Reclaimed Window Greenhouse Plan

With the spring growing season nipping at my heels, I decided to make my reclaimed window greenhouse the first project of 2024.

I’ve had a little space carved out just south of my garden since I built it that I always figured would be perfect for a greenhouse. It gets plenty of sun, and built just right, it exits so exquisitely right into the garden.

The dream for this building began almost as soon as I finished my garden. I knew I would eventually need more storage and a place to start my seeds. This greenhouse serves both of those purposes.

When my brother-in-law heard my plans, he graciously gifted me the old windows from his farmhouse. And I think, based on our calculations, that those should be enough to get the job done.

We’ve also salvaged two sets of french doors.

My mission is to build this by myself. I might consult with Rob on a few elements, but on the whole, I want this to be my project from start to finish.

The goal is to use as much for the project as we can from around our property. The budget for this is nearly non-existent. I think the one area I might need to cave on spending is the framing wood. I think I’ll have enough windows for the roof, but Rob is concerned about that option. Which means I might have to spend on a roof material.

As I attach the windows to the frame, the goal is to do so in such a way that I can hinge to be able to let in a breeze during the brutal Florida summer. I’ve seen folks hinge them from the outside and inside; that will be a game time decision.

The goal for the inside of the structure is to be pretty and functional. Think chandelier from the ceiling, gorgeous antique but utilitarian additions. I would love an old hutch and a porcelain-top table inside the space.

Rob thinks he has a piece that I can transform into my potting bench, complete with the old farm sink we originally pulled out of our laundry room. I love that I’ll have a water source to work with inside the structure.

Once everything is built, I plan to paint it the same color as the cottage. The rest of the garden will also get a little facelift, with fresh gravel and compost to get the spring growing season started right.