Whether you want to usher tender plants through the winter outdoors or get a jump on spring propagation, a backyard greenhouse is a handy solution. But it can also be an expensive one. In addition, some gardeners tend to bite off more greenhouse than they can chew.
A backyard greenhouse constructed from inexpensive materials. Photo courtesy of NC State Extension.
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension publication “A Small Backyard Greenhouse for the Home Gardener” provides plans for building an inexpensive 12-by-14-foot “hoophouse” out of PVC pipe, electrical metallic tubing, plastic sheeting and pine lumber. The publication provides information about how to choose the best site along with step-by-step building instructions.
Start building!
View the resource, along with construction plans and finished photos, at the NC State Extension website.
Share Your Thoughts
Have a question about this story or just want to share what you thought? We’d love to hear from you!
More ideas to stretch your gardening season
Extending the Growing Season
Greenhouses allow for a variety of fresh produce and flowers year-round
