How to make a mini-greenhouse

Home
How to
DIY
How to make a mini-greenhouse

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 5 February 2019 at 1:46 pm

We show you how to upcycle an old wine box to create a mini-greenhouse.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTo Doyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes**yes

Save

A wall-mounted mini-greenhouse will protect seedlings and cuttings from cold weather without taking up too much space. You can make your own mini-greenhouse, using an old wooden wine box and an acrylic sheet.

Follow these easy steps to build your own mini-greenhouse.

You Will Need

Wooden wine box
Acrylic (1 sheet)
Wood stain
Exterior glue
Hinges (2 small)
Wooden door knob
Half-round moulding (4m strip)
Hammer
Saw
Stanley knife
Screwdriver
Wood screws (4)

Total time : An afternoon

Step 1

Removing nails from the wine box

Using a hammer, gently tap out one end of the wine box and remove any nails. Keep the end section as you will need to use it later.

Step 2

Making a sloping roof

Make a sloping roof by measuring 3cm down from the top front corner of each side of the box and drawing a straight line from there to the top back corner. Cut along each line, using a handsaw.

Step 3

Glueing in shelf supports

Cut off two 1.5cm strips from the end section of the box that you removed earlier. Glue one strip halfway up each side of the box to create a shelf support. When the glue has dried, paint the box and the strip of half-round moulding.

Step 4

Cutting the acrylic sheet to make a door

Using the dimensions of your wine box as a template, cut out pieces of acrylic sheet for the door, roof and shelf of your greenhouse with a Stanley knife. Allow a small overhang for the roof.

Step 5

Sticking moulding to the acrylic

Cut strips of half-round moulding to fit around the edges of the acrylic door and roof and glue them in place.

Step 6

Attaching hinges to the door

Glue the roof in place. Once it has dried, rest the box on its back and attach the hinges to the main casing using the wood screws. Attach the hinges to the door. Glue the door knob in place.

If you need more space, hang two or three boxes together. Choose a bright spot away from frost pockets and cold winds.

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.