GH Windows

11 years ago

We debated whether or not to install windows in our GH during the planning stages. The main concern was the expense and benefit relationship. Now we are so happy that we made the decision to install windows at both ends of our GH and highly recommend those planning to build a GH consider the pros and cons.

Cons: The only cons we have experienced were the expense - a rock I threw with the lawn mower that broke a sash and the annual washing of the windows.

Pros: The pros far exceed the cons for us. The view alone is worth it to me! To be able to work in the beauty of the GH and then look out and at the same time enjoy the beauty of our surroundings is very relaxing and inspiring.

My dog - Molly (you can see her in the window) waits outside the door for me no matter where I go indoors - garage - back door - front door - Greenhouse -shop - she is a wonderful loyal companion !

Then there is the ventilation! We can place 2'x2' window fans in up to 6 windows if we like for temperature/humidity control. We currently run two window fans at the south end of our GH during the day to help keep the GH under 80 degrees during the summer - it helps a lot !! We have had a LOT less disease since we have run our window and ceiling fans - a noticeable difference !!

Then there is the VIEW - haha. My wife loves to go into the GH in the Spring - Fall - Winter months and read in the warmth and quiet of the GH. We frequently will just sit and visit in the GH during stormy weather - I love to do that ! When I am in the GH it feels like I have a warm blanket all wrapped around me !!

Fall is a beautiful time of year - inside or out !!

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Comments (7)

karin_mt
11 years ago
Ahhhh, lovely! Your dog is such a cutie!
roseguy
11 years ago
A very nice project. I like your use of multiple window fans, that is a great idea.
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j3707 Southwest WA, Zone 8.
10 years ago
This is great - thanks for posting.
hudson___wy
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for your comments! Only 60 days before we move tomato transplants to our GH the first week of March! We still use the GH during the winter though because daytime temps are usually 50-90 degrees. When I have the energy - I plant salad veggies in a soil heated 30" X 8' grow box within the GH - didn't happen this year though. I do go out to the GH regularly to make modifications to plant supports and tinker etc and yesterday we propagated our Geraniums. We keep them under grow lights in the house this time of year. The outside temp was 12 degrees F but in the GH it was 58 degrees at 10:00 AM - it warmed up to 80 degrees by the afternoon with the sun out but had dropped to 6 degrees outside.

We had a cold one last night though with -24 Degrees F OS and 5 degrees in the GH. It has been as low as -40 degrees F since we moved here 20 years ago - that's cold!!
j3707 Southwest WA, Zone 8.
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
That's a heck of a temp swing! But what is this "sun" you speak of? I have faint memories of such a thing... :)
Barrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)
10 years ago
I too use Windows (and doors) on my greenhouse ends but my approach is opposite of yours. I enjoy attending local auctions and the opportunity to cut costs of framing greenhouse ends starts there. Often Windows can be purchased at an auction for just a few dollars and as such they are much cheaper than polycarbonate panels.

Don't just look for double sash windows. Sliding glass doors. Screen doors(with glass). shower doors, and even glass cooler doors can be easily framed into greenhouse ends. Since many of these are not readily availabe once you break them the replacement option is either polycarbonate or plywood. Most often I use the 1"x2" treated wood strips to frame-in those Windows on both inside and outside. Avoid installing untreated frame Windows unless they are in very good condition. In most cases I prefer to strip all used Windows down to basic frame surrounding glass.
hudson___wy
Original Author
10 years ago
Great suggestion Barrie! There are a lot of ways to accomplish building a GH and that is certainly an inexpensive option! Some photos to show others what you have done would be appreciated !!