How to Build a Brick Greenhouse in 9 Easy Steps

If you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective way to start growing your own fruits, vegetables, and plants, then building a brick greenhouse is the way to go. It’s a great DIY project that can be completed in as little as 9 easy steps. 

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to build a brick greenhouse, so you can get started on your gardening journey right away!

1) Decide on the size of your greenhouse

Before starting to build your brick greenhouse, you need to decide on the size of the structure.

Think about how much space you will need to grow your crops and the overall area that you can allocate for your greenhouse. 

Consider the location where you will be building your greenhouse and if there are any physical constraints such as a fence or another structure that may limit the size of your greenhouse. 

The size of your greenhouse will also depend on what type of plants you will be growing. 

If you plan to have large plants, then you will need a larger greenhouse. But if you are only going to be growing small plants, then you can opt for a smaller structure. 

Once you have determined the size of your greenhouse, you can start planning for other aspects, such as the materials and tools you will need for construction. This will help ensure that you have enough resources to complete the project.

2) Choose the location for your greenhouse

When you’re planning to build a greenhouse, choosing the right location is essential for its success.

You want to ensure that your greenhouse will get plenty of sun and air circulation throughout the day, and also be sheltered from strong winds.

Ideally, you want to find a sunny spot on your property that is in a sheltered area. It should be close enough to your home or garden shed, so you can access water easily, but far enough away and it won’t interfere with your daily activities. 

If you’re not sure about the best location for your greenhouse, consider taking a look at the surrounding terrain and identifying areas with good sun exposure and airflow. 

Once you’ve chosen the right spot for your greenhouse, you need to make sure it’s level. 

If the ground is sloping, then you’ll need to make adjustments before beginning construction. If it’s too steep, you may need to excavate a bit of soil or use gravel to level out the site.

Additionally, you should keep in mind the size of your greenhouse when picking the right location. If the space is too small, it could limit the plants you can grow and make it difficult for you to access the inside of the greenhouse easily. 

On the other hand, if the space is too big, it may be difficult to maintain heat during colder months. 

By taking the time to decide the right location for your greenhouse, you can ensure that your building will be successful and able to grow plants effectively.

Clear the ground where your greenhouse will be built

Before you can start building your brick greenhouse, you need to make sure that the ground where it will be built is clear and level. 

3) Start by removing any vegetation and debris from the area. 

Once the ground is cleared, you need to dig a shallow trench around the area. This will help to create a solid foundation for your greenhouse and keep water from seeping in. 

After you have dug the trench, you can then begin to lay the foundation for your greenhouse. 

You can either use bricks or concrete blocks to build the foundation for your greenhouse. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to lay the blocks properly. 

The blocks should be laid in an even pattern, with mortar between them to ensure that they are secure. Once the foundation is laid, you can begin building the walls of your greenhouse.

Lay the foundation for your greenhouse

Once you have the walls of your greenhouse constructed, the next step is to lay the foundation. 

This will provide support and a level surface for your greenhouse structure. The foundation should be made from concrete, bricks, or cinder blocks. 

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how much material you need to purchase and how deep it should be set.

Begin by marking off the area where your greenhouse will be built. Dig out any grass or weeds that might be in the way, and then level the ground with a rake. 

Now that you have a level surface, place the concrete blocks around the perimeter of your greenhouse walls, leaving enough space between them for the mortar to adhere them together. 

Once you have the blocks in place, you need to fill the gaps between them with mortar. Use a trowel to apply the mortar around the edge of each block, and then press them firmly together. 

Then, spread more mortar over the top of the blocks to ensure they are securely connected. 

Finally, use a piece of board or plywood to tamp down the mortar and make sure all the blocks are even and level. Allow the mortar to dry for at least 24 hours before beginning to construct the roof of your greenhouse.

4) Erect the walls of your greenhouse

Once you have laid the foundation, it’s time to begin building the walls of your greenhouse. 

Depending on the type of material you are using to construct the walls, the process may vary slightly. However, the basic steps are generally the same.

Begin by cutting the pieces of your wall material according to the plans you have chosen. If you are using brick, you may want to rent a saw to cut your bricks precisely. For other materials like wood or vinyl, use a hand saw or circular saw to cut the pieces to size.

Once your pieces are cut, lay them out and begin piecing together your wall frame. For brick and block construction, you’ll need mortar mix to hold the pieces together. 

Make sure you are following all the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application of the mortar. Also, make sure you are allowing enough time for the mortar to dry between layers so that your wall is secure and stable.

If you are using wood or vinyl for your walls, you will need to use screws or nails to attach the wall frame. The frame pieces should fit snugly together so that no gaps exist between them.

Once your walls are built, add any additional features such as windows and doors. 

Attach these features according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use caulk to seal around any openings.

Your greenhouse walls are now complete! With careful construction, you can be sure that your greenhouse will be secure and ready to last for years.

5) Add the roofing panels to your greenhouse

Installing the roofing panels on your greenhouse is an important step in the construction process. 

To do this, you’ll need to measure and cut the panels to the appropriate size. 

Once you’ve determined the necessary dimensions, use a saw to cut the panels to size. 

After they’ve been cut, you can then place the panels on top of the frame that you previously constructed. To secure the panels in place, use nails to affix them to the wooden framework.

Once the panels are nailed into place, you may need to apply caulking to create a watertight seal. 

Caulk will also help protect the panels from being damaged by strong winds or other weather conditions. 

If you choose to add additional protection against harsh weather, consider using additional materials such as weatherstripping or waterproof membrane. This will help further insulate your greenhouse from any extreme temperatures or moisture levels. 

When installing the roofing panels, it’s important to make sure that the angle of your roof is correct and that the roofing material will be properly supported by the frame underneath. 

