Maya Ellison
Building a plastic greenhouse is a great way to create a controlled environment for your plants to grow, allowing you to extend the growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions. Plastic greenhouses are a more affordable alternative to traditional glass greenhouses and can be an enjoyable DIY project. Before you begin, it's important to check zoning laws and regulations and ensure you have the necessary permits. In this guide, we will cover the steps to assemble a basic plastic greenhouse, including preparing the site, constructing the frame, attaching the plastic sheeting, and setting up the interior. With careful planning and execution, you'll be able to create a thriving space for your plants to flourish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | PVC pipes, reinforced bar or rebar, plastic sheeting, lock channel, spring wire, zip ties or clips, duct tape or adhesive |
| Tools | Hammer, hacksaw or pipe cutter, brooms or poles with tennis balls on the end, bolt cutters, ladder, scissor lift |
| Preparation | Check zoning laws and regulations, ensure you have permission to build, select a location with ample sunlight, clear and smooth the surface area |
| Assembly | Construct the frame, cover with plastic sheeting, secure plastic with wiggle wire, duct tape or zip ties, install doors, windows, vents, shelves, hooks and other accessories |
| Maintenance | Regularly monitor temperature and humidity, adjust ventilation as needed, inspect plastic sheeting for tears or damage and repair promptly |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a location and preparing the ground
Choosing the right location for your plastic greenhouse is crucial for its success. Look for an area in your backyard that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. South-facing locations are often ideal as they receive the most sunlight.
Before you start, check your zoning laws and regulations and ask local officials if you need a building permit. Clear and smooth the surface of the area where your greenhouse will be. The finished greenhouse will be 6 feet by 14 feet, so the perimeter of the prepared area should measure 7 feet by 15 feet. Identify and mark the corners of the structure as well as the centre of both sides, which can be found by measuring 3 feet from each end.
Use a hammer to pound a single piece of rebar into the ground for each corner, as well as the midpoint of the sides. The rebar should be driven into the ground to a depth of at least 12 inches. If you prefer, you can use wooden stakes instead of rebar to anchor the frame to the ground and prevent it from shifting in strong winds.
Now that you have chosen the perfect location and prepared the ground, you are ready to begin constructing the frame for your plastic greenhouse.
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Building the frame
Building a plastic greenhouse is a great way to create a controlled environment for your plants, allowing them to thrive all year round. Constructing the frame is the first step in this process. Here is a detailed guide to help you build the frame for your plastic greenhouse:
Prepare the Materials and Work Area:
Start by gathering the necessary materials, including PVC pipes and connectors. You will need 7 pieces of ¾ inch diameter PVC pipe, each 10 feet long, and 6 pieces of ½ inch reinforced bar or rebar, each 2 feet long. Prepare your work area by clearing and smoothing the surface where the greenhouse will stand. Mark the corners and centre points of the structure.
Assemble the Frame:
Begin by cutting the PVC pipes to the desired lengths using a saw. For a 6 feet by 14 feet greenhouse, you will need to cut 2 pieces of 3 feet long PVC pipe and another 3-inch piece from the 10-foot-long pipes. Use PVC connectors to join the pipes and create the arches of the greenhouse frame. Ensure that all connections are secure and stable.
Reinforce the Structure:
Drive a piece of rebar into the ground at each corner and midpoint of the structure. The rebar should be at least 12 inches deep to provide a strong anchor. If you prefer a more traditional look, you can use metal tubing for the frame instead of PVC pipes.
Finalize Frame Details:
Glue a Tee slip to 4 of the remaining 10-foot PVC pipes. Consider adding ventilation windows to the frame, as proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your plants. You can install these windows by leaving gaps along the bottom edge of the plastic sheeting or installing openable vents.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions if you are using a greenhouse kit, as assembly instructions may vary. With these steps, you'll have a sturdy frame that forms the backbone of your plastic greenhouse, ready for the next steps of covering it with plastic sheeting and adding any additional features.
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Covering the frame with plastic sheeting
First, choose a calm day with low wind speeds to begin this process. The wind can make it challenging to handle the plastic sheeting and may cause tears or damage. It is also recommended to have extra hands available, as this step is easier with multiple people. Ensure you have the necessary tools, such as ladders, brooms, and even tennis balls to protect the plastic when guiding it over the structure.
Next, prepare your plastic sheeting by cutting it to size. Measure the length and width of your greenhouse frame, including the length of the pipes or hoops, to determine the required size of the plastic sheeting. It is recommended to have at least 2 extra feet of plastic all around the structure when fully rolled out.
