A greenhouse is a great addition to any yard, providing a place to grow your own plants and vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, a greenhouse can offer many benefits. From protecting your crops from the weather to giving you an early start on the growing season, there are plenty of reasons to consider adding a greenhouse to your yard.
When it comes to greenhouse design, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from. From simple hoop houses made from bamboo and plastic, to wooden frame structures covered with glass or plastic, you can find a design that fits your space and budget. One popular option is using old windows or bottles to create a greenhouse that adds a unique touch to your yard.
Greenhouses are especially useful for vegetable gardens. They provide a protective cover that keeps out harsh weather conditions, such as frost and wind, allowing you to grow a wider variety of crops. By creating a microclimate inside the greenhouse, you can also extend the growing season and start planting earlier in the spring.
“If you’re a DIY enthusiast, creating your own greenhouse can be a fun and rewarding project,” says Erinn Witz, editor at Green Thumb magazine. “You can use a variety of materials, such as PVC pipes, wooden frames, or even repurposed materials from around your home. The key is to create a structure that is sturdy enough to withstand windy conditions, while also providing enough space for your plants to grow.”
Not only can a greenhouse help protect your plants, but it can also extend the growing season for your flowers. By keeping the inside of the greenhouse warm and sheltered from the elements, you can grow flowers that would otherwise be too delicate to survive outside. This means you can enjoy beautiful blooms earlier in the year and for more years to come.
So, if you’re looking to add a protective and useful structure to your yard, consider building your own greenhouse. Whether you choose a simple hoop house or a more elaborate glass structure, a greenhouse can provide the perfect environment for your plants to thrive.
10 simple yet clever DIY greenhouse ideas
If you’re into gardening, having your own greenhouse can be a game-changer. It allows you to extend the growing season, protect your plants from harsh weather conditions, and create a controlled environment for optimal growth. Building a greenhouse doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are 10 simple and clever DIY greenhouse ideas that you can try.
1. Hoop Greenhouse
A hoop greenhouse is a great option if you’re on a budget and you don’t have much space. It consists of curved metal or PVC pipes that form the skeletal structure of the greenhouse. You can cover the hoops with plastic or greenhouse film to protect your plants from frost, wind, and cold weather.
2. Window Frame Greenhouse
If you have some old windows lying around, you can repurpose them into a charming window frame greenhouse. Simply build a frame using wooden boards and attach the windows to create the walls and roof. This type of greenhouse not only provides a protective space for your plants but also adds a decorative touch to your garden.
3. Bottle Greenhouse
Don’t throw away those plastic bottles! They can be easily repurposed into a mini greenhouse. Cut off the bottom of the bottles and place them over your seedlings to create a protective cover. The transparent plastic acts as a greenhouse, trapping heat and moisture to promote plant growth.
4. Cold Frame Greenhouse
A cold frame greenhouse is a small and simple structure that helps you start your seeds early and protect them from frost. It typically consists of a wooden frame with a hinged or removable top that allows you to control the temperature and provide ventilation. It’s a great option for cool and temperate climates.
5. Bamboo Greenhouse
Bamboo is an affordable and sustainable material that can be used to build a greenhouse. Use bamboo poles as the main structure of the greenhouse and secure them together with zip ties or rope. Cover the frame with greenhouse film or plastic to create a protective shelter for your crops.
6. Shelving Greenhouse
If you’re tight on space, a shelving greenhouse is a perfect solution. Convert a bookshelf or build your own shelving unit with wooden boards and add plastic or glass shelves. This way, you can maximize vertical space and create a compact greenhouse for growing herbs, small vegetables, or seedlings.
7. Paint Can Greenhouse
Do you have empty paint cans lying around? Turn them into mini greenhouses! Clean the paint cans thoroughly, fill them with soil, and plant your seeds. Place the cans on a sunny windowsill, and the dark color of the cans will absorb heat, creating a greenhouse effect and promoting seed germination.
8. Tabletop Greenhouse
A tabletop greenhouse is perfect for starting your herb garden or growing small plants indoors. Choose a glass or plastic container, such as a fish tank or a large jar, and fill it with potting soil. Plant your seeds or small plants, and cover the container with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse-like environment.
9. PVC Pipe Greenhouse
Using PVC pipes is an affordable way to build a greenhouse of any size. Create a frame using PVC pipes and fittings, and cover it with greenhouse film or plastic. You can customize the size and shape of the greenhouse according to your needs and available space.
