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You’ve decided you want to build a DIY greenhouse? Well, in that case, you’re in luck. I’ve got 95 different concepts and DIY greenhouse plans for you to work from. Some of these free greenhouse plans are very rudimentary, and others are quite refined.
A few of these free greenhouse plans will get you your DIY greenhouse cheap and easily. And others will give you a large greenhouse that’s worthy of a commercial farm.
From mini greenhouses to hydrofarming havens, or tech-savvy setups that will care for your plants for you to cling film-wrapped frameworks, we have something here that will suit every experience level or need. So let’s dive in headfirst and find you the perfect free greenhouse plans for a free DIY greenhouse that you’ll love to use!
Small DIY Greenhouse Plans (under 10′)
Repurposed CD Case Greenhouse
Have you, like many others, switched over to playing music on your devices? Got an old stack of CD cases that you hate to just throw away? You can make them into a small DIY greenhouse that is also a free DIY greenhouse. With these free greenhouse plans you get a step-by-step tutorial, and learn exactly how to turn your trash into a garden treasure. Using modular materials makes building your own greenhouse easier.
| Size | 3.75’ x 2.5’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Plastic Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Plywood and Plastic DIY Greenhouse
While it won’t win any awards for beauty, functionally this DIY greenhouse is a very effective structure. The plywood lower panels provide warmth and wind protection at the base of the structure. Wooden upper framework anchors thick polyethylene sheeting in place. Check out the free greenhouse plans for this practical design with few materials needed.
| Size | 8’ x 8’ |
| Type | Soft/Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Tomato Tunnel DIY Greenhouse
This simple hoop house design is great for tomatoes, peppers, or other similar plants. Tall enough to provide protection from rain or wind, its design incorporate PVC pipes which are easy to assemble in an afternoon. Use poly sheeting to provide greenhouse protection. In the summer you can swap that out for shade cloth! This is one of the easier free greenhouse plans in this list and depending on what you have on hand, it could be a free DIY greenhouse.
| Size | 8’ x 3’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Wall-Mounted Folding DIY Greenhouse
Limited on space? Not to worry. Pick a south-facing wall and attach this folding small DIY greenhouse to it. Built in a modified lean-to style, it drops down to protect your plants from the elements. When not in use, it neatly folds back up against the wall and out of the way. These free greenhouse plans are another well-suited to a quicker setup due to the few materials needed. This is another design that could also be a free DIY greenhouse.
| Size | 8.25’ x 5’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Repurposed Bottle Cloche
If your soda bottles, gallon water bottles or juice bottles are stacking up in the recycle bin, reuse them for these free greenhouse plans! While technically not a true DIY greenhouse, a cloche acts much in the same fashion to provide protection for fragile plants without taking up too much space. This DIY design takes mere minutes to prepare and has very few materials needed. It’s a free DIY greenhouse for most! It will easily withstand the winter chill while protecting young growth.
| Size | Less than 1’ |
| Type | Semi-Rigid Wall, Plastic Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Temporary Rustic DIY Greenhouse
If you only need something for a short period of time and don’t want to invest much in your free greenhouse plans, this hoop-style free DIY greenhouse is for you. Using no more than flexible tree branches and poly sheeting, you can have a greenhouse protecting your plants in no time.
| Size | 4’ x 6’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Two-Pipe Crossover DIY Greenhouse
Sometimes, when it comes to free greenhouse plans, you just really don’t need anything particularly fancy. At times like that, some spare PVC pipes, a little poly sheeting, and a bit of time will produce this greenhouse. Extremely simple in concept, this greenhouse has an X-shaped frame which can easily be placed into any garden bed. It only takes a few minutes to assemble, but the time spent will be worth it. It could also be a free DIY greenhouse if you have everything on hand.
| Size | 4’ x 6’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Scenic Sloped-Roof DIY Greenhouse
While this is a commercial kit, the style of these free greenhouse plans is surprisingly easy to put together. For anyone with building experience, this should be a simple way to build your own greenhouse, and you can reference the online manual for more information about the project including lumber dimensions. For beginners, there’s a kit available with all of the parts pre-cut and ready to assemble.
