I know two couples who are successfully growing citrus, figs, and pomegranates in a greenhouse in the snow in northwest Iowa. My hubby and I are also in the process of building one and even though we’ve tried to do it as cheaply as possible, I highly doubt we will save any money on our ctirus with it (at least not any time soon.)
Costs thus far for a 72’ greenhouse
72’ greenhouse in the snow kit: $18k
Closed loop system (due to our land being flood-prone): $6k
Excavating: $5500
Cement blocks for inside retaining walls: $3k
Metal siding: $2k
We don’t yet have the insulation cost or the cost to run electricity or water to it. We’re in the process of finishing the retaining wall ourselves (at least 25 hours of work, but that could be because we lack construction skills).
Long story short, we’re almost $35k in and there will still be a few more costs. That’s A LOT of lemons, hahaha.
I mostly just want a warm place to hang out in the winter because winters in the midwest are lame… and this will allow me to plant veggies in the winter. 
This sounds like an awesome place to spend that time. Watching a video of the Nebraska greenhouse in the snow I could totally enjoy just chilling in a chair, surrounded by all the citrus he is growing.
The other couple in town who has one set up a cozy reading nook in the back with some fun lighting. If you’re ever in NW Iowa, I know a few you could tour!
That’s what I want to do with my ideal house when I get it built is to have a glass orangery attached with a patio in the middle shaded by a orange tree.
(Just need to pick up lots of double paned glass whenever I travel to make it cheaper.)
i was thinking of removing our south facing deck and adding a attached greenhouse . it still might happen. just need to save some coin to do it. would be awesome to sit in there on a sunny -20 day amongst tropical trees. a great way to fight the mid winter blues.
Banana, lychee, longan, rambutan, chocolate, coffee, oranges, mangosteen, pineapple, grapefruit, lemons, limes, garden vegetables and a great big heated swimming pool in the middle! Omg you and me both brother! If i get mine done before you i will invite you here. I’m going to build mine into the south side of a huge hill. I’m planning to heat it with ground heat and with solar that excessively heats a pool in the daytime. Then i can swim in a heated pool and keep all my plants warm at night. I will use the water like a battery. I may never get that dream done but a man needs dreams.
Haha, I don’t need any more expensive ideas. I do not. I do not. 