Now, you can start draping the plastic sheeting over the frame. Unroll the plastic film lengthwise along the structure, ensuring the label is visible from inside. Two people should grab opposite corners of the film and begin lifting it over the hoops or frame. Work with the wind to avoid the plastic being pushed onto the ribs, making the job more difficult.
Once the plastic is draped over the frame, it's time to secure it in place. Use lock channel and spring wire, also known as "wiggle wire," to attach the plastic to the frame. Pull the plastic tight and wiggle the wire back and forth into the channel. Install the wiggle wire in sections, working from the peak of the structure down each side. Leave some overhang, about 12 inches, for future adjustments.
Finally, seal any gaps or openings to improve insulation. Use duct tape or adhesive to close any small holes or openings where heat may escape. Proper insulation will help maintain a stable temperature and protect your plants from sudden temperature changes.
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Securing the plastic sheeting
When it comes to securing the plastic sheeting for your greenhouse, there are several methods you can use. One popular method is to use lock channel and spring wire, sometimes referred to as "wiggle wire". This involves pulling the plastic tight and wiggling the wire back and forth into the channel, creating a tight and secure attachment. Each section of wire is typically 6.5 feet long, so you may need to cut it to fit certain areas.
Another option is to use zip ties or clips to secure the sheeting to the frame at regular intervals. Be cautious not to pull the plastic too tightly, as it needs some flexibility to withstand wind and weather conditions. You can also use duct tape or adhesive to seal the edges of the plastic sheeting to the frame and close any small holes or gaps, improving the insulation of your greenhouse.
If you're working with a hoop house structure, the process of securing the plastic will be a bit different. First, unroll the plastic film lengthwise along the structure, with the label visible from inside. Have two people grab opposite corners of the film and lift it over the hoops, working with the wind to avoid the plastic getting pushed onto the ribs. Soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis balls on the end can be useful here. Tennis balls can also be tied into a corner of the plastic with rope and used to guide the plastic over the structure. Once the plastic is in place, install the wiggle wire, starting at the peak and moving down each side of the bow, leaving about 12 inches of plastic overhanging.
Remember to plan this process for a day with low wind speeds, as it will be much more difficult to manage the plastic sheeting if it's windy. Having extra hands available will also make the process smoother and safer.
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Adding ventilation, doors, and accessories
Once the basic structure of your plastic greenhouse is in place, you can start thinking about adding the doors, ventilation, and any other accessories.
For doors, you have the option to purchase a standard door or build a custom door. If you opt for a custom door, you will need to determine the size of the door opening and gather the necessary materials. Basic woodworking knowledge and tools will be required to cut and assemble the door components, including the side rails, stiles, and mortises. You can use an old window for the main panel of the door and build a frame around it. Finally, hang the door by screwing two hinges into the door and attaching them to the frame.
Ventilation is an important consideration for your plastic greenhouse. Fan ventilation can help regulate the temperature and provide adequate airflow for your plants. To ensure proper ventilation, the intake louver area should be at least 1 1/4 times the size of the fan area. You can also consider adding side vents to allow for cooling and air movement, especially on hot, sunny days. Additionally, you may want to invest in an open-roof greenhouse design, which offers better cooling capabilities than traditional sidewall vents.
When it comes to accessories, insect netting is a useful addition to protect your plants from pests. This can be installed in the lock channel with a separate set of spring wire before attaching the plastic sheeting. You can also add roll-up sides to your greenhouse, which can be wrapped with greenhouse film and attached using snap clamps.
The type of plastic sheeting you choose for your greenhouse is another important accessory decision. Clear plastics provide more light transparency, which is ideal for vegetable crops. Opaque or white/woven greenhouse film diffuses light more evenly and reduces the risk of sunburn for certain plants. Thicker plastic films, such as 8-11 mil plastic, offer greater durability and heat retention. Additionally, double layering your plastic sheeting can enhance the structure's ability to withstand heavier snow loads and cooler temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic greenhouses are a good alternative to traditional glass greenhouses if you are on a tight budget. They are more durable, easier to clean, lighter, and regulate heat more efficiently. They also provide a controlled environment that allows you to extend the growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions.
You will need plastic sheeting, PVC pipes, a saw, PVC connectors, ground anchors or wooden stakes, zip ties or clips, duct tape or adhesive, and ventilation accessories such as fans or vents.
Cut the PVC pipes to the desired length using a saw and connect them using PVC connectors to form the arches of the greenhouse. Make sure the frame is sturdy and stable, and consider anchoring it to the ground to prevent shifting in strong winds.
Drape the plastic sheeting over the frame, making sure it covers the entire structure. Use zip ties or clips to secure the sheeting to the frame at regular intervals, being careful not to pull the plastic too tightly. You can also use duct tape or adhesive to seal the edges and close any small holes or gaps for better insulation.
