Have you already started a spring garden? By going ahead of the game, you will not only get excited about your garden, but you will be fully prepared. And these DIY Greenhouse ideas will help you prepare for a delicate new shoot.
Many parts of the country have short growing seasons, so if you live in any of these regions, it is especially important to plan your garden early on. If you plan to start your garden with seeds rather than seedlings, make sure you’re ordering seeds. If you’re not sure where to get good seeds, check out the old farmer yearbook list Free Gardening Catalog.
Once you have the plan and seeds in hand, it’s best to start seeds indoors even during the winter. This allows you to get a jump start for planting and extend the growth period. There are many green ways to start seeds indoors in upcycle containers. Starting seeds indoors can also be a great project to do for kids.
Another great way to extend the gardening season is to use a greenhouse. Many Pre-sorted greenhouses are available. However, most people pass through the greenhouse, as the cost is very expensive and can be out of budget for many people.
DIY Greenhouse
But wait, did you know that you can build a small portion of the cost of purchasing your own greenhouse? It may sound like a difficult task for many people, but it can be very easy.
Here are 7 DIY Green House ideas, which can extend the growth period. There’s something for everyone as these greenhouses are affordable and have different skill requirements. I’ve included as many upcycling ideas as possible.
1. Havele Cold Frame
If you don’t have construction skills, a hay bale cold frame is a great option for you. It can be designed for any area or space available.
The only supplies you need are les of hay and old windows or clear plastic (and some weight to hold the plastic underneath if you use it). It’s very affordable to build and can be easily removed once it’s done.
Start by building an area where you want to use hay les as a wall. Next, close the area with clear plastic (fine in spring or fall) or windows (better choice if it snows). Check out these Earth911 guides for building indoor and outdoor cold frame greenhouses.
2. Cold frame of a rising bed
If you want something a little more sturdy than a hay bale cold frame, a raised bed cold frame might be a good choice for you. It has the same advantages as a hay bale cold frame, but it takes a little longer to build and isn’t too easy to demolish. However, if properly constructed, sealing air leaks is more durable and easier.
this Raised Bed Cold Frame Greenhouse Tutorial There are great plans you can follow for your own construction. You can also explore Earth911’s guide to raising your bed kit for more options.
3. Convertible hoop house
Building a convertible hoop house is a neat DIY idea for the greenhouse.
One way to make your own convertible hoop house is to create a hoop using a cow panel. Get details Instructions for building a convertible hoop house In Dave’s garden.
When you build a hoop house, it can be covered with sturdy plastic to make a greenhouse. During the summer, the structure can be used as a trellis to remove plastic and grow mung beans, tomatoes, or other grape plants.
4. Column cover hoop house
If building a hoop house from cow panels sounds a little daunting, then try a row cover house first. It’s easy to build and experiment, but it can still produce some great results.
Most row cover hoop houses are made of PVC pipes and plastic. Frost blanket. The row cover hoop house can only cover crops that need to be protected from cold temperatures, allowing crops that thrive in cool conditions to enjoy the weather. Learn how Build a row cover hoop house With Bonnie plants.
Do you want to avoid PVC pipes? The Finch & Folly tutorial shows how Create a frame using a branch Instead.
5. Reused Windows Greenhouse
Would you like to try something a little bigger and more complicated? How about a greenhouse made from reused windows?
You can usually get an older window. It’s a great way to keep Windows out of landfills and will also be part of a great statement in your garden. Once you have gathered enough to make your greenhouse the perfect size for your space, you will find it very affordable to build a greenhouse from there.
Please take a look at the green lever A guide to building a greenhouse from reused windows Detailed tips on how to make this DIY idea come true. Instructables guides also have great ideas to help you Create a greenhouse from the old window.
6. Plastic bottle greenhouse
Are there many plastic bottles that cannot be recycled? Take the “green” home a step further and build it from upcycled plastic bottles.
Too many plastic bottles become garbage, not recycled bottles. Keep them away from the landfill and grow food for your family in a pat bottle greenhouse. This is a very affordable project, and the results are also a spark of conversation. Check out how Wilmington College students were built Plastic bottle greenhouse.
7. Palette Greenhouse
The final DIY idea for building your own greenhouse is the Palette Greenhouse. Palettes could not be ruled out here as they could be useful in so many DIY projects. You can use pallets in a greenhouse to use them on walls, tables, planters, and more. However, you must ensure that the pallet is safe for your project before you start. Check these Instructions from the green lever To create a greenhouse at a low cost using wooden pallets as components, or video For an overview.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on February 19, 2016, this article was updated in March 2025. Gail LangelotFlickr.