| Size | 8’ x 8’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$-$$$$$ (self-built vs kit price) |
| Difficulty | Advanced (self-built), or beginner (kit) |
Bamboo Frame Greenhouse
Do you have an abundance of bamboo growing on your property, and want to get rid of some of it? Build your own greenhouse from it! These free greenhouse plans offer you information on the building process as well as what tools you’ll need.
| Size | 8’ x 6’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Bamboo Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Coop-Style Greenhouse
These greenhouse plans remind me of a chicken coop in how it’s designed. The interesting shape and size allows you to tuck your own greenhouse along a garage or side wall easily. The top sits just underneath the eaves. It’s narrow, so doesn’t take up a lot of extra space, but gives you plenty of room for seedling-starting or young plant protection. You’ll need a miter saw to build this one.
| Size | 8’ x 2’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Greenhouse Box
It’s boxy, it’ll fit on a table top or potting bench, and it will protect one larger plant or a whole seedling tray! While this greenhouse box isn’t anything elaborate, it’s certainly a functional greenhouse that’s surprisingly useful. If you have just a few plants or small succulents that don’t like the winter weather, these small greenhouse plans might be perfect for them.
| Size | 1’ x 1’ (can be built larger as desired) |
| Type | Semi-Rigid Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Clamshell Greenhouse
Named because it opens like a clam’s shell, this style of greenhouse is part cold frame, part greenhouse, and all awesome. Hoop house construction makes it very simple to build your own greenhouse. The plastic can be replaced in the spring with floating row covers to protect your plants from pests. When it’s no longer necessary, it can be removed entirely until it’s needed again! These greenhouse plans are a perfect solution for those who have raised bed gardens. No miter saw needed!
| Size | 8’ x 4’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC/Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Small Pane Window Greenhouse
For people with a very small yard or a balcony space, this small greenhouse with a windowpane style is the perfect choice. Mounted on a table base, it has a strong inner frame that supports the weight of the glass panels. And it looks adorable, too! Check out the greenhouse plans below to make one.
| Size | 2’ x 2’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Reclaimed Wood And Window Greenhouse
If you’ve got spare lumber in the yard, and a source for old windows, here’s a project you’ll enjoy. This lean-to style small greenhouse uses all sorts of shapes and sizes of old windows to create a protected space for your plants. It’s a simple way to build your own greenhouse as long as you’re patient enough to find what you need and puzzle out the spacing. These greenhouse plans offer you the chance to save money and reuse all the materials and old windows you have on hand. You may need a miter saw for this one.
| Size | 8’ x 8’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Small Greenhouse Pedestal
These greenhouse plans take a little familiarity with carpentry and glazing to provide, but if you have those skills, you can have a little pedestal greenhouse in no time at all. Charming visually, it’ll easily house a few plants during the cold months, and opens at the roof for ease of access.
| Size | 2.25’ x 1.5’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Railroad Tie Raised Bed With Greenhouse
While I personally wouldn’t use railroad ties as the basis of a raised bed (I’d use cinderblocks instead), it can be done. Line the interior of your bed with heavy plastic to prevent creosote contamination to the soil. Ensure there are drainage holes poked in the bottom, and then build this removable greenhouse over top. Check out the greenhouse plans below to make one and cover a few plants in your raised bed.
| Size | 8’ x 4’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wood/Railroad Tie Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
6×9 PVC Greenhouse
These thorough greenhouse plans show you the shape and quantity of every connector and PVC pipe you’ll need to build your own greenhouse. Further, it shows you some recommended cuts to make on the exterior greenhouse plastic. It’s a do it yourself small greenhouse with promise!
| Size | 6’ x 9’ |
| Type | Soft Walls, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Square Wooden Greenhouse
I love the design of these particular greenhouse plans because they offer multiple ventilation sources, including one along the base. That floor vent will be great in warmer weather with a fan set up to blow cooler air inside! Made to be a year-round structure, it should work for you in every growing season.
| Size | 8’ x 8’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
High-Tech Backyard Greenhouse
These small greenhouse plans, while tiny, fascinate me for their combination of tech with something very simple: a hoop-house style greenhouse. But where the greenhouse itself is quite simple, the tech is anything but. This greenhouse will water your plants for you. It also monitors the internal temperature and makes sure that it’s not too cold or too hot inside. If you like tech gadgetry and want to incorporate it into your garden, check this one out!
