A greenhouse is a structure that creates a microclimate ideal for plant growth, providing a stable environment for plants to grow. Building a greenhouse can be done on a budget or by professional builders. This guide provides instructions on how to build a DIY greenhouse from the ground up or from a greenhouse kit. Before starting, it is important to check zoning laws and regulations and consult local authorities.
A greenhouse is a useful structure that can provide a stable growing environment, allowing plants to thrive as early as March and extend harvest into late fall. It is also a great place to store less hardy plants during harsh weather conditions. There are various types of greenhouses, from small to large, with each offering different sizes, framing materials, glazing, and covering options.
To build a greenhouse, follow these steps: decide on a greenhouse, choose framing material, choose covering material, and choose a location. Free DIY greenhouse plans include diagrams, photos, and instructions, and it is best to build north to south for freestanding greenhouses.
To create a DIY greenhouse, start with siding, windows, or doors, leaving the frame intact. Use easy-to-assemble kits to build your greenhouse, and use materials with high R-value, such as polycarbonate panels, to trap heat and protect plants.
📹 DIY Greenhouse | Don’t Buy a Kit Until You See This
Welcome to the official April Wilkerson YouTube channel. I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I’m not professional or have …
📹 How to Build a High-Tunnel Greenhouse | Ask This Old House
Roger Cook helps a homeowner build a simple, affordable backyard greenhouse. (See the shopping list and tools below.)
It’s a neat little greenhouse but be aware of algae growth inside the panels. I changed out the glass on mine for comparable twinwall polycarbonate maybe ten years ago and definitely extended the growing season by so doing. But I learned the hard way that the top edges of the twinwall need to be sealed to prevent water intrusion. Aluminum HVAC tape does this nicely. Similarly a permeable tape needs to be added to the bottom to keep dirt out and let any condensation escape or algae will begin to grow up inside the panels and there’s no way to clean it out.
If you get a 12V solar panel you can pick up fans for it really cheap as PC case fans. Connect a couple to the panel and when the sun comes up the fans can help circulate the air in the greenhouse. Done that here and it really helps avoid hot areas forming, especially near the top given it’s built directly on the soil. The fans may only last a year or two but are really cheap but the panel will last for ages and can inside or outside the greenhouse itself. I’d always recommend getting a waterproof one whichever you choose.
I have been collecting vintage windows so that I can build myself a greenhouse. I finally have enough windows but have been trying to find a tutorial for the floor that was easy to follow and understand. Thank you for this! You made the entire thing simple and easy to follow and now I feel like I can finally get started on mine!
❤ FYI …screws don’t have the shear strength nails do. In rough framing construction never use screws, especially if you live within tornado zones or frequent strong storms. I’ve seen so called framing screws snap under stress, break off at the heads and yet people use them for floor decking, roof sheeting (really crazy) and yes framing. Nice little green house.
Well done April, I’ve been enjoying your articles for years and you are truly inspirational for anyone who may feel intimidated by taking on projects. Based on your articles, I’ve built several different projects . Greenhouse is next. Thanks so much for your detailed information and go get’em attitude. Stay healthy.
Very nice! I’d love to have a small greenhouse like this and I love the cedar you used to make it pop! I have concerns about it only having the two vents on one end; however, to have more for a cross breeze is just my personal preference. Thanks for sharing this and all the other terrific projects you’ve made! You’re the best, April! Take care!
We built the chicken run at our old farm based on your chicken run. But we didn’t have a gabled roof. We need a new chicken house and run here and I may be looking at your stuff again for inspiration. You do a great job explaining. And it doesn’t hurt to learn from a super positive, beautiful teacher too. Keeps my focus good.
Good morning, April! I had watched the previous article about this greenhouse, but I really enjoyed this one. It’s not often I smile after perusal a article. You have a knack for making work enjoyable and I love how you leave your mistakes (breaking the drill bit) and laughing about it, in the article. Thanks for another great article! Have an awesome week. God bless.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this article! I’ve been wanting to make a greenhouse for my house plants with my dad later this year. I wanted to do something like the greenhouse you made in this article. Made by hand, no kits, but I had a difficult time finding a simple article on how to do it. Your article is what I’m looking for and it’s very easy for me to follow along to. Thank you!
Looks great April! Thanks for sharing your build. I’m in the process of designing/building a lean-to style greenhouse to go up against a north backyard fence. I have the building know-how but was more interested in how you machined and installed the polycarbonate. Perhaps you could share a follow-up article on how it’s worked for you so far?
