality greenhouse supplier rather than going to HD for good ideas and products that have been really designed to do what you want. How big is the structure? Will it be easily accessible during the winter months? Will you have year round water available and electricity in this space? Patti

Sorry it has taken so long to post the pictures-but finally here they are. There is water and electricity available to the shed. Any suggestions are welcome.

Here is another view-I was thinking about a small "lean-to" type addition on the side? Maybe instead of trying to convert the whole shed to a greenhouse? Just thoughts-

Another view

Oh by the way-please don't judge the landscaping- it came with house. It is still a work in process!

You have a great little building there! How do you feel about leaving the roof and door they way you have them now and using twinwall greenhouse panels or greenhouse plastic for the the rest? The hard part is already done with the building already being there. Take the siding off and fix the panels or greenhouse plastic to the structure that is already there and you are set. I have heard a lot about how the greenhouse will heat up during the summer and the need for shade cloth. If you leave the roof on, there is your shade as well as something solid to help retain heat in the winter.

Being totally practical, how do you plan on accessing the swing open doors in winter with snow. I don't see an over hang and I imagine it gets piled pretty deep in front of those doors with snow. In my Vt house I have big sliding doors into the barn and also the same for the shed for winter access. I assume the roof pitch is the same in the back. The proper roof pitch is very important for good light, but if you are to have solar collection to avoid huge heating expenses it is critical. Which way is the building facing (as pictured) and what is the width and length of the building? You may want to consider a lean to greenhouse to attach to this structure rather than altering this very solid looking shed depending on its orientation. If this is the south side, it would be easy to expose the front and add a lean to greenhouse and you would have the best of both worlds. A solid work/storage space behind and proper glass/ plastic greenhouse for growing in front. It might be necessary to dig down to get the proper height for the lean to Gh, but that is a good thing as the earthen berm would help insulate the GH. You would have to enter from the side. Again without knowing the orientation and sizes ( l x w x h) it is hard to speculate. I am happy to try to dream with you. I am a design consultant for both new construction and renovation, so I love the fact that you are willing to imagine what might become of your shed. Happy to help.

try some of these articles for basic information. Patti

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/greenhou/building.htm
helphttp://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Home-Building/1978-01-01/You-Can-Build-Your-Own-Add-On-Greenhouse.aspx
http://agebb.missouri.edu/hort/meg/archives/v9n12/meg1.htm
http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/greenhouse-planning.html
http://nga-gardenshop.stores.yahoo.net/12-1311.html

Ha, we cross posted, on the same wave length. Lean to GH if the orientation is right. Patti

which side of the shed has southern exposure?