Like a great vacation, gardening actually starts with anticipation, well before the Canadian climate permits. You can close the gap between the seed catalogue and that first jab of a shovel into soil if you nurture those seeds yourself with a vertical cold frame (or starting greenhouse).
My design can be collapsed and stored after its seasonal work is done, leaving more room for the garden itself. The greenhouse is built of western red cedar; while this wood is pricey, it’s lightweight, warp-resistant and attractive without paint. For durability, exterior-grade screws and nails, stainless-steel staples and outdoor-rated hinges are a must.
Download the collapsible greenhouse plans here
Download the printable materials list for the greenhouse here
Time to grow
This project is made entirely out of plastic-covered frames made with 2x2 and 2x8 lumber. Lay out the parts for each panel in your workshop, then use your carpenter’s square to ensure each panel is true as it comes together.
At each aligned corner, drill and countersink for #8 x 31⁄2" deck screws. Hold the joints together tightly and drive the screws, being careful not to strip the holes by over tightening. Note in the plans that the end panels need extra crosspieces, placed at intervals to support the shelves.
Lumber retailers sell heavy, 6-mil polyethylene vapour barrier by the foot, and it’s perfect for sheathing the panels. (Don’t worry about the text written on the plastic. It rubs off with a little Varsol.) For easier handling, cut a piece of the plastic several inches wider than the width of the panel you’re working on. Lay the plastic across the panel frame with the factory-cut straightedge on a long side. Load your stapler with 3⁄8" stainless- steel staples (necessary for preventing ugly rust stains), then get ready to think like an upholsterer.
0 Comment