It probably isn’t an issue in Texas, but up north during extended freezing weather it is very important to allow the panels to drain on the bottom. Condensation will build up inside and freeze which breaks out the sides of the panel. Polycarbonate get very brittle in cold temps which also contribute to the problem. Using something like a strip of J-channel would probably be adequate. I would probably make it so the opening was toward the inside where it would stay thawed and also prevent insects from crawling up the tubes
Really enjoyed this article. 😊 I was curious about snow load tolerance, and humbly suggest rainwater gutter and catchment system. I think you may be surprised how hot it gets in there and may want much more venting(roof panels on hinges?), cross ventilation options, AND a safe electrical option for grow lights and heat mats. I’ll be expecting some cool April Wilkerson gardening podcasts soon. 👍
Nice job! The only comments I would add is I would use three door hinges as a door like that could easily warp in the heat. I also would have lapped the cedar to keep water from getting between the cedar siding and the ply sheathing. I know the plywood is painted but the paint would only last so long. It’s a great design and would be great here in the Mojave Desert in the late Fall, winter and early spring.
Looks nice and simple to build. A few learning lessons, when nailing or screwing fasteners, keep the other hand away from joints where the boards come together to avoid a pinch. And keep the steadying hand at least a hand or two away from the length of a fastener. A nail can take a nasty turn inside the wood for a variety of reasons and come out one of the sides. Also for that exterior grade siding some folks wrap the bottom edge with a waterproof membrane, so that rain hitting the ground and splashing from below doesn’t compromise the end grain. For your application folks could wrap with black all down the outside and get the effect the black paint added. For our boatyard vibe we’d lap it. Cheers! Clark and Skipper
Plan to do this, so clearly explained!, but wpuld be interested in how you will add additional venting options….i plan to use for seedlings, plants, etc. And have it sitting in full sun, More venting will be needed to reduce mold and control temperature…. Maybe attic fans at both ends at the vents’ space,2 to suck in air/2 to exhaust air, being able to turn on one, two, three, or four at a time? I see at the end you mention potentially needing more venting. .
I love getting ideas for my own stuff by perusal your highly informative articles, April! I’ve been considering my own shed build and how to increase headroom in a small shed by modifying the traditional truss design. I realize you were able to have yours so open, using those double gussets at the joints, due to the lightweight roofing (and probably also the steep pitch), where a traditional (and heavier!) deck and shingle roof would need the greater support of traditional trusses with bottom chords and web members. But it did get me to thinking about alternative truss designs. Wheels are turning, thanks to your article! 🙂
Interesting article. Would think in your Texas heat, with only 2 vents you’d be cooking any plants you might grow in it. Thinking of a greenhouse for an early start to Spring, up here in SW Ontario🇨🇦, using it for vegetable (or flower) seedlings I might want to insulate the floor and walls up to the corrugated plexiglass panels. However, still like your design for a pretty simple little greenhouse.
** ahaha April.. Been perusal you for sooo long.. That is the first time I ever seen anything go wrong. =D broken drill bit..cracking up over here, you’re so funny about it… no, we’re not firing you, not a chance lol =D .. A joy to watch you build these projects. It is not as scary as I would think once seeing how you do it.. thanks for sharing your skils and how to’s.
Looks like a nice project! Did you end up setting it directly on the ground or is it lifted? do you have a concern for snakes or other critters, insects, etc hiding under it or coming in? I agree with what many others have already mentioned, that you will likely need quite a bit more ventilation, probably also shade cloth, and active/powered fans to help move the hot air out. It will get very hot in there!
Next episode: I MOVE MY GREENHOUSE CLOSER TO THE POWER OUTLET. 😛 Because I think having a greenhouse is amazing, but you’ll need a little more then those vents if you’re going to put in for example Tomato plants, they need active airflow or will just go bad quick. So putting in some powered fans, and some ventilation shafts on the opposite side of them, will benefit your plants greatly. I love the build, could one make this into a lean-to on a wall as well? How would you do that?
do you really need the cedar trim in front of the twin wall polycarbonate? I am in the process of making one but this step is confusing to me, especially since its expensive cedar going over it. Also, below the polycarbonate wall, would it make sense to put aluminum flashing instead of the cedar again to prevent water from sitting on the wood?
WOW, I just “stumbled” on to your website and I love it. Your awesome. I love that shop, I wish i could afford that a/c and all. I love wood working and have been involved in just about every trade with respect to construction. There is not much I have not done in the last 45 years. Subscribed and looking forward to seeing more content from you April.👍
@AprilWilkerson I absolutely love your I can do it alone articles! I primarily work alone too. I can’t wait for hubby or my sons. Last summer I got my hands on free pressure treated wood that was used for less than a year before they removed it! I turned it into a lean-to style deck for an outbuilding. Using the 2×6’s for the base that ended up making a 5’x6′ deck got really heavy. I needed to get it up on 4×4 patio blocks alone. I used 2×4 blocks cut perfectly square screwed in the corners of the deck and the walls to ensure everything was squared and reinforced. I had made it close to the area it was intended but it still needed to be moved 3-4 feet over, forward and up. I grabbed 2 ratchet straps (they make great clamps btw) and a 2×4 scrap. I looped the straps under the 2×6 frame and over the ends of the 2×4. Squatting with my feet braced shoulder width apart over the frame (feet between the boards), I placed the 2×4 across the back of my shoulders and power-lifted the front half into place with a shuffling step and wiggles. I reduced the ground friction on the back half by sliding skinny rails under it. I called myself an oxen because of the wood across my shoulders. I prefer your workhorse line better! Before I walked it into place I carefully balanced the frame on the bathroom scale (that was a feat in itself…lol). That sucker weighed 200+ lbs! I was thrilled with myself! I’m a 50 year old walking cripple woman…it’s absolutely amazing how with the right fulcrum and leverage system what people can do!
