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How to Attach Lean-To Greenhouses

A lean-to greenhouse is half a greenhouse, cut straight through the middle. The half greenhouse rests against the outside wall of house. This is a good solution for people with limited space or low mobility. Building the lean-to is no different from building other greenhouses, until it comes time to attach and seal the lean-to the side of the home.

Things You'll Need

  • Lean-to greenhouse kit
  • Measuring tape
  • Shovel
  • Wooden boards
  • Saw
  • Power drill
  • Screws
  • Concrete
  • Foam strips
  • Metal clamps
  • Caulk and caulk gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Level the base for the lean-to greenhouse next to the wall. If the greenhouse floor measures 6 feet by 8 feet, measure a 6-by-8-foot space on the ground next to the home. Dig a low trench 1 to 2 inches deep to even the ground. If the greenhouse kit did not come with a base, purchase or cut wooden boards to make a6-by-8-foot rectangle about 4 inches high. Dig holes at least 6 inches deep in each of the four corners of the low ditch. Place a sturdy wooden leg in each hole that sticks up just a couple of inches. Level the legs. Pour concrete to hold the legs in place. Allow to dry. Place the rectangle base where the greenhouse will sit. The tops of the four legs should be inside the four corners. Use a level to ensure that the foundation frame is sitting evenly on the ground. If the level indicates that the foundation frame is uneven, adjust the ground by digging until it is level. Once the foundation frame is level, screw the frame to the legs with a power drill.

    • 2

      Build the greenhouse according to manufacturer's instructions. Attach foam strips to the edges of the greenhouse frame that will lean against the house. These strips should come with the kit. Extra foam weather strips are available in hardware and home improvement stores.

    • 3

      Attach a wood frame greenhouse to the foundation frame with screws and a power drill. Attach a metal frame lean-to greenhouse to the foundation frame with metal clamps.

    • 4

      Screw the greenhouse to the side of the house, if possible. Metal frame lean-to greenhouse kits will have spots for you to do this; follow manufacturer's instructions.

    • 5

      Use outdoor sealing caulk and a caulk gun to secure and attach the entire outer edge of the lean-to greenhouse to the side of your house. Allow to dry overnight.