Build a Recycled Greenhouse
using Old Windows

This recycled greenhouse is situated below their home's upper deck—what a clever way Bev and her husband made of this otherwise under-used space!

A Smart Use of Under-Used Space

Bev started building it last Oct (2011) and it took around two months, but she says "more like a month really, as we had time out due to sickness and a trip."

Bev says: "Here is my recycled greenhouse/potting shed. I built four bins, two on top, and two underneath, for potting mixtures"

Top Two Bins Have Removable Covers

Bev says, "The two top ones have removable covers, so in the winter I can just plant lettuce and spinach right in them! All the counters are slatted boards. I did start some broccoli and cabbage and a few are starting to come up in pots.

"Can't wait to get them outside so they can get some real sun! I've just stained the counters and need to apply spa varnish before I start to work out there. Onions will be next!

I do those by seed so I need to start them early ... I did them in the spring last year so they are still out in the garden growing!"

Measure Twice, Cut Three Times!

According to Bev, to make her recycled greenhouse it was a case of "measure twice and cut three times!" (I know how *that* goes!) :-) and claims that they're total newbies at DIY stuff (though I can't tell—just look at these great photos!)—just a bit of touch-up paint/stain, and the job's a good 'un! :-)

The greenhouse was built around the recycled windows—but the rest of the stuff was from Lowe's.

The siding is called LP SmartSide Paneling—pressed-wood pieces on one side, and molded to look like paneling on the other side. The panels come pre-primed and ready to paint!

Bev put up pegboard on the walls, very handy for hanging tools.

I Have All My Seedlings In Here

I asked Bev what she will grow in her recycled greenhouse?

She told me, "I have all my seedlings here; tomatoes, peppers, squash of all kinds; herbs and some flowers—and eggplant! I had my broccoli, cabbage, and Swiss chard started in there, but they are now outside."

Master Gardener Certification

It's vitally important to know what you're doing. Bev decided she would take classes and get her Master Gardener certification.

The course started February 2nd, and finished on April 19th—and Bev's now a proud Master Gardener! I asked Bev what's the best thing she learned from the Master Gardener classes?

Her response: "We had some great hands-on classes about pruning fruit trees and smaller fruits like grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, and Companion Planting or Farm Scaping which means planting certain veg and/or flowers next to certain vegetables to repel or attract good bugs and bad bugs... as well as rotating your veggies with plants that are not within the same family. Kind of an organic type of pest control."

Community Garden

I posed this question to Bev next: Will you use the Master Gardener Certification for your own use, or do you think you'll use it in another capacity?

Bev: "Mostly for my own use, but I am also helping start a community garden for some folks I know and plan to do some volunteer work for Jackson and Swain County (in North Carolina).

"We need to continue to put in 20- to 40-hours a year of training and volunteer work to keep our certification."

What A Great Recycled Greenhouse!

Volunteer To Maintain Certification

Wow, I certainly didn't know you had to do volunteer work to maintain certification! You learn something new every day ;-)

To be honest, I've never met such a hard-working lady—not only does Bev do all this, but she's a top-notch Realtor too!

About Greenhouse DIY Kits...

Used by Permission / Canva registered user

Are Greenhouse Kits Easy to Erect?

Yes, most greenhouse kits are easy to erect. The average person can usually have a kit assembled in a few hours.

What is the Best Way to Heat a Greenhouse?

The best way to heat a greenhouse is with a propane heater. This will provide a consistent level of heat that will not fluctuate with the outside temperature.

Do Greenhouses Need Ventilation?

Yes, greenhouses need ventilation to prevent the build-up of heat and humidity inside the greenhouse. The ventilation should be opened in the morning to let the hot air out and closed in the evening to keep the warm air in.

Used by Permission / Canva registered user

What is the Best Way to Cool a Greenhouse?

The best way to cool a greenhouse is with an evaporative cooler. This will lower the temperature inside the greenhouse by up to 30 degrees.

Tips for Building a Greenhouse

1. Choose a location for the greenhouse that gets plenty of sunlight.
2. Make sure the location has level ground and is well-drained.
3. Choose a greenhouse kit that is easy to assemble.
4. Follow the instructions carefully when assembling the greenhouse.
5. Ventilate the greenhouse regularly to prevent the build-up of heat and humidity.
6. Insulate the greenhouse to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool in during the summer.
7. Water the plants inside the greenhouse regularly.
8. Fertilize the plants inside the greenhouse regularly.
9. Prune the plants inside the greenhouse regularly to promote growth.

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