How to Make an Outside Greenhouse

Locate the area to build the outside greenhouse. Measure and mark an area measuring 10-by-12-feet with yard-marking spray paint.

Drive a rebar stake into the ground at each corner point with a hammer. Leave 15 to 18 inches of the rebar above ground. Measure between the 12-foot sides and drive a rebar stake into the ground every 3-feet. There will be a total of five rebar stakes on the two long sides of the outside greenhouse.

Use two 3-way tee connectors and two pieces of 10-foot 3/4-inch PVC pipe to make the hoop house or outside greenhouse ends. Tap the 3-way tee with a rubber mallet to the end of one of the 10-foot PVC pipe sections. Make sure to use one of the holes that is directly across from an opposite hole on the tee. Tap a second 10-foot 3/4-inch PVC pipe in the hole opposite the first. A long 20-foot plus piece of pipe is created.

Look at the tee connector. Lay the 20-foot piece of pipe along the end of the outside greenhouse so the hole is pointing toward the inside. Place one end of the pipe on a corner rebar stake. Place the other end of the pipe on the opposite rebar stake. A large curve is formed with the opening of the tee pointing to the inside of the greenhouse. Repeat the process with the other end.

Connect two 10-foot pieces of PVC pipe to a 4-way cross connector. Insert the PVC pipe in two holes opposite one another. Tap the connector onto the PVC pipe using a rubber mallet. This is a rib to the outside greenhouse. Repeat the process for a total of three ribs.

Insert the end of one rib on a rebar stake. Insert the other end of the pipe on the rebar stake exactly opposite of the first. Repeat the process to create three arched ribs.

Open the step ladder and place it on the inside of the greenhouse by one end. Insert a 34-inch piece of 3/4-inch PVC pipe in the open hole on the tee connector. Tap into place with the rubber mallet. Place the opposite end of the 34-inch piece of PVC pipe in the open hole on the 4-way connector of the rib. Tap into place with the rubber mallet. Repeat the process across the greenhouse until all hoops are connected with 34-inch PVC pipe.

Open the 15-by-35-foot piece of translucent plastic. Center the 12-foot 2-by-4 on one 15-foot edge of the plastic. Roll the 2-by-4 in the plastic until it is completely covered. Place a second 12-foot 2-by-4 on top of the first. Screw the two together with 3 1/2 inch wood screws. Place the screws 10 to 12 inches apart.

Fold the opposite end of the plastic toward the end with the wood. Carry the plastic and the wood to one 12-foot side of the outside greenhouse. Place the 12-foot 2-by-4's approximately 6-inches from the PVC pipe and have the length match the 12-foot length of the greenhouse.

Pull the plastic over the top and to the opposite side of the greenhouse. Pull the plastic tight so the boards on the opposite side are just laying on the ground with no plastic sag. Make sure the plastic is laying flat with no wrinkles or sags. Straighten the 15-foot edge of the plastic.

Place a 12-foot 2-by-4 on the edge of the plastic. Make sure it lines up with the ends of the greenhouse. Roll the 2-by-4 in the plastic until it rests 6 inches from the PVC pipes. Place a second 12-foot 2-by-4 over the one encased in plastic. Screw the two together with 3 1/2-inch wood screws. Place the screws every 10 to 12 inches.

Cut each 1-inch black poly pipe along one side with a hacksaw. Do not cut all the way through the pipe. The black pipe is used for the clips to hold the front and back plastic to the outside greenhouse.

Fold the ends of the plastic that extend past both ends into the inside of the greenhouse.

Open the 10-by-25-foot piece of translucent plastic. Fold it in half to make a 10-by-12 1/2-foot rectangle. Cut along the folded edge with a utility knife. These are the two end pieces.

Lift one end piece to the center 3-way tee. Pull the plastic up until one inch lays on the ground. Use a black poly clip and connect the plastic to the greenhouse hoop on both sides of the 3-way tee connector. Place three more clips on each side of the 3-way tee to hold the plastic into place. Repeat with the opposite end. Make sure the plastic that extended past the greenhouse are tucked inside the greenhouse before clipping the end plastic.

Cut off the excess plastic 3 to 6-inches past the PVC frame.

Locate the center of one end. Stand directly beneath the 3-way connector. Cut a door opening with the utility knife. The height of the greenhouse is 7 feet. Begin cutting an opening 1-foot under the top of the greenhouse. The door will be approximately 6-feet tall. Repeat with the other end if desired.