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Do it yourself: Do-it-yourself greenhouse for seedlings. Mini greenhouse for seedlings How to make a small greenhouse for seedlings

Grow seedlings good quality troublesome and labor-intensive. To do this, she needs to create the right climatic conditions. Everyone dreams of a good harvest and rapid growth of plants. In the last few years, small mini-greenhouses have become most popular. They create ideal conditions for growth cultivated plants, both on a personal plot and in an apartment.

Mini-greenhouses are used for growing cultivated plants not only in a summer cottage, but also within the walls of a city apartment. It is suitable for planting whimsical and heat-loving varieties.

1. Protects young plants from winds, drafts and precipitation.
2. Provides the necessary climatic conditions for plants.
3. Young seedlings do not get sick when transplanted into open ground, as adaptation occurs slowly and gradually.
4. Caring for plants is quite simple.
5. They are easy not only to install, but also to store.

Most summer cottages are small in area. A complete installation is not possible. Since such structures occupy most of plot.

Differences between greenhouses and greenhouses

All gardeners know that there are two irreplaceable structures on a personal plot for growing not only seedlings, but also adult plants. But there are significant differences between them:

1. Height no more than 0.5 meters.
2. It has no windows or doors.
3. The greenhouse is heated in a natural way. For this they use sunlight and biofuel.
4. You can change their location.
5. These are temporary structures that are used mainly only for the summer season.
6. Year-round use is possible in indoor conditions.

Species

There are many types of miniature greenhouses. They may differ in size, shape and covering material. We present to you several popular types that can often be found both in the apartment and on the site.

"Home"

The design is small in size. Fits on any windowsill. Used for growing. The design is similar to outdoor greenhouses, but in miniature. Installation in several levels is possible. You can construct it yourself or purchase it at a gardening store.

Portable plank structure

It is a box-shaped structure that does not have a bottom. Polyethylene film or glass is used as a covering material. Its convenience lies in the fact that, if necessary, it can be installed anywhere on the site. Its main use is to protect plants from frost.

"Belgian"

To build this model you will need to dig a ditch. Build ridges with fertile soil in it. Cover the top with polyethylene, framed glass or a polycarbonate sheet.

It is best to construct this type with a pitched roof. You save space on your site.

Model "Butterfly"

Named after a small feature, which is the opening of the doors on both sides. They are visually similar to a butterfly. The main advantage is access to the plants, which is possible from both sides. It can be of any size, but in most cases they use small structures that do not take up much space on a personal plot.

Model "Breadbox"

It has one sash that rises completely to the top. The roof is semicircular. The sash is opened by sliding it behind the main part of the roof. Access to plants is easy. Doesn't take up much space on the site.

"Shelf"

To build this type of greenhouse, an unnecessary rack or cabinet is suitable. The cabinet is left without a back wall and covered with polyethylene or covered with polycarbonate. Instead of doors, they use frames with the same covering material that covers the back wall. Visually, this design resembles a shelf from a store. Easily installed on any balcony or loggia of a city apartment and used all year round.

Model "Wall"

This miniature structure is installed near the walls of outbuildings or a house. Compact. Great design for small areas. The roof is mainly of a pitched type. There is a minus, but not significant. In winter it is necessary to constantly clear the snow.

From scrap materials

A good solution for arranging a personal plot would be small greenhouses that do not require any financial investment. And they will take up very little space on the site.

Plastic bottles

To build this mini-greenhouse you will need simple bottle from 5 to 10 liters. Making a greenhouse out of it is simple:

1. Cut a rectangular hole. There is no need to cut one side. This will be the door of the future greenhouse.
2. Fill the bottle with nutritious soil.
3. Plant seeds are planted.
4. After pipping and rooting of the seeds, the greenhouse is opened.

Don't forget to make several holes in the side of the bottle that is parallel to the door. This drainage system to remove excess moisture.

Old tin barrel

From old barrel, which has not been used for a long time, you can make a mini-greenhouse. This process is simple and consists of several steps:

1. Cut several holes from the sides of the barrel.
2. A dense covering material, for example, double folded polyethylene film, is attached to the upper edge of the barrel.
3. The holes should be located at a level at which it will be convenient for you to monitor the plants.
4. Fill the barrel with soil and plant plants in it.

Window frames

A mini-greenhouse made of this material is installed once and should not be moved again. Old window frames are heavy and massive. To install them, you will need to build a foundation. Further, construction is carried out as follows:

1. Window frames are cleaned of old paint, and coated with a product to protect the wood from rot and insects.
2. For the frame you will need a stand (1 piece) and a pair of straps.
3. The floor is concreted.
4. The roof is made of a gable type.

Materials for manufacturing

Construction of a mini-greenhouse is a process that is based on the use of improvised means. It can be created from anything. Mainly used:

• plastic;
• metal profiles;
• wooden bases;
• plastic film;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• glass.

If the design of your mini-greenhouse has arched shape, then its construction requires the installation of a flexible frame. Common materials for such bases are plastic and metal profiles. Wood can be used, but it is highly susceptible to rotting. Polycarbonate is an irreplaceable and modern material. It is also possible to use plastic film and glass.

Glass makes the structure heavier and therefore, first of all, you will need to take care of strengthening the frame or installing the foundation.

Professional gardeners use a certain covering material for certain models of mini-greenhouses:

1. Polycarbonate sheets are suitable for the “Butterfly” and “Breadbox” models.
2. Polyethylene - for those structures that will be located in an apartment, house, or on a balcony.
3. Glass - for stationary greenhouses on a personal plot.

Features and Benefits

Mini greenhouse keeps high temperature regime and can maintain constant air humidity for a long time. If you live in a city apartment. The small greenhouse will become great place for green growth.

It is also suitable for growing seedlings of fancy plants. After all, many gardeners have encountered more than once the fact that when planting seeds, their germination rate was zero. When grown in mini-greenhouses, optimal conditions for germination are created.

Main disadvantages

Like any design, a mini-greenhouse has not only positive aspects, but also negative. These include:

• do not tolerate strong winds well;
• the range of plant varieties grown is narrow, since the height of the greenhouse is small;
• It is difficult to replace the covering material if it is damaged, since the attachment to the frame is complex.

