Building a Greenhouse (After a Cheap Kit Let Me Down)

Polly's Petal Patch's Grand Opening - Summer 2024

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be running a flower farm, selling homes, and taking care of a whole farm full of animals—all at 27—I probably would have laughed. And yet, here I am, juggling businesses, early mornings, and a never-ending to-do list. Some days, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Other days? I wonder if I’m too late, too inexperienced, or just plain crazy.

Take this greenhouse, for example.

The Greenhouse Kit That Was Too Good to Be True

This was the kit I originally ordered from Lowe's. Cute right? The reviews seemed like it was a nice kit so I clicked "Checkout" thinking it would be a quick and easy solution… let’s just say, lesson learned!

Originally, my plan was to build a flower shop that would also serve as my greenhouse—a beautiful, multi-purpose space where I could grow, arrange, and sell flowers all in one place. But as the project unfolded, I realized just how big of an undertaking it really was. The flower shop is still happening, but it’s going to take more time.

And time is exactly what I don’t have when it comes to planting. My seeds need to be started now, which meant I had to pivot and figure out a greenhouse solution—fast.

That’s when I decided to order a kit, thinking it would be a quick fix. It seemed like a great idea: affordable, easy to assemble, and just what I needed to get through this planting season.

Reality check: that kit was cheap in every sense of the word.

Flimsy materials, confusing instructions, and the realization that a strong wind might send it flying into the next county… let’s just say my dream greenhouse quickly turned into a disappointment. I tried to make it work, but at some point, you have to admit defeat. This wasn’t going to cut it.

About halfway through, I realized this wasn’t going to work. The materials were flimsy and the windows were made of thin plastic and I started questioning my purchase.

The Foundation Was Already Built—So We Had No Choice

Before we even realized the kit was a bust, we had already built a wooden foundation filled with pea gravel for it to sit on. It was supposed to help with drainage and stability, making sure the greenhouse stayed in place no matter the weather.

So, when we tore the kit down and sent it back, we were left with a fully prepared foundation—but no greenhouse to put on it. At that point, we really had no option but to build the same design from scratch, only this time using wood instead of cheap plastic and metal.

We built this solid foundation thinking it would house the kit. When the kit failed, we had to rethink everything—but at least the base was solid (and Salem seemed to like it)!

Why We Decided to Build Our Own (Again)

After the frustration wore off, I realized I had two choices: keep struggling with something that wasn’t built to last or invest in something better. So, I made the (slightly terrifying) decision to build a real greenhouse—one that would actually work for Polly’s Petal Patch.

Plan B: Build it ourselves! This time, using wood instead of cheap plastic and metal.

Luckily, I have my dad, Philip, our handyman around the farm, Tommy, and one of our contractors, Eduardo (and his team), who are always up for a challenge. We quickly came up with a plan to build something strong and functional so I could get my seeds planted by next week. It’s not the flower shop I originally envisioned (yet), but it’s what I need right now to keep things moving.

One of my favorite parts? I salvaged an old door from an abandoned house on our hunting property, and it fits perfectly for the new greenhouse. I love the idea that something forgotten and weathered is now being given a second life in a space that will be full of growth and beauty. It’s little details like this that make these projects feel even more special.

Thankfully, I have the BEST help! My dad, Philip, our handyman, Tommy, and contractor, Eduardo! Side note: This old door had been sitting untouched for years (check out that lead paint and old knob!)—now, it’ll be the entrance to my greenhouse!

Building Something Bigger—In More Ways Than One

Honestly, this whole experience feels like a metaphor for running a business (or two). Sometimes, you go for the “easy” option, thinking it’ll save you time and stress, only to realize you need to tear it all down and start from scratch. And yeah, that’s frustrating—but it’s also part of the process.

So, if you’re ever in that place—feeling like you’re behind, making mistakes, or wondering if you’re even interesting enough to share your story—just know that you’re not alone. We’re all out here figuring it out as we go.

For now, I’ll be over here, covered in dirt and sawdust, racing to get this greenhouse finished. I can’t wait to share more of the process with you all—stay tuned!

We're still in the middle of building, but I couldn't wait to share how far we've come (this is only two days worth of work, WOW)! Stay tuned for the final reveal!