How To Construct A Greenhouse Out Of Discarded Materials?

Building a greenhouse using recycled windows is a rewarding project that not only enhances gardening capabilities but also contributes to environmental sustainability. By repurposing old glass windows and doors, you can create a beautiful greenhouse that is affordable and easy to construct. The process involves getting windows and measuring them, designing the structure, framing the walls, building the foundation, raising walls, and adding a roof.

To build a greenhouse, consider the plot of land you have in mind for your new structure and whether it is level or not. You can also choose from 12 DIY greenhouse plans for gardeners on a budget. To build a greenhouse that is 8′ x 6′, you will need approximately 1400 empty 2-liter (40-oz) plastic bottles.

To start, start with any siding, windows, or doors and swing your sledgehammer, making sure to leave the frame intact. Recycled composite plastic rods made by mixing discarded fishing nets and car bumpers were successfully used in the design and construction of a greenhouse.

To build a greenhouse, follow these steps: select the right site, design the right structure, build with sustainable materials, and implement a sustainable roof. By incorporating recycled materials into your greenhouse, you can create a beautiful and sustainable greenhouse that enhances your gardening capabilities and contributes to environmental sustainability.

What is the most inexpensive way of heating a greenhouse?

Gas heating is the most cost-effective option for greenhouses, with an average efficiency of 80 percent due to heat loss through exhaust ports. Open flame heaters emit ethylene gas, which can affect budding plants and cause depleted oxygen levels in newer greenhouses. Gas heaters with a flu and power exhaust are best for greenhouse applications, but they need a hole punched into the side of the greenhouse for exhaust.

Electric heating is the most efficient, running at 100 percent efficiency, but it is expensive and may not be suitable for many gardeners’ budgets. Passive solar heat can offset some of the cost associated with electric heating, and 240V units are recommended for greenhouse applications. For 120V units, avoid infrared heaters or heaters that transfer heat to objects instead of heating the air. Oil-filled radiator-style heaters are the best inexpensive 120V heaters for greenhouses, which can heat small hobby greenhouses during winter months when placed near a fan.

Passive solar heat collects heat from the sun’s radiation during the daytime and releases it into the greenhouse during the nighttime. This is usually done with water or other thermal mass that can absorb and hold heat for a duration of time. One technique is to line the north wall of a greenhouse with black water containers, which absorb light and heat that passes through the greenhouse to the north wall.

When the sun sets, the heat held by the water slowly dissipates into the greenhouse environment. When combined with electric heat, passive solar heat can significantly reduce the annual cost of heating a greenhouse.

Do plastic greenhouses keep plants warm?

Plastic sheeting is effective in blocking wind and snow but doesn’t provide enough insulation to prevent plants from freezing in an unheated greenhouse. To maintain a suitable temperature, additional heating solutions are needed. A double layer inflation system, which uses two sheets of greenhouse covers instead of one, can be created to create a double wall system that blows heat in between the layers, effectively trapping and retaining heat. This technique creates a stable environment for plants without significantly increasing the cost of additional heating solutions.

How do greenhouses stay warm?

Greenhouses provide a sheltered environment for plants by using solar radiation to trap heat. This system of heating and circulating air creates an artificial environment that can sustain plants in cold or variable outdoor temperatures. Heat enters the greenhouse through glass or plastic, warming objects, soil, and plants inside. The warmed air near the soil rises and is replaced by cooler surrounding air, creating a warmer microclimate. In temperate climates, the sun may do all the heating, but in colder climates, artificial heat may be necessary.

Some greenhouses have access to central heat from the main building, while others rely on natural or bottled gas, heating coils, or fans. Other energy sources like solar batteries or animals are being explored as heat is a significant expense. The sun’s energy can easily travel through greenhouse glass, but the radiation emitted by plants and soil helps trap heat inside.

What are the disadvantages of plastic greenhouses?

Plastic greenhouses offer an affordable and flexible alternative to glass greenhouses, but they are known for collapsing and not keeping out frost at night. Despite this, they are cost-effective and flexible, suitable for almost all surfaces, easy to transport, and quick to disassemble and rebuild. They are a great option for renters and beginners. This article reviews the experience with plastic greenhouses, highlighting the positives and negatives, and outlines key upgrades to improve the experience. It draws on comments from hundreds of viewers on a review video made last year.

How to build your own greenhouse cheaply?

Building a low-cost greenhouse requires selecting budget-friendly materials such as PVC pipes or rebar for the frame and UV-resistant plastic sheeting for the covering. Utilize free or low-cost glazing options like recycled windows, clear shower curtains, or plastic soda bottles cut in half. Proper ventilation is crucial for a healthy growing environment, and can be sourced inexpensively from thrift stores or repurposed materials. By utilizing these materials, you can create a cost-effective greenhouse that promotes plant growth and maintains a healthy environment.

Do plastic greenhouses work as well as glass?

Toughened safety glass or tempered glass are safer options for greenhouses due to their ability to break into smaller pieces and reduced clarity. However, they do not provide as much insulation as polycarbonate, leading to higher heating costs in cold weather. Polycarbonate greenhouses offer superior durability and insulation, as they are virtually unbreakable and can diffuse light to prevent plant scorching and promote even growth.

Plastic greenhouses, often made from polyethylene, are the cheapest option available and are lightweight and easy to set up. However, they do not offer the same level of durability or insulation as polycarbonate material. The plastic can tear easily and may need to be replaced every few years. Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and glass greenhouses depends on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer.

How to build a sustainable greenhouse?

A sustainable greenhouse design entails the selection of an appropriate site, structure, and building materials, the implementation of an eco-friendly watering system, adherence to the 3 Rs, and the optimization of energy usage.

How effective are plastic greenhouses?

Plastic greenhouses are not as durable as glass greenhouses and not suitable for internal heat sources. However, they are cheaper, more portable, and easier to set up than traditional greenhouses. They also serve the same purpose of lengthening the growing season, allowing early growth and later harvesting. This post provides a quick reference guide for what to grow in a plastic greenhouse, including growing tunnels, cloches, and polytunnels. Plastic greenhouses are suitable for various jobs, including greenhouse construction, greenhouse maintenance, and greenhouse setup.

Does a DIY greenhouse need ventilation?

Good ventilation is crucial for a greenhouse’s optimal growing environment and overall efficiency. It is essential for temperature and humidity management, with passive roof ventilation being the most common method. It also helps in air circulation and replenishing carbon dioxide, which is crucial for plant growth. The greenhouse should have air movement between 0. 2 and 0. 7 meters per second to maintain carbon dioxide levels. Air exchange is also vital, with a greenhouse requiring at least 30 air changes per hour, but ideally 60 air changes per hour to manage the environment in hot, sunny Australian conditions.