How to Build a Lean-to-Sun Greenhouse Structure
Greenhouse structures absorb solar heat, but do not release it back into the atmosphere. This light and warmth is useful for growing plants of all sizes year-round in most climates. The lean-to style of greenhouse can be either a freestanding structure or it can rest against the side of your home or other outbuilding. There is no standard size or shape for a lean-to-sun greenhouse; the design can be fit to your specifications. Greenhouse construction does not have to be expensive or time consuming. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Concrete
- Scrap lumber, plywood, or galvanized steel and aluminum
- Glass, fiberglass or plastic panes
- Caulk with gun
- Brads
- Metal clips
- Supplementary heating system (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine a location for your lean-to-sun greenhouse structure. It is best to have the main wall face south to take advantage of the abundant southern sun, but facing it east or west will also work. North-facing greenhouses will usually be unsuccessful. Plants best utilize morning sun so be sure that there are no trees or other obstructions to those beneficial morning rays. The greenhouse should be in an area with easy access to water and electricity.
-
2
Consider the different frame styles. Five common styles of lean-to greenhouse frames are: rigid-frame, post and rafter, Quonset, A-frame and gothic. The differences are in the shape and angle of the roof.
-
-
3
Choose the size of your structure. Lean-to structures are typically small and maximize the usefulness of small spaces. Consider the size of the varieties of plants that you plan to grow in the greenhouse and draw your plan onto paper.
-
4
Pour a concrete foundation below the frost line to avoid structural damage to both your greenhouse and the adjacent structure if winter temperatures drop below freezing. If winter temperatures are not that severe, you can construct the floor out of lumber raised four to six inches off the ground.
-
5
Build the frame. Greenhouse frames are most commonly and cheaply made from scrap lumber, plywood, galvanized steel and aluminum, depending on your needs and budget. The frame should have three walls that fit tightly on the foundation and butt against your house or other outbuilding, and a slanted roof with a vent.
-
6
Secure the covering. The roof and the upper half of all three walls should be fitted with panes of glass, fiberglass or double-wall transparent plastics. Glass is the most costly, but the most aesthetically pleasing. Fiberglass is the most durable, standing up well even to hail. The panes should be secured with caulking compound and brads, with the lower edges of the roof held in place with a series of metal clips. The lower half of the walls can be made out of plywood to save money.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Depending on your climate, you may need to add supplementary heat if you are growing cold-sensitive plants such as tomatoes or peppers.
You can purchase lean-to greenhouse kits online from a variety of greenhouse manufacturers. Some manufacturers provide phone numbers you can call if you wish to have a specialist visit your construction site and assist with installation.
