17 DIY Greenhouse Plans to Transform Your Backyard Garden

A greenhouse is a game-changer for any gardening enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to extend your growing season, protect delicate plants, or create a dedicated space for year-round gardening, a greenhouse can make all the difference.

But purchasing a pre-built greenhouse can be expensive. That’s where DIY greenhouse plans come in! With the right materials and a little bit of effort, you can create a cost-effective, customized greenhouse that suits your backyard space perfectly.

From simple hoop houses to elaborate geodesic domes, we’ve gathered 17 inspiring DIY greenhouse ideas to help you find the best one for your needs. Let’s dive in!

1. Simple PVC Pipe Greenhouse

If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly greenhouse, a PVC pipe greenhouse is a fantastic option. Using inexpensive PVC pipes and clear plastic sheeting, you can create a lightweight yet functional structure that protects your plants from frost and pests.

Why Choose This?

• Ideal for beginners and small backyards.
• Extremely affordable and requires minimal tools.
• Can be assembled and disassembled with ease.

To build this, secure PVC pipes into the ground in a hoop formation and cover them with a thick plastic sheet. Add a door flap for ventilation, and you’re all set! This greenhouse is perfect for growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs year-round.

2. Upcycled Window Greenhouse

Looking for a more rustic, charming greenhouse? An upcycled window greenhouse is a great way to repurpose old windows while creating a visually stunning garden feature.

Benefits of an Upcycled Window Greenhouse:

• Eco-friendly and cost-effective.
• Sturdy construction with great insulation.
• Adds a vintage aesthetic to your backyard.

Collect old windows from thrift stores, garage sales, or recycling centers. Arrange them into walls and a sloped roof, ensuring good airflow. This greenhouse not only provides a unique look but also allows for ample sunlight exposure.

3. Hoop House Greenhouse

A hoop house greenhouse is a step up from a PVC pipe structure but still an easy DIY option. Instead of PVC, you use metal or plastic hoops to create a tunnel-like shape, covered with a durable plastic film.

Why It’s a Great Choice:

• Provides excellent protection from wind and frost.
• Can be scaled up or down to fit your space.
• Ideal for extending your growing season.

A hoop house greenhouse is perfect for vegetable gardens and can be reinforced with additional support during winter. Make sure to add ventilation flaps to regulate temperature and humidity.

4. Wooden Frame Greenhouse

For a more permanent and sturdy greenhouse, a wooden frame structure is an excellent choice. This design allows you to use strong materials like cedar or redwood, ensuring durability against harsh weather.

Advantages of a Wooden Frame Greenhouse:

• Customizable with shelves, benches, and vents.
• Adds a natural, aesthetic appeal to your backyard.
• Can be covered with glass or polycarbonate panels for insulation.

This greenhouse requires some woodworking skills, but the result is a long-lasting and highly functional gardening space.

5. Lean-To Greenhouse

Short on backyard space? A lean-to greenhouse is an efficient and space-saving option that attaches to an existing structure like a garage or house wall.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Takes up minimal space.
• Utilizes the heat from your home for better temperature control.
• Reduces construction costs since one side is already built.

To build this, install a clear plastic or glass panel roof sloping downward from your existing wall. This greenhouse is great for growing herbs, succulents, and starter plants.

6. Pallet Greenhouse

Pallets are a cheap and eco-friendly material that can be repurposed into a sturdy greenhouse frame. This design works well for small gardens and is an excellent way to recycle materials.

Why Consider a Pallet Greenhouse?

• Low-cost and sustainable.
• Easy to assemble with minimal tools.
• Great for vertical gardening with built-in shelves.

Simply arrange pallets to form the walls and base, reinforcing the structure with screws. Cover the frame with plastic sheeting or polycarbonate panels. This type of greenhouse adds rustic charm while being highly functional.

7. Mini Cold Frame Greenhouse

If you don’t need a full-sized greenhouse, a mini cold frame is an ideal choice. This small yet effective greenhouse is designed to protect seedlings and delicate plants from extreme temperatures.

Features of a Mini Cold Frame:

• Compact and easy to place in any backyard or patio.
• Uses transparent lids (like old windows or plexiglass) to trap heat.
• Ideal for hardening off plants before transplanting.

A cold frame can be made with a wooden base and a hinged transparent lid, making it easy to open for ventilation when needed.

8. Geodesic Dome Greenhouse

If you want a greenhouse that is both structurally strong and eye-catching, a geodesic dome greenhouse is an incredible option.

Benefits of a Geodesic Dome:

• Provides superior wind resistance due to its dome shape.
• Evenly distributes heat and light.
• Can withstand heavy snow loads, making it great for all climates.

Building one requires precise cutting and assembly of triangular panels, usually covered with polycarbonate sheets for insulation. Though it takes effort, the results are spectacular!

9. Recycled Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

A creative and sustainable idea is a plastic bottle greenhouse made entirely from recycled 2-liter plastic bottles. This project is perfect for those who want to reduce waste and build a low-cost greenhouse.

Why Build One?

• Uses free, recycled materials.
• Provides excellent insulation and airflow.
• A fun, eco-friendly project for the whole family.

Bottles are cut and stacked to form transparent walls, allowing sunlight to pass through while retaining warmth.

10. Raised Bed Greenhouse

A raised bed greenhouse is perfect for small spaces and works by adding a protective cover over an existing raised garden bed.