10. Greenhouse on Wheels
If you want to move your greenhouse around or have limited space, consider building a greenhouse on wheels. Attach a wooden frame to a small cart or trolley with four wheels. Add greenhouse film or plastic to cover the frame and create a mobile greenhouse that you can easily move around to follow the sun or protect your plants from adverse weather conditions.
These DIY greenhouse ideas are simple yet clever ways to create your own protected space for gardening. They can be easily customized to fit your needs and available materials. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, building a greenhouse will provide you with plenty of benefits and help you grow healthy and thriving plants.
1 Add a cover to a basic shelving unit
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to add a greenhouse to your yard, one idea is to add a cover to a basic shelving unit. This DIY greenhouse project can be done using materials you may already have or can easily find.
When it comes to the cover, there are a few options you can choose from depending on the weather in your area. For cold weather, you can use glass or plastic to create a protective barrier around the shelving unit. Glass provides better insulation, but it can be more expensive and may require a bit more work to install. Plastic, on the other hand, is a more affordable option and is easier to work with.
If you’re using a wooden shelving unit, you could also paint it before adding the cover to give it a more attractive and cohesive look. This not only protects the wood from weathering but also adds a pop of color to your yard.
To create the cover, you can use PVC pipes or bamboo poles to make a frame that fits over the shelving unit. You can then attach the glass or plastic to the frame using clips or ties. Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for ventilation.
This DIY greenhouse design is not only useful for protecting your plants from harsh weather conditions, but it also creates a controlled environment for optimal plant growth. By keeping your plants protected, you can start them earlier in the season and extend their growth into the colder months.
If you’re using the greenhouse for growing vegetables or flowers, you’ll have plenty of space to create raised beds or container gardens. This allows you to control the soil quality and make it easier to care for your plants.
One important thing to keep in mind is wind. If you live in a windy area, make sure to secure the frame and cover properly to prevent any damage. Adding weights or stakes around the base of the shelving unit can help keep it stable.
Before you start building your DIY greenhouse, it’s a good idea to check with your local zoning and building regulations to make sure you comply with any requirements. Some areas may have restrictions or guidelines that you need to follow.
In summary, adding a cover to a basic shelving unit is a simple and cost-effective way to create your own greenhouse. Whether you use glass or plastic, this DIY project can provide a protective and controlled environment for your plants. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to start gardening earlier in the year and extend the growing season.
2 Create a greenhouse area in a raised bed
If you’re looking to create a small greenhouse area in your yard, consider using a raised bed. This design effect can provide a protected space for your plants to grow and thrive.
To create a greenhouse area in a raised bed, start by building a wooden frame that matches the size and shape of your raised bed. Make sure it is sturdy and can withstand the elements for years to come.
Once you have your frame in place, you can choose to paint it or leave it as is. Adding a pop of color can make your greenhouse area more aesthetically pleasing and add some personality to your yard.
To create the greenhouse effect, cover the wooden frame with a hoop structure made of PVC pipes. This provides support for a protective cover, such as plastic or a dark, cold wind-proof material.
When it comes to the cover, there are many options available. Some gardeners prefer using clear plastic to allow for maximum sunlight exposure, while others opt for a dark material to provide more insulation during the colder seasons.
Erinn Witz, the editor of GardensAll, says that a greenhouse area in a raised bed is most useful in the early spring season. “It gives you a head start on the gardening season and allows you to start planting and growing crops earlier than you would be able to in your main garden,” she explains.
In terms of design, having a door or opening at the front of the unit is essential for easy access to your plants. While the frames on the sides and back can be sealed tightly to create a more controlled environment for your crops.
One of the benefits of creating a greenhouse area in a raised bed is that it can be used year-round. In the colder months, it can provide protection for cold-sensitive plants, while in the warmer months, it can help regulate the temperature and provide shade.
This design is also a great option for small homes or yards, as it takes up less space compared to a traditional greenhouse. The raised bed design also allows for easy access to the soil and makes gardening more convenient.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and functional way to extend your growing season and protect your plants, consider creating a greenhouse area in a raised bed. It’s a simple DIY project that can provide plenty of benefits for any gardener.
3 Re-use old windows to shelter plants
If you have some old windows lying around, don’t throw them away! They can serve as a budget-friendly option for creating a DIY greenhouse. Re-using old windows not only helps you save money but also gives your greenhouse a unique and rustic charm.
Here are a few ideas on how you can repurpose old windows to shelter your plants:
- Create a simple window greenhouse: One of the most straightforward ways to repurpose old windows is to construct a small greenhouse frame using the windows as panels. Start by building a frame with bamboo or other sturdy materials. Then, attach the windows to the frame using hinges or other fixtures. This will give you a protective cover for your plants.
