Can I make a greenhouse out of old windows?

Turning old windows into a DIY greenhouse can be a fun and rewarding project for any gardener. Greenhouses allow you to grow plants year-round by creating a warm, humid environment protected from the elements. Building your own greenhouse from recycled materials like old windows is also a great way to repurpose and upcycle items that would otherwise go to waste. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to consider when deciding if you can build a functional greenhouse from recycled windows.

What are the benefits of building a greenhouse from old windows?

There are many advantages to constructing a DIY greenhouse from used windows:

– Cost savings – Old windows are often free or very inexpensive to acquire. This allows you to build an affordable greenhouse structure without spending a lot on new building materials.

– Repurposing/upcycling – Giving old window frames new life as a greenhouse means those materials don’t end up in a landfill. Upcycling is a sustainable way to build.

– Aesthetics – A greenhouse made from old reclaimed windows can have a beautiful, rustic visual appeal. The imperfections and varying styles of salvaged windows add character.

– Protection – A greenhouse, no matter what it’s made from, allows you to grow plants in a controlled space safe from weather, pests, diseases, and animals. Salvaged windows can build a highly functional protective structure when assembled properly.

– Year-round gardening – Greenhouses enable you to grow vegetables and flowers out of season by manipulating factors like temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse environment. This allows you to enjoy fresh homegrown produce even in the dead of winter.

What types of old windows are best suited for a DIY greenhouse?

Not all old windows are created equal when it comes to building a sturdy greenhouse. Here are some things to look for when sourcing old windows for your DIY greenhouse project:

– Glazing – Single pane windows are preferable for greenhouses to allow in as much sunlight as possible. Double pane windows, while more energy efficient for houses, have poor light transmission for growing plants.

– Size – Larger window sashes, around 30 x 60 inches or more, allow you to create a good sized greenhouse with fewer windows required. This saves time and effort during construction.

– Frame material – Wood, aluminum, or vinyl frames are durable options for a greenhouse. Wood is attractive but more prone to rotting. Vinyl holds up better to moisture and will never rust.

– Hardware – Look for windows with intact hinges, latches, and corner gaskets in good condition to make sure your greenhouse windows operate properly and seal tightly. Hardware wears out over time.

– No broken glass – Cracked or missing panes will need to be replaced, so opt for windows with all glass intact. Broken glass undermines the protective abilities of a greenhouse.

What are the main considerations when building a greenhouse from old windows?

Building a functional greenhouse from repurposed old windows requires factoring in a few key considerations during planning and construction:

– Structure/foundation – A secure structure is required to attach the windows to so they form the walls and roof of the greenhouse. This could be wood framing, a hoop house, concrete foundation, etc.

– Airtight seals – Caulking and glazing all the joints between windows helps regulate internal temperature and humidity. Failures to seal the structure will make climate control difficult.

– Glass style – Picture windows work better for vertical walls while skylights or arch-shaped frames are ideal for angled greenhouse roofs to avoid leaking.

– Window arrangement – Place windows to maximize light exposure while also ventilating hot air and reinforcing structural stability. Arrangement affects plant growth and durability.

– Hardware compatibility – Mismatched frames and hardware can make attaching different old windows tricky. Focus on windows of similar styles for straightforward assembly.

– Safety glass – While not mandatory, using tempered safety glass provides impact resistance against hail, falling debris, etc. This prevents shattered panes in severe weather.

– Condensation control – Adding vents, exhaust fans, and/or a heat source helps reduce internal condensation that can drip and promote mold growth.

What types of plants and vegetables can be grown in a greenhouse made from old windows?

One of the main benefits of a greenhouse is the ability to grow a wider variety of plants, especially produce that normally couldn’t survive your regional winter temperatures. Here are some examples of common fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive in DIY greenhouses built from old windows:

Vegetables:

– Tomatoes
– Peppers
– Cucumbers
– Lettuce
– Kale
– Radishes
– Carrots
– Beets
– Peas
– Beans
– Broccoli
– Cabbage
– Spinach

Herbs:

– Basil
– Oregano
– Thyme
– Rosemary
– Parsley
– Chives
– Mint
– Cilantro

Fruits:

– Strawberries
– Raspberries
– Blueberries
– Grapes
– Melons

Flowers:

– Orchids
– African violets
– Geraniums
– Petunias
– Pansies
– Chrysanthemums

The constant warm temperatures and protection from frost allows you to grow produce and plants normally limited to the summer season in your DIY window greenhouse year-round.

