Setting up a greenhouse in my yard in the midwest!

[cbrshadow23]

I'm pretty set on installing a greenhouse in my yard and am looking for advice and tips from folks who have them.

A little background: I moved from Northern California to Chicago and sold most of my trees before moving. Now that I'm getting settled into Chicago I'd like to start accumulating trees again. I want to get back into tropicals and had planned on setting up a massive grow tent, but I'm now leaning toward installing an insulated greenhouse in my backyard.

- I'm looking at a 12'x16' Growspan Estate Elite Greenhouse (https://www.farmtek.com/prod/ft-hobby-greenhouses/pg104603.html)
- It would have electric/gas/water
- I'd have grow lights to supplement sunlight on hazy days
- I need to figure out a heater, since we get quite cold here in winter. I'm told gas heaters are the most efficient way to go

Anyone else growing tropicals in a greenhouse in a cold state? How is it working out?

Before anyone asks WHY: I miss being able to go into my garden in CA to work on my trees in winter, so I think a heated/insulated greenhouse could give me some of that enjoyment.

 

[snowman04]

Nice idea for tropicals in the Chicago area. There are several of us here from the Midwest but I am focused on conifers.

I will leave the best responses to the experts...

 

[chicago1980]

I'm pretty set on installing a greenhouse in my yard and am looking for advice and tips from folks who have them.

A little background: I moved from Northern California to Chicago and sold most of my trees before moving. Now that I'm getting settled into Chicago I'd like to start accumulating trees again. I want to get back into tropicals and had planned on setting up a massive grow tent, but I'm now leaning toward installing an insulated greenhouse in my backyard.

- I'm looking at a 12'x16' Growspan Estate Elite Greenhouse (https://www.farmtek.com/prod/ft-hobby-greenhouses/pg104603.html)
- It would have electric/gas/water
- I'd have grow lights to supplement sunlight on hazy days
- I need to figure out a heater, since we get quite cold here in winter. I'm told gas heaters are the most efficient way to go

Anyone else growing tropicals in a greenhouse in a cold state? How is it working out?

Before anyone asks WHY: I miss being able to go into my garden in CA to work on my trees in winter, so I think a heated/insulated greenhouse could give me some of that enjoyment.

If you are serious about the adventure I would highly recommend visiting Hidden Garden in Willowbrook. There is a 24x30 or maybe large tropical greenhouse with tropical bonsai.

I'm sure Jeff would be willing to share his experience with you and some tips.

Enjoy the adventure.

 

[cbrshadow23]

If you are serious about the adventure I would highly recommend visiting Hidden Garden in Willowbrook. There is a 24x30 or maybe large tropical greenhouse with tropical bonsai.

I'm sure Jeff would be willing to share his experience with you and some tips.

Enjoy the adventure.

Actually I went there last week and was inspired by seeing their 'hot house' tropical greenhouse! I'd like to do something simliar.