- Build a shelving unit: If you have a few old windows, you can stack them vertically to create a shelving unit for your plants. Place the windows on top of each other, leaving enough space between them for your pots or trays of plants. This design not only maximizes the number of plants you can shelter but also allows for better airflow and light distribution inside the greenhouse.
- Construct a hoop house: Another option is to use old windows to create a hoop house structure. This design is ideal for colder climates and can extend your growing season by a few weeks or even months. Start by building a hoop frame using PVC pipes or metal rods. Then, cover the frame with the old windows, securing them in place with nails or clips. The glass panels will help retain heat and protect your plants from wind, frost, and other harsh weather conditions.
No matter which design you choose, re-using old windows can give you a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to start your own greenhouse. You can grow various plants, from veggies to flowers, and enjoy a longer growing season. Just make sure to clean the windows before using them, as dirt and grime can reduce the amount of light that reaches your plants. With a little creativity, you can transform those old windows into a functional and beautiful addition to your garden.
4 Make a basic greenhouse using plastic bottles
If you’re a budget-friendly gardener, there’s a simple and cost-effective way to create your own greenhouse using plastic bottles. This DIY greenhouse idea is perfect for small spaces and can be a great addition to your backyard or front yard.
As we mentioned earlier, hoop houses are a popular choice when it comes to creating DIY greenhouses. Erinn Swainston, the editor of Better Homes and Gardens, says that plastic bottles can be used to create a hoop house-like structure that is budget-friendly and easy to build.
To make a basic greenhouse using plastic bottles, you will need a few simple materials such as plastic bottles, wooden frames, bamboo sticks, and some paint. The first step is to collect enough plastic bottles to cover the size of the greenhouse you want to create. Make sure to clean the bottles before using them.
Next, you’ll need to build the frame for your greenhouse. Use the wooden frames and bamboo sticks to create a structure that will hold the plastic bottles in place. The wooden frames will provide stability, while the bamboo sticks can be used to create an arched effect for the greenhouse.
Once you have the frame ready, place the plastic bottles over the frame, making sure to keep them tightly together. You can use a strong adhesive or tie them together with strings to secure them in place. This will create a solid cover for your greenhouse.
When it comes to the color of the plastic bottles, you can choose any color you like. Some people prefer using clear bottles to allow more sunlight to pass through, while others opt for colored bottles to give their greenhouse a unique look.
The plastic bottles will act as a protective barrier, keeping your plants and crops safe from cold temperatures and windy conditions. The greenhouse effect created by the plastic bottles will also help to keep the temperature inside warmer, allowing you to start planting your seeds earlier in the season.
One of the most useful benefits of this DIY greenhouse idea is that it can be easily customized to fit your space and gardening needs. You can make it as small or as large as you want, depending on the available space in your yard.
If you’re planning to grow vegetables or flowers inside the greenhouse, make sure to place the greenhouse in an area that receives plenty of sunlight during the day. This will ensure that your plants get the necessary light for optimal growth.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add a greenhouse to your yard, consider making a basic greenhouse using plastic bottles. Not only will it save you money, but it will also give you a chance to flex your creative muscles and build something unique for your gardening needs.
5 Buy a DIY greenhouse kit
One of the simplest and most convenient options for adding a greenhouse to your yard is to buy a DIY greenhouse kit. These kits come with all the materials and instructions you need to build your own greenhouse, and they are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit different needs and budgets.
According to Erinn Swainston, the editor of HGTV Gardens, buying a DIY greenhouse kit is a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy way to start their own greenhouse. The kits usually include pre-cut wooden frames or metal frames, as well as a plastic or glass cover to protect the plants inside from wind, frost, and other harsh weather conditions.
One of the advantages of buying a kit is that they often come with shelves or benches, which can be useful for organizing the plants and maximizing the space inside the greenhouse. They also typically include a door, allowing you easy access to your plants.
When it comes to choosing a DIY greenhouse kit, there are plenty of options available. Bamboo greenhouses, for example, are becoming more popular among gardeners due to their natural and eco-friendly look. Wooden frame kits are also a common choice, as they provide durability and can last for many years.
Another option is a hoop greenhouse kit, which typically consists of a metal frame covered with plastic. These kits are lightweight and easy to assemble, making them a good choice for those who want a portable greenhouse that can be moved around the yard as needed.
Keep in mind that the size and design of the greenhouse kit will depend on your specific needs and the available space in your yard. Whether you have a small garden or a large vegetable patch, there’s a DIY greenhouse kit out there that can help you extend the growing season and enjoy fresh flowers or homegrown vegetables earlier in the spring.