How to Make a Greenhouse on a Screen Porch
Turn your screened porch into a greenhouse for the winter. You can opt for a year-round permanent greenhouse or a temporary one to use in the winter, depending upon how you normally use your screen porch. Your greenhouse can let you start seeds while there is still snow on the ground, winter over delicate plants and continue your gardening through the winter months. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic film
- Staple gun
- Heat source
- Pad and carpet (optional)
- Grow lights
Instructions
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How to Make a Greenhouse on a Screen Porch
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Assess your porch to decide if you should turn your screen porch into a greenhouse. Determine how much sun the space, gets and whether it is a southern or southeastern exposure. Consider your plants' needs, the climate, and the structure of the porch as you plan your greenhouse on a screen porch.
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Start with the floor. Insulate your floor, especially in colder climates. Lay a pad and indoor/outdoor carpet for an easy insulation option. Staple the carpet into place if you would like to remove it come spring.
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3
Use a staple gun to secure plastic film all around your screen porch. Staple into the porch framing. Work with large sheets of plastic film for the best result. Add narrow wood strips over the staples for a nice finished look.
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4
Install grow lights in your greenhouse if you get limited sunlight or need to account for the light lost from a solid roof surface.
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Add a space heater to provide additional warmth in the greenhouse on a screen porch. Consider your plants' needs when making this choice. Use additional heat in very cold climates or if you grow tropical plants.
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