Build A Cheap Greenhouse

Build a Cheap Greenhouse

A greenhouse doesn't have to be an expensive, ornate structure. The average hobbyist gardener can get by with an easy-to-build, inexpensive greenhouse. The key is to use low cost yet high quality materials and build with maximum efficiency in mind. If you want to build a cheap greenhouse, the first thing you need to do is decide how large you need it to be. Greenhouses range in size from extremely small to extremely large. A miniature greenhouse can even be kept indoors.

For a mini greenhouse, the cheapest way to go is simply to cover your well-moistened seedlings with a clear plastic bag and place in a well-lit, warm location. This will serve as a makeshift greenhouse and your seedlings will be off to a better start. A variation on this theme are the small plastic greenhouses that often come with seed kits. Another way to build a cheap indoor greenhouse is by using a portable greenhouse kit. You'll find various sizes and models available with one of the most popular being the tiered portable greenhouse which makes use of valuable vertical space, features lightweight plastic and can be easily moved from place to place.

If you want a walk-in outdoor greenhouse, the hoophouse design is probably your cheapest bet. This design uses arched PVC pipes placed approximately 36 inches apart and secured with stakes and covered with clear plastic. The plastic can be fastened to the PVC frame with large office clips, screws and lumber, or both. The plastic sheeting can be cut to make curtains for the door that can be kept closed or held open with more large clips. There are plenty of plans for the hoophouse design on the Internet. You can also find this simple yet effective hothouse design in various greenhouse books.

The right plans are essential when you are ready to build a cheap greenhouse. There are a variety of free and paid downloadable plans on the Internet that can be of great help to you. Some of them even feature color photos of each building step. How to Build Your Own Greenhouse by Roger Marshall is a great book that contains tips, instructions and detailed plans for building a variety of greenhouses which range from basic to extravagant. Another title to check out is Building Your Own Greenhouse by Mark Freeman and Heather Bellanca.

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Greenhouse Gardening News:

Plastic bottle greenhouse « DIY Green Blog
December 26, 2008 in DIY, Link | by tap. Look at this interesting greenhouse made out of recycled water bottles! http://www.bluerockstation.com/plastic_bottle_greenhouse.html · http://www.sci-scotland.org.uk/bottle.shtml ...

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