How to choose a design

Each garden, country house or other plot of land is unique. It may differ in the landscape features of the area, its size and, of course, the composition of the soil. In order to create ideal conditions for plant growth, you should carefully choose the design of a mini-greenhouse. To do this, you need to consider:

• individual characteristics of the land plot;
• what area will be allocated on the site for it;
• what kind of lighting will be used;
• what volumes of seedlings or plants will be grown.

Taking into account all of the above, you can choose the desired type of mini-greenhouse for your plot and seedlings.

Installation of different types

Mini-greenhouses, depending on the type load-bearing structures, can be built by several different methods. For greater clarity, let’s start step-by-step construction recommendations with a mini-greenhouse that does not have a frame.

Such a greenhouse consists of beds covered with plastic film or other identical material. Sow the seeds and cover them with covering material on top, and press them along the edges with bricks and wooden slats.

Arched mini-greenhouse, instructions

To build an arched greenhouse you will need to follow the following instructions:

1. For construction, you need 5-6 arcs made of plastic or metal profile, plastic film, a couple of meters of wire and about 20 clamps.
2. Arcs are made with your own hands or bought in a store.
3. They are installed at a distance of 35–45 centimeters from each other.
4. To strengthen the frame, wire is pulled between the arches.
5. Cover the resulting structure with film. Then they attach it on one side with clamps.
6. On the other hand, the film is attached to wooden slats. It is from this side that your greenhouse will open.
7. The structure is also covered from the sides with pieces of polyethylene and pressed to the ground with a brick or wooden beam.

Portable polycarbonate, instructions

To build a portable greenhouse from polycarbonate leaves, a more labor-intensive, but no less interesting process. To do this you will need:

• wooden slats;
• self-tapping screws;
• awnings;
• lever.

Instructions that must be followed when building this mini-greenhouse:

1. They make a base frame. It should resemble a box with a slanted top.
2. A frame is assembled from slats. It is used to create a greenhouse roof.
3. A piece of polycarbonate sheet is inserted into the frame.
4. From wooden block build a support for the frame - roof.
5. Attach a hook to the lid to secure the frame to the block.

These construction methods are very simple to install, but they provide seeds and seedlings with optimal climatic temperatures and humidity for germination and further growth.

Biofuels in greenhouse construction

There are situations in which additional heating of small greenhouses is necessary. Biological fuel can do this very well. Its installation is quite simple.

• After the location for installing the mini-greenhouse has been established, dig a small hole.
• Mix manure, straw and dry leaves with soil and place it in a hole.
• Water thoroughly and fertile soil is placed on top.

The layer of fertile soil should be of a thickness on which plants will grow well.

• Now the greenhouse is being installed.

The heating process is based on the decomposition of biological additives. Due to the release of heat, additional heating of the soil under the plants occurs.

There are a huge number of mini-greenhouse designs and everyone can choose for their site exactly the one that will provide best growth seedlings, and other garden crops and will not take up a large amount of space on the site.

A mini-greenhouse is an excellent way to grow healthy, high-quality seedlings that gradually get used to future growth conditions and, after planting in a permanent place, do not get sick and get used to it almost instantly.

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Vegetable gardening gurus claim that yields on personal plots can be tripled by actively using small home structures, of which there are many types. A mini-greenhouse made by yourself can become a vegetable garden or greenhouse right in the house, an excellent help in growing seedlings, and a cozy shelter for plants on the site. Implement this idea by familiarizing yourself with the types and methods of manufacturing compact structures from the simplest to the high-tech.

Mini greenhouse in the garden

Types of mini-greenhouses

This category includes a variety of greenhouses for the home, tabletop greenhouses, cabinets purchased in stores or equipped by home craftsmen for growing greens, indoor flowers, seedlings. Some people adapt aquariums, terrariums and even suitcases that have become unnecessary for this purpose.

Classic mini-greenhouse

When deciding what you can use to build a compact greenhouse for your home or cottage, you should remember that this structure contains two main structural elements– load-bearing frame (frame) and light-conducting fence. The materials for the walls and roof are:

• glass,
• polymer film of different types,
• non-woven covering materials,
• special synthetic mesh (Nethouse greenhouses),
• improvised materials such as plastic bottles.

Garden greenhouse with wooden frame

Suitable for frames:

• metal pipes or profile (corner, square),
• water plastic pipes,
• fiberglass reinforcement,
• lumber (timbers, boards),
• old window frames, if any.

Classic mini-greenhouse

In not so long ago, the joy and pride of summer residents was a greenhouse-house with wooden frame. It is worth building a miniature analogue for forcing greenery, growing seedlings, and indoor flowers in an apartment. The actions performed in this case are not at all complicated and consist of two main stages. First you need to determine the dimensions of the mini-greenhouse, sketch a sketch, and start making the bottom with your own hands:

1. Make blanks from wooden blocks, cut glass required sizes for the bottom, walls, roof.
2. Select grooves for glass on two adjacent sides of the bars intended for the bottom, cut off their ends at 45° at the joints.
3. Sand and treat all surfaces of the slats with waterproof stain.
4. Coat the groove in one of the slats with sealant, insert the glass into it, making sure that the second groove faces up.
5. Install the remaining blocks one by one, gluing the joints between them. Dry the finished bottom.

Making the bottom

Now you can assemble the walls and roof:

1. Process the parts as in the previous step.
2. Assemble all the frames for the walls and roof in the same way as the bottom.
3. Mount the walls using corrosion-resistant screws.
4. Install the triangular elements, one roof slope, and attach the hinged lid to it.

Assembling an indoor greenhouse

Greenhouse-cabinet

Mini-greenhouses in the form of shelves or cabinets help provide comfortable conditions for plants on the loggia of an apartment building and on a personal plot. Their area is small, but, being multi-tiered, they can accommodate many more “guests” than tabletop options. Having such a structure, you can grow a significant amount of seedlings in a city apartment. And the glazed display rack, on the shelves of which there are original flower arrangements, can become the highlight of the interior.

