55 DIY Greenhouse Plans You Can Build On A Budget

Using your Do It Yourself skills and these diy greenhouse plans will enable you to grow more fresh food each year. A greenhouse will extend the growing season by allowing you to get plant seeds started earlier and keep plants producing later in the fall. Even if you only want to grow herbs or have a place to overwinter potted plants, one of these 57 DIY greenhouse plans that we are sharing with you is sure to be right for your needs and building skill level.

Look through these amazing and easy to build diy greenhouse plans we found on different internet sites to get inspired and start growing this weekend.

57 DIY greenhouse plans with tutorials:

1- Greenhouse from an Old Carport

We recommend this greenhouse plan to those with a small budget and for beginners. It is a mini looking cute DIY greenhouse by Instructables made from a portable old carport. The idea is great and one of the best greenhouse plans. Many people have those old carports that are no longer in usage and through this easy plan, they can be turned into ideal greenhouses. 

The DIYer also efficiently used metal pipe clamps to hold the wood so there was no need to drill into carport pipes. This ensures that if in future you want to take down the greenhouse, it is still usable.

The whole frame is connected with crossing guy wires which make it very stable. The shade cloth on top is also moveable when not needed.

A pretty simple and efficient plan.

2- Glass Jar Greenhouse

The next plan I am showing you is a recycle idea but it needs creativity.This DIY greenhouse plan by Instructables is so unique that you’ll be blown away by creativity. The whole greenhouse is made using glass jars and lots of glass jars. Wooden structures are holding them together. The jars are not filled and the open mouths are inwards. Not only do you have the indoor space but you can also put plants inside jars (mini greenhouses) which make great seedling starters.

And you know what they used for flooring? The jar lids. YUP! crazy right. Some jar’s mouths are outside and are connected with discs that catch rain water. As if you are wondering where you might find this many jars, one is thrift shops and other solutions on finding them are listed in the plan.

You just need to see this crazy DIY plan for yourself.

3- Barn Greenhouse Plan

If you want to build a small greenhouse, this wooden barn greenhouse plan by ana-white would work best for you. Get started by working on the plan given below: Cut the wall framing from the boards (wood) you have available or  you can purchase it for a few dollars easily. Use roofing tin for the side paneling, it would provide strength to the house as well. Use metal flashing to trim the corners of the panels. Cover the entire greenhouse with corrugated roofing.

4- DIY Hoop House

This plan unlike the ones I have showed you earlier is a large size greenhouse. A hoop house is a simple structure made with a few wood boards and PVC pipe. A hoop house can be built to any size and these DIY greenhouse plans on youtube give you the instructions to build a 40 feet structure for large gardening endeavors.

5- DIY Pyramid Shape Greenhouse

Here we have a pyramid shape greenhouse plan with youtube video tutorial. You can also make a diy greenhouse like on this youtube video, a stylish one by doing: Take two doors and attach them from the hinges. Place them on the ground in such a way that it looks like an inverted “V” – you can simply keep your plants under this – enjoy gardening!

6- Dome Shaped Green house Plans

If you love assembling the broken triangles, you must construct this kind of a diy greenhouse by northernhomestead– it’s beautiful. You would not see this normally everywhere because it requires time to get completed. You can simply lay the foundations by fixing it in the ground with stakes.

The tough part comes in when you have to get the wood cut in equal length and width – moreover, assembling takes time. You need to have proper measurement and a diagram to get a perfect shape. However, it is fun – you can cover the entire structure with a special kind of greenhouse sheet so get the perfect desired look.

7- Hoop Style Homemade Greenhouse

This greenhouse plan by albertahomegardening has step by step instructions and pictorial guidance to make the plan easy to follow.  All you need is:

• Use 2x6s wood for laying out the basic foundation or frame of greenhouse – measurements solely depend upon the area you want to cover.
• Cut 10’ rebar to make a total of four 30” rabar for making the hoop stand. Take the open ended PVC pipes and fix them on the hoop stands. For the better grip, you can simply use screws to tight the PVC pipe and the stand.
• Insert strong PVC pipe at the top in order to provide strength to the circular frame.
• Cover the entire naked greenhouse with plastic sheet and attach it with the lathe.
• Lastly, add the door and the basic wood frame which has plastic covering all around; and you are done.