| Size | 3’ x 3’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced (for tech) |
Triangular Pallet Greenhouse
These greenhouse plans make probably the simplest and most basic greenhouse on the list. Using an old pallet, some scrap lumber, and some greenhouse plastic, this makes a rudimentary lean-to styled greenhouse. Because it’s built on a pallet base, your plants are slightly off the ground, although you could fill the pallet with soil for added warmth underneath.
| Size | Roughly 4’ by 3.2’ (pallet-sized) |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Inexpensive Polyethylene Greenhouse
Made from inexpensive polyethylene sheeting and a basic lean-to frame, these greenhouse plans will work quite adequately for most simple uses. If you want to increase the longevity, invest in higher quality greenhouse plastic or polycarbonate sheets!
| Size | 8’ x 6’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
DIY Octagonal Greenhouse
These are visually-stunning greenhouse plans. Unusual in that it’s an octagonal tubular structure, it has semi-rigid walls and a sloped roof with cupola vent. While it takes some carpentry skill to build, it’s well worth the time spent and will provide you with a permanent greenhouse with polycarbonate sheets that looks great in the yard.
| Size | Less than 10’ (Exact size unavailable) |
| Type | Semi-Rigid Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Cling-Film Greenhouse
This free greenhouse plan uses standard cling-film instead of greenhouse plastic, with all of the wooden frame pre-wrapped in film before assembly. This enables the cling film to secure to the frame more tightly. In addition, you can pre-wrap each wall segment to make a double-layered wall panel before attaching them together, adding another layer of warmth retention.
| Size | 9’ x 9’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Medium DIY Greenhouse Plans (10′-15′)
Barn-Style Greenhouse
With roofing side panels, a wooden frame, and semi-rigid corrugated plastic sheeting for the roof and upper side walls, this free greenhouse plan is a delight. Designed to hold up to the elements, it’s also stylish visually. It’ll do a fantastic job at offering plenty of light while keeping the chill off your plants, although you may have to add heating if you’re in a particularly cold environment.
| Size | 12’ x 11.5’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
Vented Ridgeline Greenhouse
This free greenhouse plan is designed to be built with soft plastic walls, but could be upgraded to hard poly sheets without much difficulty. One of its best features is the vent line along its top ridgeline. Excess heat can easily escape through there, maintaining a reasonable temperature inside. The sturdy frame ensures this greenhouse will last and last!
| Size | 10’ x 8’ |
| Type | Soft/Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Walk-Through Greenhouse
Want a greenhouse, but the door to your garage, basement, or other location would be blocked by it? Turn your greenhouse into a portal to your yard, instead! With a little planning, you can have a walk-through greenhouse that sits right up against your outside door and houses your plants. Even better, you don’t have to go out in the cold to water them during the winter! Click below to get this free greenhouse plan.
| Size | 10’ x 6.5’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Trampoline Greenhouse
Your kids have destroyed the trampoline, but now you have a massive frame taking up valuable yard space. What do you do with it? Turn it into the basis for a new trampoline greenhouse, of course! With a little bit of creativity, your garbage quickly becomes your garden’s winter safehouse with this free greenhouse plan.
| Size | 10’ x 8’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wood & Metal Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Steel-Frame Tri-Penta Greenhouse
You’ll need a little welding skill to create the parts for this free greenhouse plan, but if you do, its steel and wooden frame will ensure you never have to build another greenhouse again. This greenhouse is on the larger side of medium, although it can be sized down with a little work. Its interesting shape provides a much higher side profile, making it easier to reach spaces along the side walls.
| Size | Roughly 10-11’ diameter |
| Type | Soft Wall, Steel/Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$-$$$$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Portable Shipshape Greenhouse
This free greenhouse plan makes a structure is light enough that it can be easily moved, although not as lightweight as some of the PVC plans. It’s a good size, and its shape enables the owner to move around comfortably without ducking down to avoid the roof plastic.
| Size | 12’ x 8.5’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Single PVC Pipe Greenhouse
If you need something on the large side of medium, this PVC pipe frame free greenhouse plan secures the structure to a wooden footer. The square shape in these PVC plans makes it quite roomy and easily usable for bunches of growth. It’d even be effective for home hydroponics uses.
