12 Small Greenhouse Projects You Can Build In A Day

Creating a small greenhouse in your backyard can help you extend your growing season and protect delicate plants. These DIY projects are not only practical, but they also give you the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. Whether you have a green thumb or you are just starting, a greenhouse is an easy way to enhance your gardening experience. In just one day, you can have a greenhouse set up to nurture your plants.

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Recycled Pallet and Glass Greenhouse

Using recycled pallets and glass can give you a quick and eco-friendly greenhouse. You’ll need old pallets, glass sheets, screws, and a drill. Begin by stacking the pallets and securing them to form the base and walls. Once the structure is in place, attach the glass panels to the top with screws. This project makes use of repurposed materials, making it affordable and sustainable.

Recycled pallet greenhouses are perfect for gardeners who want to reduce waste while still building a functional greenhouse. The glass panels help trap heat inside, creating a warm environment for your plants. It is a simple project that can be customized to fit your garden size and needs. With minimal tools and materials, this can be a productive weekend project that’s easy to complete.

Mini Wooden Frame Greenhouse

This small greenhouse uses basic wood framing to create a sturdy, compact structure. You will need 2×4 wooden planks, greenhouse plastic or clear plastic sheeting, nails, and a hammer. Start by constructing a rectangular frame with the wooden planks and then cover it with the plastic sheeting, securing it tightly with nails. The plastic will act as the greenhouse cover, trapping warmth inside. Building this greenhouse in a day is feasible if you have all the materials pre-cut and ready to go.

The frame can be customized based on the size of your space and the plants you want to grow. You can add windows for ventilation, making it perfect for small gardening spaces. This project is straightforward and perfect for anyone with basic woodworking skills. A day is enough time to build it, especially if you have a partner to help.

Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

Recycling plastic bottles can create an eco-friendly, small greenhouse for your plants. Gather 2-liter plastic bottles, scissors, glue, and a wooden frame (or a metal one). Cut the bottles in half and attach them to the wooden frame, creating rows that act as walls for the greenhouse. Each bottle serves as an individual panel, providing insulation for your plants. Since the project uses items you likely already have, this is a quick and affordable build.

Once the frame is ready, all you need to do is assemble the bottles and secure them in place. This greenhouse is great for keeping your plants safe from the elements, while being a creative recycling project. The entire process is simple enough to complete in one day. Just make sure you cut the bottles evenly and use a strong adhesive to ensure the structure holds together.

Mini Tunnel Greenhouse

A mini tunnel greenhouse is perfect for those with limited space, offering an easy and quick way to grow plants. For this project, you’ll need PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, garden stakes, and zip ties. Start by creating the arch frame with the PVC pipes, securing them with garden stakes in the ground. Once the frame is set up, drape the plastic over the top and secure the ends with zip ties. This simple structure can be built in a few hours, making it a perfect one-day project.

This tunnel greenhouse works well for growing small plants and herbs, and it’s especially useful for protecting plants from wind and rain. The plastic cover will trap heat, creating a mini greenhouse effect for your plants. If you are working with a small garden, this project will take minimal effort and can be easily customized to fit your space. It’s a great option for gardeners who want something portable and quick to build.

Cold Frame Greenhouse

Cold frames are a simple solution for extending your growing season and protecting plants from frost. You’ll need a wooden frame, some glass or clear acrylic, hinges, and screws. Start by constructing the frame, then attach the glass panels to the top using hinges so you can open and close the frame. The cold frame works by trapping heat from the sun, keeping plants warm even in cooler weather. This project can be completed in one day if you have the right materials prepared.

Cold frames are small enough to fit in any garden, making them ideal for urban spaces. You can use them to grow early spring vegetables or extend the harvest season of late crops. The glass panels will need to be secured properly to prevent wind from blowing them off. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can use salvaged wood and glass to keep costs low while still achieving a functional greenhouse.

Shelf Greenhouse

A shelf greenhouse allows you to maximize vertical space, making it perfect for growing plants indoors. For this project, you’ll need wooden shelves, clear plastic sheeting, and hooks. First, install the shelves against a wall, leaving enough space between each shelf to accommodate your plants. Drape the plastic sheeting over the shelves, creating a mini greenhouse for each row of plants. This quick project works well for growing small potted plants and herbs.