8- Small DIY Greenhouse (10×14)

With the right material and location you can build 10*14 wood greenhouse from this green house plan by howtospecialist within a weekends.

Step to build this diy greenhoouse plan are:

• Build the side frames at first also you must cut the ends of the studs keeping 8 inch difference.
• Drill pilot holes in the frames and fix them with the screws.
• Make the front and the back of the wood greenhouse likewise.
• Anchor the wooden studs to the top and bottom plats and in the similar manner, fix them with screws.
• Lastly, make the door with basic wooden frame and place it on the front side – in order to provide the perfect professional touch, you can coat the entire joint area with the paint of your choice.

9- Corrugated Clear Polycarbonate Greenhouse

Don’t get thrown off by the name. The material used in this greenhouse plan on youtube is easily accessible and cheap. These are plastic, not glass and will withstand accidents. Also, if a panel breaks, it won’t shatter and you can glue or tape it off.

The planner has more than 3 million followers, works readily and knows his way around tools.

The final greenhouse is neat and looks so awesome. Great job done. Here is the video on Youtube where you can learn how to build this greenhouse.

10- Scrap Window Homemade Greenhouse

This kind of homemade greenhouse project like in this youtube video just requires you to make the most of the old and unwanted window frames that are lying in your junkyard. Simply make the basic wooden structure (foundation) and with the help of screws adjust and assemble the windows on it.  Add tin roofing and add glass to the windows which have broken ones. Simply add flowers to it so that beauty can be enhanced.

11- Double Decker Greenhouse

By definition it is a greenhouse at Instructables but not much of a greenhouse look. The design is still great using a Recycle, an old swing set into a greenhouse. A shelf is put across the middle to add garden space in between and you can also place pots beneath too.

It makes a great garden in a small space for a short season. It will surely add a couple of weeks of growing time on each end of the season and a nice plant starter.

Make your own greenhouse free from salvaged goodies.

12- Solar Heated Greenhouse Plan (10×12)

What I like about this greenhouse, its solared powered and have a space to live off grid life. This wooden greenhouse idea by motherearthnews is so well built and attractive, it can double as a guest house. The solar powered wood structure cost under $4,000, and it’s multi-function usage makes it invaluable on a homestead. The covered front porch is the perfect spot for relaxing after a day of garden chores.

13- Staggered Roof Homemade Greenhouse

Build your own greenhouse by buildeazy with these greenhouse plans that feature a staggered roof for optimum light reception. The sturdy wood frame is covered with clear plastic and the large interior space will enable you to grow plenty of greenhouse vegetables and flowers.

14- Tomato Fort Greenhouse

This is a simple structure to build by sowanddipity and can be taken down and stored year after year when it’s no longer needed. Called a tomato fort because it is ideal for sheltering tomatoes from late or early frost and non-stop rain. An hour and less than $50 is all you need to build this greenhouse. You may also like to see diy tomato cage.

15- Recycled Windows Greenhouse

Visit a local flea market for old windows (or you may already have some on hand) to build this attractive and highly efficient glass greenhouse by Instructables. Various sizes of old windows can be pieced together like a puzzle and connected with screws to create this inexpensive greenhouse.

Top it off with any type of roofing material you have on hand, since the interior will receive all the sun light needed through the four walls of glass windows.

16- Wood Frame Greenhouse (12×10)

Learn how build your own wood frame greenhouse in this instructional YouTube video. Step by step instructions make the build easy to accomplish in a short amount of time.

17-DIY Scrap Door Green house Plan

You must be having some old doors in your storeroom – it is the perfect time to take them out and make most of them. Follow this simplest green house plan by motherearthnews and instead of side paneling, simply use the old doors – add tin roofing or plastic sheets to make a gorgeous and effective greenhouse for your west garden.

18- Lumber Frame DIY Greenhouse

You can make a smart 8ft in height homemade greenhouse like the one at howtospecialist with a beautiful garden – all you need is a lumber frame for the foundation, big window frames for ventilation, and a door of course. You can nail the frame and fix it in the garden with stakes.