Where the heck has your website been all my life!? Holy cow! I’m so happy that the algorithm fed me this article when I searched for greenhouse ideas. I must admit that I am in love with your workshop. I don’t have an indoor area to work in for any projects and very limited space to store my tools so my projects tend to be pretty small. Add me to the 1.55M subscribers. You’ve earned it in spades!
The portacool is the most american thing I’ve seen in a while. In Germany we say: Mach das Fenster zu, wir heizen nicht für draußen. Translates to something like: Close the windwos we don’t want to heat the outside (with our radiator). Murica: It’s too hot outside, so lets cool the air because its easier than w0rking/sitting inside.
Looks great but will be shocked if it doesn’t overheat. I have a single layer polycarbonate greenhouse that can heat to over 100F on a 50F in NTX during winter. I have a larger vent and still have to open door by noon. If nor for the fact it!s arch shaped I would install roof windows that open with thermostatic hinges.
Funny how people assume that you have to have clear walls for a greenhouse. I build all my greenhouses with solid walls that are painted white. The roof is the only place where light comes in. That’s all the plants need. I grow grapes, tomatoes, and tropical fruit in a greenhouse with solid walls in Seattle. Imagine that!
“” STABLE DOOR “” i thought we were building a greenhouse not a stable…………….just kidding,,,,,,,, I love it, my hubby doesn’t though because he knows he will be building me one real soon !!! I will help because even though I’m 65, I’m a hands on kinda gal soooooooo,,,,,great job and thanks for the example !!! Cherryl from Canada
Please keep in mind that the length of the PC-sheets changes with temperature! If I remember correctly the coefficient is a little lees than 0.1 mm/m K. Meaning per 10°C rise in temp the length will increase by approx. 0.7 mm. If your climate ranges from -20°C (-4 °F) to 40°C (104 °F) and you have a sheet of 2m in length, the length will vary by approx. 8mm (1/3″). Never glue the edges of a plastic sheet to the construction! If you use screws, drill the hole in the sheet a few mm wider than the diameter of the screw and use big washers. There are special washers available for that purpose that also include a seal. This ensures that the sheet can move under the screw and the sheet will not arch on hot days or tear on freezing cold days (yes, polycarbonate can tear). As an alternative you can screw the h-profile to the construction and the sheet can move inside the profile. Someone else already mentioned that the open edges have to be sealed. There are special tapes for that. The upper end must be watertight, the lower end must remain open to airflow, but tight against insects.
Thank You… HATE articles that Support nothing But BUYING Prebuilt Sheds and other things like this and They Hate it when you point it out in/on their articles that it can be Built Bigger and Better for Almost Half the Price and then Remove your Comments and Block you from reposting them. I would Love a 16 x 28 House/Shed and People are telling me to Buy It Prebuilt at Well Over $20,000 ( In MY Area ) and seen them as High as $35,000 just for a Shell… I can Built One, Even a Two Story for Under $10,000 and Built Better…. The what Use to be known as the “New Day Classic Manor” from Lowes/Home Depot.. A Two Story 16 x 28 Shed USE TO Sell for $15,000.. ACCEPTABLE… But Now If .. IF you can find one in your area, they are going for well over $45,000 Everything has Doubled/Tripled In Price these past 5yrs.. Oh Lets not forget the “Tiny Houses” that are on Trailers and are Average 8 x 20 (+/-) that have companies building them for Minimum of $35,00 and as High as $140,000…. and have Seen them Home Built and Better Built by a teenager for Under $10,000 .. Same Size and Layout… I Built a 12 x 12 Shed for Under $1,000 and Better than the ones of Same Size at Lowes/Home Depot that sell for $4,500 that are made of wood. Metal ones going for $1,200 plus….
Hi My son got a cnc 3 years ago we have been on you tube a number of time trying to learn how to use the darn thing. he is Deaf and they do more talking rather than showing what they are doing. we have been looking for classes however there are nothing in our area. I do not know how you feel about helping a deaf adault with some learning problems learn to use his cnc he can learn fast as long as he can see what you are doing can you help? like on skipe. Please!!!
Put a pot of lava rocks in there, close the door, let them heat up, then you have a solar sauna at night. I bet the daytime temp could push 160F in there. Jerky factory. Raisin makin’ temps. No flies or ants. In the Winter, right after a snowfall, as the sun breaks through, go into this greenhouse wearing a pair of dark shades and enjoy the “light” that comes through the walls. Vit.D . Like being at the beach in the middle of December.