A greenhouse lets you create your own microclimate, controlling the temperature and humidity you expose your plants to. Whether you want to grow vegetables all year long, cultivate exotic plants, or start seedlings off very early in the season, your greenhouse provides the adaptable growing environment you need. Using simple tools and easy to buy materials, this project will let you build a four foot high, mini greenhouse. Also a great way to introduce carpentry and plumbing careers to young folks!
Tools & Materials
Material List
- 62” of 2 x 8 SPF
- 68” of 1 x 4 SPF
- Eight 3” Robertson Screws
- Twelve 1 ¼ ” Robertson Screws
- 20’ of 1 ½” PVC Sprinkler Pipe
- Four 1 ½” PVC Tees
- Four 1 ½” PVC 90s
- Two 1 ½” PVC 4-way connectors
- Four ½” EMT One Hole Straps
- One piece of 12 ½ x 12 ½” plywood
- One 18 x 18 x 46” 4 Mil (or thicker) Poly Bag
- Water-based paint (optional)
- Pair of handles (optional)
Tool list
- Tape Measure &/or Speed Square
- Pencil
- Cordless Drill
- 1/8” Drill Bit and Robertson Driver Bit
- Handsaw or Skillsaw
- Pipecutter
- Palm Sander
- Sanding Blocks & Sandpaper (100 grit)
- Paint Brush (optional)
Procedure
-
Use a tape measure and a speed square to measure and mark your 2x8 so that you end up with 2 pieces 17” in length and 2 pieces 14” in length. Go ahead and cut your pieces with a handsaw or rotary saw (skilsaw).
-
Use eight 3” screws to assemble the 2x8 planter frame. You can use 1/8” drill bit to drill pilot holes to avoid the wood splitting.
-
Measure and mark your 1x4 pieces at 17”. Go ahead and cut your pieces using a handsaw or rotary saw (skilsaw).
-
Line up the ¼ boards with a slight gap between each board then use eight 1 ¼ ” screws to attach the bottom of the planter. You can use 1/8” drill bit to drill pilot holes to avoid the wood splitting.
-
Measure and mark the ½” PVC pipe so you end up with:
- Four pieces each 31” in length
- Four pieces each 13” in length
- Eight pieces each 7 ½ “ in length -
Use a pipe cutter to cut your pieces to length. A hacksaw or fine toothed wood saw will work as well.
-
Take the EMT One hole straps and loosely attach the four long pieces in the corners of your planter using the four 1 ¼” screws. You may need to enlarge the opening of the straps so they fit over the PVC pipe.
-
Put “Tees” on the top of each vertical piece of pipe. Put four 7 ½” lengths into a four-way connector and attach that x-shaped piece to the four Tees.
-
Put 90s on the end of each 13” piece and insert those into the open end of the four Tees.
-
Put four 7 ½” lengths into a four-way connector and attach that x-shaped piece to the four 90s.
-
Slide the plastic bag over the frame. If it is too tight you may need to tap the pieces into the connectors a bit more tightly. If that does not work you can pull the pipes apart and shorten the 7 ½” pieces using a hacksaw or fine-toothed handsaw.
-
Tighten the screws on the EMT Straps.
-
Measure and mark a piece of plywood 12 1/2'” x 12 ½” square. Then cut your plywood using a handsaw or rotary saw.
-
(Optional) Paint the shelf (black will help warm the greenhouse) and the outside of the planter.
-
(Optional) Add handles to the top edge of your planter box to make it easier for two people to move the greenhouse when it is full.
-
Add potting soil into the planter and plant your seeds or seedlings. The upper shelf is ideal for smaller plants