19- Plastic Bottle DIY Greenhouse

I am not sure whether you would be able to collect a 1000 bottle – it is very interesting though! Within the simplest greenhouse structure made from wood by goodshomedesign, you can insert the collected plastic bottles to get the desired kind of greenhouse. I think this idea can work best for small space; you would need to add fewer bottles and get the task done easily.

20- $50 Greenhouse Plan (15×18)

Hoop like greenhouse by doorgarden are very popular – here is another greenhouse plan for getting a tunnel type greenhouse, these are ideal to have a small greenhouse garden too.

To build this diy greenhouse all you need to do is:

• Construct the basic frame from pressure or compressed lumber. They last for at least 3 years even if the weather it at worst.
• Leave the door open while making the structure.
• Use clear sheets or plastic for the covering or top. In the market you can easily find a special type of greenhouse sheets too.
• Insert or attach PVC pipes at the sides of the wooden structure so that it maintains the shape of the hoop.

21- Lean-To Greenhouse (8 x 2)

You will only have to build three sides and a roof for this lean-to style greenhouse by runnerduck. Perfect style for building against the backside of a shed or garage that has a southern exposure. Plenty of interior room for growing a wide array of plants and the exterior fits well into the landscape design.

22- 8×8 Greenhouse Plans

Standard design and size, these building plans by construct101 stick with a tried and true design that maximizes interior space without sacrificing a lot of landscape space. Detailed greenhouse plans make the DIY build go smoothly and the sturdy design will last for years.

23- Trampoline DIY Greenhouse Plans(10 x 8)

If your kids have outgrown their outdoor trampoline and you have wondered what to do with it, here’s the answer. Use the frame to create a diy greenhouse like this one at howdoesshe.

Below are simple step to build this diy greenhouse plan:

• Remove trampoline tarp and springs
• Take the frame apart in two equal sections to create two half circles
• Place half of frame on end with rounded side facing up and legs facing inward on one end of garden.
• Repeat with other frame half on the opposite end of garden.
• Cover frame with plastic sheeting.

24- Fold Up Greenhouse Plan

So easy to build and it takes up minimal backyard space.

• Use PVC pipe to create a top, middle and bottom frame in desired size
• Cover frame with plastic sheeting
• Place potted plants under the covering of the DIY fold up greenhouse
• Raise and lower as needed

Get the details instructions of this fold up greenhouse at goodshomedesign.com

25- Small Greenhouse Plan

Not everyone needs a large structure for growing plants, but every gardener can use a small homemade greenhouse like this one at empressofdirt made with recycled windows.

Follow the below to build this greenhouse

• You will need 6 windows close to the same size
• Measure windows and create a box frame from wood
• Attach a A-frame roof support
• Attach 5 of the windows to the box frame with screws
• Attach last window to frame using hinges on one side only to create a door that opens and closes for access inside the mini greenhouse.

26- Bamboo DIY Greenhouse

Use bamboo poles for building a DIY greenhouse by premeditatedleftovers for the ultimate in sustainability. Bamboo is a renewable resource that is strong and easy to build with, lasting for several years before it needs to be replaced.

27- DIY PVC Greenhouse

This ingenious design creates a cover made from PVC pipe and plastic that is raised and lowered as needed over garden beds. This style of DIY PVC Greenhouse by apartmenttherapy can be built to fit existing raised bed gardens. Hinges hold the covered diy pvc greenhouse top to the wood frame bottom and the lightweight material makes it easy to raise and lower as needed.

28- Tabletop Greenhouse Plan

A small space can house a lot of growing plants when the design is right. This easy to build tabletop greenhouse by dremel is portable, so it can placed in the best location for sun reception any time of the year. The mobile design allows for year around plant growth and food production.

29- Backyard Chalet Homemade Greenhouse

This is a pre-fab type of structure that includes all the building materials and DIY greenhouse plans at dremel. The frame is designed in a chalet style and the see-through walls allow you to look inside the greenhouse from any place in the backyard. Grow tropical plants inside this DIY greenhouse regardless of the climate you live in so you can enjoy a tropical view even when snow is on the ground.

30- Old World Style Greenhouse

The style of this budget-friendly DIY greenhouse by theelliotthomestead will remind you of an old-world European-style farmhouse and will compliment any backyard. Learn how to build a greenhouse that is both beautiful and functional so you can grow plants year-around. The building material is budget-friendly and durable so this DIY greenhouse will last for many years.

