How to Convert an Outbuilding Into a Greenhouse

Find the south-facing wall. If none of the walls faces south, find the one that comes the closest. If none of them do, you might want to scrap the idea of converting an existing structure and plan a greenhouse project from the ground up. The side of the shed needs to be in full sun most of the day and should not have trees or other buildings blocking the rays.

Shore up the south-facing wall with additional studs if needed. An older shed might have supports that need additional support. They need to be the same length as the existing studs and placed at equal intervals across the wall. If you wonder whether or not to add the support, do it.

Pry the nails out of the exterior of the outbuilding to pull off the south-facing wall. Use the back of a hammer to do this. Leave the framing on the inside of the shed intact, but remove all of the lumber from the outer part.

Cover the wall with UV-resistant polyethylene. Attach it to the top of the exterior of the wall under the eaves using battens to keep the sheet from ripping. Nail it to the studs all the way to the bottom of the framed wall in the same way. Keep the sheet taut. Allow the sheet to overlap the corners of the south-facing wall on both sides, and batten it to the exterior.

Provide adequate ventilation with vents or windows at the top of the shed on both ends. Measure the vents and mark on the interior wall where you want to install them. Drill a small pilot hole. Using the pilot hole as the center mark, go outside and use a 4-inch hole saw to cut the hole. Slide the dryer vent into the hole.