Build a Greenhouse for Less Than $150

Several years ago I attempted building a little greenhouse out of pine 2 x 4’s and not-so-great plastic sheeting. It worked, for a while, but didn’t last through even one South Dakota winter. I have always wanted to try it again, but haven’t mustered up the desire to spend tons of money on something that might end up a tattered eyesore in my yard. Needless to say, I was thrilled to come across this greenhouse idea while browsing on Pinterest a while back. It looks like a much better version of what I tried to construct – and has stood the test of time in a climate with cold, snowy winters.

This DIY greenhouse was designed and built by Rob at Bepa’s Garden. He had the same idea in mind I did when I built my first greenhouse – to use inexpensive materials to ensure the result is what he wanted before spending money on a more expensive version, and his was a great success. The frame is made with untreated pine 2 x 3’s and the covering is 6 mil greenhouse plastic. The finished dimensions are 6′ 10″ x 8′. With 2 large shelves built into it, the structure is the ideal size for seed starting, planting, storing some garden tools, and extending the growing season in a cold climate – and all for less than $150, including hardware!

A full sized door is built into one side of the greenhouse and a vent/window opening on the opposite side can be adjusted to help keep the temperature regulated on warm days. The floor is currently covered in landscaping fabric. I love how the shelves are built at staggered heights – making the low side perfect for holding plant trays and taller potted plants, and the tall side ideal for planting without having to crouch over the ground. I’m sure many gardeners with chronically aching backs and knees can appreciate this feature!

You might wonder how well such a structure might hold up over time, as did I. Rob posted this on his blog after it had been standing for three years:

This greenhouse has held up remarkably well considering the framing is untreated and unpainted pine. The greenhouse film is rated for 5 years and hasn’t cracked, ripped or yellowed despite being exposed to the northeast bitterly cold and snowy winters.

Rob now has plans available for this greenhouse at a very reasonable cost. Be sure to check out his website for more information and lots of gorgeous pictures of his organic gardening adventures.