23 Backyard Greenhouses You Can DIY: Grow Your Garden All Year Round
Imagine stepping into your backyard in winter and still being greeted by fresh, vibrant greens. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s the magic of a DIY backyard greenhouse. Whether you want to grow tomatoes in January or protect delicate flowers from frost, a greenhouse turns your garden into a sanctuary of life. Building one yourself not only saves money but also gives you the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. Today, we’ll explore 23 backyard greenhouses you can DIY, ranging from simple, budget-friendly ideas to more elaborate designs that transform your outdoor space.
1. PVC Hoop House
A PVC hoop house is the easiest and most popular DIY greenhouse. Using flexible PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, and simple connectors, you can build a structure in a single afternoon. It’s lightweight and easy to move. This greenhouse works wonderfully for vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and radishes, giving them protection from frost and pests. You can even add a zipper door to make access easier.
2. Wooden Frame Greenhouse
For a sturdier look, a wooden frame greenhouse is ideal. Choose treated lumber for durability, and cover it with clear polycarbonate sheets or greenhouse plastic. This type allows more customization in height, shelving, and ventilation. It’s perfect if you want a long-term solution that complements your backyard aesthetics while housing delicate flowers or shrubs.
3. Pallet Greenhouse
Got old pallets lying around? Turn them into a budget-friendly greenhouse. Pallets form the walls, while plastic sheets or old windows act as the covering. It’s sustainable, affordable, and surprisingly charming. This greenhouse is great for seasonal plants and gives a rustic, eco-friendly vibe to your garden.
4. Old Window Greenhouse
A window greenhouse uses old windows as walls. This DIY project feels nostalgic and creates an enchanting space where sunlight dances through vintage glass. You can frame it with wood or metal. Ideal for small herbs, succulents, or even a mini indoor garden in your backyard corner.
5. Cold Frame Greenhouse
The cold frame greenhouse is a low-profile box with a transparent lid. It traps sunlight and heat, allowing seedlings to thrive in early spring. Easy to build from scrap wood and plexiglass, it’s perfect for gardeners who want to start plants early without investing in a full-sized greenhouse.
6. Lean-To Greenhouse
If your backyard space is limited, a lean-to greenhouse attached to a wall is ideal. It saves space, uses existing wall warmth, and still provides enough room for several plant varieties. Perfect for urban backyards, it requires careful planning to ensure proper sunlight and ventilation.
7. Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
For a bold statement, a geodesic dome greenhouse is a futuristic marvel. Using PVC or metal pipes arranged in a dome pattern, it provides structural strength and maximum light exposure. Although it’s more complex to build, the design allows for even heat distribution and ample growing space.
8. Plastic Bottle Greenhouse
This is an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option. Collect plastic bottles, cut them, and stack them to form walls. It’s surprisingly effective at retaining heat, and you’ll feel proud of upcycling waste into a functional garden haven. Ideal for hobby gardeners or eco-conscious families.
9. Hoop Tunnel Greenhouse
Similar to a PVC hoop house but elongated, the hoop tunnel greenhouse is excellent for row planting. It’s quick to construct and can stretch along your garden beds. Its tunnel shape allows rainwater to slide off easily, protecting plants inside.
10. Mini Greenhouse Shelf
If space is very tight, a mini greenhouse shelf works wonders. Place seed trays on a tiered shelf inside a small plastic or glass enclosure. Perfect for balconies, patios, or indoor gardening, it keeps seedlings warm and organized.
11. Recycled Window Frame Greenhouse
Combine sustainability with charm by using recycled window frames. Build a small structure and attach old windows as walls and doors. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also keeps costs low while providing a sturdy space for young plants or herbs.
12. Polycarbonate Panel Greenhouse
A polycarbonate panel greenhouse is more professional-looking and long-lasting. The panels are lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather. Although the material is pricier, the investment ensures year-round growing for vegetables, flowers, and even small fruit trees.
13. Bamboo Frame Greenhouse
Bamboo is strong, lightweight, and sustainable. A bamboo frame greenhouse can be constructed quickly and covered with clear plastic sheets. It’s perfect for tropical or subtropical areas, blending seamlessly into natural landscapes while supporting climbing plants beautifully.
14. Garage Conversion Greenhouse
Transform part of your garage or shed into a garage conversion greenhouse. Remove old doors or windows and replace them with transparent panels. This approach provides insulation and security, creating a perfect indoor gardening space for winter or urban settings.
15. Plastic Sheet Greenhouse
Sometimes simplicity wins. A plastic sheet greenhouse involves just poles and a durable plastic sheet. Affordable and quick to set up, this temporary greenhouse works well during planting season or as an experimental growing space before committing to a permanent structure.
16. Raised Bed Greenhouse
Combine a raised bed garden with a greenhouse for ultimate control over soil, drainage, and sunlight. Build a small frame over the bed and cover with plastic or glass. Ideal for home gardeners wanting healthier plants without soil issues, and it’s easy to reach and maintain.
17. PVC Mini Greenhouse Box
Smaller than a hoop house, the PVC mini greenhouse box fits on a patio or garden bench. Perfect for seedlings, herbs, or microgreens, it’s lightweight, portable, and encourages early growth without consuming too much space.
18. Greenhouse with Ventilation Roof
Controlling heat is vital. A ventilation roof greenhouse uses adjustable vents to release excess heat. This design prevents plants from wilting during hot days and keeps humidity levels optimal. Great for tropical plants or areas with fluctuating weather.
19. Hoop Greenhouse with Shade Cloth
If you live somewhere sunny, a hoop greenhouse with shade cloth protects plants from scorching sunlight. This hybrid method combines the benefits of a hoop structure and shade control, keeping your crops healthy and hydrated during the hottest months.
20. Tiered Plant Greenhouse
Maximize vertical space with a tiered greenhouse. Using shelves or levels inside the enclosure, you can grow more plants in less space. Ideal for balconies or small backyards, it allows easy access to each plant without overcrowding.
21. Window Greenhouse Wall
A window greenhouse wall turns a backyard wall into a plant haven. Attach old windows or polycarbonate panels to the wall to create small planting pockets. It’s decorative and functional, ideal for urban gardeners looking to use vertical space efficiently.
22. Backyard Conservatory
For a luxurious touch, a backyard conservatory is an investment worth considering. With glass walls, a solid frame, and heating options, it becomes an elegant space to nurture rare plants. Beyond functionality, it enhances the beauty and value of your home.
23. Mobile Cart Greenhouse
Need flexibility? A mobile cart greenhouse can move around your yard. Using wheels and a small frame covered in plastic, you can chase sunlight or avoid harsh weather. Perfect for seasonal gardening or experimenting with plant placement.
Conclusion
Building a DIY backyard greenhouse doesn’t have to be complicated. From simple PVC hoop houses to elegant conservatories, there’s a design for every space, budget, and skill level. Each greenhouse is an investment in your plants, your creativity, and your well-being. Imagine the satisfaction of harvesting fresh vegetables, nurturing flowers, and watching seedlings grow—all thanks to your hands-on effort. Whether it’s a tiny mini-shelf on your balcony or a grand geodesic dome in your backyard, these greenhouses bring life, beauty, and a sense of accomplishment to your home. Start small, dream big, and let your backyard bloom all year round.
