Introduction: Indoor Greenhouse

By Innovative Tom
About: As a young lad Tom spent most of his days at the heels of his father, working in their shop, also known as the basement. His dad was an extraordinary cabinet maker and while working on their 1850’s home,…

At one time building an indoor/outdoor greenhouse was only a vision. Seeing as though it was winter I needed a way to grow seeds inside. So my personal love for hot peppers drove me to build my own indoor/outdoor greenhouse, turning my vision into a reality. I designed the Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse, code name "Green Leaf " using Google SketchUp .

Step 1: Things You'll Need (tools & Materials)

  • Chop saw (miter-saw.. something that can cut 45 degree angles)
  • Circular, jig or table saw
  • Hammer 16oz at least ($6.95)
  • Glue ($2.97)
  • Nails
  • (2) Hinges
  • 48" Work Light ($13)
  • Mechanical Timer ($10) Optional
  • Desktop Heater ($40) Optional
  • (7) 8' lengths of 1x3 strips ($1.50 each)
  • (1) 4x8 sheet of twin wall , other sources (I was able to get leftovers from work at a decent price. But any clear plastic should work. Roughly $50.)
  • Google Sketchup (optional)
  • Green Leaf

    • Step 2: Cutting the Peaces of 1" X 3"

    1. I dont have any picture from me cutting with the miter-saw but I will try to explain the best I can.
    2. The one thing you want to make sure that your angles are cut going the right way. Some times I tend to get sloppy and cut them both going the same way.
    3. The top image is how you want them all to look, NOT THE BOTTOM!
    4. The cuts that I made were the short pieces for the top and sides
    5. (6) 17 1/4" with 45 Degree angles on both sides.
    6. The next cuts I made were the long pieces for the sides. (4) 26 3/4" pieces with 45's.
    7. Next i cut the short sides for the front and back (4) 27 1/2" with 45's.
    8. Then I cut the long sides of the top, front and back (6) 50 1/2" with 45's.

    Step 3: Putting the Frame Together

    1. I was using the Black and Decker Workmate which worked fine. Any table and vice will do though.
    2. Make sure to glue all the edges, vice both peaces in place.

      I did the side pieces first.
    3. Once the pieces are in place, use a single nail on the short side. This side will be covered by the top.Image 10.
    4. For the longer pieces I was able to clamp the bottom of the vertical piece and the hole of the horizontal piece. This proved to be the best method for the longer top, front, and back.
    5. Complete every side before moving on.

    Step 4: The Twin Wall

    1. Before I decided to make a flower box, I was able to get ahold of this twin wall so the sizes are a little weird. The green house was designed around these peaces of twin wall.

    2. That being said, I would cut to the inside dimensions of the frames or you can cut them about 3/4" bigger on each side so you have some room to mount the plastic.

    Step 5: Mounting the Twin Wall

    1. To mount the twin wall I used the 1" Wire Nails two per conner and spread them out evenly along each side.
    2. Be sure to put the best side of the frames facing out.
    3. I made sure the twin wall was centered the best I could, I didn't have control over there size. If i was able to do it again I would cut the twin wall to fit snug inside and glue them in. (I might end up doing so I will post an update if i do.)

    Step 6: ​Putting It All Together and Hardware

    1. I lined up the SIDE along the BACK and had my girlfriend hold it together for me. I glued along the edge and then nailed them together (3) 1-1/2" Wire Bard nails down the side.
    2. Do that for both sides then the top, don't forget to glue to top all three edges (including the long edge agains the back)
    3. Next I installed the front with two hinges. I placed them about 13" inches in. Pre Drill the holes first then screw them in using the screws they came with. Image 19.
    4. Next I added the eye hooks that came with my 48" florescent work light to the top fram e. Image 20
    5. I didn't add a handle yet but I plan to do so.

    Step 7: Wrapping Up

    1. Its a pretty good size but I found room right near my computer desk.
    2. In Image 21 you can see I have an industrial 15 amp mechanical timer for the light.
    3. I added a little heater because I like to keep the heat around 58-60 degrees fahrenheit during the day when no one is home so it keeps the box around 80 degrees fahrenheit.

    Step 8: ​Things to Come...

    1. Im looking to use the Arduino to monitor the temperature and upload the data to the web. It would also be able to turn on and off the heater as needed.
    2. Adding a finish to the wood so it can be outside as well as inside.

      Check out my website for the latest, Innovativetom.com
      Email Me: tom@innovativetom.com
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