31- Old Window Greenhouse

Do you have old windows stored up from a previous window upgrade? Do you know where you can find some old windows? If you can answer ‘yes’ to either question then you can build this adorable and functional old window greenhouse by gardentherapy almost no money.

Use these plans and learn how to make a greenhouse from old windows, some leftover lumber and old windows. The greenhouse size is ideal for small backyards and the design will make it an attractive addition to the landscape.

32- Back Door DIY Greenhouse (10 x 6.5)

It can be challenging to find the space in a small backyard for a greenhouse, but these greenhouse plans will show you a space-saving idea. These wood greenhouse plans will show you how to build a greenhouse right outside your back door. This DIY greenhouse by tomsgardens becomes a walk-through structure that takes you from inside your home to the outside. You won’t even get cold during the winter months when you visit the plants.

33- Plastic Sheeting 2 x 4 Greenhouse

Build this DIY greenhouse by blackanddecker on a budget with a little lumber covered with plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting is light-weight, durable, and holds the heat in while keeping the cold out. Ideal for a low-budget build and small back yard. The DIY structure is large enough to grow food-producing plants from seeds through maturity.

34- Lean-To Greenhouse (8×8)

A lean-to greenhouse like this one is great for building on a budget. Learn how to transform old windows and leftover lumber into a small but functional greenhouse. By learning how to make a greenhouse at fabulesslyfrugal that leans up against another structure you can reduce the number of walls you need to build, so you save both time and money.

35- Wood Pallet Greenhouse

Old wood pallets can be recycled and used to build almost anything, including a DIY greenhouse. Get some wood pallets and follow these free greenhouse plans by thegreenlever so you can build your own attractive and productive greenhouse. The recycled pallet wood creates the frame of the structure, and recycled windows are used to build the rest of the structure. This budget-friendly DIY project is almost free to build and will last for years.

36- PVC Hoop House (30 x 14)

These free PVC greenhouse plans by web.archive.org will show you how to transform inexpensive PVC pipes and plastic sheeting into a functional greenhouse. Start garden plants and flowers from seeds and keep them growing all year inside this PVC hoop house.

The sturdy plastic sheeting can withstand most winter weather and is easy and cheap to replace every few years. The PVC is made from durable plastic and will last for many years in most climates.

37- Wood Frame Greenhouse

Follow the greenhouse plans on this YouTube video and build a budget-friendly structure for growing plants year-round. This detailed YouTube video walks you through the easy building process so you can complete this DIY project in just one weekend.

38- Mobile Home Conversion

A vacant mobile home can easily and cheaply be converted into a portable greenhouse like this one at motherearthnews. These detailed greenhouse plans will take you through the conversion process so you can convert any size mobile home into a structure that will grow an abundance on plants year-around.

This is a great idea for off-grid homesteaders who need a secure place for growing food. Wildlife would have a difficult time destroying crops and food can be grown year-round.

39- Cheap Greenhouse Plan

These budget-friendly greenhouse plans by backwoodshome will show you how to transform existing garden beds into a grow house for year-around plant production. Ideal for homesteaders who need a steady supply of fresh food or for home gardeners that just want to extend the growing season a few extra weeks without spending much money.

40- Dome Greenhouse Plans

Use these free detailed instructions to build a dome greenhouse out of recycled wood pallets and plastic. The shape of the structure in unconventional but it allows full sun exposure to all plants growing inside and protects the plant from the elements. Use these greenhouse plans by instructables to create this functional dome shape grow house for your plants.

41- Small and Portable

This homemade greenhouse idea by instructables is great for small gardens or when a small number of young plants need early or late-season protection. This modular shape is cheap and easy to build, plus it’s light-weight and portable. Move it as needed to protect garden plants from frost. A little left-over lumber and plastic sheeting are all that’s needed for this easy DIY project.

42- Insulated DIY Greenhouse (10×6)

This is a great idea for a raised garden bed by wayneofthewoods and will allow you to start seeds much earlier in the spring and continue growing plants until early winter. Plastic can be removed and replaced as the weather changes to provide insulating warmth to growing plants. Help plants produce longer and more abundantly with this budget-friendly DIY  greenhouse.

