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Friday, May 7, 2010

Recycled Window Greenhouse

We had these studded wall panels given to us.  The guy who owned them was going to put them on a burn pile to get rid of them.  The wood was all brand new and had a brand new window in one of the panels.  Well, being the dumpster divers that we are, Mr. Right jumped at being the new happy owner!  Right away, he knew that he had a project for these.These are the windows that I have been saving for a few years, because I wanted a greenhouse built in the backyard out of them.  All of these windows, I had picked up for free along the way.  It's been driving Mr. Right crazy, but I was determined to get my greenhouse.  Besides that, they have such great bones - don't you think?To make the base, Mr. Right started with some 4x4 posts that are green treated, so the wood wouldn't rot away.  (The posts were also salvaged for free!).  He then leveled everything and started to put the wall sections up.The size and shape was dictated by the premade panels.  He left the door out for a bit to try to figure out what would work, without too much work (if you know what I mean!).Then he and my son started to screw the windows in place as close as possible.  Really no science or measuring here, just like making a puzzle, trying to fill as much as possible, without having to fill in with wood.Mr. Right then made his own door out of a window and some left over plywood and hinges.  He even fashioned a handle by bending some old copper.  (He's such a MacGyver!)For the roof, we have come to an impass.  To this point, this project has cost us nothing.  We had planned to use the corregated clear roofing for the top, but when we made a trip to Menard's (otherwise known as "man-heaven")  we found that the roof would cost us about $100 on sale to get from that material.  I've tried to convince Mr. Right that it would be great to use the extra windows on the roof with a bigger slope, so the water runs off (it's free), but he is afraid of hail or heavy snow on the roof. 

So until we come up with the money, or a different material, we put some clear plastic on the roof temperarily.  It works, but it's not wonderful.  Mr. Right went back and put scrap boards whereever there were gaps - mostly around the bottom and top.  Then he caulked any large holes - our first expense of this project!  My goal is to get this painted by the end of the summer in all white, but for now, we can't afford the expense of paint.  (I know it's cheap, but every penny is going towards vacation right now.  A girl's gotta have her priorities!) 

As to the plants, it is working wonderfully for growing huge tomatoes and so much more!  Big smoochers for Mr. Right and my dear son for sure!  Let me know what you think!

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28 comments:

  1. Oh how brilliant - you are blessed to have a McGyverish husband!!

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  2. This is amazing!
    How I love great ingenuity and thriftiness!
    It's interesting how the windows all fit somewhere!
    I hope you will show it to us when it's finished!
    I want to thank you so much for the idea you gave me when you commented on my organic garden- and how to check with the farmers for composted soil.
    That's brilliant, I know several!
    Also, if it is God's will, as it is ours, we will be moving into a smaller home after our second daughter goes to college in three years. So, if the boxes last another three years- that's fine, if not--we had a great, fun experiment. They will be pulled out in order to sell. We'll salvage what we can.
    Someone else told us not to stain the inside of the boxes so that the stain wouldn't leak into our vegetables- so I dunno what to think :)
    Well, anyway, we sure are having fun in our yards, aren't we?
    I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day making your home!
    ~Leslie

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  3. I love this... I've been wanting one for awhile...All I've collected so far are a few window...Keep your eyes peeled someone is always throwing away rusty metal roofing around here, but the windows would be my preference,too. But hubby is prob right, If they were really sloped maybe the snow would not stick as much? anyway I love it. Thanks for following me! I am following you, too! Lezlee

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  4. Someday I want a greenhouse just like yours! Simply wonderful :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  5. I have seen this done before. Your is amazing!

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  6. That is awesome! I would love to have something like that in my backyard...thanks for sharing.

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  7. I wish I was that creative...and handy!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  8. I like it too....happy 2nd time around Tuesday.

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  9. I love that you saved windows for so long to make this. It's fabulous!!

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  10. That is very clever! Perhaps you could do a pitched roof with windows and then weather wouldn't be as big an issue? You'd get your free roof that way. Either way you go this is a great idea and I'm impressed with your patience saving all those windows - It must have taken you awhile!
    I'd love for you to stop by for a visit sometime.
    XO
    Heidi - Heart and Home

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  11. this is one of the coolest projects i've ever seen on the 'net.

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  12. Fantastic! Very cool indeed! Hat's off to you and MacGyver..lol

    Come on over to www.recapturedcharm.com for a giveaway thats on right now. A sterling/gem necklace is up for grabs. Would love to see you there.
    Lisa

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  13. Love your greenhouse! I keep wishing for one...perhaps I need to start collecting old windows! I think yours is perfect. Love that you're in WI too!

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  14. Love it!! I've always wanted one too.

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  15. I am bring the DH back here to read and reread this post. Get his competitve juices and creativity flowing. Even if all we end up with is a smaller version, I'll be thrilled!
    (Oh- you can be sure he'll add the roof, just to say he did it.)

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  16. That is fantastic! I'm glad you have someone who likes doing projects with you. I have to beg, pleed, and bribe sometimes if its something I absoulutely can't do myself. I am married to a 'builder' and he can't bring himself to put things together the way I want them if its not 'the carpentry way'. boo

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  17. Can I move in? I am in love with your greenhouse! In LOVE.

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  18. I've tried to talk my MacGiver into making one of these for me too, I saw one a few years ago in a magazine and fell in love with it! Your's is beautiful! Thanks for sharing Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs

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  19. Great Project and use of dumpster diving skills!! A greenhouse is such fun!!

    I found you via Poppies at Play!! Thank you for sharing!!

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  20. I think this is such a great re-use project and I would love to feature it on my blog if you are interested would you just send me a reply to this comment! Thanks!

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  21. I dream of having my own greenhouse someday. What a great idea... perhaps that dream is closer than I thought!

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  22. Ingenious! I always see windows at the ReStore, would have never thought to use them to make a greenhouse! Great job.

    -Ann Marie

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  23. I love window projects! I have a TON of windows that I've been dying to turn into something. This is great!

    Oh yeah, the hubby is getting sick of my windows, too. I think he'll crack soon and help me build something!

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  24. Hey there! I found your greenhouse and linked it to my recycled glass greenhouses post too, well done!

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  25. i love your recycled window greenhouse.... i've been collecting windows the last few years and hopefully this is the year i will finally put t hem to use to build my own.... thanks for sharing....have a wonderful day!!! ...when u get a chance stop in to check out my blog...:)

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  26. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.
    Hunter Douglas

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