Introduction: Build an Easy 5 X 5 Home Greenhouse for Under $25
The main pic is a larger version of the 5x5 Greenhouse. See the actual 5x5 image below. For more pics and info please see my website at: www.pondplantgirl.com/coldframe.htm
HAPPY PONDING!!!
See more videos at:www.pondplantgirl.com
Step 1: Supplies Needed
- 1/2" PVC Pipe
- 1/2" Corner Elbow Connectors
- 1/2" Adapters
- Primer and PVC Cement
- Scissors
- Long Zip Ties
- Hack Saw or Pipe Cutter
- Visquene or Plastic Sheeting
Thin clear plastic will not withstand past one season.
Box of 10' x 25' is $13.50, Cost per section roughly $7.50
- Total Cost = $20.50
Step 2: PVC Pipe
Assemble the pipe on a dry surface in a well ventilated area, such as a patio or driveway, and cut 2 of the 10' sections of PVC pipe in half, making a total of 4 - 5' sections of pipe.
Step 3: Assemble With PVC Primer and Cement
Swipe the inside of the elbow pieces and the ends of the PVC pipe with the purple primer. Do not swipe the inside of the threaded elbows.
After the primer dries, attach the elbows to the ends of the two 5' section of pipe with the PVC cement.
Attach the 10' section of pipe to the unthreaded end of an elbow with PVC cement and press down firmly.
Step 4: Here's Your Basic Shape!
After the cement will dries within a few minutes, carefully bend the 10' section of pipe and attached to the other unthreaded end of the 5' section of pipe with cement. Leverage might be needed to bend the pipe, such as leaning up against a wall to prevent slipping while bending the pipe.
Repeat instructions for framing the other side of your greenhouse.
Step 5: Cut Out the Pattern for the End Hoops.
Lay down the cold frame end on the plastic sheeting and cut out the end piece to attach. Be sure to leave at least 6 inches overlap. Allow for corners to be cut out in an L and pleat curve side. Only cut pleats about half way into the sheeting. Do not cut all the way down to the pipe line.
See pattern below.
The black is the assembled pipe
The blue is the outline pattern for the plastic sheeting
The green is where to cut the L corners
The red is the pleating. More can be made if needed.
Step 6: Attaching the Plastic
Attach the plastic sheeting to the frame with zip ties starting with the straight edge. Be sure to tuck plastic around the pipe. Slice small holes through plastic close to the frame. I poked a few of my holes too far from the frame structure, but it still looks just fine. Pull ties tight and trim tails. Repeat all the way around the frame.
Step 7: Connecting the PVC
Screw in threaded adapters to threaded elbow end. Attach the remaining 5 foot sections of pipe to the adapters to complete the frame. If you want a temporary structure, do not glue the bottom of your greenhouse pipe together. However, you will need duct tape or cement blocks to brace the base of your greenhouse. If you are using it out in the yard, you can also anchor it down with camping tent spikes.
Step 8: Covering the Frame
Cover frame with remaining plastic sheeting and cut to size.
Attach sheeting to frame ends with zip ties from top of frame to half way down. This will allow for access to the inside of your cold frame and will allow for airflow on windy days.
Edges of plastic sheeting can be weighed down with metal washers or clamped to frame.
Slice small holes in top of cold frame plastic to prevent rain water from puddling.
Step 9: Wow! That Was Easy!
A small cold frame greenhouse can be assembled in 1-2 hours. Cover your garden or pond to keep plants warm on cold winter days and nights!
Step 10: My Next Instructable
My next Instructable will be about how to build a snow country greenhouse and how to efficiently heat it with either solar or wind power. This picture shows heating with a dryer vent, which should only be used if put on a timer system.
If you have any questions or great ideas, please email me at gail@pondplantgirl.com!
HAPPY PONDING & HAPPY INVENTING!
:-) GAiL
