During the COVID-19 pandemic, 18.3 million Americans picked up gardening as a hobby, making a total of 55% of adults who engage in gardening activities.
Are you an avid gardener yourself? Whether you started during the lockdowns or years before, you’ve got a healthy hobby to indulge in.
Not all plants are suited for the outdoors though, especially if you live somewhere with harsh weather. Not to mention, seedlings need extra care, so a plexiglass greenhouse would be wonderful to have.
Here’s how to build a greenhouse for your property so your plants have somewhere safe and warm to go.
Check Local Building Codes First
Before you get started, you should check local building codes. This can save you both hassle and legal trouble later on.
If needed, then obtain any necessary permits first. That way, you can proceed with constructing a residential greenhouse without issue.
Get the Necessary Materials
Luckily, there’s not much greenhouse material you’ll need to gather. They include:
- Pressure-treated lumber or galvanized steel pipes (for the frame)
- Plexiglass sheets (UV-resistant)
- Screws or bolts
- Hinges and door handle
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw (circular or hand)
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Work gloves and safety goggles
Of course, you should first do some research on the best places to get plexiglass. Try to get a good balance of price vs quality, but if you’re unsure, go on the higher end of your budget to ensure your greenhouse will last for years. Https://www.plasticut.co.uk has some examples to look at too.
Design and Plan Your Greenhouse
Planning a greenhouse first is important, as it’ll bring to life something that’ll fit into your yard perfectly and house your plants efficiently.
Decide on the size and shape of your greenhouse based on the available space and your gardening needs. For DIY beginners, a simple rectangular greenhouse structure is easier to construct, so we’d suggest that.
Create a detailed plan that includes the dimensions of the greenhouse, as well as the type and quantity of materials needed and the location where you want to build it.
Prepare the Foundation
Your greenhouse will need a stable area to sit on, so prepare the ground by clearing any debris, rocks, or grass. You can then level the ground by using a shovel and level for a flat and stable foundation.
Many homeowners choose to build the greenhouse directly on the ground, but you can also lay down a concrete or gravel foundation if you wish.
Construct the Frame
With your saw, cut the lumber or steel pipes according to your planned dimensions. Next, assemble the frame by using screws or bolts.
If you’re using lumber, then build a rectangular frame with horizontal beams along the bottom, middle, and top. On the other hand, for steel pipes, create a hoop-style frame.
Make sure the frame is square and level before you move on.
Attach the Plexiglass
Measure the dimensions of each side of the frame where the plexiglass panels will be installed. Cut the sheets to fit each side of the frame; you can use either a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade or a specialized plexiglass cutting tool.
Pre-drill holes in the plexiglass to prevent cracking during your greenhouse installation. You can then attach the plexiglass to the frame by using screws. Leave a small gap between each sheet for thermal expansion.
Secure the panels along the edges of the frame and at regular intervals. This will ensure they stay in place.
Create a Door and Ventilation
Get the measurements of your door and cut a section of the frame to accommodate it. Then attach hinges to one side of the door frame and the greenhouse frame. This will allow it to swing open and closed. For easier access to your greenhouse, install a door handle.
To make sure your greenhouse doesn’t get too hot or humid, you should install vents too. Key areas for them include the roof or along the sides. Your options here include automatic vent openers or manually adjustable ones.
Put on the Finishing Touches
Now that you’re done with your greenhouse setup, it’s time to put on the finishing touches.
Thoroughly inspect your greenhouse and check for any sharp edges on the plexiglass and frame. If you find any, use sandpaper to smooth them out and reduce the risk of injury.
Lastly, apply weatherproof silicone sealant around the edges of the plexiglass to prevent water leakage. This can also improve insulation.
Prepare the Inside for Gardening
Now it’s time to focus on the inside of your greenhouse. It’s completely up to you how to set it up, as it’ll depend on your personal preferences and what plants need to go inside.
Typically, gardeners like to add shelves and benches for potted plants. If you want to get fancy, you can even add a watering system.
Whatever you do, once you’re done, introduce your plants to the greenhouse and start enjoying the benefits of your newly built greenhouse!
Have Fun With Your Plexiglass Greenhouse
A plexiglass greenhouse can be handy to have if your local area experiences extreme weather conditions and you’d like to protect your precious plants. It also provides a space to sow seeds and watch seedlings grow nice and strong.
And if you have a big enough property, you can construct a large enough greenhouse for you to relax in on rainy days. Just imagine sitting in your private paradise, listening to the rain patter gently on the plexiglass. This should be enough motivation to go pick up materials and start DIYing!
Check out the rest of our blog page for more real estate and home topics.