The trade offers many models of home mini-greenhouses in the form of cabinets. The simplest version is a metal frame with mesh shelves, onto which a transparent cover is pulled, equipped with a zipper for access to the plants and ventilation. Any householder can make such a design with his own hands in a time or two, guided by the photo below.

Simple compact greenhouse shelving

A notable feature of the greenhouse-cabinet is its mobility. At the end of the seedling period, it is easy to take it to the dacha and decorate it local area capricious flowers. Everyone knows how gorgeous terry petunias suffer from rain, and a mini-greenhouse will reliably cover the containers in bad weather. If the legs of the structure are equipped with wheels, it will be easy to roll it to the most convenient place.

Another option is to place the rack on the balcony, where you can grow seedlings or give shelter to some indoor plants for the summer. However, for a loggia or balcony at home, you can build a more elegant mini-greenhouse; one that won’t seem out of place in the living room. Take a look at the photo below and roll up your sleeves: home handyman It is not difficult to make an analogue.

Elegant greenhouse closet on the balcony

Mini-greenhouses on the windowsill deserve special mention; cabinet structures are also used here. Study the diagrams below - perhaps you will find the basis for creativity.

Schemes for installing mini-greenhouses on the windowsill: fig. 1 – stationary indoor greenhouse, Fig. 2 – cabinet assembled from separate modules like bookshelves

High-tech automatic designs

The designs discussed above provide plants with a greenhouse effect; they sometimes provide additional lighting. But watering, fertilizing, regulating humidity, temperature, and ventilation are the concerns of the owners, who often have little time. Many people dream of a “smart” greenhouse that would take care of their green pets. A reliable option is a ready-made automated electric greenhouse, since not everyone can make one with their own hands.

Home automatic mini greenhouse

Through the efforts of the sphere modern technologies Automatic cabinet-type mini-greenhouses, so-called growboxes, have been created in which compact crops can be grown. At the same time, all the conditions necessary for plants, including lighting, are created artificially, using the appropriate equipment and devices included in the kit:

• fans (one or more);
• LED, DNAT, DRI lighting devices;
• carbon filters;
• timers;
• thermometers;
• hygrometers;
• voltage relay;
• automatic watering systems.

Solid turnkey growbox

The appearance of the grow box depends on what exactly serves as the basis for installing the equipment set. Companies that offer this type of mini-greenhouses in finished form install the filling in cabinets that resemble ordinary furniture, or in tent cabinets made of special durable light-proof and odor-resistant fabric. In the latter case, the boxes are also called grow tents.

Ready-made grow boxes are very expensive. For example, a box for a home designed for just one plant costs about 13,000 rubles, and the price of a box for 15 “tenants” is close to 45,000 rubles. Obviously, in such cabinets it makes sense to keep only incredibly valuable specimens, and it is not practical for an ordinary summer resident to grow seedlings in them. Purchasing a grow tent and self-installation The equipment in it reduces the cost, but is still not cheap at all.

You can reduce the price of the issue several times if you purchase a branded kit for a grow box and install it yourself, using a cabinet, cabinet, case from a non-working refrigerator, and so on as a basis. Having the desire, time, and skills in electrical installation, it is quite possible to cope with this task. A useful video will help with this.

Video: DIY growbox

Automated mini-greenhouses are produced in various options. Some models are shown in the photo below.

High-tech cabinets: 1– grow tent; 2 – Kitchen Nano Garden with individual temperature control on each shelf; 3 – growbox with hydroponics system; 4 – caring for pets in a grow box

Aeroponic system

Another high-tech product that allows you to grow various crops with almost no human intervention is aeroponics. Unlike high-tech cabinets, which typically use hydroponics (plant roots sit in a nutrient solution or solid substrate soaked in it), an aeroponic system does not require soil, substrate, or placing the roots in a liquid medium.

The basis of this method is periodic fine spraying of a nutrient solution onto freely hanging roots, which thereby receive a kind of oxygen cocktail. But oxygen is needed for the development of green pets, along with adequate nutrition (it’s not for nothing that you loosen the beds at the dacha!). Results:

• growth and maturation of cultivated crops accelerates;
• the resulting fruits or greens are environmentally friendly;
• the harvested harvest is several times greater than what is possible with traditional cultivation;
• Since the growing season of plants accelerates, several such harvests can be obtained per year.

Wonderful household appliance AeroGarden

The most famous home aeroponics device is the cute AeroGarden mini-greenhouse. It has an excellent design; all processes (water supply, power supply, lighting on and off) are automated. However, the price is steep: more than 25,000 rubles. Now the Russian analogue of this device, “Home Garden,” is being actively advertised; reviews about it are good, and the cost is 2.5 times lower.

You should not think that only compact greenhouses are equipped with an aeroponic system. This progressive method is also used for industrial cultivation of crops in closed ground. It is significant that some high-tech cabinet manufacturers have begun to abandon hydroponics in favor of aeroponics. An example is in the video below.

Video: Growbox. Aeroponics

A nice bonus: building an aeroponic installation for your home with your own hands is quite simple and not too expensive. See for yourself by watching the video.

Video: Do-it-yourself aeroponics

We build a mini-greenhouse for a summer residence with our own hands

There is no need to prove that vegetables and herbs, grown at least part of the season in protected soil, give earlier harvests, which are much higher than in open beds. If you don’t have the space or funds to build permanent greenhouses, consider what you can use to make simple, inexpensive, but effective small greenhouses.

Greenhouse in a garden mini-greenhouse

How does a greenhouse differ from a greenhouse?

When planning to build a solar house for seedlings, it is worth deciding on the terminology: which type of closed structure should be called a greenhouse and which greenhouse. A person inexperienced in gardening will name size as the main criterion. This is true to some extent, since the main difference between the two types - the process of forming a microclimate in a closed volume - is predetermined precisely by the dimensions (mainly height).

In a greenhouse, the greenhouse effect is pronounced due to the intense heating of a small volume by the sun. In a greenhouse, although this factor is also present, the microclimate is closer to natural. When it comes to small-sized structures, the differences are smoothed out; the conditions in a compact greenhouse may be close to the microclimate of a greenhouse. In view of this, here the terms “greenhouse” and “mini-greenhouse” can be used as equivalent.