| Size | 12’ x 12’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
PVC Hobby Greenhouse
Wide enough to be quite comfortable to move around in, but not to take up the entire back yard, this free greenhouse plan is perfect for the semi-pro hobbyist. While it’s intended for using polyethylene sheeting, you can actually attach semi-rigid fiberglass to it as well, giving it more protection from snow or ice. It’s designed much like the temporary carport structures you can buy, just with greenhouse plastic overtop.
| Size | 9’ x 12’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Fat Rectangular Greenhouse
This fat rectangle in this free greenhouse plan offers an abundance of growing space. Designed to be a permanent structure, its support frame is sunk into the ground with concrete footing. Heavy-duty design means that this greenhouse will be around for many years to come. Get your tape measure handy for this one.
| Size | 12’ x 14’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Recycled Pallet Greenhouse
Got old pallets lying around, or a good supply of them? With this free greenhouse plan, you can take old pallets and poly sheeting and upcycle them into a surprisingly good, functional greenhouse. There’s a video available as well as a basic walkthrough on the site.
| Size | 6’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Pallet Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Reclaimed Window Greenhouse
Old windows from Habitat for Humanity stores or leftovers after home renovation don’t need to be disposed of. These old windows need to be repurposed into the perfect free greenhouse! While it might take you a bit to find the old windows you really need for this free greenhouse plan, you too can build this 8’ x 10’ greenhouse on a budget using old window frames and panes. A tape measure will be useful for this plan.
| Size | 8’ x 10’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wood Framing |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Basic Barn Greenhouse
This barn-shaped free greenhouse plan provides a structure has some ventilation planned out, as well as a really nice exterior shape. Neither too large nor too small, it’s a great style for someone who wants a mid-sized greenhouse that looks good but is still a sturdy and functional greenhouse. You will need a tape measure for this.
| Size | 10’ x 12’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Flat Top Greenhouse
Sometimes, you don’t need much more in your free greenhouse plan than a box to safeguard and help your plants thrive. In this flat-topped greenhouse, plenty of sunlight can get in while the chill stays out. Be forewarned that if you have heavy rain or snow conditions, this may not be your best choice. But for a southern California cool-weather option, this is perfect.
| Size | 10’ x 6’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Solar Heated Greenhouse/Guesthouse
Can’t decide between a greenhouse or a guesthouse? Why not a free greenhouse plan that could be used for both? This unusual structure can be built with acrylic paneling or window glass to be a fully functioning greenhouse. It also makes a great plan for a tiny house in the back yard for your guests. Regardless of which way you go with it, it’s worth considering! Bring our your tape measure to build this baby!
| Size | 10’ x 12’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$-$$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
Raise The Roof Ventilated Greenhouse
This wood-frame greenhouse plan provides the option to open up the roof panels for ventilation purposes. A good size for most long and narrow yards, it will keep your plants shielded from the weather with a sharply-sloped roof and thick plastic sheeting.
| Size | 5’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Basic Backyard Greenhouse
Neither overly large nor overly small, this narrow-top, wide base greenhouse plan results in an interesting shape. With some shelves added along the sides, you should be able to have multiple levels of plants exposed to the sunlight.
| Size | 7’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
DIY Wooden Frame Greenhouse
Solid wood framing forms a really nicely-shaped greenhouse in this greenhouse plan. While not elaborate, it will certainly do its job! A tall peaked roof provides ample headroom, even for taller users. This could be a cedar greenhouse or it could be made of some other kind of hard wood.
| Size | 6’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A-Frame PVC Greenhouse
Simple A-frame construction makes this a super-easy greenhouse plan. The triangular shape provides ease of rainshed while protecting fragile plants within. It’s designed to set in place right over a garden bed!
| Size | 5’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Walls, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Another A-Frame PVC Greenhouse
Slightly different PVC plans make this design worth mentioning as well. In this style, it’s not a true A-frame as there’s a peaked roof area lifted off the ground by poles. Still, it’s close enough to merit the name. Depending on what PVC parts you have in your workshop, either A-frame design will do!
| Size | 5’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Walls, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
8×10 Wood Greenhouse
Very basic plans for a simple 8’ x 10’ greenhouse structure are provided here. A gabled roof helps to disperse rainwater while the soft-wall sides repel the cold. You can add vent panels on the rooftop if you so choose by securing them in place at the peak. This design could also produce a cedar greenhouse if you so choose.