43- Cold Climate Greenhouse

This DIY greenhouse by instructables is perfect for cold climates that receive heavy snowfall during the winter. The structure is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of snow and holds the interior heat during the frigid winter temperatures so plants can thrive. This DIY project is also easy on the budget and can be built for under $50.

44- Automated Greenhouse Plans

Here is a great idea for those who like to dabble with electronics and gardening – a DIY automated greenhouse by instructables. Its a small design but great for starting seeds and propagating plants. It’s small design will also fit perfectly onto a patio or balcony.

45- Adorable DIY Greenhouse

This greenhouse design is small, adorable, and very efficient, perfect for a small backyard. A few old windows, leftover lumber, and leftover paint can be transformed into this adorable DIY greenhouse by montanawildlifegardener. The space can be used for all gardening needs since it contains a sink and can double as a She-Shed for those moments when you need a little quiet time.

46- Small DIY A frame Greenhouse

Learn how you can make an A frame DIY greenhouse on youtube. There are lots of tips and tricks in this youtube video. The greenhouse was very efficiently designed and there were hardly any scraps leftover. The planner knows that plastic panels are expensive so the cuttings were minimal.

There is a built-in vent on the back for proper aeration. A closed greenhouse will burn your plants. It only took the DIYer 3 hours to just get the whole thing framed up.

Audio/video, editing, descriptions, purpose, efficiencies, and script, everything is at its best. Nailed it. Easily build your own greenhouse by watching this plan.

47- Greenhouse from Vintage Windows

This greenhouse by hometalk.com is so pretty and well-made that it looks like straight out of a fairytale. It was made using vintage windows. We all have some vintage (good for nothing windows) laying around but, in this case, they are purposefully reused. Even if you don’t have them, you can easily find them in Restores or on online classified sites. They make into great greenhouses.

Another great thing is that some of the windows open, acting as vents so that your plants don’t burn out by excessive heat. The end product is lovely and sturdy. Perfect for growing vegetables in winters.

48- DIY Lean-to Greenhouse

Another versatile idea. This is a lean-to greenhouse plan by empressofdirt.  It is attached to the side of the house and you can operate from the insides. If you happen to have an available exterior wall in a sunny location but not much space, this plan was definitely carved out for you. It has plant shelves at waist-height for easy reach. To increase the plant space, you can add more wire shelves. A thermometer with humidity readings and the possibility of installing automatic air vents and misting systems make this plan great.

All the tools and steps are clearly listed in the comprehensive read.

49- Aluminum and Polycarbonate DIY Greenhouse

 The aluminum withstands harsh weather and is resilient and sturdy. It is strong yet lightweight while the polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable.

Each and everything are listed and told in the extensive read. All the info is under so many bold headings. They covered up everything. There is video too if you believe in seeing rather than reading. This greenhouse will extend your growing season and is perfectly sealed which ensures that no insect pest from outside can scurry their way in it.

One of the best DIY greenhouse plans  by handymanmagazine we like the most. Building a greenhouse looking this sophisticated, has never been this easy.

50- Cheapest DIY Greenhouse Ever

Get instructions on how to build this super cheap functional greenhouse in this youtube video in only 20 dollars. It has fold up walls made of plastic. This whole plan was very clear and quick. Exactly what you’ll be looking for if you are plain on tools and want a portable one; no fancy measurements, no fancy carpenter language, simple.

51- Full Greenhouse Build Plan 

One of the best greenhouse plans on youtube as compared to other ones we have shared with you. There are some serious skills involved in this Youtube video tutorial, so much precision. This is a mega project, 4 months of work shown in only 4 minutes. From start to finish and if you know your way around a saw, a pressure hammer and measurements, you can easily make this big greenhouse. It looks so sturdy and well-structured that it is bound to last for decades. The whole family helps and works on it and they make it happen. 

Impressive, a lot of great ideas and design features involved. 

52- DIY Greenhouse for Just £60

No matter how small your budget, this DIY greenhouse plan by idealhome truly proves that it doesn’t matter. And the look of this, oh my gosh. This doesn’t look that fancy looking this big of a greenhouse was made for just £60. Other than this being cheap, another best thing is that it can be easily dismantled when needed.

