A homemade greenhouse is a fantastic way to access fresh produce all year-round. Whether you're an avid gardener or a beginner, a greenhouse makes gardening so much easier and will allow you to start growing your own plants even when the weather outside is not ideal. Unfortunately, building a greenhouse can be expensive. However, with the right plans and materials, you can create a homemade greenhouse that is durable and functional. In this article, we will explore the benefits of a homemade greenhouse and offer tips on building your own.
Benefits of a Homemade Greenhouse
There are many reasons to consider building your own homemade greenhouse. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Saves Money - A homemade greenhouse is a cost-effective way of owning a greenhouse. You can build a greenhouse using recycled materials or purchase a kit to save money.
2. Year-Round Growing – The beauty of a greenhouse is that it can extend your growing season. You can start your seeds early in the spring and grow your produce well into the fall and winter.
3. Pest Control - A homemade greenhouse also offers a level of protection from pests and other invaders that may be lurking outside. It can help keep away ants, weevils and other pests that can damage your plants, leaving them gnarled, stunted and unhealthy.
4. Improved Quality and Quantity - The controlled environment of a greenhouse can also lead to improved quality and quantity of your produce. You have control over the amount of sunlight, humidity and temperature your plants receive, which can result in healthier and more abundant crops.
Tips on Building Your Own Greenhouse
Building a homemade greenhouse may seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right plans and materials, it can be more straightforward than you might imagine. Here are tips to help make the process of building your greenhouse a success:
1. Choose the right location - The best place to build your greenhouse is on a level site with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. If possible, face your greenhouse toward the south to take advantage of the maximum amount of sunlight.
2. Select the right size - Determine what size greenhouse you’ll need based on what you'd like to grow. If you are a beginner, it will be beneficial to start with a smaller greenhouse and expand as you gain more experience.
3. Choose materials carefully - A homemade greenhouse can be made of any number of materials, such as wood, PVC pipes, or aluminum frames. Consider light transmission properties, durability, and affordability of materials before making your final decision.
4. Build a strong foundation – Most greenhouse kits come with detailed instructions and require a level foundation. A weak foundation can lead to a greenhouse that’s not level, or worse yet, a collapsed greenhouse.
5. Ensure adequate ventilation - Ventilation is critical for a healthy greenhouse environment. A minimum of two vents and a door should be included in your greenhouse plan to ensure proper air-circulation.
6. Include heat and cooling - Your greenhouse needs to maintain a consistent temperature. On hot days, you’ll want to provide some sort of cooling, and during colder weather, you may want to add a heat source. Consider adding an electrical system to your greenhouse plans or providing supplemental heat sources, such as propane heaters.
7. Add shelving - You can increase your growing space by adding shelves for your plants. Planning ahead and including shelves in your original plan will prevent the need for makeshift shelving and will help you maximize space.
Homemade Greenhouse Plans
Now that you are ready to build a homemade greenhouse, here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. PVC Mainframe Greenhouse - A popular homemade greenhouse plan is one made with PVC pipes. PVC pipes are affordable, durable, and easy to repurpose. With PVC you can build an A-frame style greenhouse that can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily.
2. Wooden Greenhouse - A wooden greenhouse is a classic option. Although wood is a bit more expensive than PVC, it’s also more durable, providing better insulation in cooler weather. It also looks more stylish than other materials.
3. Urban Window Greenhouse - If you are short on space, a window greenhouse is a great idea. You'll simply need to mount the greenhouse onto a window with strong brackets, and you're all set! A window greenhouse is ideal for small herb gardens and other smaller plants.
4. Upcycled Materials Greenhouse - If you are interested in building a greenhouse sustainably, you can upcycle materials. You can use old windows, doors, shelving or any other materials that you may have lying around.
The Bottom Line
A homemade greenhouse is a great way to grow your own fresh produce all year-round. Building a greenhouse can seem intimidating, but with the right plans and materials, you can create a greenhouse that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective. Whether you choose wood, PVC pipes or recycled materials, having a year-round garden in your own backyard is priceless.