| Size | 8’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Walls, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Snow-Slider Greenhouse
Built to handle Canadian snow depths, this greenhouse has a particularly pointed shape designed to shed snow fast. It’s a large, squared-off structure which will easily house an abundance of plant life and keep it safe from the cold weather.
| Size | 12’ x 12’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Slender Wall-Side Greenhouse
Long and skinny, this greenhouse is almost more of an enclosed shelf for your plants than what most would consider a greenhouse. If you have a south-facing wall to take advantage of the winter sun, this can provide you plenty of plant space in a very small greenhouse footprint.
| Size | 12’ x 2’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Video Walkthrough of Wooden Frame Greenhouse
This video walkthrough takes you step-by-step through the construction of a wood-frame greenhouse. Our link takes you to the first in his series. It’s a good, solid greenhouse, and a great video for people who’re trying to learn the building process from a firsthand source.
| Size | 12’ x 10’ |
| Type | Semi-Rigid Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Large DIY Greenhouse Plans (16’+)
Wood-Framed Greenhouse
This is a very sturdy greenhouse, especially if you buy a thick greenhouse plastic for it. Large enough to start your entire garden, this framework enables you to use it year after year. While you will inevitably have to replace your exterior plastic, it’s a simple matter of stapling new sheeting in place.
| Size | 16’ x 10’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Hoop Frame Greenhouse
While building a hoop house is a pretty standard procedure, this DIY PVC greenhouse is a great addition to any large garden. I do mean large, however – it’s a massive 32 feet long! The plans could be scaled down once you’ve read through this tutorial to see how it’s done.
| Size | 32’ x 12’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Geodome Greenhouse
If you’ve got enough space available, why not go for a structure that will truly handle all conditions? Geodesic domes are known for their wind resistance, and the heavy framework can be used with either soft greenhouse film or sturdy poly paneling. A geodome greenhouse can protect lots of small potted plants, and larger potted plants as well.
| Size | 18’ diameter (circular) |
| Type | Soft/Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
French Window Greenhouse
Did you have your old windows replaced in your home recently? Know a place to find reclaimed doors from old homes? This French window greenhouse offers you the benefit of reusing those old French doors or window panels to create a quite pretty and fully functional greenhouse. While it takes a bit of planning to lay it out perfectly, you will end up with a beautiful, useful garden structure when it’s complete.
| Size | 10’ x 14’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
PVC Pipe Frame Greenhouse
Do you have enough space and want something virtually indestructible? This PVC pipe frame greenhouse allows you to use conduit pipe, either PVC or metal, to build yourself a long greenhouse. Suitable for small farms or big yards, the free plans for this greenhouse offer an abundance of room for everything you could possibly need.
| Size | 48’ x 9.6’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC/Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Scissor-Blade Truss Greenhouse
The trussed rafter resembles scissor blades, giving this greenhouse its name. In reality, it’s a monstrously big greenhouse, suitable for commercial use. A heavy-duty wooden frame holds dense, thick poly sheeting. With these free plans, you can build ventilation into the walls or ends of the greenhouse as needed. The interior is incredibly roomy, capable of holding hundreds of plants both large and small.
| Size | 21’ x 40’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Gothic Rafter Greenhouse
The gothic rafter on this greenhouse helps to ensure it sheds rain without the slightest difficulty. A sharp peak at the top curls downward to rounded shoulders, leading down to the sides. This is another massive greenhouse suited for commercial or farm use, or for people who’re trying to develop the perfect grow tent for environmental control. Check out these free plans to add a bit of architecture to your garden.
| Size | 21’ x 40’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Outdoor Storage With Greenhouse
If you’re in need of a shed and a greenhouse, you’re in luck! These free plans combine both into one functional outbuilding that will house your tools while it shelters your greenery. You’ll have plenty of space for buckets of compost or bags of potting soil, perhaps even room for a small greenhouse potting bench in the storage side. In the greenhouse side, which is soft-sided, plenty of light will reach your plants.