Greenhouse or greenhouse?

Greenhouse for seedlings with a pipe frame

When choosing dimensions and materials for a homemade shelter, you should be guided by the purposes for which it is intended. For growing seedlings at home and even full cycle The ready-made Snowdrop greenhouse is perfect for the growing season of low crops. You can take it as a prototype and create your own structure with an arched frame from galvanized steel, aluminum or plastic pipes.

Purchased greenhouse "Snowdrop-M"

Easiest to work with polypropylene pipes(25-32 mm). Advantages of the frame:

• budget;
• durability;
• speed of installation and dismantling,
• reliability, corrosion resistance;
• ease of maintenance and cleaning;
• transportability,
• good appearance.

Greenhouse frame installation diagram

It is very simple to install such a structure with your own hands:

1. Mark the site, prepare fertile soil. It would be a good idea to make a box of boards around the perimeter of the bed to prevent the earth from sliding, but you can do without it.
2. Loosen the steel reinforcement into segments (80 cm) for attaching the arches. Drive them in at half-meter intervals along the long sides of the perimeter of the future greenhouse, leaving 30 cm outside.
3. Cut the pipes into pieces 2 m long. Determine their number based on the length of the ridge, with the expectation that the arched supports are located at least half a meter apart. If reinforcement for fastening arches is not provided, increase the length of the pipes by 50 cm so that they can be stuck into the ground.
4. Having secured one end of the pipe to the fittings, bend it in an arc and carefully put the second end on the fittings with opposite side ridges. Do the same with the rest of the pipes.
5. Fasten the resulting arches together with a connecting strip, wire or cord.
6. Cover the frame with translucent material (agrofibre, film), fix it on the arches with special clamps. You can make homemade clamps from short pieces of pipe with a slightly larger diameter, cutting narrow slits in them along their length.
7. Stretch and secure with stones or boards the hanging covering material around the perimeter of the “newborn” greenhouse.

Covering material is attached around the perimeter

Film mini-greenhouse

In fact, a film mini-greenhouse is any frame covered with greenhouse film, which is why it is cheap and requires little labor for installation. Nowadays, the use of plastic water pipes and fittings is popular, from which, like a children’s construction set, you can assemble a reliable, durable frame for a comfortable gable “house”.

Returning to the arched greenhouse discussed above, you will find that approximately the same technology can be applied to the construction of an arched frame for a compact greenhouse. Only the dimensions of the elements need to be increased; be sure to make a wooden box in the lower part, and additionally fasten the pipes to it with clamps.

Assembling a frame from plastic pipes

The following photos may remind you of a classic indoor greenhouse, the manufacturing process of which was described earlier. Yes, this is practically an enlarged copy of it, which is even easier to make with your own hands: you don’t need to make grooves for the glass, or mess around with sealant - you just have to assemble the frames from wooden blocks and cover them with film. Just don't forget to treat the wooden parts protective composition!

When planning the construction of a film structure, it is important to know the material selection criteria. Often, summer residents use only one definition of film: “polyethylene.” However, several types of film are used to cover greenhouses:

1. Polyethylene. Sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, under the influence of which it quickly collapses. Has low strength. Service life is only one season. Advantage – low price.
2. Reinforced. Durable, used for winter greenhouses.
3. Polyvinyl chloride. Has high transparency and strength. The price is high.
4. Stabilized. Thanks to modifier additives, it prevents the formation of condensation. Light transmission is reduced.
5. Light-scattering - for special greenhouses.

Construction from old cans and more

Of course, building a mini-greenhouse with your own hands reduces its cost, and if you use waste materials at hand, you can practically avoid material costs. Many people make individual shelters for cabbage seedlings from plastic bottles with the bottom cut off.

Some originals can be inspired to make a unique greenhouse for seedlings by an old suitcase or an unnecessary umbrella.

You can purchase umbrella-type devices to protect your pets from late frosts. It is not difficult to make similar products with your own hands.

Finally, the design of a mini-greenhouse from an old can or barrel deserves attention; anyone can make it. To do this you need:

1. Wash (clean) the old plastic containers on hand.
2. Cut windows on one side without touching the stiffeners, if any.
3. Cut out a curtain from thick film according to the size of the slots, secure it with a furniture stapler or double-sided tape.
4. Fill the container with soil and sow the seeds.

Mini greenhouse made of mesh

Making a mini-greenhouse (more precisely, its frame) from a metal mesh with your own hands is possible even for a completely inexperienced person in this matter.

The work should be done in this order:

1. Buy a construction mesh or use existing leftovers.
2. Measure out required quantity for floors, walls, cylindrical surfaces of the upper part.
3. Lay plastic pipes around the perimeter of the base to strengthen the structure. Use pins to attach them to the mesh.
4. Make a door frame from wood, join it with metal frame.
5. Prepare two plastic pipes 60 cm long than the perimeter of the rounded part of the end of the greenhouse. Bend them and attach them to the mesh with electrical tape. Stick the loose ends into the ground.
6. Cover the rounded part of the frame and the rear end with film, seal the joint with tape.
7. Make a door by covering a rectangular structure made from slats with film. Hang it on the hinges door frame.
8. Complete the construction experiment by covering the gaps in the front wall with film.

Mesh frame design

Miniature greenhouse against the wall

A compact greenhouse attached to the sunny wall of a house is a popular option in Western countries for placing a greenhouse structure on a site. Russian summer residents and homeowners rarely use it, but in vain.

A type of mini-greenhouse popular in the West

Here are the benefits you can get by placing a mini-greenhouse near the wall of a building:

• A greenhouse adjacent to the house requires less space than one standing alone.
• The wall is a kind of heat accumulator. Heated by the sun during the day, at night it gives off heat inside the mini-greenhouse. Temperature differences between night and day are reduced, which favors plant development. In addition, the greenhouse receives part of the heat from heating the house.
• Thanks to the accumulation of thermal energy main wall you can extend the growing season of plants: late frosts in spring become less dangerous for them, early autumn.
• The glazed surface of a wall-mounted greenhouse is smaller than that of a free-standing one. This makes it possible to save on heating it in cold weather.
• Compact greenhouse with good design, located near the wall, can decorate the local area. To do this, it is better to select colorful flower arrangements as filling, which is what is practiced in the West. But an original mini-vegetable garden placed in a small greenhouse will also be an excellent trend solution.

