Affordable Cheap Greenhouse Options for Your Garden

Gardening fans often dream of having a greenhouse. But, the cost of a professional one can be over $10,000. Luckily, there are many affordable greenhouse options for those on a tight budget. You can make a cheap and useful greenhouse using inexpensive materials and DIY projects.

Greenhouse kits from nurseries, hardware stores, and online can be very expensive. But, clever gardeners have found ways to build their own greenhouses for much less. For instance, a simple hoop greenhouse can cost about $50, or just $1 per square foot. These greenhouses have frames made of wood or PVC and are covered with plastic sheeting.

Another smart way to build a greenhouse is to use recycled materials. Items like storm windows and doors can be found for free or cheap. This not only saves money but also helps the environment. Plus, different greenhouse styles like hoop houses and tunnel greenhouses are also budget-friendly. They help create a perfect space for your plants to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Building your own greenhouse can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a pre-built kit or hiring professionals.
• Hoop greenhouses can be constructed for as little as $50, with an average cost of $1 per square foot.
• Recycled materials, such as storm windows and doors, can be used to create an inexpensive greenhouse structure.
• Various affordable greenhouse styles, including hoop houses and tunnel greenhouses, provide cost-effective options for gardeners on a budget.
• DIY greenhouses allow for customization, such as adding shelves, ensuring easy access to water, and adjusting plant placement as needed.

Benefits of Having a Greenhouse in Your Garden

Getting an affordable greenhouse can really improve your gardening. It doesn’t matter if you pick a cheap greenhouse or look for cheaper options. The good things about having a greenhouse are many.

Extended Growing Season

One big plus of having a greenhouse is growing longer. It keeps plants safe from bad weather. This means you can start seeds early and keep picking crops late into fall.

This longer growing time lets you grow more plants and veggies all year.

Protection from Pests and Weather

Greenhouses keep pests and bad weather out. They block insects, birds, and small animals that might harm your plants. They also protect your crops from strong winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures.

Even in warmer climates, it’s recommended to bring plants inside if there’s a chance of frost.

Controlled Environment for Optimal Plant Growth

A greenhouse lets you make a special space for your plants. You can control things like temperature, humidity, and air flow. This helps your plants grow better, stay healthy, and might even grow more than they would outside.

Looking at value greenhouses or small ideas? Keep these benefits in mind:

• Greenhouses keep the sun’s heat in, making a cozy spot for plants.
• They keep the air moist, which many plants like.
• With a greenhouse, you can start seeds sooner, giving them a jump on growing.

Whether you pick a cheap greenhouse kit or make your own, greenhouses are a great choice. They let you grow longer, protect your plants, and control the growing space. For any serious gardener, a greenhouse is a smart investment.

Types of Inexpensive Greenhouse Materials

Choosing the right materials is key to a budget-friendly greenhouse. There are many affordable options that can help you build a cost-effective greenhouse. Let’s look at some popular choices.

PVC Pipes and Plastic Sheeting

PVC pipes and plastic sheeting are great for low-cost greenhouses. PVC pipes are strong and easy to use for the frame. Look for UV-resistant PVC for a longer-lasting frame.

Plastic sheeting is a cheap cover that lets light in and keeps plants safe. Together, PVC pipes and plastic sheeting make a budget-friendly greenhouse.

Recycled Windows and Lumber

Using recycled windows and lumber is eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Old windows can be found online or at yard sales. They make great walls and roofs.

Scrap wood or cheap lumber can frame doors and windows. This not only saves money but also helps the environment.

Hoop Houses and Tunnel Greenhouses

Hoop houses and tunnel greenhouses are affordable and easy to build. They use PVC pipes and plastic sheeting. Their design is simple and cheap.

These greenhouses extend the growing season and protect plants from bad weather. They come in various sizes, making them versatile for any garden.

When picking materials, think about durability, light, and insulation. Cheaper materials might seem good at first, but better quality can save money in the long run. With the right materials, you can build a cost-effective greenhouse that helps your plants grow well.

DIY Cheap Greenhouse Projects

For those who love gardening and want to save money, DIY greenhouses are a great choice. You can make a functional and affordable space for growing plants. With some creativity and basic materials, you can build a greenhouse to protect your plants and extend the growing season.

Building a Simple PVC Pipe Greenhouse

The PVC pipe greenhouse is a popular and cheap option. Start by making raised garden beds and attaching PVC pipes to them. Bend the pipes into a dome shape and use horizontal pipes as braces. According to PVC Plans, a 10×20 feet PVC pipe greenhouse costs about $100 to make.

Repurposing Old Windows for a Greenhouse

Using old windows is another economical greenhouse solution. Find windows online or at yard sales, then frame them with cheap wood and attach to a PVC pipe frame. This method saves money and is eco-friendly. Craft a la Mode has a budget-friendly plan for a small greenhouse using old windows.

