We're always impressed by cost-effective DIY greenhouse projects. David LaFerney from The Door Garden demonstrates how to construct a hoop greenhouse for under $50. It's remarkable functionality at an affordable price.
Hoop-style greenhouses are excellent for lengthening the cultivation period in cooler regions, and they're more affordable and straightforward to construct than traditional glass greenhouses.
Their design is inherently simple – a hoop form crafted from either plastic or metal materials and then enveloped in transparent plastic. This makes them a cost-effective DIY endeavor with ample room for creative tweaks.
Boasting 165 square feet, it offers a generous area suitable for nurturing a variety of plants.
David incorporated two permanent planting beds on either side of this greenhouse, cultivating crops like spinach and lettuce all year long. To this blueprint, one can effortlessly integrate stand-alone shelves, providing extra space for seed starting or for sheltering potted plants during winter.
Building a greenhouse of this kind on a budget is entirely feasible. David utilized materials he already possessed, leading to significant savings. However, even if one were to purchase all new materials, the expense would likely be around $200. This is considerably more affordable than acquiring a pre-made kit for a greenhouse of a similar size.
By creatively using resources you may already own and exploring platforms such as Freecycle and Craigslist, many of these materials can be procured affordably or even at no cost.
David initiated the construction process by crafting the two terminal sections of the greenhouse framework from wood. Subsequently, he integrated the 20-foot PVC pipes that bestow upon the greenhouse its characteristic hoop form. These identical 20-foot PVC segments function as the "spines" of the greenhouse, bridging the gap between the two terminal sections.
The dimensions of this greenhouse are 11 feet in width, 15 feet in length, and approximately seven and a half feet in height. While one can modify the length as desired based on this concept, the width should ideally range between 10 to 12 feet.
With such a width, the greenhouse doesn't exhibit the pronounced slope on its interior sides that many hoop greenhouses typically possess. This milder incline provides greater usable planting space along the borders.
An added benefit of maintaining the greenhouse's sides steeper, instead of opting for a broader and flatter profile, is the natural runoff of snow and rainwater. This prevents accumulation on the top, which might otherwise risk the integrity and stability of the structure.
The terminal sections were positioned and secured on a flat surface, and the central pipe segments were integrated to finalize the greenhouse's framework. After ensuring everything was firmly fastened using wood and screws, the structure was prepped to be covered with plastic.
When it comes to covering a hoop greenhouse, there's a variety of plastic choices available. For this particular project, a non-UV stabilized 6 mil clear plastic sheeting from a lumberyard was utilized.
If you're looking for a cost-effective and easy way to extend your growing season, a hoop greenhouse is a great option. And if you're searching for a comprehensive guide to building your own hoop greenhouse, Self Sufficient Backyard is the perfect resource.
This book provides step-by-step instructions for building a hoop greenhouse, as well as tips on selecting the right materials and tools. It also includes a variety of design options to suit your needs.
With Self Sufficient Backyard, you can build your own hoop greenhouse and start growing fresh produce all year long.
Interested? Click here to find out more.
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