Greenhouse in a permanent extension

The role of a mini-greenhouse of this type can be either a permanent extension to the house or lightweight design rack type, mounted on the wall of a residential building or other building. A mobile greenhouse-cabinet or a portable greenhouse with a pleasant design will serve the same purpose. Look at the photo below - perhaps you will get some ideas for arranging similar structures on your territory.

Video: mini-greenhouse for vegetables

You have read an overview of various types of mini-greenhouses and how to build some of them with your own hands. A selection will help supplement knowledge in this area useful videos, presented below. The first video highlights the features of operating a simple arched mini-greenhouse when growing vegetables in it.

Video: Mini-greenhouse for vegetables

The following material clearly shows the process of constructing a mini-greenhouse with a frame made of fiberglass reinforcement.

Video: Greenhouse easy and cheap

Video: Do-it-yourself eternal greenhouse

Finally, from the last video showing images of various greenhouse structures, you can get a suitable idea for yourself.

Video: Options for greenhouses at a summer cottage

Now you know a lot about compact greenhouses and hotbeds, you can make an informed choice and make the model you like with your own hands. And if, without the necessary skills, you doubt your capabilities, then, having chosen one of the structures, entrust its construction to specialists.

If growing seedlings at home is impossible, but the climate of your region allows you to do this right on your summer cottage, we suggest building a greenhouse for seedlings. With its help, it will be possible to drive out seedlings in the shortest possible time.

The greenhouse is a simple design. Most often, this is an ordinary arc, wooden or even wire frame covered with film, but there are also more practical solutions.

Before deciding to grow seedlings in a greenhouse, make sure that the climate is suitable for this. For example, in the middle zone it will not be possible to grow seedlings of blueberries and peppers in greenhouses, since the low night temperature will not allow this, but it is quite possible that you will be able to raise seedlings of cabbage, radishes, and tomatoes.

It is very important that the night temperature is kept at a level not lower than +7+8°C, and the daytime temperature, at the same time, reaches +12+15°C. Often this is mid-spring.

If it’s difficult to guess the timing, there won’t be any special problems, it’s just that the seeds will germinate a little later, say, not in 2-2.5 weeks, but in 3-4. But, as usual, the seedlings manage to get stronger by the end of April or beginning of May. Only one thing is important here - use a high-quality substrate, prepared seeds, and also follow the growing rules!

Choosing a place for a greenhouse in the country

It is advisable to determine a flat and quiet place at the dacha for a greenhouse. This could even be a site in the garden, since while the seedlings are being forced out, there are no leaves on the trees yet, and the shadow will not interfere with the development of the crops.

Try to ensure that the structure is located conveniently, optimize its location as much as possible, for example, not far from a barn, a water tap, and so on.

Design parameters

Before starting construction, you can draw up a work plan or just a diagram in which to describe optimal sizes in length and width, choose the height and select the material.

These are the most comfortable dimensions not only for working on the site, but also for construction. The minimum costs for material, the load on the frame, the convenience of covering with polyethylene, and so on are calculated here.

The simplest do-it-yourself polyethylene greenhouse

Right away we want to tell you how to build a simple and cheap greenhouse for growing seedlings. Today we need to take care of healthy planting material, and not the beauty of the site or structures, and therefore we do everything correctly and save as much as possible (after growing the seedlings, we will remove the structure from the site anyway).

So, in order not to waste money, we suggest building from scrap materials; you will only need to buy film.

Arcs for the frame

You can use the arcs from last year, take extra ones from your neighbor, buy cheap and used ones. But if this is not possible, we make the arcs ourselves. It could be metal-plastic pipes that remained after repairs, fittings, metal profiles, thin pipes, thick steel wires, medium-diameter tree branches of elastic species. At least it will be possible to use even wooden beam, but then we will get not arcs, but a rectangular frame.

Having determined the location and made markings according to the parameters that we proposed earlier (or according to your own), install arcs or other frame elements around the perimeter. The maximum step between the arcs is 1 m, so as not to disrupt the stability and bearing capacity after covering with film.

Greenhouse device

Once the arches are in place, you can place a low frame of wood or bricks underneath them, creating a raised bed, so to speak. This is necessary in order to lay a high-quality seedling substrate for planting, in which the seeds will not only give maximum germination, but will also quickly turn into strong seedlings.

You can also tie the frame (arches or wooden beam) with the lower part device to increase stability. By using a dozen clamps or a roll of binding wire, you will ensure that the arcs with the film certainly will not fly away in the wind.

Covering with film

We have already talked about film greenhouses, and therefore we advise you to choose film for a greenhouse structure with approximately the same parameters. In short, it should be a material of medium strength and light transmittance. Thus, the sun will warm the structure well, the film will last a long time, and the temperature inside will remain close to stable even at night.

It is advisable to buy the film from the roll whose parameters most closely match the size of the greenhouse. Stretching the film is very simple - the material is thrown from one side to the other, evenly stretched in arcs, and a load is tied to the edges of the film below, even old bricks or pieces of pipes, to hold the cover on the frame.

Now all we have to do is prepare good soil, find out or remember the agricultural technology of plants, the rules for growing seedlings, and get down to business.

DIY greenhouse (video)

Options for greenhouses for seedlings

Greenhouses at the dacha can be very diverse, and it is not necessary to build an arc one if there are more interesting options, and for some, more convenient.

Polycarbonate structure

The most practical greenhouse that you can buy and simply plant the necessary crops inside. With him there is the least amount of hassle and only positive emotions. But except for one thing, you have to pay for practicality, and a lot.

Arc greenhouse made of film

This is almost the same design that we decided to build today, but it comes in a ready-made kit. All you have to do is bring the kit to your dacha, place it on the site and assemble it. Convenient and fast, but again at a cost.