Advantages:

• Keeps soil warmer for better plant growth.
• Prevents weeds and pests from damaging crops.
• Ideal for gardeners with limited mobility.

To build one, construct a wooden raised bed and attach a removable greenhouse cover, such as PVC hoop arches covered with plastic sheeting.

11. Pop-Up Greenhouse Tent

If you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free solution, a pop-up greenhouse tent might be just what you need. These are easy-to-assemble, temporary greenhouses that offer great protection for your plants.

Why It’s a Great Choice:

• Portable and lightweight—move it anywhere in your yard.
• Ideal for seasonal plant protection during winter or early spring.
• No need for complex building skills—just set it up and you’re done!

Pop-up greenhouses usually have a zippered door for ventilation and roll-up windows to regulate temperature. They work well for small gardens, patios, or rental properties where you need a temporary gardening solution.

12. A-Frame Greenhouse

The A-frame greenhouse is one of the most popular and durable DIY designs. It features a triangle-shaped frame, which makes it sturdy and resistant to heavy winds and snow.

Key Features of an A-Frame Greenhouse:

• Simple to construct with a wooden frame and polycarbonate or plastic sheeting.
• Withstands harsh weather due to its strong triangular shape.
• Easy to add shelves and growing space inside.

To build one, secure two wooden beams at an angle and cover the frame with a transparent paneling material. You can add a hinged door and ventilation windows to keep airflow balanced.

13. Barn-Style Greenhouse

For a larger, more permanent greenhouse, a barn-style structure is a fantastic option. This design has a high ceiling, allowing for more vertical growing space and additional storage.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Spacious enough for large-scale gardening.
• Can accommodate hanging planters, shelves, and raised beds.
• Adds a rustic charm to your backyard.

A barn-style greenhouse requires sturdy wooden framing and can be covered with glass, plastic sheeting, or polycarbonate panels. While it takes more effort to build, it provides long-term gardening benefits.

14. Straw Bale Greenhouse

A straw bale greenhouse is a brilliant option for gardeners in cold climates. The straw bales act as natural insulation, keeping your plants warm during winter.

Benefits of a Straw Bale Greenhouse:

• Super energy-efficient and reduces heating costs.
• Inexpensive and sustainable, using natural materials.
• Works well in harsh winter conditions.

To build one, stack straw bales to form insulated walls, then add a wooden or PVC roof frame covered with clear plastic panels. This greenhouse maintains a stable temperature, even in freezing weather!

15. Window Pane Greenhouse

For a charming, vintage-inspired greenhouse, consider repurposing old glass window panes. Similar to the upcycled window greenhouse we discussed earlier, this design is made entirely of glass panes for maximum sunlight exposure.

Why Choose a Window Pane Greenhouse?

• Beautiful aesthetic that enhances your backyard decor.
• Provides maximum natural light for your plants.
• Can be built using salvaged materials, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.

To construct one, use an old wooden frame and fit recycled glass window panels as walls and a roof. This greenhouse is perfect for growing delicate flowers, herbs, and starter plants.

16. Converted Garden Shed Greenhouse

If you have an old garden shed that you’re not using, why not convert it into a greenhouse? This is an excellent way to repurpose an existing structure while saving on building costs.

Advantages of a Shed Greenhouse:

• Already has a sturdy frame, reducing construction work.
• Provides built-in storage for gardening tools and supplies.
• Customizable—add windows, ventilation panels, or a clear roof for better light.

To make the conversion, replace sections of the roof or walls with polycarbonate panels or glass to allow sunlight in. You can also add shelves, benches, or even a small composting area inside.

17. Underground (Walipini) Greenhouse

One of the most unique and energy-efficient greenhouse designs is the underground greenhouse, also known as a Walipini greenhouse. Built partially underground, it takes advantage of the earth’s natural insulation to maintain a stable growing environment year-round.

Why an Underground Greenhouse?

• Uses geothermal energy, reducing heating costs in winter.
• Protects plants from extreme heat in summer and freezing temperatures in winter.
• Can be built into a small hillside or dug into flat land.

To construct one, dig a pit at least 4-6 feet deep, then create a slanted transparent roof using plastic sheeting or glass panels. This design is ideal for growing cold-sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and citrus plants.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best DIY Greenhouse for You

Building a DIY greenhouse is an incredibly rewarding project that allows you to grow plants year-round, save money, and customize your space to fit your gardening needs. But with so many different greenhouse plans, how do you choose the right one?

Consider These Factors:

Budget: If you’re looking for a low-cost option, consider a PVC pipe, pallet, or plastic bottle greenhouse. If you can invest more, go for a wooden frame, barn-style, or shed greenhouse.

Space: If you have limited room, a lean-to, mini cold frame, or pop-up greenhouse is ideal. Larger spaces can accommodate A-frame, geodesic dome, or underground greenhouses.

Climate: If you live in a cold area, consider a straw bale, underground (Walipini), or wooden frame greenhouse for better insulation.

Skill Level: If you’re a beginner, opt for easy-to-build options like a hoop house or pop-up greenhouse. More experienced DIYers might enjoy tackling a barn-style or window pane greenhouse.

Final Thoughts: Start Your DIY Greenhouse Project Today!

No matter which DIY greenhouse plan you choose, having your own greenhouse will enhance your gardening experience, extend your growing season, and give you the joy of homegrown produce and flowers all year long.

So, which greenhouse are you excited to build? Start planning today, gather your materials, and watch your backyard transform into a lush, thriving greenhouse paradise!