| Size | 10’ x 14’ |
| Type | Soft/Hard Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Wooden Frame Greenhouse
This sturdily-constructed wooden frame greenhouse can stand up to some hard weather. Its sloped roof allows snow or rain to slide right off. Crossbeams provide extra strength and support to the poly sheeting walls, keeping the wind from penetrating easily. Sizeable enough to hold a few greenhouse benches, using these free plans should keep more than a few plants warm and safe from the wintry chill.
| Size | 12’ x 17’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Long Pipe Frame Greenhouse
When I said long, I meant really, really long. This massive polytunnel enables you to do full farm-style growing in a carefully-maintained environment, protecting as many plants as you need to. You’ll be able to handle growing plants and even young sapling trees inside this greenhouse. It’s perfect for the aspiring arborist or the farm-to-store grower alike.
| Size | 25’ x 96’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Metal Pipe |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
28 Foot Poly Greenhouse
By 28 foot, I mean 28 foot wide. This is definitely a commercial-sized structure at 96 feet in length! If you are in need of an immense greenhouse, this should be perfect. This would also make an excellent hydrofarm setup. You can also use fiberglass panels instead of poly sheeting to make it a rigid structure.
| Size | 28’ x 96’ |
| Type | Soft/Hard Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
Large Wood-Frame Greenhouse
If you need a big greenhouse, but you’re not sure how big you need, these plans can be extended to double the length quite easily. Wooden frame construction is a breeze with a little skill and these detailed plans.
| Size | 24’ x 48’, can be extended to 96’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$-$$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
Doubled PVC Pipe Greenhouse
With double the PVC pipes on the side walls to form a rigid lower frame, this polytunnel-like structure is a large but effective option. Anywhere where wind is a concern would benefit from this design! Its squared-off shape makes it useful in a large back yard as a greenhouse for your hydro-farm.
| Size | 16’ x 16’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Frame made of PVC Pipes |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Long Rectangular Greenhouse
Longer than it is wide, this greenhouse has extremely sturdy foundations. Sunk posts in concrete footings provide great stability in wind and rain. While this frame is intended for walls of greenhouse plastic, you can also use fiberglass panels to create a rigid exterior.
| Size | 10’ x 16’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Buried Greenhouse
Control your greenhouse temperature with the soil itself. This flue-heated greenhouse is half-buried in the ground, allowing for plenty of light through its roof but keeping most pests and diseases out. Because of its design, it can stay cool in the summer or warm in the winter.
| Size | 18.5’ x 10’ |
| Type | Buried Walls, Rigid Roof, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Commercial Polytunnel Greenhouse
Truly commercial in scope, this climate-controlled greenhouse is designed in such a way that it includes internal plant beds, a heating and ventilation system, and 3000 square feet of space. This is only for the most experienced, although it would make a great addition to a farm setup.
| Size | 3000 square feet (massive) |
| Type | Soft/Semi-Rigid/Hard Wall, Frame Variable |
| Cost | $$$$$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Windproof Hoop Greenhouse
If you need about 300 square feet of space, and you live in the desert or on a hill where the wind blows hard, this is fantastic. Hoophouse-style, the design of this greenhouse is reinforced by extra arched greenhouse spaced closer together than in most styles. They’re secured in place and unable to separate to allow for the wind to catch the plastic cover.
| Size | 24’ x 12’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Frame made of PVC Pipes |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Sealed Polytunnel Greenhouse
Large and designed in a way to keep critters from burrowing into your safe space, this greenhouse is well-sealed and protective. Mesh panels keep rodents from invading, and poly walls offer good light as well as weather protection.
| Size | 10’ x 32’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Frame made of PVC Pipes |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Budget Ventilated Hoop Greenhouse
With built-in vent panels on the front and back, you can easily install heaters or fans to keep the air inside from going too humid. This hoop-style greenhouse may not look fancy, but it does its job surprisingly well.
| Size | 10’ x 20’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Lean-To Greenhouse
Intended to lean up against a long wall of your house or garage, this greenhouse is constructed of a nice wooden frame and poly sheeting. It’s simple to construct, and should easily hold up to most weather conditions thanks to its angled roof. You may wish to add some form of sealant between the house and the greenhouse to keep moisture from sneaking in along the wall.
