How to make a mini greenhouse for your vegetable garden
Many vegetable growers will have some sort of mini greenhouse or polytunnel solution in their garden in order to protect seedlings from cold temperatures. Mini Greenhouses are a powerful way of speeding up the seed to seedling process, warming up soil and also providing great protection from unwanted pests and insects. However they also need to be carefully managed to ensure you don't overheat your veggies causing distress on plants.
Building mini greenhouses are very straightforward. They come in a range of shapes and sizes and in this article we have tried to consolidate the information into a handy guide so you can choose the best method suitable for you.
Step 1: Build the mini greenhouse frame
The size of your garden bed will be the biggest factor in determining the size of your frame for the mini greenhouse. You will need to choose a width and length that provides adequate coverage of your soil and enough space for your plants to grow.
Timber Frame Mini Greenhouse
Many gardeners will build their greenhouse using recycled timber for the frame. The frame usually takes the shape with a sloped roof to reduce the amount of cuts and joints you will need for the frame. For Timber Greenhouses, it is recommended you choose a water resistant timber, such as hardwood or treated pine. A good size guide to follow is the below:
Rubber Frame Mini Greenhouse
Rubber hoses are a great way to shape and build your mini greenhouse frame. These hoses can be purchased from local hardware stores under categories such as Flex Tubes or Poly Tubing. Once you have considered the desired width of your greenhouse, you can then test and bend the tube to fit and provide the ideal height for the mini greenhouse.
DIY Kit Frame
If you dont have the required timber or tools lying around, another option is to purchase a mini greenhouse kit that comes with a pre cut and designed frame. Frames will most commonly come in aluminium with a water proof coating. These frames provide good strength and durability for your mini greenhouse. They are also very easy to install and assemble as they come with plastic corner joiners.
Step 2: Choose your cover
Polycarbonate
If choosing to build your Greenhouse on a Timber frame, an easy way to provide a durable cover is by installing a polycarbonate roof sheet. These clear roof sheets maximise the amount of solar allowed to pour through the mini greenhouse. They are not ideal if you want to completely seal the roof sheet, as air will flow through under the pattern, however in circumstances where you want to maximise heat then they are a powerful tool.
Plastic Sheeting
When choosing plastic sheeting, it is important to select a cover that is durable and strong enough to weather both intense Sun and strong winds. Clear plastic sheets that are reinforced provide the best option here. Plastic sheeting is a great tool as they are able to wrap around surfaces and be sealed for maximum performance of the mini greenhouse. Plastic sheet covers for mini greenhouses can be purchased from you local hardware store under names such as Polyethylene, Plastic Sheeting or Plastic Film.
At Harvest Village, we specialise in highly productive mini greenhouses. If you are interested in growing vegetables in your background, our mini greenhouse is a must.