What is the most inexpensive way to build a greenhouse?

The most inexpensive way to build a greenhouse is to purchase a standard greenhouse-building kit from a hardware store . Where is the best place to put a greenhouse?

Is it cheaper to build a greenhouse or buy a kit?

If you purchase a standard greenhouse kit with no frills, it will likely cost less than it would to build a greenhouse from scratch . However, if you want a customized large greenhouse, it will be more cost effective to build it yourself.

What is the cheapest material for a greenhouse?

Hoop Greenhouses One of the easiest and cheapest ways to build your own greenhouse is to use plastic sheeting , which is readily available at most hardware stores. Typically, you will want sheeting that is four or six mils thick.

What is the most expensive part of a greenhouse?

The covering material of the greenhouse, also known as glazing , is usually the most expensive component of the structure. It is also one of the most important because the glazing is what allows the entry of light and heat into the greenhouse.

What is a cheaper alternative to a greenhouse?

Summer houses, sheds and outbuildings with lots of windows and natural light are sturdy and inexpensive options for a greenhouse. Try swapping wood panels for extra large windows or a glazed front half with cost-effective greenhouse glazing.

Are plastic greenhouses worth it?

Plastic greenhouses or growhouses are not as durable as glass greenhouses, and unlike glass greenhouses, are not really suitable for internal heat sources. Nevertheless, plastic greenhouses are significantly cheaper, more portable, and easier to set up than traditional greenhouses .

What can I use instead of a greenhouse?

Cold Frames These structures consist of a transparent top and solid sides, allowing sunlight to penetrate while protecting plants from harsh weather conditions. Cold frames are typically placed directly on the ground or raised beds, and they can be made from various materials such as wood, PVC, or recycled windows.

How do you keep a cheap greenhouse warm?

The most common way to use thermal mass is water barrels , because it has such a high heat capacity. By stacking several 55 gallon drums of water in a greenhouse, the grower can incorporate a lot of thermal mass. Barrels should be stacked where they are in direct sunlight, often on a North wall.

What plastic sheeting is best for greenhouse?

The best greenhouse plastic for your gardening projects is UV stabilized plastic sheeting made of 6 mil or thicker polyethylene plastic . It is affordable, but is able to provide cover for many years.

What is the easiest foundation for a greenhouse?

Soil or Earth Base If your soil is firm and well compacted, the cheapest and simplest option is to concrete in the four metal posts at the corners of the frame (verifying that everything is levelled before the concrete sets). You might need to secure the structure in place while the concrete dries up.

Can you build a greenhouse without a foundation?

Basically, attached greenhouses require frost free footers that will not shift or move. As the ground freezes and thaws, structures without the proper foundation could move or sag . If you plan on building an attached greenhouse, you should also plan on a more extensive foundation.

What is the easiest base for a greenhouse?

Integral Base This is by far the easiest option, as it does not require any further building or construction, as it forms part of the frame itself. The greenhouse can be set straight down onto a level, solid surface and secured into place.

20 Free DIY Greenhouse Plans for 2021 for You to Download (2024)

People who live in glass houses can’t throw stones, but they can use stones and glass to help their plants thrive.

There's no need to go out and buy a prefabricated greenhouse when you can get DIY greenhouse plans online, and it only takes a few tools and supplies to build your own.

How to pick the right prefabricated DIY greenhouse plan

Here are a few things to consider before you decide on a DIY plan.

1. Customization

Taking the time to find a prefabricated greenhouse that suits your needs can be a long and tedious process. Every manufacturer is different, and many greenhouses may not fit your space exactly how you would prefer. Researching and finding a greenhouse that will make sense for your style of gardening, as well as your backyard, is essential and can take more time than expected. Building your own DIY greenhouse will allow you to customize the building and add in extra items or take away design specifics that don’t fit your needs.

We should also point out that it is easy to replace or change the look of your greenhouse if you build it yourself. Trying to find replacement pieces of glass or plastic from a manufacturer can be a nightmare. If you make your greenhouse instead, you’ll be able to replace easily and tend to those small maintenance issues that are hard to do with a purchased product.

2. Pricing

In general, usually DIY projects are cheaper than what you would spend on a prefabricated greenhouse. Building a greenhouse yourself allows you to use supplies that you have on hand without having to purchase much from the store. Many DIY greenhouse plans use recycled material as well as natural elements of your home and backyard that help to enhance the building overall. Purchased greenhouses can cost a few hundred dollars minimum making a DIY greenhouse a smart budget choice.

3. Time

Ordering a purchased greenhouse may seem like the time-saving choice but consider all of the factors that you need to think about before buying. You’ll spend time researching the best prefabricated greenhouse for your backyard as well as shop around to find the best price. Also, consider the fact that many greenhouses still need to be assembled once they arrive at your home as many do not come fully assembled and ready to use immediately. Instead, you could have used that time to gather supplies and to build your own DIY greenhouse that is custom to your specific wants and needs.