Greenhouse thermos

We have studied the thermos greenhouse inside and out, and the conclusions are clear - an excellent model, functional and practical. Now you can build a similar greenhouse by referring to our diagram or creating your own. The structure can be covered with old windows.

A simple greenhouse made from windows

A greenhouse made from windows is also a past stage, but now you can, based on previously acquired knowledge, create something similar for growing seedlings. The only difference is that the design will be several times smaller.

Wooden greenhouse with glass

The image below shows how to knock down the box and install it on the bricks. It’s a good idea, especially if you then cover it with glass and fill it with high-quality seedling soil.

Cheap option for a summer residence

There is nothing easier and cheaper than assembling a place for growing seedlings from scrap materials. Today these are old refrigerators and old windows. As you can see, it doesn't look very good, but it functions great.

Do-it-yourself greenhouse for seedlings (video)

You can always build a greenhouse for growing seedlings in your country house with your own hands. Don’t be lazy and give an excellent start to the crops from which you expect to get a good harvest.

Greenhouse for seedlings at a summer cottage (20 photos)

Even if you have a small piece of land, you can place a greenhouse on it. These designs are becoming increasingly popular. Mini-greenhouses are already appearing even in apartments and houses, not to mention full-fledged summer cottages.

Peculiarities

For rapid growth of early seedlings, many conditions must be met. Highest value have microclimate parameters that will surround young shoots. This problem is easily solved by a greenhouse. Inside this structure, a special microclimate is maintained, which promotes the rapid growth of plants and their rapid development.

Such designs have a number of amazing features that will not leave even novice gardeners indifferent, not to mention experienced ones:

Mini-greenhouses are attractive due to their mobility. They are easily portable, which makes it possible to take into account the requirements of a particular culture.

Versatility regarding the choice of plant type for cultivation. With the right approach, you can create the climate in a greenhouse that the selected plant requires.

• Availability of materials for self-made and low cost to purchase finished design. Whatever option you choose, you will not incur large costs. For a homemade greenhouse, you can generally use leftover building material.

Fast installation is another important advantage. A greenhouse can be made in an hour; for a larger structure it will take no more than a day. Minimum time, maximum benefit.

Species

All greenhouses can be divided into two large groups: for home and garden, or outdoor.

Outdoor greenhouses can be monolithic, large or compact, portable structures. There are many varieties and variations. You can buy ready-made option or create a real masterpiece yourself.

Arched country greenhouse- This is a common option that is easy to do yourself. Small arcs are installed in a row, which can be made of various materials. The structure is covered on top with a special agrofibre or a regular film cover. They can be portable or mounted in a permanent place.

Outdoor portable miniature greenhouses They look like a box without a bottom. There is a glass or film lid on top. This garden option is easily transported to a new place and even simply installed in the garden bed. Similar design often used to protect seedlings that have already been planted in the ground from frost. Also, such a greenhouse is excellent for rooting the growth of garden crops.

Vertical greenhouse has enough space for shelves and stands. Even a shelving unit can be placed in this design. Greenhouses with 4 shelves are available for sale, but they are easy to make with your own hands. Such greenhouses take up little space, but at the same time allow you to grow a lot of seedlings.

Recessed design, or the Belgian greenhouse is located in a trench. A frame is created on the sides, inside which the selected crop is planted. There is a polycarbonate or film cover on top. The simplest design has a lid with one slope. For more complex and larger greenhouses, a gable roof is constructed. The functions of thermal insulation are performed by the soil.

Butterfly greenhouse stands out among the entire range due to its unusual type of opening. Small doors are installed on top. When they are open, they become like the wings of a moth. Theoretically, such structures can have different dimensions, but most often they are small.

Greenhouse snail also called a “bread box”, in most cases it has large dimensions, so it is suitable for a spacious summer house. The appearance of the structure, in particular the opening principle, really resembles a bread box. Such designs are chosen for easy care of plantings and convenient access.

Greenhouse "Tulip"- This is a modern large-sized structure, which is equipped with a sliding roof, doors, vents, and removable transparent panels. Everything in this building is thought out to the smallest detail. The collapsible type of construction eliminates the possibility of damage to the panels under snow pressure. The folding roof provides easy access to the plantings and does not interfere with natural irrigation.

Heated and illuminated greenhouses are necessary for growing early crops. Without this condition, it will not be possible to grow a good harvest. A warm greenhouse can be equipped with heaters with infrared lamps, air heaters, and heating panels. You can also lay a thermal cable or, at worst, install a container with hot water. Biofuel is another option for equipping a warm greenhouse. You will learn more about the rules for its use below.

For a home, you need a compact greenhouse. Often such structures are located on the windowsill. They allow you to start growing seedlings early - in February or early March. It all depends on the plant chosen. In any case, the seeds begin to germinate quickly and the sprouts grow intensively. Often a microgreenhouse is created similar to street structures, only in reduced sizes. A home greenhouse can even be multi-level, not to mention the usual arc and film options. Mini-greenhouses in specialized stores are offered in large assortment. But you can also build a structure with your own hands that will not be inferior to the finished version.

Manufacturing materials

A variety of materials are used to make greenhouses. We will talk further about the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

Let's start with the materials that are used for the support and frame:

• Plastic is difficult to fold into an arc, since it retains its original shape well and can crack if too much force is used. But in terms of accessibility plastic material definitely wins.
• The metal is characterized by durability and strength, but main problem corrosion remains. Metal necessarily requires processing.
• Wood for arches is used extremely rarely, more often for the frame. When creating a prefabricated greenhouse, this material is especially relevant. The tree also needs treatment, which will serve as protection against rotting.

Various materials for shelter can also be used.

• Polycarbonate found wide application in many industries, including greenhouse production. This material can be used for homemade structures as it is affordable and easy to use. At its core, it is a plastic material. But, unlike plastic, polycarbonate is much stronger. It is also lighter and more practical than glass.
• Polyethylene film is often used because this option is the simplest and most affordable. The fastening process is not difficult, regardless of the material of the arches and frame. This material can be used for a maximum of 3 seasons, taking into account its removal for winter. But for home greenhouses, film is the best option.
• Agrofibre is more expensive than the previous option, but it is durable and practical. There are no problems with fastening; due to the porous structure, the material allows moisture to pass through and retains heat.

