DIY Greenhouse Tour

Welcome to Garden Unwind! Today, I’m taking you on a detailed tour of my DIY greenhouse. If you’re thinking about building your own, this article will provide inspiration, design tips, and practical advice based on my hands-on experience.

If you would rather watch than read you can check out the video! https://youtu.be/VmeQcuLJXE0

A Durable, DIY Design

My greenhouse is a basic hoop house, measuring 10x10 feet. It’s constructed to withstand wind, snow, and even ice. Here's how I built it:

1. Frame Construction:

   • The frame is made from 1 inch PVC electrical conduit, which is UV-resistant (important for durability).

   • T-posts were pounded two feet into the ground with a T post driver for a sturdy foundation.

   • The hoops consist of two 10-foot PVC pipes connected via male and female fittings, eliminating the need for glue.

2. Base and Door Frames:

   • The base is made of 2x4 pressure-treated wood.

   • The door frames, also made from pressure-treated 2x4s, are buried one foot into the ground for stability.

   • I built Dutch-style doors to allow airflow and keep animals out.

3. Reinforcement:

   • A ridge beam (secured with L-brackets) strengthens the structure.

   • Additional PVC braces were added to stabilize the hoops.

   • Built-in tables along the sides provide further support.

Customized Features for Functionality

• Height Matters:
  At 8 feet high, the greenhouse has ample headroom. Many pre-fab options are shorter, making them uncomfortable for taller people. The extra height also allows space to hang plants.

• Built-in Tables:
  I incorporated two workbench heights:

  • 32 inches for ergonomic potting.

  • 46 inches for detailed tasks like transplanting.
    These tables also feature removable slats (repurposed from an old bed frame) and a dry sink made from a cement mixing tub for easy cleanup.

• Flooring and Pest Prevention:
  Initially, I opted for a gravel floor, but rodents were an issue. To solve this, I added hardware cloth as a barrier beneath the gravel. Bricks along the edges further deter critters.

Covering the Greenhouse

The greenhouse is wrapped in UV-resistant greenhouse plastic. Don’t use regular plastic sheeting as it won’t hold up to sunlight.

• Attachment Method:
  While I used wiggle wire for professional-grade plastic application, I recommend using furring strips for home projects—it’s cheaper and easier to manage.

Lessons Learned and Pro Tips

• Location:
  Place your greenhouse where it gets morning sun but afternoon shade in summer to prevent overheating.

• Ventilation:
  Dutch doors and a back door provide excellent airflow, keeping the greenhouse usable in warm months.

• Material Tips:
  Look for affordable or repurposed materials, like the screen door I purchased for $30 during a sale.

Why I Built Instead of Buying

Pre-made greenhouses often lack durability and height, and they can be pricey. By building my own, I created a structure tailored to my needs at a fraction of the cost.

Encouragement to DIY

If you’re considering a greenhouse project, I hope this tour inspires you to create your own! A greenhouse is a fantastic addition to any garden, extending your growing season and offering a versatile space for seed starting, potting, and propagation.

For more tips on how to use a greenhouse effectively, check out my previous blog post and video on greenhouse uses.

Happy gardening, and don’t forget to unwind in your garden!