Gardening: build your own greenhouse in one weekend

Aqeelah Bawa-Osman Aqeelah Bawa-Osman
Терраса-Взлетная полоса, Bureau GN Bureau GN Jardines de estilo rústico
Loading admin actions …

The benefits of a greenhouse a numerous, and the thought of building one in just a weekend? Well, it's more possible that you might think. What's even better? They look beautiful!

So you're thinking of taking up a home hobby, something functional, creative and easy? How about your own greenhouse garden?! Grow perfectly organic herbs and vegetables and feel the difference on both your pocket and your lifestyle! Reap your own fantastic crops regardless of the weather and enjoy the benefits of going organic!

Today on homify we take you through the steps to build your very own practical greenhouse! We cover everything from budget to location and even the materials used to create this attractive feature in your garden! This hobby might just be perfect for you, so let's get started!

Determine the budget

You've made up your mind to build your own greenhouse, but it is imperative to consider your budget. What is affordable and what will you need to save up for? Different materials are required for different types of greenhouses so it is very important to draw up a budget and stick to the planned materials! 

An example of where cost varies is clear when considering what type of covering to include, glass may look a lot better than plastic, but it is also much more expensive! Don't forget that you need to include ventilation, a frame and even a heating system into your budget in order to keep your green goodies in perfect condition! 

South-facing location

Halls Popular 6x10 Greenhouse homify Jardines Pérgolas, toldos e invernaderos

Your greenhouse should be strategically located in your garden to receive consistent sunlight throughout the day! A south-facing greenhouse is the perfect position as sunlight will be a constant feature assisting your plants to grow at a fantastic pace! 

Exposure to the morning sun will accelerate the growth of your greens, but don't forget to consider the different angles of the sun in winter and summer. The sunlight shifts to a lower position during winter, therefore tall trees or walls in front of the greenhouse might block the sunshine from entering your greenhouse.

Drainage and electricity

Your greenhouse not only requires fantastic sunlight, but it also needs heating and ventilation in order to maintain an optimal temperature throughout the day. The greenhouse should have access to electricity, either from the house or via a solar panel. This is a necessity for any new greenhouse!

Don't forget to ensure that the drainage for your greenhouse is adequate too, failing to do so may cause you to run the risk of drowning your plants. If the ground is uneven, levelling it should aid drainage. Another great idea is to add water containers around your greenhouse as a means of catching any rainwater! This is a great way to conserve water while reducing the expenses of the greenhouse!

Building materials

homify Jardines de estilo clásico

Once you have determined a budget, choosing materials to actually build your greenhouse is the next step! Consider what materials you would like to use to build the frame, covering and flooring. There are a variety of possibilities, but decide what is best for your space. 

These supplies include anything from polycarbonate panels to corrugated plastic or glass and even film! What material would best suit your personal style? It may be worthwhile to look at materials that are easy to install, maintain and clean for your final product!

Greenhouse kits

If you are not one for planning something from scratch and adding a personal DIY touch, or you just don't have the patience to build your own greenhouse by choosing materials and styles, then perhaps consider this easy to assemble option by Tabary Le lay

This is great for those who lack building experience or just want to have their greenhouse to be completed sooner rather than later, maybe you don't have the luxury of asking some trusted friends for assistance in building your greenhouse? It's an easy way out… but we love it anyway!

Frame selection

Elite Thyme Dwarf Wall 8ft Wide Greenhouse homify Jardines de estilo moderno Pérgolas, toldos e invernaderos

However, if you consider yourself a DIY pro, then choosing your greenhouse frame, there are a few possibilities to consider such as steel pillars or something more rigid with a brick bottom such as the design seen in the image. This idea requires a foundation to be built and may be worthwhile asking some experts in the field for advice before getting started. 

Other greenhouse ideas include a lean on structure, which benefits from the warmth and steady temperature provided by the house that the greenhouse is built against. The choice is yours, and if space is not a problem for you then you only need to decide on a style!

Covering options

Терраса-Взлетная полоса, Bureau GN Bureau GN Jardines de estilo rústico Pérgolas, toldos e invernaderos

So you've chosen your frame and now it's the decision about what covering to add so your greenhouse will almost be complete. This decision should strongly depend on the type of covering which will strongly enhance sunlight. 

Glass is the best material, but it is fragile and expensive. A stronger inexpensive alternative is stabilised polyethylene or even fibreglass. However, higher-grade fibreglass will allow for better transmission of light! Plastic film is also an option, but that is best suited for a lean on greenhouse, plastic film has a few disadvantages though as it needs to be replaced every few years and requires regular cleaning. 

Polycarbonate plastic should also be considered for its durability, curving abilities, energy saving properties and the fact that it allows up to 80% of light transmission!

Ventilation

When building your greenhouse, don't forget to include ventilation in the design! Great ventilation will be significant for plant growth and the health of your greens. Ventilation systems should include temperature and humidity control as well as the regulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in air circulation. 

In order to create adequate ventilation, install adjustable vents above the support pillars of the greenhouse. Adjustable vents will be excellent when it comes to differences in the temperature between the summer and winter months!

Heating

A heating system is necessary in a greenhouse, especially during the colder winter months where a stable temperature is a definite requirement! There are a few ways to include a heating system in your greenhouse and this can be anything from installing a heating system that harnesses the full potential of the sun or even a solar heater. 

An electrical or oil heater will be a great back-up option, but it may be worthwhile to consider hiring experts for this more complex installation. Just think about how great it will be to have your favourite out of season vegetables and flowers at any time of the year! Now that's exciting!

Are you looking for home garden inspiration? These Eye-catching garden ideas you should consider might just be for you!

¿Necesitas ayuda con tu proyecto?
¡Contáctanos!

Destacados de nuestra revista