Al Keller’s Inexpensive Backyard Green House Plans
There are all kinds of techniques to build an inexpensive back yard type green house. This design is one step up from the PVC pipe “hoop house” and we have found it to be the best at weathering all seasons and even heavy snow falls. Besides being somewhat strong it is entirely portable as it is of one piece construction. The basic frame is dimensional cedar, pine, or pressure treated (if you’re not overly concerned with it being in contact with your soil) and cattle panels from Tractor Supply Company (TSC). The cattle panels are 16 feet by 50 inches and we put two together to make a 100 inch long structure. I made the side beams longer as handles so four people can easily pick it up and move it. I also drilled holes through the handles for long stakes should it need to be anchored down in a windy area.
Simply fab up the wood frame to be 96 inches wide by 100 inches long. Arch the panels the long way to fit inside the 96 inch dimension. You canalso add long lag bolts to further stiffen up the frame. To do this:
Drill 1/2 inch holes through the side beams of the base frame and a 3/8" pilot hole in the ends of the end beams of the base frame. Then, using a ratchet and socket, screw the lag bolts into the end beams to secure the side beams to them. The alternative to this would be to obtain metal angle brackets used in reinforcing wood framing of homes in high wind areas. Simpson Strong-Ties is a brand name and most Home Depot and Lowe's carry their product :
Use large U nails to secure the panels to the frame.
I tack welded the panels together but you could use tie wraps, tie-wire or cable clamps. Remember to keep all sharp edges or ends to the inside.
Use pipe insulation to protect the plastic from the sharp panel edges
Build end frames to stiffen it up and mount windows and doors. I scavenged an old screen door from behind my brother’s barn.
And an old storm window pane from my neighbor for the back window.
Cover with green house poly. Regular poly will only last one season and turns to brittle shreds buy the next spring. Make sure you have lots of provisions for ventilation. My door has a screen and the back window tilts open. It gets wicked hot in this little house! There are a lot of small construction details that are useful to know so if you’re interested in building one of these PM me and I can give you all the tips.
List of materials
Quantity Description Use
(2 ) 4X4X 8 ft lengths of either pressure treated pine or cedar lumber Base of
greenhouse
(2 ) 4X4X 14 ft lengths of either pressure treated pine or cedar lumber Base of
greenhouse
(2 ) 2X2X10 ft lengths of spruce lumber For securing plastic to base
(2 ) 2X2X8 ft lengths of spruce lumber For securing plastic to base
(2) Galvanized Cattle Panels 16 ft long X 50 inches wide Arched sides and roof of
structure
Approx. 100 feet of 2X2 lumber End wall supports
(1 ) Box of 100 #8 X 2 3/4 inch deck screws Secure 2X2 wood frames
together and to base
(1 ) Small box of galvanized fence staples Secure cattle panels to
wood base frame
32 lineal feet (approx.) of foam water-pipe insulation For wrapping the end wire of the
cattle panels
(4) 1/2" diameter by 10 inch long galvanized lag bolts Securing base lumber together
(4) 1/2" galvanized washers for above bolts Securing base lumber together
(1) scavenged window unit Ventilation for rear wall
(1) scavenged aluminum storm door Entryway and ventilation for front wall
(1) roll of greenhouse polyethylene Encloses all exterior areas
Miscellaneous: Cable ties, staples for staple gun, screws for attaching entrance door and rear window unit.
Basic Tools Needed
Hammer
Saw of choice
Screwdrivers
Electric drill
Twist drill set
Speed bore set for drilling large holes in wood
Tape measure
Ratchet handle and socket set
Staple gun
Side cutting pliers
Utility knife and blades
Happy building and happy growing!