4. Eco-Friendly

Part of the reason why many homeowners choose to build their own greenhouse is to help support nature by using recycled and renewable materials. It makes sense to use eco-friendly materials to create a greenhouse that is meant to nurture and encourage plant life. Doing so allows you to build upon the idea of supporting the environment by limited waste and manufactured materials and giving new life and purpose to such items like old windows, lumber, metal, and plastic.

For the other DIY home projects, learn how home design and construction software can help you bring any idea to life.

Check out these 20 free DIY greenhouse plans you can download right now to get started on creating your very own botanic garden.

1. Cheap, cheap, cheap

The Door Garden offers plans to build a greenhouse with just $50 worth of supplies. You’ll find detailed pictures, as well as descriptions,here that show how you can make a hoop house that's perfect for the novice gardener.

2. PVC Greenhouse

For those wanting to use PVC pipes in the structure, PVC Plans offers an excellent description of how to use them together to form an arched greenhouse.

3. Small greenhouse

How To Specialist offers plans for a small greenhouse with digital drawings that are easy to see and understand. We like the color coding in the illustrations that help visualize the finished product.

4. Folding greenhouse

If you're short on space or time, consider choosing this folding greenhouse that uses the side of a building as the primary support. It may not be the prettiest thing, but it will get the job done and protect your plants from harsh conditions.

5. Barn-style greenhouse

Even if you don’t have your own barn, you can still create a barn-style look for a greenhouse that will be a welcome addition to any backyard. Check out Ana White’s barn-style greenhouse that she built alongside her husband.

6. Mismatched greenhouse

If you prefer to build a greenhouse with materials you have on hand, consider making this mismatched greenhouse from Montana Wildlife Blogger. You’ll find a charming building that shows its quirks, but does well in keeping plants warm.

7. Cedar greenhouse

This beauty would be a featured item in the yard just for the cedar wood that is used to create it. We love the partial cedar roof, as well as the door that allows you to access the plants without having to bend over.

8. Plastic bottle greenhouse

For an eco-friendly addition to your yard, you can easily upcycle those plastic bottles to create a warm and inviting spot for plants to grow. Check out this unique greenhouse that features the use of recycled bottles.

9. Large hoop house

The Florida Gardener offers plans for a large hoop house that can be scaled to size if you don’t need (or have) much space. We like the precise list of materials needed to reduce the trips to the hardware store.

10. Recycled window greenhouse

Using old single pane wood windows from other projects is a great way to create a greenhouse that will let the light shine through. We love the look of using old windows as a way to repurpose them into something useful.

11. Trampoline greenhouse

Another great way to create a hoop house is to reuse items that are destined for the dump. Consider this trampoline greenhouse, which uses the frame of an old trampoline that is perfect for a small hoop house.

12. Tiny greenhouse

If your house and yard are too small, this tiny greenhouse offers a simple design with enough room to start those seedlings.

13. Guest house greenhouse

You can double up the accommodations for both your plants and guests, by choosing this greenhouse featured in Mother Earth News. Both your guests and your plants will have a cozy and warm spot to enjoy.

14. Tabletop greenhouse

If you only have a few plants that you need to house inside a greenhouse, consider making this ultra small tabletop greenhouse that can easily sit on your outdoor dining furniture.

15. Complex geo-dome

This greenhouse isn’t for everyone, but it would be a good project for those master carpenters who want to build something different. We love the overall look of the geo-dome and offer luck to anyone who tries this!

16. Wire-supported greenhouse

This option from How To Specialist includes an open concept that incorporates wire or plastic threading to support the plastic walls. We like the detailed drawings of the wood joints, as they simplify the project.

17. Raised-bed greenhouse

We love this unique raised-bed greenhouse from Mother Earth News that features two hinged sides that allow for easy access to the plants. Perfect for a small garden or for those who prefer a smaller structure.

18. Beginner greenhouse

Don't have much building experience? This greenhouse from Construct 101 offers detailed plans and pictures that are easy to follow. We also like the multiple windows that allow for custom adjustments for air flow.

19. CD case greenhouse

For something a bit more off-kilter, this CD case greenhouse shows you how to upcycle any transparent item into a greenhouse. This version is both lightweight and offers transparent access to a few plants inside.

20. Plywood greenhouse

This easy-to-construct greenhouse features plywood siding and floors, as well as easy-to-get supplies from your local lumber yard. We like the simplicity of the design that most gardeners could easily build.

Now it's time to build your very own greenhouse!

Choosing to build your own greenhouse will not only support the environment but will also save you time and money. Add to that the fact that you can fully customize your greenhouse to your needs and it should be an easy choice to pick any of these DIY greenhouses.

If you’re still stumped after reading any of these plans, consider joining any of the outdoorgardening groupsin your community where you’ll find plenty of advice and maybe even some help!

Ready to learn more about how tech is changing gardening? Learn about the best free landscape design software.