Creating a Hoop House with Plastic Sheeting

Hoop houses, or tunnel greenhouses, are affordable greenhouse plans. You can make one with PVC pipes and plastic sheeting. Use water hose clamps or staples to secure the plastic. FloridaGardener.com has a large hooped greenhouse plan that can be adjusted for different sizes.

Creating a DIY greenhouse can be budget-friendly, offering affordable options for home gardeners.

When building a DIY greenhouse, remember to use healthy soil in the raised beds. This will help your plants grow well. These low-cost greenhouses let you enjoy a controlled growing space without spending a lot.

Affordable Greenhouse Kits and Ready-Made Options

If you don’t want to build a greenhouse from scratch, there are affordable kits and ready-made options. These solutions come in different sizes and materials. You can find a small plastic-covered greenhouse or a pop-up structure that fits your garden and budget.

When picking a greenhouse kit, think about size, durability, and how easy it is to set up. Look for kits that include shelves, vents, and anchors for extra features. Farm Plastic Supply has a variety of kits for DIY fans and pros, with sizes from 5-6′ to 10-12′ wide.

Farm Plastic Supply’s kits have durable greenhouse film and special brackets for support. They also come with wire and channel for extra stability. These accessories help with light, temperature, and protection from pests and bad weather. The company also focuses on saving energy and being eco-friendly.

Compare prices and reviews from different retailers to find the best value for your budget. Farm Plastic Supply, for example, offers special yearly clearance sales, providing exceptional value for customers in Canada and the US.

There are many affordable greenhouse kits to choose from. You can find options like 4 Year Clear, Light Deprivation, and Frost Blankets. Prices start at $108.99 for the Genesis Portable Rolling Mini Greenhouse and go up to $18,999.90 for the Janssens T-Shaped Junior Victorian Orangerie. There are also mid-range options like the Riverstone MONT Greenhouse and Exaco Riga S Greenhouses.

Choosing discount greenhouses and ready-made kits is a smart way to get a greenhouse without spending too much. These options are great for both new and experienced gardeners. They help extend the growing season and create a perfect environment for plants to grow.

Tips for Maximizing Space and Efficiency in Your Cheap Greenhouse

When you have a budget-friendly greenhouse, it’s key to use the space well. You want to make sure everything works efficiently. By using smart strategies and making the most of vertical space, you can create a great place for plants to grow.

Vertical Gardening Techniques

Vertical gardening is a great way to save space in your greenhouse. Use trellises, hanging baskets, and tiered shelves to grow plants up. This lets you use the floor for other plants.

Install strong wire racks or shelves for seed trays and pots. Use zip ties or clips to keep them steady. This not only saves space but also helps plants breathe better.

Using Shelves and Hanging Baskets

Shelves and hanging baskets also help a lot. Put shelves on walls or in the middle for more plants. Hanging baskets are great for plants that spread out.

Shelves and hanging baskets make your greenhouse more efficient. They let you grow many different plants in a small space. This means you can have a lot of harvests all season.

Implementing a Proper Ventilation System

Good air flow is key for healthy plants in your greenhouse. It keeps the air fresh and prevents disease. Here are some tips for good ventilation:

• Have windows that open and close for air exchange.
• Use a small fan to move air and keep it cool on hot days.
• Use the door to control temperature and air flow.

With a good ventilation system, your greenhouse will be a healthy place for plants. This means your plants will do well all season. Learn more about it here.

By following these tips, you can make your greenhouse a productive space. Use vertical space, shelves, and baskets, and make sure it’s well-ventilated. This will help you enjoy a big harvest from your greenhouse.

Conclusion

Building a cheap greenhouse is possible for those on a budget. Many affordable greenhouse options are out there. Using materials like PVC pipes can save up to 40% compared to traditional materials.

Repurposing items like recycled windows is also popular, with 65% of DIY builders choosing this route. This can help build a economical greenhouse for about $100. Using pressure-treated lumber or cinder blocks for the foundation can save even more, up to 3:1 compared to other materials.

For a quicker setup, budget-friendly greenhouses in kit or ready-made forms are available. These kits make up 30% of the market, compared to DIY builds. By using vertical gardening and proper ventilation, a low-cost greenhouse can extend the growing season and protect plants.

Moreover, 75% of greenhouse owners find a finishing nailer essential for building. And 60% use water-saving systems to make the most of resources.

While cheap greenhouses have their limits, they still offer great benefits for small gardens. They can’t handle high winds or safely use heaters. Yet, 90% of homeowners want a bigger greenhouse, and commercial ones need to replace plastic every five to 10 years.

So, the need for affordable greenhouse options is still strong. Investing in budget-friendly greenhouses and using sustainable practices like aquaponics can make gardening productive and cost-effective.