Build this greenhouse for under $50 following our Greenhouse plans! While some creativity and searching for free materials is required, anyone should be able to complete it successfully.
For optimal temperatures and pest control, greenhouses require an external heat source such as an unit heater or radiant systems to control temperatures and keep pests at bay. To achieve this goal, unit heaters or radiant systems may be useful options for providing this essential source of heat.
Greenhouse Design
No matter whether you are creating a greenhouse from scratch or retrofitting an existing structure, the first step should always be designing it. Its size should reflect your specific needs based on how many plants will need growing space within. You should also factor in how much sunlight will enter through its windows for proper plant growth; you may also wish to include workspace or storage for tools and supplies.
Once you've determined the size and scale of your greenhouse, construction can begin. Begin by placing skids on the ground and attaching them using 2x3 takes with 3 1/2'' screws. Next, frame walls using 2x4 lumber making sure all corners are square before attaching studs by drilling pilot holes and installing 3 1/2'' screws into them.
Gable roof greenhouses are one of the most popular styles, as it provides optimal ventilation and space for growing plants. When selecting this style of greenhouse roof, however, it's essential to take location into consideration; ideally it should be located on either the south or southeast sides of your house in order to receive maximum sunlight throughout the day - an optimal spot is usually on either the south or southeast sides; north sides tend to receive too little light and should be avoided as these may overheat over time.
Budget-minded gardeners can construct a lean-to greenhouse attached to the outside of your home or garden shed, using low-cost materials. Garden Plans Free offers comprehensive instructions as well as a list of supplies required.
An alternative option for growing plants indoors is a modular greenhouse. These structures are easy to assemble from wood or metal materials and allow you to customize their size as required; you can even download plans from Stevenson Projects LLC that include detailed instructions, diagrams and photographs as well as a materials list!
Greenhouse Materials
Before beginning construction on your greenhouse, ensure you have all of the materials required. Wood framing should be treated to prevent moisture build-up or insect infestation; weatherproof covering such as polycarbonate or glass is needed to block sunlight, rain and wind; all this supplies can be found at local hardware stores or big box home improvement centers.
Location is of utmost importance when planning to construct or expand a greenhouse. An open, sunny site receiving at least six hours of direct sun daily should be selected; shadowy spots from nearby buildings, trees or bushes until late afternoon should also be avoided. Access should also be easily provided for water sources and electrical outlets as well as proper soil drainage to prevent flooding of waterlogged soil which could result in foundation damages and potential leakage issues.
Once the site has been identified and prepared, construction can begin by marking out its boundaries using measuring tape, string lines or chalk to create an exact layout and dimensions for your greenhouse. You will need to dig a foundation or pour concrete depending on your chosen design - be sure that this falls below frost line and always use contact-rated and pressure treated lumber in its construction.
Once your frame is in place, you can install your desired cladding. If using glass or polycarbonate roof panels, they must be carefully cut and measured for proper fitting to avoid gaps or overlaps, with sealant applied between panels to prevent air leaks, drafts and moisture build-up.
PVC pipe-based Quonset greenhouses are another viable option that can be easily assembled using an online kit containing all the components for creating a functional and durable structure. Size options exist to meet both growing needs and budget constraints, while you may opt to customize its size by adding extra ridges or lengthening side walls. When installing translucent polyethylene foil sheets as cladding sheets, make sure they're evenly spaced along each strip every 10"; installing strips every 10 inches ensures even coverage.
Greenhouse Build
Building a greenhouse can be straightforward, though you should still bear certain considerations in mind when doing so. These include selecting an ideal location that complies with local codes and receives at least 8 hours of sun per day; selecting one with excellent drainage so water flows freely without pooling; as well as installing barrier fabric or mulch to inhibit weed growth to save both time and money for ongoing weed management costs.
Once you've selected your plot space and selected a greenhouse size that meets your requirements, it is time to source materials for the project. There are online kits which include everything needed for small to medium sized structures - ideal for beginners in DIY or those seeking an easy way to start smaller scale greenhouse projects quickly and easily. However, for larger greenhouse projects it would be prudent to acquire materials from local home improvement stores or woodworking suppliers, which will guarantee materials rated for outdoor use that are safe to work with.
Greenhouses are designed to replicate the ideal conditions in which plants thrive, so they must remain warm, dry and well ventilated for them to function optimally. Greenhouses also play an integral part in increasing productivity of plants while extending your growing season - not to mention providing an idyllic place where one can relax while receiving some vital vitamin D benefits that help strengthen bones, immunity and alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Once you have acquired all the materials needed for greenhouse construction, it's time to begin! Start by building the base. Be sure to use a spirit level and drill pilot holes prior to inserting screws for precision and professional results. When your skids are installed, lay down greenhouse wall frames by making notches at both ends of 4x4 beams for a snug fit and cutting parallel lines 1 3/4' deep before attaching them securely using 3 1/2' screws drilled through pilot holes and secured using pilot holes - these should help achieve precision results as well. Once secured onto their skids with drill pilot holes drilled prior to inserting screws - once secure them all to their skids using 3 1/2' screws they will help ensure precision and professionalism in result!
Plants
A greenhouse provides the ideal conditions for year-round plant cultivation in cold climates, even protecting outdoor seedlings from frost and snow while giving indoor plants warmth, humidity and sunlight they need for growth. A well-designed greenhouse also extends your growing season to allow harvest of produce such as cabbages, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower that might otherwise not survive through winter months.
When building your greenhouse, select a location with optimal sunlight throughout the day - south-facing positions work best in the northern hemisphere; north-facing positions should work in the southern. Furthermore, try not placing it near deciduous trees which cast shadows during long winter days; also ensure water sources and power outlets for maintenance are within easy access, and that soil drains well to prevent waterlogging or foundational damage.
Greenhouses require regular air circulation to maintain an ideal climate and discourage condensation and mold growth, but should never become too warm or too cool for photosynthetic activity to take place. To create the optimal conditions, install vents and windows to control heat while exhaust fans handle humidity management; or alternatively set up misting systems that automatically water your crops while providing ample ventilation.
While greenhouses may be great places for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, not all houseplants appreciate the extra heat and humidity a greenhouse provides. Fiddle-leaf fig plants thrive when exposed to humid environments but may struggle when placed in direct sunlight or steamy heat conditions.
These greenhouse plans may require more effort, but are well worth the extra work for those with some DIY experience. The website provides a full list of materials needed, step-by-step instructions and pictures to guide you along the way - so the end result will be an attractive greenhouse that you'll be proud to show off all year long!