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Greenhouses, sometimes referred to as glasshouses, hothouses, or conservatories, create a sanctuary where temperature and lighting conditions are ideal for plants to grow, regardless of the outdoor temperature. If you’re an avid gardener, the idea of having a personal greenhouse in your backyard may sound appealing. However, the cost of hiring someone to design and build one for you may be prohibitive. These DIY greenhouse plans will enable you to build your own expertly designed plant sanctuary while staying in control of your budget.
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1. Room to Grow
This spacious 9-foot by 16-foot DIY greenhouse features a cedar wood frame with a polycarbonate cover. The downloadable plans for this greenhouse will help you construct a sturdy building designed to withstand varying weather conditions, from heavy snows to hail to high winds. The plans also include modifications to change the length from 16 feet to 12 feet if that is a better match for your available space.
Get the Sun Country Wood Crafts 9′ x 16′ Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $17.51.
2. Modular Greenhouse
If you’ve been searching for “how to build a greenhouse cheap,” then downloading these plans for a modular greenhouse may be the optimal solution. The easy-to-follow plans allow you to quickly construct modules, which are assembled to create the finished greenhouse. The downloadable file will include all the necessary detailed instructions, photographs, and diagrams, as well as a materials list to complete this inexpensive conservatory for your plants.
Get the Stevenson Projects LLC Modular Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $7.95.
3. Lean-To Greenhouse
The guide to construct this lean-to greenhouse was developed to help individuals DIY their own backyard hothouse. An estimated project cost, materials list, measurements, photographs, and step-by-step instructions are included in the guide to walk builders through the construction process. Once complete, this greenhouse is 10 feet long and 7 feet wide.
Get the Hillside Market Petunia Lean-to Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $22.84.
4. Miniature Greenhouse
These compact greenhouse plans are ideal for smaller yards or beginners who aren’t ready to tackle a huge building project just yet. The greenhouse is just 4 feet long and 2 feet wide and offers shelves to hold plants. Download the guide to view the materials list, step-by-step instructions, photographs, measurements, and an estimated cost for all the materials.
Get the Hillside Market Sweet Pea Mini Lean-to Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $19.04.
5. Movable Greenhouse
Use these plans, available for instant download, to fashion your own lean-to glasshouse. Once built, this greenhouse is designed to be easy to disassemble and reassemble, making relocation possible when needed. The clear plans include 36 pages of photographs, diagrams, detailed instructions, and standard and metric measurements.
Get the Build Eazy Plans for a Lean-to Glasshouse at Etsy for $5.
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6. Garden Shed
Still thinking about how to build a greenhouse? Consider these architectural plans, which will walk you through each step of the process to create your own greenhouse garden shed. The plans are designed for individuals with residential building skills. They are drawn to scale and include a materials list and an estimated cost to complete the finished product.
Get the Wood n Pieces Greenhouse Garden Shed Plans at Etsy for $27.50.
7. Recycled Windows Greenhouse
Reduce, reuse, recycle! This e-book includes design plans for building a greenhouse using vintage windows. Learn about materials needed for the project, the costs involved, and everything else you need to get started.
Get the Mama Potrafi Plans to Build a Greenhouse Out of Vintage Windows at Etsy for $23.06.
8. Pyramid Hothouse
Build your own 15-foot by 15-foot pyramid greenhouse with this downloadable PDF. The four slanted glass walls will flood plants with sunlight for optimal growth, regardless of the outdoor temperature. With these comprehensive, 3D-rendered plans, you’ll receive detailed blueprints, templates and dimensions for each necessary cut, a materials list, and clear drawings.
Get the Sinel House Pyramid Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $9.23.
9. A-Frame Greenhouse
If you’ve ever dreamed of living or gardening in your own slice of A-frame paradise, these plans are for you. This 40-page guide provides instructions for this simple 120-square-foot greenhouse, which according to Etsy seller Elevated Spaces, can be “completely built in only two weekends.” We like that it’s beginner friendly, and doesn’t require super specialized tools, and doesn’t require any roof panels to be cut. Sign us up!
Get the Elevated Spaces Shop Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $33.15.
10. Combination Greenhouse and Shed
Conserve precious yard space with this two-in-one greenhouse and shed combo. Half of the structure features glass windows to provide plants with the necessary conditions to grow, while the other half is fully enclosed to keep your gardening and lawn tools secure and organized. This wooden greenhouse plan file includes over 40 pages of detailed directions, measurements, diagrams, and other useful information.
Get the Hillside Market Rose Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $22.84.
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11. Hobby Greenhouse
Hobbyists can construct this inexpensive, yet fully-functional greenhouse using the downloadable plans. 2 x 4 framing lumber and polycarbonate or greenhouse plastic panels are used to craft the finished product. The plans are designed to be easy to follow, even for those with limited construction experience. They include detailed material and cut lists, step-by-step directions and drawings, and templates for cutting angles.
Get the RJTerry Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $19.99.
12. Framed Greenhouse
Follow the clear, step-by-step plans featuring 3D images to build this DIY greenhouse. The 8-foot by 10-foot greenhouse offers a spacious area for growing plants and keeping them away from the elements. It features a unique design with framed walls and an angled roof to ensure maximum sun exposure.
Get the Sinel House 8′ x 8′ Framed Greenhouse Plans at Etsy for $8.20.
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The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on November 3, 2022.