Hanging seasoned branches and ambient fairy lights adds a rustic touch of personality. This creativity is of a true DIYer.

It is so neat and efficient, how did the DIYer manage to pull that off? Well, you have to find out for yourself.

53- DIY Greenhouse with 100 % Recycled Materials

This whole plan is a rebuild from scratch. This DIY Greenhouse by instructables is made using recycled hardwood windows, all double glazing. The double glazing provides insulation in winters and traps the heat and keeps the cold outside, protecting crops from harsh weather.

These windows require no painting or carpentry and will last at least 30 + years without anyone even taking care of them. There are also Google Sketchup drawings for you to get an idea. Not 1 but 4 designs.

Article is pretty comprehensive with everything clear and well explained with tips here and there.

54- Hydroponic Food Factory

Versatility is good and this plan here is an example. Most of you know how to make a simple DIY hydroponic using PVC pipes such as this one by instructables but when winter comes, it stops working. This idea here is infused with a portable, mini slender greenhouse DIYed using PVC pipes and a baby crib which can keep your Hydroponic system working even in winters. It is more like a cold frame.

It houses your hydroponic structure or you can switch out and grow other plants. You can grow potatoes, strawberries, lettuce and celery and many other greens in this.

55- Mini Greenhouse from a Pallet

I suggest this mini greenhouse to those who have limited space and growing plants in pots. A true definition of mini. This cute looking DIY Greenhouse by instructables can house your couple of plant pots that you always wanted to be protected from harsh winter cold. You can easily move it around and it takes very little space.

The DIY plan consists of only 4 steps with 3 supplies, this simple.

If one is not enough for you, you can make many mini ones reusing the same design.

56- 8 x 8 Fiberglass Greenhouse Panels

These free greenhouse plans show you how to build a modified A-frame greenhouse by greatsouthernwood using fiberglass panels. Detailed instructions enable you to build a permanent structure that will last for years and grow healthy plants.

57- DIY Polytunnel Greenhouse

Sometimes a polytunnel is also included in greenhouse plans like this one on youtube. Who knows a polytunnel plan might be the answer to your greenhouse requirement? You’ll definitely like the design and maybe want to build this one.

It is a two-person job. Maybe invite your friend over for a cup of tea and have at it. You will make it in no mean time. All the materials are listed in the description alongside the time they were used in the video.

They also have a playlist for individual construction videos on Youtube and reply to your queries in comments. 

Wraping UP

Extending the growing season or taking a jump start to spring is easy when you have many types of greenhouse options to consider. You can go from small to large, wood to glass, hoop style to lean greenhouse, from just 20$ to expensive one depending upon your scale to grow and budget on hand.

Hope we have helped you in your decision to make a greenhouse! If you like the post or have any more ideas please don’t forget to share and give your feedback in the comment section.

Here we have prepared a questionnaire to answer some common questions.

FAQ’s

What is the best greenhouse design for hot climates?

We recommend a greenhouse that has plenty of ventilation for use in a hot climate. One with easy to open sides so that the structure will have good air flow. You may want to consider a greenhouse that has open sides that are covered with insect netting if you live in a hot climate.

How can I heat my greenhouse cheaply?

Using solar panels to harvest the energy of the sun will be the cheapest way to heat your greenhouse. The number of solar panels needed will depend on the size of your greenhouse.

Another cheap method for heating a greenhouse is to place black plastic bottles filled with water inside the structure. The black plastic will absorb heat and warm the water inside of the bottle and raise the temperature of the greenhouse.

What material is used for greenhouses?

The greenhouse frame can be built from wood or metal. The covering should be clear or semi-clear plastic or glass. The plastic can be sheeting or rigid acrylic panels. The goal of the covering material is to allow as much sunlight as possible to enter the greenhouse.

Which vegetables are easy to grow in a greenhouse?

For beginners, we recommend easy care plants like carrots, onions, kale, zucchini, turnips, and eggplants. Herbs are typically easy to grow in a greenhouse too. An experienced gardener may want to try growing tomatoes and cucumbers.

Useful Resources:

Advantages of Growing in a Greenhouse by gothicarchgreenhouses