Upcycled self watering glass house

[MrBJDavis]

My fully up cycled self watering grow house that cost me next to nothing, most expensive items are the polythene and growing media . 

Materials

95% of the products are recycled. In its previous life the framing, roofing, guttering and pavers was a pergola that was free for removal. 

Marley downpipe,pond liner and hardware are the only additional items purchased. 

Tools

Ryobi 18v impact driver, skill saw, tape measure, level and paint brushes

Steps

Step 1

Started by laying out the house lot of windows I won for $1 on trade me, made a rough plan. Put my 4 posts in then prepared the base for the pavers.

Step 2

After the windows were all in place I found some hardy paneling on trademe that I won for $15. 

Step 3

Started to make a self watering garden that catches water from the roof. 

Start by laying Nova flow down with the end enclosed, covered with stones until it reached the overflow pipe. Laid cloth down that will allow moisture to wick but not let soil get get among the stones cover with a layer of sand then soil 

 

 

Step 4

Set up another two smaller watering bed before planting 

Step 5

1st harvest

[JacobZ]

Hi @MrBJDavis,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, we are so glad to have you join us.

Your self-watering glasshouse is an awesome DIY project. It is practical, sustainable, and super creative. Using 95% recycled materials, especially from a pergola you got for free, is a brilliant way to keep costs down and reduce waste. Scoring a bunch of windows for $1 and panels for $15 shows how resourceful you were with sourcing materials.

The self-watering system is seriously clever. Using rainwater and condensation straight from the roof is a great way to save both time and water. This is a huge highlight for me.

That first harvest must’ve been such a good feeling. Your produce looks brilliant.

All up, this is a super impressive project that shows what’s possible with a bit of creativity and a focus on reuse.

Congratulations on a fantastic project and thank you for sharing.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @MrBJDavis 

Seriously wow! I have wanted a greenhouse in my backyard made with surplus windows for while, you have gone and done it and done it well!

Love the reuse you have managed When something can be reused instead of going to the tip, its GOLD!

If you had the chance to build a new one is there anything you would want to change or add?

Dave

[MrBJDavis]

Hi , thanks for the praise. 

I needed to show my kids where food really comes from . No, not really maybe a different area that isn't so shaded but this was handy to the house and a dead area. Just not as hot as I'd hoped for winter. 

Always a work in progress. With my job the self watering garden is a game changer.