I had the same problem with the CO2 sensor since we are at a high altitude. I now have to use a small electric heater. Fortunately it isn't on at all during the winter daytimes, and only is on a few hours overnight during the winter.

Good luck getting all of your tropicals in, Ric! I'm also moving things to the greenhouse and inside the house in preparation for our cold weather. So far the lowest we have had is 43. Last night was 52,

We hit 28*F, so everything not in, is all in, the compost.
We got our first propane delivery, $4.40/gal. I'm hoping to get our use down to 2 tanks or $600 for the season. Last year was about 2 2/3 tanks.

Stay warm, my friends.

I'm trying a new method for attaching my solar cover since I had wind damage to the old one. I've added 1x2 1/2" boards to the edges of the GH to allow for better attachment of the strips holding the cover in place. I also cut a piece of PT to mount in the one gutter on one side and a piece on the bottom of the far wall. I also plan to attach a couple of ropes over it to prevent lifting in sever wind. I'll try and post some pics later.
The old cover sure didn't go to waste, we simply used it on the pool for it's intended purpose.

It's been about 3 years since my build. The HF gh is holdng up nicely! There are no structural issues what so ever. But the aluminum tape is not lasting! There is mold and debris inside a few panels because of that. Alas, it is a gh and not meant to stay pristine forever. If i had to do it over, I would not have cared so much about the look of the tape and cut the pieces thicker so that it covered, adhered more securely.

Of my two greenhouses, none are HF brand and I never used that aluminum tape you refer to, Cheryl. Why did you use that tape?

The blog suggested using aluminum tape to tape up the open channels at the bottom of each poly carbonate panel to prevent bugs, moisture, etc., from getting into the panel's air chambers. The discoloration doesn't affect the function of the panels at all, just the looks. Once I get over the fact that my greenhouse won't look pretty and sparkling new forever, I won't notice it.

Cram that greenhouse so full of plants that you surely won't notice it, Cheryl.

Hahahaha I only notice it when I clean out the gutters. Clean it? That'll teach me!

My last improvement on my HFGH was just published.
https://garden.org/ideas/view/...

I just inherited a used 6x8 HF greenhouse. None of the panels appear to be useable for transmitting light. I'm familiar with some of the videos and blogs explaining how to upgrade its strength and protecting new panels from UV, but my panels are already useless. Can poly sheeting be used instead of buying new panels. If so, is there a special type of poly used for greenhouses. Any good videos or projects documenting how to go about it. Thanks.

I don't have a HF greenhouse, but I don't see any reason why you couldn't use the poly sheeting. (and yes, there is a special type that's UV protected, made for greenhouses; it's generally called "greenhouse film." It's pricey compared to buying the regular plastic sheeting at a big-box store, but the stuff that isn't UV protected only lasts one year - even here in the north -- and the "real stuff" should last at least 4 years. Here's an example: http://www.greenhousemegastore... )

You might want/need to add some wooden framing to the metal frame, for fastening the poly to, or you could consider using "wiggle wire." Or, possibly you could fasten it directly to the frame somehow -- maybe someone else can offer some advice in that department!

Whatever you decide to do in terms of covering it -- be sure to anchor the structure down securely!

Happy gardening

Adding wood stripping would probably be the easiest and most cost effective. I's how I attach my solar cover.

We’ve developed an automated temperature control system for our greenhouse and are working on thermal storage to extend the growing season. Visit our webpage at: ideakinetics.com/GHAutomation.htm. Be sure to use capital letters as shown when entering the address. If you are located (as we are) where there is strong variable sunshine and wind, automation really helps manage the greenhouse. If you want to grow plants that are temperature sensitive, you can specify high and low temperature settings to target ideal growing conditions. We have a Harbor Freight greenhouse that we reinforced to withstand high winds and have created computerized vent actuators and fan controls. Follow the link above to check out our progress and give us your thoughts.

Hello! I just purchased the 6x8 Harbor Freight green house and wanted to know if there were any tips anyone could offer?

I saw that a lot of people have added vents or fans, or even had little fish ponds in them. They're so beautiful but I feel like it's a little too advanced for me.

This is my first greenhouse and I'm a hobby gardener. When the weather permits it, I'm planning to follow a youtube tutorial and reinforce it with a wooden frame, and add the 2x12's to the base to give it some height (with the help of my fiancé and brothers), as well as them making a concrete base with the wooden deck on top of it, we were going to seal the base to keep heat in and seal around the windows to keep water out/heat in.

I purchased some of the HVAC tape that was recommended in another youtube video to seal the window pieces to help retain heat, and I saw another person got magnetic screens to cover the vents to help prevent any bugs from getting inside- I was planning on doing the same. ALSO, I was going to purchase a 'Grow your own butterfly' kit off Amazon and let them fly in the greenhouse- I thought it would be so pretty! Last summer I released hatched praying mantis eggs in my yard but after a few days I never saw any of them again : (

With everything being sealed except the door should I be worried about drainage? Is it necessary to get the automatic vent openers with the temperature/levels of gasses? I was initially excited to have a little greenhouse for the spring/summer/fall seasons but after reading this thread I feel a little out of my league getting one.

Any help/comments/tips are appreciated! Thank you so much!

I have one not hard putting together just take your time. I also used 2x12 on the bottom to raise the height and now am thinking of getting another but this time I plan on doubling up on the 2x12 have a couple of citrus trees in mine and they have reached the roof. So a extra foot will help for a while. Good luck you will love it.

I have had numerous greenhouses over the last 5 decades, but never one from Harbor Freight. I wanted more "substantial" ones, ones that I did not have to reinforce to have them stand up to winds. You definitely will need to go online and see how folks have reinforced their Harbor Freight greenhouses. I do have a shade-house from Harbor Freight though, 10x20', that has a shade cloth top and partial side (west) wall. If it will last at least 5 yr., I will be satisfied.

Hi @pinkmoonk If you go to the blog about building the HF GH, you will find many hints to keep your gh standing for years in all sorts of weather. I built the 10 x 12 gh myself <~~~~says proudly. It was daunting at times but I sure was proud when it was all done. I had lots of help building the kit from folks on here who had doe it before and knew what they were doing. . The instructions are not bad, but a little incomplete.While a little construction knowledge is handy, if I can build it, anyone can! Truth! You can't beat the price of the HF GH and with a few tweaks you can make is jsut as sturdy as those expensive ones.

First step and a very important one, choose a level base be it gravel, cement, or decking. Just make sure it's level. LEVEL. LEVEL. The blog addresses optional enhancements starting from the bottom up. Like, I have no need for snow supports but I opted for wind support. Use it to your advantage. It has photos, too! Be sure to come here for help, too. I will try as hard as I can to help as will others. Good luck! You can do it!

http://hfgh10x12.blogspot.com/...

http://hfgh10x12.blogspot.com/...

Thank you everyone! @shadygreenthumb is there a way you can send a link to the blog? I have trouble navigating through everything 😥

Since I had a day of comfortable weather, I got excited and thought I would try to start early to prepare my greenhouse and followed this video.

https://youtu.be/-BsVPkF1Xds

A few people warned not to tape the door panels or vents because they're such a tight fit, it's impossible to get into the frame once you do. I haven't touched the door or vents, but I did tape the ends of the 3A panels and now I'm nervous!!!

Has anyone else done this to help retain heat in your greenhouse? Do you recommend anything else with the tape? Thank you!!!