Several years ago, while my wife and I were looking for our little homestead, the one thing I was most excited about was building a greenhouse for my plants.
We started searching for greenhouse plans. Of course! I didn’t want some rinky-dink greenhouse.
I wanted something that was at least 12ft wide. Some space to move around, store garden supplies, etc.
My Search for Greenhouse Building Plans
In August of that year, we were at our home, so I spent that fall comparing options, prices, and styles.
I shopped from some of the larger retailers to see if purchasing a pre-built greenhouse would be economically feasible. Further, I searched all fall and winter.
When spring came the following year, I still had no greenhouse to start my seeds.
I was disappointed in what I found for sale in the price range we could afford. The only greenhouse I could find in our price range looked lovely in the photos, but the reviews indicated not one person was satisfied with the quality.
Most people stated that after a year or so, the greenhouse just fell apart.
I eventually realized that to get a quality greenhouse I could afford would be to build it myself. So, that’s what I did.
I designed my own from scratch using some free drafting tools on the web.
However, during my search, I found some great resources for greenhouse designs that can fit into any budget. I hope you enjoy the free greenhouse plans that I found.
If these plans don’t end up satisfying you, I recommend these books for more reading:
I will say that I love these plans because the finished product stands out and fits well within my yard. I actually used these plans as a starting point when I designed my own.
They have free plans available, but you can also purchase more detailed ones for $5. It’s good for the budget-conscious. Free Plans
This plan is perfect for winter frost which can be annoying with other ones. It is crucial to place the greenhouse under the winter sun without any shadow disruption with a drainage facility.
2. Free Greenhouse Plans from How to Specialist
Here is a variation of the plans from above.
They are a little bit more simplified and a great weekend project if you want to get something up quickly. Download the plans here.
I particularly like the high, south-facing vent/windows on this design.
3. Budget Friendly Plan
If you are looking for something cheap and easy, this is the plan for you. At only 50 bucks, you really can’t go wrong.
This one is a combination of wood and PVC pipe. Check out their page for the plans.
This design is perfect to get you started on a quick setup. You can begin with this one before committing to a more permanent structure. It can also be taken down easily in winter to many other designs.
4. Another Plan from How to Specialist
Here is another design from How to Specialist. Personally, I like to see some images of the finished product but hey, it’s free, so I’m not going to complain. Get the DIY plans here.
This one is simple but effective, though… a bit small for my taste. Although there are a couple of prerequisites for the greenhouse. It should be laid on fertile ground in Southern orientation. The plan requires at least 6 hours of daylight per day. Besides, if you want your greenhouse to last years, consider getting quality lumber.
5. Build an Arched Greenhouse from PVC Pipe
Ok, I like these plans for several reasons. They are relatively inexpensive to build and you can customize them to whatever size you want.
Living out in the country, I see a lot of these around. For plans and TONS of user-submitted photos, visit their website.
PVC, it seems, can be used for just about anything; greenhouses are no exception. If you don’t live in an area with high winds, this design should suit you fine, but on a blustering day, you may wish you had built something sturdy.
6. The Barn Style Greenhouse
Want a greenhouse that withstands the harsh northern winters?
This sturdy structure is perfect for round-year use, I need to send this one to my “Motha in New Joisey.” Download the plans.
This design is one of my favorites on this list. It’s rugged and permanent.
7. Build a Greenhouse from Recycled Bottles
Don’t want to throw away all those water and soda bottles? Need a good excuse to rummage through your neighbors’ trash?
Put them to good use by upcycling them into this unique greenhouse. Learn more about this great little project here.
This greenhouse is excellent if you’re the artist type looking for a unique project.
However, for the utilitarian, it is better to go with a conventional build.
8. Free Greenhouse Plans from Mother Earth News
Are you so overprotective of your plants that you are willing to camp out?
How about a greenhouse with a sleeping loft?
This solar-powered hut is definitely on my list of most unique. Read the full article on Mother Earth News.
Is it a greenhouse or a tiny house? It almost looks like it could be either. It’s unique and cute but probably not very practical for the budget-minded homesteader.
9. Free Greenhouse Plans from YellaWood
Simple but detailed plans to build a greenhouse using pressure-treated lumber. Download the plan here.
This design is straightforward and conventional. The downloadable (and printable) PDF download should be easy to follow if you have basic building skills.
10. Small Greenhouse Plans
These plans are pretty great. They have everything, including written instructions. Download the plans.
The main objective of the greenhouses is to get maximum sunlight that can be achieved by placing them away from buildings and trees. If you want to have a steady permanent greenhouse, then start off with a wooden frame. However, if you are not planning too far, then PVC pipes would be a good option.
This design is fully functional and suitable for the growing hobby farm.
11. Free Hoop House Plans
Here is another hoop house plan that I found. Great tutorial. Get the greenhouse plans here. If it’s a hoop house that you are after, visit Bootstrap Farmer for all kinds of greenhouse parts and accessories.
The hoop house is the most common of all greenhouses. The wind blows over them better than square designs, and water drops run off easily. With the heavy plastic sheathing, you can also roll it up or down to ventilate when necessary.
12. Thrifty Greenhouse
Small, practical, and easy to build. This greenhouse doesn’t come with plans, but you can quickly build your own from the pics! Get the plans here.
This one is cute, simple, affordable, and perfect for smaller gardens and homeowners who just want to get seeds started.
13. Free Greenhouse Plans from BuildEazy
Did the dog eat all your CDs? Put those old covers to use in this INGENIOUS project. Great for starting seeds. Greenhouse from CD covers.
Yeah, I know, it’s barely a greenhouse, but it’s unique nevertheless.
14. Great Article on a Greenhouse Build
Follow along with this family’s build of their own greenhouse. What an awesome job they did. Throw a few old windows in there and some paint! Read their blog here.
A lot of homesteaders have scrap lumber laying around, and this is the perfect type of greenhouse build if you’re just looking to get something together without buying a bunch of new material.
15. How to Build a GeoDome Greenhouse
If you love cutting compound angles and you’re a big fan of retro 70s then this design is perfect for you. Build this geodesic dome greenhouse by following their plans here.
The dome shape is designed to get the most out of the sunlight from dusk to dawn. The dome also helps to remain free of the snow, especially in the Northern parts of the world. Also, it has maximum ground coverage and looks fancy.
Besides, I really like this design for its visual appeal. It looks more inviting than any of the others – my own included!
Greenhouse Plan Wrap Up
Well, folks, those are the most interesting plans that I found. I wish you much luck on your project, it may be a little work, but it will be worth it.
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