Greenhouses are an amazing way to extend the growing season, protect plants from extreme weather, and create the perfect environment for healthy growth. However, traditional greenhouses can be expensive, requiring large investments in glass, metal, and construction.
The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to create a functional greenhouse! With a little creativity and repurposed materials, you can build your own greenhouse for next to nothing. Whether you need a mini-greenhouse for seedlings or a larger structure for vegetable gardening, there’s a budget-friendly solution for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Article:
✔ 10 creative and cheap ways to make a greenhouse
✔ Step-by-step instructions for each method
✔ The pros and cons of each type of DIY greenhouse
✔ Tips to maintain your budget-friendly greenhouse
From using a plastic salad container to repurposing old windows, let’s dive into the best low-cost greenhouse ideas!
1. Plastic Salad Container Greenhouse (Mini Greenhouse for Seedlings) 🍃
Cost: $0 (Repurposed Item) | Best For: Starting Seeds Indoors
How It Works:
If you’ve ever bought pre-washed salad or greens, you’ve probably noticed that the plastic container looks like a tiny greenhouse. That’s because it is! These clear containers trap moisture and heat, creating the perfect environment for seedlings.
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Rinse and dry an empty plastic salad container.
2️⃣ Fill it with potting soil and plant your seeds.
3️⃣ Lightly mist the soil with water.
4️⃣ Close the lid and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
5️⃣ Open the lid slightly each day to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth.
✔ Pros: Free, easy, and reusable.
✖ Cons: Small growing space, best for seedlings only.
2. Plastic Bottle Greenhouse 🥤
Cost: $0-$5 | Best For: Small Plants & Seedlings
How It Works:
A simple 1- or 2-liter plastic bottle can be transformed into a protective greenhouse for young plants. The bottle helps retain warmth and humidity, protecting delicate sprouts from wind and cold temperatures.
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Cut a plastic bottle in half.
2️⃣ Remove the cap for ventilation.
3️⃣ Place the top half over a small plant or seedling.
4️⃣ Push the bottle slightly into the soil to keep it stable.
✔ Pros: Great for individual plants, protects from frost.
✖ Cons: Only works for small plants.
3. Old Window Frame Greenhouse 🏡
Cost: $10-$50 (Using Salvaged Materials) | Best For: Small Outdoor Greenhouses
How It Works:
Old windows make a beautiful and functional greenhouse. They already have glass panels, so all you need is a wooden frame to assemble them into a small greenhouse.
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Gather 4-6 old windows (check salvage yards or thrift stores).
2️⃣ Nail them together to form the walls.
3️⃣ Attach a hinged window on top to act as the roof.
4️⃣ Place on a raised garden bed or directly on the ground.
✔ Pros: Elegant and upcycled, perfect for larger plants.
✖ Cons: Requires some DIY skills and tools.
4. Plastic Storage Bin Greenhouse 🛍️
Cost: $5-$15 | Best For: Seed Starting & Small Container Plants
How It Works:
A clear plastic storage bin can function as a mini-greenhouse, trapping heat and moisture.
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Drill a few small ventilation holes in the lid.
2️⃣ Fill the bottom with pots or seed trays.
3️⃣ Close the lid and place it in a sunny area.
4️⃣ Open the lid slightly every few days to prevent mold.
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