12 Great DIY Greenhouse Projects: From Mini to Full-Size Backyard

Greenhouses can extend your growing season, allow you to propagate plants from your yard, and let you grow tender or delicate plants you might not otherwise be able to grow. I've seen lettuce and spinach grow in a greenhouse when there was a foot of snow on the ground. An old gardening friend would use her greenhouse to pot up volunteer seedlings, grow them in four-inch pots, then have a plant sale to raise money for charity. If you're a serious gardener, you'd love a greenhouse. So how do we solve problems at TGG? We DIY it! We found great DIY greenhouse projects and plans ranging from a temporary row solution to a full-size backyard greenhouse. Before you pick a project, read our "getting started" tips to help you choose, site, and start your DIY greenhouse. Our feature project is a mini window greenhouse by Crafts Ala Mode.

Getting Started with Your Greenhouse

• Position your greenhouse running lengthwise east to west for the longest stretch of daylight each day.
• Ensure at least 6 hours of sun in winter.
• Site close to electricity if needed.
• Position away from kids' play areas.
• Have a working thermometer. Minimum winter temp 45-60°F for active growing. Vent on sunny winter days to prevent overheating.

'Design Dreams by Anne' created a DIY baby greenhouse from old storm windows. Charming and functional.

Ana White has free plans for a plastic bottle greenhouse! Great re-use of materials.

Another soda bottle greenhouse for inspiration, photo by John Rutherford.

Quick protection for in-ground plants: 2-liter soda bottles.

Portable seed starting greenhouse/cold-frame from Brian Perry at Instructables.

Ana White's DIY barn-style greenhouse with step-by-step photos.

How to build a $50 hoop house from Door Garden, featured in Birds and Blooms.

Greenhouse from a pallet by Anthony Win on Instructables.

Easy homemade greenhouse tutorial at ThinMac, fits small yards.

Geodome greenhouse for high winds and heavy snows from Northern Homestead, with online calculator.

Fabulously Frugal's greenhouse for under $100 (actually $67!).