Mini Greenhouse

I've been really keen to start growing some veg and herbs at home, and I'm keen to do it with hydroponics, but I first need something to grow. 


I decided to build a small greenhouse with some scrap material to get my seedlings going. Instead of having to buy seedlings at the store, I can plant continuously and move to the hydroponic system as required, ensuring a consistent supply. 

Step 1

I opted to make a long and narrow greenhouse utilising the full width of the roof sheet, optimising what I already had. 


This is how I cut it:


For the top:

2x 350x850mm


For the back and front:

4x 450x850mm


For the sides:

1x 450x850mm, cut in half (2x 450x425mm)


You can cut this with whatever your have, even a utility knife. I used a dremel.

screenshot 1

Step 2

Now you need to cut down your conduit to make a from. Start with the lid.


I wanted the lid frame to be recessed 25mm in from the edge, so that it would fit inside the outer frame. Lay the 2x 350mm pieces of sheeting end to end with 1 overlap to get the total size.


I measured this and cut the following from 1 length of conduit:


2x 1510mm

2x 210mm


Fit these together to form a rectangle with 4x tight bends. You don't have to glue this if you don't want (I didn't) because the fit is already pretty tight, but if you do want to make sure you use PVC weld.


Once you have your frame made, screw is down in the middle of your sheeting. Drilling pilot holes will be a big help here.

screenshot 2

Step 3

Now you need to make the sides. 


The process is the same here. Make two PVC frames to fit on the outside of the one you have made for the lid.


I measured this and cut the following from 2 lengths of conduit:


4x 1580mm

4x 270mm


TIP: Cut 2 long and 2 short pieces from each length.


Now you need to assemble the 2 frames, and attached the sheeting, like making a box. Start with the long sides, and you can wrap the short sides around to seal it up a bit. 


This is a really awkward thing to do, but once you have the first side attached to the first frame it gets easier.

  • screenshot 3
  • screenshot 4
  • screenshot 5

Step 4

And that's just about it!


Now you can put this on a table, the ground, a frame, anything you want! I built a small frame to get mine off the ground from some scrap timber I had.


Get your seedlings in there, make sure they have plenty of water, and happy growing!

IMG_20200602_160650

Materials

This is based on the materials I had at home. You can tweak this as required.


1x 850x3000mm Sheet of clear polycarbonate roof sheeting.

3x 4m Lengths 25mm PVC conduit.

12x 25mm conduit short bends.

A handful of screws.


Tools

Tape Measure.

Dremel/angle grinder/utility knife to cut the roof sheet.

Hacksaw/mitre saw to cut the conduit.

A drill with a drill bit smaller than your screws.

A screwdriver.