| Size | 16’ x 9’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Cattle Panel Hoop Greenhouse
In spring and summer, the cattle panels provide trellises and a place to drop a shadecloth. In the fall, once you’ve trimmed back the dead climbing plants, you can add plastic sheeting to turn this long hoop house into a true greenhouse, reinforced by steel mesh panels.
| Size | 7’ x 21’ |
| Type | Semi-Rigid Sides, Metal Framing |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
Need a big geodesic dome? Depending on what components you opt to use, you can have one which might survive a nuclear blast or one which should at least survive the winter. This construction process teaches you how to do one from scratch with wood rails and homemade vertices.
| Size | 20’ diameter |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Recycled Wood Greenhouse
I really love this reuse project. Using discarded acrylic sheets (after some serious cleanup work) and old beams from a slowly-deteriorating pergola, this builder developed a large and beautiful structure. Not only does it look fantastic in his garden, it does wonders for his plants.
| Size | 16.5’ x 13’ |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Canadian Super-Sturdy Wood Greenhouse
Packed with support structures, this large greenhouse can hold up to the weight of a snowy Canadian winter with no problem. Surprisingly enough, it’s not sided with hard plastic, but with greenhouse film! This is a rigid structure that can take on the coldest of winters with no problem.
| Size | 25’ x 15’ |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Variable Size DIY Greenhouse Plans
Old Window Pane Greenhouse
If you’ve got a bunch of old windows sitting around, why not put them to work for you as a greenhouse? While this one also depends on the size of your old windows, it’s very easy to combine together multiple old windowpanes to build a functioning and solid-wall structure. You may need some extra lumber to fill in gaps, but otherwise it’s like putting together a puzzle.
| Size | Varies by window size/configuration |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Plastic Bottle Greenhouse
Do you have a never-ending mountain of plastic water bottles? Want to be eco-friendly? Build yourself a greenhouse from them! While this takes some serious planning, and you need to save your bottles for a while, it’s a fun project to take on. Best of all, you’re keeping waste out of the landfill while creating your structure.
| Size | Varies depending on style |
| Type | Semi-rigid Wall, Variable Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to intermediate |
Permanent Sidewall Solarium
If you had considered simply making an addition to your house that could act as a greenhouse, you’re not alone. This solarium offers plenty of light for your plants, but also includes a roll-down shade option. While these plans don’t provide size, they do give an excellent concept of how to construct your own permanent solarium addition to your residence.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$$-$$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
Temporary Lean-To Greenhouse
Constructed of either PVC pipes or a wooden frame, with tightly-wrapped poly sheeting, this temporary greenhouse is easy to build. It takes very little effort to plan out the exact specs for your space. Meant to lean up against a wall for support, you can add extra stability with a few clamps secured to the wall and protect more than a few plants. These are highly detailed instructions as well, and you’ll need a miter saw.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Soft Wall, PVC/Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Fruit Walls Instead Of Greenhouse
Are you an arborist trying to figure out how to shelter your fruit trees? Perhaps you are an avid gardener with large rosebushes that do poorly in the wintry chill. In either case, there’s been a solution that has been around for far longer than the greenhouse: a fruit wall. With this informative piece, you can learn all about the history of the fruit wall, how it was used, and how it might work in your yard today.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Variable |
| Cost | $-$$$$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Advanced |
Heavy-Duty Metal Frame Greenhouse
This site will show you how to build anything from a 6’ wide low-arched greenhouse to a 24’ wide high-arched greenhouse. With a metal frame that’ll hold its own against the wind and weather, all you need to add is some high-quality greenhouse plastic and you’re ready to go! No miter saw needed!
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Soft Wall, Metal Frame |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Modular Triangular Greenhouse
I love the design of this. Using some lightweight wood for supports, the majority of this greenhouse is constructed of a rigid plastic and cable ties. The wood is really only there to just keep it from moving around! It can be built in virtually any configuration or size you need simply by changing the size of the triangular segments.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Hard Wall, Plastic/Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Glass Jar-Wall Greenhouse
Are you a super-recycler? Not only could this be used to build a greenhouse, but it would make good small greenhouse shed plans as well. Using a wooden frame that’s been filled with hundreds of glass jars, you can build a functional and surprisingly pretty greenhouse. You can even tile the floor with the jar lids!