You should also take extra care when cutting and placing the panels, as an uneven roof will cause more problems down the line. 

Finally, don’t forget to check for any loose nails or panels after installation is complete. If anything needs to be tightened or adjusted, do it before you move on to the next step. With a little care and patience, you’ll have a sturdy and reliable roof that will last for many years to come!

6) Install the door and windows in your greenhouse

One of the most important steps when building a brick greenhouse is to install the door and windows. 

Not only do these components provide light and ventilation, but they also add security to your greenhouse and can even enhance its aesthetic appeal. 

Here are some tips for installing the door and windows in your greenhouse.

1. Choose a door that fits with the overall style of your greenhouse. Consider both the material and size of the door, as well as its placement. You may want to opt for an automated door opener to make opening and closing easier. 

2. Measure out the space for the windows and mark them with a pencil on the wall. Make sure that you leave enough room for insulation when cutting out the window frames. 

3. Use a jigsaw to cut out the window frames, then use a caulking gun to seal them. 

4. Install the door and windows into their respective frames, making sure they are securely fastened. 

5. Finally, caulk around the edges of the door and windows to create an airtight seal. 

Installing the door and windows in your brick greenhouse is an important step in completing your build. Make sure you choose quality materials that will last, and take the time to measure and install them correctly to ensure your greenhouse is both secure and efficient.

7) Fill your greenhouse with soil

Once you have erected the walls of your greenhouse, it is time to fill it with soil. 

Depending on the type of plants you want to grow in your greenhouse, you will need to use a specific type of soil. For instance, if you are growing vegetables, you will need to use potting soil. 

It is important to fill your greenhouse with the right type of soil for the plants that you intend to grow. 

You can purchase the correct soil from any garden center or home improvement store. Make sure to read the instructions carefully so that you know what type of soil to use and how much to buy.

Once you have bought the right type of soil, you can start filling your greenhouse. Start by adding a few inches of soil to the bottom and then gradually add more until the soil is level with the top of your walls. Make sure to pack the soil down as you go so that it is even and stable.

Once the soil is level with the top of your walls, spread out a layer of mulch. This will help keep the soil in place and also act as an insulator, keeping temperatures consistent inside your greenhouse.

Finally, water your plants and ensure that all areas of the soil are moist before planting anything. Then, simply transplant your plants into your new greenhouse and enjoy watching them grow!

8) Plant your crops in your greenhouse

Once you have your greenhouse built, it’s time to start planting! Before you can do this, you’ll need to fill your greenhouse with soil. Make sure that the soil you use is suitable for the type of plants you intend to grow. 

Once the soil is in place, you can start planting! Start by taking into consideration what type of crops you want to grow, and their light and water needs. Depending on your location and the season, you may be able to grow a variety of different types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

When planting, try to organize your plants by type. This will make it easier for you to manage and care for them. Place taller plants at the back of the greenhouse, and shorter plants at the front, so that all plants get enough sunlight. Make sure there is adequate spacing between plants so that they have enough room to grow. 

Be sure to water your plants regularly and provide them with adequate amounts of sunlight. Pay attention to any signs of disease or pests, and take steps to address these issues promptly. 

With proper care and attention, you’ll soon have a thriving garden in your greenhouse! Enjoy the fruits of your labor and reap the benefits of fresh produce grown in your backyard!

9) Ventilate your greenhouse

Proper ventilation is essential for a successful greenhouse. Without adequate air circulation, the temperature inside your greenhouse can become too high, and your plants can suffer from diseases due to stagnant air. Proper ventilation also helps to prevent condensation build-up and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. 

There are several options for ventilating your greenhouse. The simplest and least expensive option is to use a passive ventilation system, which relies on natural forces like wind and convection to move air through the greenhouse. For this type of system, make sure that you have strategically placed vents near the roof and at ground level to allow airflow. To increase air circulation, you can install a fan or two. 

If you want more control over the temperature in your greenhouse, then you may want to consider an active ventilation system. This type of system uses fans or blowers to move air through the greenhouse at predetermined times. You will need to install sensors to detect temperature changes and then activate the fans or blowers when needed. 

Finally, don’t forget to make sure that you provide adequate shade for your greenhouse. This will help reduce the amount of heat buildup inside and keep temperatures at comfortable levels for your plants. 

By taking the time to properly ventilate your greenhouse, you can create the ideal growing environment for your plants and ensure their success.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What type of bricks should I use for my greenhouse?

You should use strong bricks that can withstand the elements and any potential weight from the roof and walls. You may also want to consider bricks with a light-colored finish so that they will absorb more sunlight.

How do I keep my greenhouse warm in the winter?

There are several ways to keep your greenhouse warm in the winter. You can use a heating system, such as a propane heater or electric radiant heaters. Additionally, you can cover the outside of your greenhouse with insulating materials such as bubble wrap or polystyrene foam to help retain heat. 

What kind of ventilation do I need for my greenhouse?

Your greenhouse should be equipped with a ventilation system to help regulate the temperature and airflow. This can be done by using fans, vents, or louvered windows. Additionally, you should make sure that there is adequate natural ventilation through open windows or doors. 

What kind of plants can I grow in my greenhouse?

The plants you can grow in your greenhouse will depend on the climate you live in. Generally, most plants that do well in a warmer environment will thrive in a greenhouse. Some common examples include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and herbs.

Wrapping up

Building a brick greenhouse for your home is a great way to have a steady supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs year-round. By following these steps, you now know how to build a brick greenhouse that can help you become more self-sufficient and save money on groceries. With the right materials and careful planning, you’ll have a beautiful and efficient greenhouse in no time. Good luck!