• Spunbond is a relatively new material, which is a non-woven material. The composition contains stabilizers that extinguish negative impact ultraviolet. This feature provides the material with durability, despite constant exposure to the sun. Spunbond is available with different densities and the presence of stabilizers.
• Reinforced film covers greenhouses in areas characterized by strong winds. The material is able to withstand wind loads of up to 34 m/s, which is an impressive indicator. She is also not afraid of low and high temperatures (from -50 to +60). The material is multi-layered, with a fiberglass mesh inside.
• Glass is already fading into the background, since it is far from the best option for greenhouses. It is fragile, heavy, expensive, difficult to work with.

How to build with your own hands?

Anyone can make a greenhouse for seedlings in the spring. We offer the simplest, most interesting and practical options that can be created with your own hands.

First, you need to learn some tips that will help you avoid mistakes while working.

• The size of the greenhouse must be carefully considered so that further operation and care of the plants is comfortable. If you are creating a mini-greenhouse, then 1 x 2 m will be enough. The height is selected in accordance with the existing boards.
• It is not recommended to install inclined structures. On the one hand, this design allows water to drain and not linger on the surface. But on the other hand, moisture will not interfere with the plantings and one side will be shaded. With a lack of sun, young shoots turn out thin, tall and weak.

A wooden greenhouse can be presented in several versions: with a box, frame, with window frames or with a film coating.

• To construct the box, you need to prepare four boards: two for the length and width. The ends are trimmed to a square. To assemble the box, you can use bars or attach the boards end-to-end. It is better to strengthen the box by right triangles, which will be located in the corners.
• Then you can move on to the top part. For structures that are created for long-term use, it is better to mount frames with glass. They are more difficult to make than film coating, but the operation process will be comfortable and long-lasting.

• For a greenhouse with a two-meter length, it will be enough to make three frames. To create them you will need bars - 4 for each frame. On one side you need to make a chamfer for the glass. Next, we prepare the glass and fix it in the frames with glazing beads. Finished frames can be fixed with hinges, which will make further use more convenient. If you use film, you can simply secure it with small nails or place a load around the perimeter.
• You can build a greenhouse out of wood without a box. This will be a frame tunnel structure. To implement this idea, it is necessary to mount a frame made of slats. The lumber is assembled at an angle, and the boards are fixed on top with nails/screws.

It is better to make the lower ends that will be dug into the ground sharp. To increase stability, you can connect all the components of the structure using bars. The film will be stretched on both sides. On one side it must be sprinkled, and on the other it must be secured with a load (stones, bricks).

Arched structures are usually created from metal. They are strong and reliable, quickly assembled and easily transported to another place. For structures, you need to choose rods with a diameter of 6–8 mm. The length depends on the estimated width of the greenhouse with a height of about 50 cm. Only film or agrofibre is used for covering. You can prevent sagging of the material by pulling the rope between the arches.

Plastic pipes are great for creating arched greenhouses. The main problem is the process of bending the plastic. There are several ways to solve it. Initially, you need to make a template according to which the arches will be created. You can drive nails into the board, not forgetting about additional stop nails along the edges of the board. A pipe is inserted into the template and heated using construction hair dryer or boiling water. The heated pipe will easily take the desired shape. It should cool completely in this position.

Warm greenhouses are very convenient, because you can start growing seedlings in February or with the onset of spring and not give up early crops. Can be used in warm greenhouses various techniques, but it is better to choose biofuels as the most efficient and inexpensive option.

The work is carried out according to the following scheme.

• A pit is dug, the depth of which is determined by the month the fuel was laid. For March, at least 70 cm is required, for April 50 cm will be enough.
• The prepared pit is filled with fuel, which is best used as manure.
• Film and mats are placed on top of the pit. After some time, the manure will heat up; it is necessary to add new fuel to the original level.

• Parubni - logs or boards - are laid along the edge of the pit. On the south side, the greenhouses are simply laid on the ground, and on the north side they are raised by 10 cm. The frame of the greenhouse structure is laid on top.
• After a week, the fuel will warm up well, as evidenced by steam. At this time, you can fill the top with soil with the addition of ash and lime.

A warm greenhouse can also be made using artificial heating, for example, a special cable.

The workflow will look like this:

• the bottom of the greenhouse is covered with gravel and sand;
• on top gravel-sand pillow the cable is laid in a snake;
• to protect the heating element, you can lay cast iron boxes or iron sheets;
• now follows fertile layer, its thickness should be about 18 cm;
• The system is connected to the network; a voltage of 220V will be sufficient.

You can make a greenhouse from many available materials. For example, an ordinary box covered with film will already be a good greenhouse. The box can be replaced, for example, with a barrel. For any old frame with glass you can knock down the frame. A few frames installed by the house - and the greenhouse is ready. All that remains is to cover the side parts with film. For home mini-greenhouses, you can adapt lockable egg trays.

Situations often arise when a greenhouse is installed on a site, but what to do with it next is not known. You need to be able to use such structures, otherwise you can ruin all your endeavors.

Different cultures require different conditions(soil and air temperature, light, humidity). It is not worth expanding the existing structure or planting all crops in one greenhouse. It’s better not to be lazy and make several greenhouses.

When choosing a location for a greenhouse, you should give preference to flat and quiet areas. You can even choose a site in the garden. During the growth of seedlings, there are few leaves on the trees, so their shadow will not block the sun. The greenhouse should be located conveniently so that the process of its operation is convenient. There should be a water source, a tool shed and other useful structures nearby.

Growing seedlings is not easy. Plants need the right microclimate to grow and develop quickly. This is why gardeners install mini-greenhouses on their plots.

There are different types such structures. Since the imagination of folk craftsmen is limitless, you can make a simple structure yourself. This requires both ingenuity and available means. If you need to make a durable product for installation outdoors, you may need polycarbonate or agrofibre.

Why do you need a mini-greenhouse?