| Size | Variable depending on need |
| Type | Hard Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Old Carport Greenhouse
Did the vinyl cover from that old carport finally rot off? Put the pipes to use to build a greenhouse instead. This design uses one of the segments from a longer carport with a wooden frame built to add rigidity, but you can make it longer if you want to use the entire carport. The style offers tons of space above in case you want to hang grow lights or add heater units. You will need a miter saw for this one.
| Size | Variable depending on carport |
| Type | Soft Side, Metal/Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $-$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Pyramid Greenhouse Video
If you’ve ever wanted a pyramid-shaped greenhouse, this video will show you how to install heavy greenhouse plastic to the frame. You can either develop the plans for the frame yourself, or purchase a bracket kit from the video’s maker. It can be any size you require, and the exact dimensions will vary depending on what you choose.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Soft Wall, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Pallet Wrap Greenhouse Video
Instant greenhouse, just add… pallet wrap? Yes, that’s right, this is just a very rudimentary framework with a heavy plastic sheeting top and pallet wrapped sides. Surprisingly, it holds up to the wind and weather rather well. While I don’t recommend making your structure 10’ tall as these folks did, you can get a very effective greenhouse with much space for not much money.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $ |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Other Greenhouse Equipment
Heating & Ventilation For Your Greenhouse
No, this isn’t a greenhouse itself — but it’s very much required, especially for people in areas that get hotter or colder weather. These detailed instructions offer you much-needed solutions for airflow management and warmth management. If you’re aiming for a fully-controlled environment, this will be invaluable for you. You’ll need a miter saw to build this one.
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Heating/Ventilation Systems |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced |
Benches For Your Greenhouse
Also not DIY greenhouse plans, but these plans for a wide spectrum of greenhouse benches will be perfect for your setup. Whether multi-tiered or single-layer, you’ll find something that will work perfectly for you here. Transite, wood, even welded wire fabric is used to create the top surface, and you’ll find a variety of leg options as well as a step-bench arrangement. Get our your miter saw and get sawing!
| Size | Variable |
| Type | Greenhouse Benches |
| Cost | $$-$$$ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Solar Soil-Warmer For Your Greenhouse
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These 8×8 DIY greenhouse plans come with information that can be applied to virtually any other greenhouse to add a solar soil-warmer system. Very little is offered in terms of these DIY greenhouse plans, so I consider this to be plans for the soil warming system.
| Size | 8’ x 8’ |
| Type | Soft Side, Wooden Frame |
| Cost | $$ |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it cheaper to buy or build a greenhouse?
A: It really depends on what you want to do, and what materials are available to you. If you have a lot of old construction materials lying around, it may be better to build your own DIY greenhouse!
Q: Do greenhouses stay warm in winter?
A: As long as it is properly constructed, sealed, and placed, your DIY greenhouse can maintain a temperature that’s 20° to 30°F warmer than the outside air.
Q: Do greenhouses work in winter?
A: Absolutely! You want to ensure you’re prepared. Seal your DIY greenhouse properly, vent it, and ensure the plants you’re growing have appropriate conditions to thrive.
Q: How to get a greenhouse for free?
A: Some states offer grants for greenhouses to farmers. The US federal government has programs for this purpose as well. However, if you have the time, you can acquire materials needed to build your own free DIY greenhouse.
Q: Should a greenhouse have a floor?
A: It depends on the purpose of your DIY greenhouse. Some growers build a hoop house directly over raised beds or in-ground plantings. Some like to have a concrete foundation poured for their DIY greenhouses that is level and easy to clean.
Q: What temperature is too cold for a greenhouse?
A: It, again, depends on the plants you’d like to cultivate inside your DIY greenhouse. Most plants do best in temperate weather. Many DIY greenhouses can handle small cold snaps. Winter crops generally like a kiss of frost. The purpose of your greenhouse will determine how you need to control the temperature.
Q: How can I heat my greenhouse for free in winter?
A: Thermal mass is one way to provide free DIY greenhouse heating. This involves placing your house in the appropriate manner, and ensuring it’s properly sealed and vented.
Q: Should a greenhouse be in full sun all day?
A: If you’d like to use thermal mass to heat your DIY greenhouse, ensure it’s in a full sun area. If the greenhouse is more for plants that enjoy lower light and cooler temperatures, place it in a shady area, or hang plants from the ceiling to shade out other plants below.
