DIY Recycled Greenhouse

We made an awesome greenhouse out of recycled windows on the cheap!  

It was so easy and turned out so cool I wanted to share how we did it so you can do it too. 

First you have to make a level surface to build from.
We used cinder blocks with all-thread cemented into the openings.

The 2x6 boards were drilled to slip over the all-thread, then bolted down.  I covered the all-thread with bottles so Melvin wouldn't injure himself.  Now we have a level surface to build our walls!

Now it's time to build the frame.  We used 4x4 posts, 2x4's  and brackets to build a simple frame.

Ours is designed to have a roof that slopes towards the back, so the front is slightly taller than the back.

For the walls we patched together various windows we found at habitat for humanity, craigslist, and neighbors getting new windows installed.  It was a little bit of trial and error, and I change my mind a lot.  Some of the windows crank open.  For more ventilation we put hinges on several windows so they can pop open on hot summer days.

We painted our greenhouse white, so I guess it's really a whitehouse.

Finally time for a roof.  We found some smoky corrugated plastic-like material on craigslist.

I don't know what it is, but it works great!  It provides shade and lets light in, so it's perfect for greenhouses.

  

a few views from the inside...

Here she is after a few years, looking as gorgeous as ever.

We added a gutter to the back and a rain collection barrel.

(It's covered in bamboo on the right-hand side)

Now we just need some rain!

looks super cool at night!