Building this shelf greenhouse takes less than a day, especially if you use pre-made shelving units. The plastic sheeting will act as a cover, allowing you to trap heat while keeping your plants visible and easily accessible. It’s a great solution for anyone looking to create an indoor greenhouse without taking up too much space. Just make sure the shelves are sturdy enough to hold the plants and the weight of the sheeting.

Glass Jar Greenhouse

For a simple and fun project, try turning glass jars into tiny greenhouses for your seedlings. You’ll need empty glass jars (like mason jars), small plants or seedlings, and potting soil. Simply plant your seedlings inside the jars, and place the lids loosely on top to create a mini greenhouse effect. This project can be built quickly, making it an excellent way to start seeds indoors. It’s an ideal way to grow small plants on windowsills or shelves.

These jar greenhouses provide warmth and moisture, making them perfect for germinating seeds. Since the glass traps heat and moisture, your seedlings will grow strong. You can place them on a sunny windowsill to maximize the effect of natural sunlight. This small project can be completed in just an afternoon, making it great for beginners or kids.

Recycled Window Greenhouse

A recycled window greenhouse is a perfect project if you have spare windows lying around. You’ll need old windows, a wooden frame, screws, and hinges. Start by constructing a simple wooden frame to hold the windows, then attach the windows to the frame with hinges. The glass windows will trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for your plants. This project is easy to build in a day if you have access to pre-cut wood and windows.

This greenhouse is both functional and eco-friendly, making use of materials you might otherwise throw away. It’s ideal for creating a small space to start seeds or protect tender plants. The wooden frame can be customized to fit the windows you have available. It’s a satisfying project that offers both practicality and sustainability in your garden.

Pallet Greenhouse

A pallet shelf greenhouse is an innovative way to repurpose old pallets and create a functional greenhouse. You will need a pallet, clear plastic, screws, and a staple gun. Start by stacking the pallet on its side and securing the plastic sheeting over the top. The shelf provides enough room for plants to sit comfortably while being protected from the elements. This project is fast and requires minimal effort, making it a great one-day task.

This works well for small spaces and provides a stable structure for your plants. The plastic sheeting can be secured on all sides, making it ideal for maintaining temperature and moisture. You can easily move it to different parts of your garden or use it in a greenhouse. The project’s simplicity and speed make it perfect for beginner gardeners or those looking for a quick DIY project.

PVC Pipe Greenhouse

PVC pipe greenhouses are popular for their ease of construction and portability. Gather PVC pipes, connectors, plastic sheeting, and zip ties to start. Create a frame by connecting the pipes into arches and securing them to the ground with stakes. Once the frame is in place, drape the plastic over the structure and secure the edges with zip ties. This structure is perfect for protecting plants from the weather while allowing them to get plenty of sunlight.

The lightweight frame can be moved easily, making it perfect for small backyards or urban spaces. The plastic sheeting allows sunlight to reach your plants while keeping the temperature regulated. This project can be completed in a few hours, making it one of the fastest greenhouse builds.

Brick Wall Greenhouse

Building a small greenhouse along a brick wall can provide both stability and insulation. You’ll need bricks, clear polycarbonate sheets, mortar, and a trowel. Start by laying the bricks in a straight line to form the walls of your greenhouse, then attach the polycarbonate sheets to the top using mortar and screws. This design traps warmth from the sun, allowing your plants to thrive in the controlled environment. The process may take a full day but is simple if you have the materials prepared.

This greenhouse is ideal for anyone looking for a permanent addition to their garden. The brick walls provide natural insulation, keeping the temperature stable. The polycarbonate sheets will help maintain moisture and protect your plants from harsh winds. This project is an excellent way to incorporate a greenhouse into your existing garden.

Framed Cloth Greenhouse

A framed cloth greenhouse can be made using a wooden or metal frame and garden cloth. You’ll need wooden planks, garden cloth, nails, and a hammer. Build the frame by creating a rectangular or square base, then attach the cloth to the top and sides. The cloth allows for proper airflow and sunlight while protecting plants from wind. This greenhouse can be assembled in one day with basic tools and materials.

The cloth greenhouse is ideal for those who want a lightweight structure that’s easy to move around. It works well for growing plants that need moderate protection from the elements but still require plenty of sunlight. The frame is easy to construct, and the cloth can be replaced if needed. This project is great for beginners who want a fast and simple greenhouse option.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.