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Gardener? Build Your Own Greenhouse

If you love gardening but live in a colder climate, you know that sad feeling when some plants you’ve cultivated and cared for don’t survive the winter. Not only that but starting over can be costly and time consuming. Another issue that cold climate presents is that certain plants don’t typically grow in low temperatures (watermelons, for example).

As a gardener, you can appreciate the value of a greenhouse, but they usually cost an arm and a leg to purchase or construct. However, if you follow this easy guide, you’ll be able to build your own greenhouse for very little money.

Greenhouse

This fun project can take a few days to complete, but the results look very polished. The greenhouse is sturdy and able to withstand quite a bit of snowfall.

Here’s what you’ll need:

6 pcs of 20' x 3/4" UV resistant PVC 40 plumbing pipe 
 
6 pcs of  1x6x8'pt. – ripped into 1x3s 
 
4 pcs of  8'steel “T” fence post
 
3 pcs of 2×4 stud – rip into 1x2s
 
2 pcs of 1x4x12'pt.
 
1 pcs of 2x4x16' rip into 2x2s
 
1 pcs of 20’x1/2" rebar – cut into 18' lengths
 
0.75 pcs of  8" nylon wire ties – 100
 
0.5 pcs of 1 1/4" x 1lb drywall screws
 
0.3 pcs of 16 gauge galvanized utility wire – 200'
 
0.25 pcs of  3/8" t-50 staples – 1000
 
0.22 pcs of  20' x 100' x 6 mil clear plastic 

Instructions:

Begin by building the end side.

Attach a PVC pipe to a piece of 1x4 to get an outline. Don’t try to make the arch wider to get more space, a tall arch is better at draining rain and snow.

Greenhouse

Build a frame for the door, leave about 3’ space for the door in the middle.

Greenhouse

Mark the wood to be in line with the bottom of the pipe.

Greenhouse
 

Cut the top ends of the frame that you’ve marked so that the pipe can rest atop them. This is to prevent splinters from tearing the plastic sheet. Screw the pipe into the cut frame.

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse
 

You can use some plywood to add rigidity and durability to the frame.

Greenhouse

Spread the plastic sheet on the frame, making sure to cut it neatly with a utility knife.

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse

Fold the plastic sheet and use a strong stapler to attach the plastic sheet to the wooden beams and trim any excess plastic.

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse

Cut an opening in the doorway, but leave some extra sheeting to fold inside, for a more polished look.

Greenhouse

Fold the extra sheets you’ve left and staple them to the wooden frame.

Greenhouse

Measure the width of the frame and drive fence posts into the ground. Make sure the posts are straight, otherwise your greenhouse may become unstable.

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse

Use strong zip-ties to attach the frame to the stakes.

Greenhouse

Repeat the above process to build a rear frame. This will ensure that your greenhouse is stable. If you plan on using another wall in the back, proceed to the next step.

Use a string to mark the line where the ribs will stand, and then drive rebar pins every 3’.

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse

Insert the PVC pipes and form the ribs of the greenhouse. For a sturdier structure, use more ribs.

Greenhouse

Use 2 long planks on either side to strengthen the structure, as seen in the photo. Screw each rib into each plank.

Greenhouse

Use a PVC pipe to form a final beam at the top – this will come in handy during heavy rain or snow. Screw the top pipe to each rib and the frames.

Greenhouse
Greenhouse

Stretch the metal wires diagonally from one side of the frame to the opposite side, forming an “X” on either side. This will add support to the plastic sheets, making the greenhouse more durable. 

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse
 

Measure and cut the plastic sheet. You will want to have a little extra on both ends, and in the front and rear.

Greenhouse

Place a plank on each end and staple the sheet to each one.

Greenhouse

Fold the plank to cover it completely with the plastic sheet. Use another plank and screw it into the wrapped plank to add weight and keep the sheets secured.

Greenhouse
 
Greenhouse

Cover the greenhouse with the sheet, making sure to add weight on one side before stretching the plastic over the construction.

Greenhouse

Once covered, secure the other end of the sheet to the ground as well, then secure any loose plastic on the front and back.

Greenhouse

You can now use 2-3 planks on each side to form planters, just like in the picture below.

Greenhouse
Congratulations! You've now built your very own greenhouse!
H/T: goodgarden.com
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