A mini-greenhouse is sometimes needed not only for a garden or summer cottage, but also in an apartment. You can plant whimsical and heat-loving plants in it. Such a structure has several obvious advantages:

• protection from wind, draft and rain;
• optimal microclimate;
• the seedlings gradually get used to the street conditions;
• plants are easy to care for;
• ease of installation.

It often happens that the small area of ​​a plot does not allow placing a full-fledged greenhouse on it. In a small area you can install a compact and practical mini-greenhouse. Sooner or later, the grown seedlings will have to be transplanted into conditions open ground, but the greenhouse will always become a cozy home for other plants (greens, carrots, beets, flowers). They do not need a large space: they feel great in a mini-greenhouse.

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Types of mini-greenhouses

There are many varieties of mini-greenhouses. They can have different shapes and sizes.

Mini-greenhouse at home

As a rule, it is placed on the windowsill, and crops begin to be grown in early spring. Some plants are sown in winter. The main purpose of application is to accelerate the development of plants so that they can be planted in open soil in spring or summer.

In appearance, home structures are no different from street ones, except for their dimensions. Small copies of street models on an arc frame are very popular. There are greenhouses consisting of several tiers or floors. As simple option use regular wooden boxes, covered with polyethylene film.

Portable plank structure

This is a wooden box without a bottom, but with a lid made of film or glass. The box can be moved anywhere at any time. It is used when crops planted in the ground are threatened by spring frosts. Vegetables, berries and flowers take root well in an outdoor portable greenhouse.

Deep or Belgian greenhouse

To create a Belgian greenhouse you will need to dig a trench and reinforce its walls with strapping. A bed with fertile soil is prepared in the trench. The structure is covered with a lid. The material for it is film or polycarbonate. Fertile soil is an ideal heat insulator, but if necessary, you can additionally insulate the structure with biofuel.

Advice!

Belgian greenhouses are most often made with pitched roofs. This saves space on the site.

Mini-greenhouse “Butterfly”

The “Butterfly” model got its name due to the design features of the doors. If they are both completely open, the structure becomes like a butterfly with open wings. Since the greenhouse flaps open on both sides, this provides easy access to the plants at any time. The Butterfly can be any size, but most of all they are attractive small-sized structures.

Greenhouse “Snail” or “Breadbox”

This greenhouse exactly replicates the design of a real bread box. Its semicircular sash is completely raised up. At the same time, it moves behind the fixed part semicircular roof. It is easy to care for plants, and the structure does not take up much space.

Balcony greenhouses (shelf)

To make a “shelf” greenhouse, an old cabinet or rack is used. The wall at the back of the cabinet is removed, and the resulting void is covered with polyethylene. A door is installed in front, which often looks like an ordinary piece of film. The door is secured with a strip or magnets. This greenhouse resembles a shop window. It is transparent, and this allows you to constantly monitor the plants. You can grow herbs and vegetables in it throughout the year.

Wall-mounted mini-greenhouse

It is always located near the wall of a house or outbuilding. The greenhouse is compact and can be an excellent solution when the summer cottage is very small, and it is impossible to place even a small “Butterfly” on it. This design has a pitched roof. It will have to be cleared of snow regularly.

Important!

For a wall-mounted mini-greenhouse, you need to choose the southern wall of the house so that the plants receive enough heat and light.

Mini greenhouse made from a plastic bottle

You can make several mini-greenhouses from ordinary bottles if you don’t want to buy wooden boxes and mess around with plastic film. You will need a 2 liter plastic bottle. A hole is cut into it rectangular shape. The resulting door is bent, then the bottle is filled with soil and plant seeds are planted in the container. The greenhouse door must be closed tightly and secured with tape. As soon as the seeds germinate, you can start airing so that the plants receive more oxygen.

Mini-greenhouse from an old barrel or can

Do not throw away an old can or barrel. They can be used to make an excellent classic-shaped greenhouse. To do this, several holes are cut in the barrel or can. The holes should be made so that it is convenient to care for the seedlings. After the holes are ready, dense material in the form of tarpaulin or double polyethylene is attached to the top. Four screws will be enough for fastening. It is better to use a tarp, because polyethylene will quickly fray due to the wind.

Mini-greenhouse made from window frames

This is a heavy structure, so you need to build a foundation for it. Frames must be carefully prepared before installation. They are cleaned of old paint and covered with stain or drying oil. To make a frame, you need one stand and two straps - lower and upper. It is better to make the floor concrete, with a layer of waterproofing, and the roof - gable. Despite some difficulties, the advantage of a product made from window frames is that its main elements can be obtained for free.

Advice!

Frames should be selected to be the same size and shape, otherwise it will be difficult to fit them together during assembly.

Materials for manufacturing

When building a simple mini-greenhouse, the following materials are used:

• plastic;
• metal profile;
• tree;
• polyethylene film;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• agrofibre;
• glass.

An arched greenhouse requires a flexible frame. The frame arcs are made of plastic or metal. Among gardeners there are craftsmen who manage to make a semicircular frame from wood.

The tree looks very beautiful, but it is susceptible to rotting. Metal or plastic look more prosaic, but they are more practical. Their disadvantages are that plastic bends and metal is susceptible to corrosion. When using metal, the situation can be corrected: treat it with an anti-corrosion agent and paint it. Unlike metal, plastic does not corrode, but it is more fragile and costs much less. Most often, a box for portable models is made from wood.

Now you need to understand the materials that are used for cladding. A good material is agrofibre. It transmits light and creates in a greenhouse good microclimate. Agrofibre is very dense and porous, has the ability to transmit moisture and retain heat inside. The material is easy to wash, and if stored carefully, it will last for many years.

Often in vegetable gardens you can see greenhouses covered with polyethylene of different thicknesses. The film is easy to use. It creates a microclimate for plants no worse than other materials, but it cannot be called durable. In bad weather conditions, especially with strong winds, it quickly breaks, so it needs to be changed every two or three seasons.

- a material that many gardeners like. It is lightweight and durable. You can use it to line both a small greenhouse and a full-fledged greenhouse. Working with polycarbonate is a pleasure: it is easy to cut and process. It can be given any desired shape. Products made from it look beautiful and neat.