What are the steps to build a greenhouse from old windows?

Constructing a greenhouse from recycled windows involves careful planning, sourcing materials, site preparation, assembly, and finishing touches. Follow these key steps:

Plan the design

– Decide on a size and layout that fits your space constraints. Allow for entrance doors and ventilation openings.

– Choose a foundation – concrete slab, treated wood platform, pavers/bricks, gravel, etc. This base supports the weight.

– Determine the window arrangement to maximize light exposure andMinimize number of panes needed.

Obtain windows

– Check for free windows from classified ads or building salvage stores.

– Look for windows roughly 30 x 60 inches or larger in size.

– Inspect window panes for cracks and condition of hardware.

Prepare the site

– Level and clear the area of debris in keeping with your planned footprint.

– Install foundation for sturdy, long-lasting support.

Assemble window frames

– Attach window sashes to the greenhouse framing using screws into the window jambs.

– Seal all joints with silicone caulk to prevent air leaks.

– Add any vents, exhaust fans, and entrance doors during assembly.

Finish the greenhouse interior

– Create benches, flooring, and/or container beds inside.

– Paint interior white to maximize reflectivity.

– Add utilities like electrical, plumbing, heating, and irrigation as desired.

– Weatherize all seals to promote optimal growing conditions.

The specific construction details will vary based on your individual greenhouse design, choice of foundation, framing materials, and style of windows available. But following the key planning and assembly steps above will set you up for success!

What are some tips for maintaining a DIY window greenhouse?

Caring for your recycled window greenhouse properly is key to getting the most out of your investment in building it. Follow these maintenance best practices:

– Check seals and caulk regularly to maintain airtightness, reapplying caulk when needed. Air leaks affect internal climate.

– Remove any condensation buildup daily to prevent drips and mold growth.

– Clean glass throughout the seasons using vinegar or glass cleaner for maximum light transmission.

– Monitor humidity levels and adjust manually or with exhaust fans to avoid overly wet/dry conditions.

– Inspect window hardware for deterioration annually and replace any corroded or broken parts.

– Prune back external vegetation to prevent overgrowth from shading the greenhouse.

– Control pests like aphids without harsh chemicals by introducing beneficial insects or spraying diluted soap/oil solutions.

– Re-paint the interior white every 2-3 years to maximize light reflectivity as the surface ages.

– Remove dead plant material promptly and disinfect any containers or tools to prevent disease.

With attention to vulnerabilities like air leaks, humidity, cleanliness, and maintenance, your DIY window greenhouse can last for many growing seasons to come.

What are some things to avoid when building or using an old window greenhouse?

While upcycling old windows into a greenhouse is rewarding, there are some pitfalls to avoid:

– Skipping the foundation – Failing to build atop a sturdy, level base jeopardizes structural stability and risks collapse. Don’t underestimate the heavy weight of the window structure.

– Poor framing connections – If windows are not firmly and evenly attached to framing, the structure can sag. Use robust corner joints for long-term durability.

– Low-quality caulk – Don’t skimp on high-performance silicone caulk to seal all window joints. Inferior caulk fails quickly allowing drafts and leaks.

– Insufficient ventilation – Lack of operable windows or exhaust fans leads to unchecked humidity and extreme temperatures that stress plants.

– Fragmented light – Using a jumble of different sized/shaped windows results in uneven light distribution and dark spots. Stick to similar windows.

– No pest control – Aphids, whiteflies and other common greenhouse pests can destroy your crops if not properly managed through introduction of beneficial insects or other organic methods.

– Wrong glass style – Picture windows are far superior to double pane or multi-pane windows for vertical greenhouse walls since they maximize sunlight penetration with a single pane.

Avoiding structural weaknesses, light obstruction, ventilation issues, pests, and using incompatible window styles/glass are key to creating a long-lasting, high-functioning greenhouse from repurposed windows.

Conclusion

Constructing your own greenhouse from recycled old windows can be an achievable DIY project for dedicated gardeners. As long as you factor in critical considerations like structure, air sealing, appropriate window styles, and maintenance, upcycled windows can create a beautiful, productive greenhouse. While avoiding pitfalls like weak foundations and poor ventilation, your custom window greenhouse can supply you with homegrown fruits, vegetables, and flowers year after year. Let your imagination guide you in designing a unique greenhouse perfectly suited to your space and gardening needs.