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DIY Indoor Greenhouse

Starting your own DIY mini greenhouse is a great way to grow all types of plants while adding an aesthetically pleasing touch to any well-lit room. Plus, mischievous plant-eating pets will have a hard time reaching them! With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can build your own indoor greenhouse today.

Skill Level: Beginner
Time:
  1. Step 1 Measure Wood for the DIY Greenhouse Frame

    Close up of person kneeling to measure wood while marking it with a pencil.

    For this project you will need five pieces of 1 inch x 2-inch x 8 foot boards to create the frame of the mini greenhouse, as well as a ¼" x 2' x 4' piece of plywood for the base. Begin by measuring out seven 1” x 2” x 15" pieces of lumber for the front and back of the frame.

    Your frame will also need six pieces of 1" x 2" x 9" lumber for the sides. You will then need to measure out four lumber pieces at 1” x 2” x 6” for the vertical posts attaching to the base of the frame.

    Lastly, measure four lumber pieces at 1” x 2” x 7” for the angular roof frame.

  2. Step 2 Cut Wood for your Mini Greenhouse

    A person using a table saw to cut a piece of wood trim for a DIY greenhouse frame.

    Most of the pieces of lumber will require you to make straight cuts to ensure straight edges. You may need to shave off and sand the edges for a smooth finish.

    For the angular roof pieces (1” x 2” x 7”) you will need to make 45-degree cuts at the edges. This allows the pieces to be joined seamlessly together to form the roof of your greenhouse.

  3. Step 3 Assemble the Wood Frame

    A person using a drill to assemble a DIY greenhouse.

    For the assembly of the greenhouse, the best method to ensure a solid build is to use pocket holes and wood glue. Start by adding pocket holes to two of the 1” x 2” x 9” boards and place these within the two 1” x 2” x 15” boards to create a rectangular base. Then, add wood glue to the ends and attach with ¾-inch screws. Next, you will want to use the plywood board and trace out the base to fit. Create straight cuts along the board and glue this to the base frame. Let dry completely before continuing.

    Next, you can attach the 1” x 2” x 6” posts using pocket holes to the four corners of your base. Make a second base by repeating the steps of attaching the next two 1" x 2" x 9"  and two 1" x 2" x 15" boards together. Then place this on top of your frame and glue it on. For the angular roof, you will need to make a third base (same method as above) using the last 1" x 2" x 9" and 1" x 2" x 15" boards. Set this base aside and attach the four 1" x 2" x 7" boards with the angular cut ends to the last 1" x 2" x 15" board using wood glue.

    Place the roof on top of your frame, and using two 2-inch brass door hinges, screw one into the back of the frame and screw the other onto the bottom of the angular roof.

  4. Step 4 Attach Clear Vinyl to DIY Greenhouse Frame

    A sheet of cut vinyl being attached to a wooden frame with a staple gun.

    Finally, you will need to add heavy vinyl to the inside of the greenhouse. Place the vinyl inside the frame, and using a utility knife, cut along the edges to fit in place. Do this for all open areas on the greenhouse frame.

    To attach the vinyl, you will need adhesive glue and staples. Add the glue around the edges, place it in the frame and staple the edges. This will ensure that the vinyl stays in place while the adhesive dries.

  5. Step 5 Grow Plants in your Mini Greenhouse

    Wide shot showing small  plants inside of a mini greenhouse on top of a white cabinet.

    You’re ready to add plants to your decorative mini greenhouse and extend the growing season indoors!

What You Need for This Project:

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