Greenhouse build with built-in garden beds

[LisasGarden]

Construction of a large Maze greenhouse for frost protection, complete with built-in garden beds and a decked area for pots.

• The project
• How to build a greenhouse
• More garden inspiration

The project

Now that the warmer months have finished, we thought it was time to construct our Maze 2.4m x 3.6m (8ft x 12ft) polycarbonate greenhouse. We recently extended the raised garden bed two sleepers high, using Sienna sleepers. 

We made sure we sorted out all the parts first. 

The greenhouse is a big project and does require a lot of patience. You need to have a full day so that you can get it to a secured and safe stage, and it requires two people. We also added extra stability and support with upright sleepers and cross timbers on the sides that will cop the wind. We also screwed the greenhouse to the sleepers all around the base. 

Then we put the frame up.

 

 

We put down some timber to mark out where the path and side garden beds would go.

 

Then we filled the side beds with vegie soil.

We used Pre-Oiled Merbau to put in decking at the back for my pots.

We also put a crushed stone path down middle.

We are so happy with how it has turned out.

 

It took the two of us around twenty hours to put it up, not including putting in the foundation base. I will be growing vegies in the greenhouse to extend growing times (tomatoes, etc) and also to protect things like capsicum and eggplant from frosts, so that they can be grown as perennials. We are so happy with how it has turned out.

How to build a greenhouse

A greenhouse gives your plants every chance to thrive while protecting them from harsh weather. If you want to construct your own greenhouse, check out the step-by-step Bunnings guide How to build a greenhouse.

More garden inspiration

If you don't want a permanent structure but still want to protect your plants and vegetables from sun and frost, community member Grub80 has shared how she erected a garden shade hoop house. 

Workshop member rattle used leftovers and scraps from other projects to build a cold frame to trap heat and humidity for their plants. 

You can find more great gardening project ideas at our Top 10 most popular garden makeovers.

If you need any assistance with your project, you can start a discussion. We're keen to help you.

[LisasGarden]

Absolutely loving my greenhouse. I was picking tomatoes a good 6 weeks before tomatoes planted outside. It also gave me a head start on a lot of other crops. I was able to sow seeds early by  starting them in the greenhouse. 🐝🌸

[MitchellMc]

It's great to hear that you've found the greenhouse effective @LisasGarden.  Make sure to update us with some progress pics when you get time.

Mitchell

[MeganCooper]

I love the large metal greenhouse but I couldn’t find the comments section ? 

[Jason]

Sorry @MeganCooper, I'm not sure what you are referring to in regards to the comments section. Can you please elaborate about what you are looking for?

Jason

[Dave-1]

@LisasGarden 

That is a nice build! I was wondering why you left the place under the decking empty? I was thinking maybe future aquaponics of some kind or way to much dirt to shift back in? It really came up nice. Love having tomatoes out of season It makes the effort worthwhile!

Dave

[LisasGarden]

@Dave-1 it would have needed too much dirt and it was needed as decking covered area. We just added more soil where the garden beds are.  

[Dave-1]

@LisasGarden 

Thank you for getting back to me. I am always surprised how much dirt it takes to fill a hole. I shouldnt be but its always been ... "Mmmm need another few wheelbarrows or a ute load of dirt".

Dave

[mich1972]

Morning @LisasGarden How is your beautiful Glasshouse going ? What have you got growing at the moment now that we are heading into Winter. When you have time could you please share with the Community. 🥰

[LisasGarden]

@mich1972  My greenhouse is doing well. I have a few plants left over from last season including capsicums, chillis and eggplant that  I am overwintering. I  have planted  some brassicas along with some bee food, alyssum , lavender and nasturtiums.I can’t wait to start the Spring seeds in July/August in the greenhouse I have also planted out a new narrow garden bed along outside of greenhouse with bulbs and flowers. Looking forward to growing Dahlias this year too 

[EricL]

Hello @LisasGarden 

Thank you very much for the update. My plants are currently appreciating the greenhouse I got for them at the start of the year. I'm just glad my Calamondin tree still fits inside. Please don't forget to post a photo when the Dahlias start sprouting.

Eric

[mich1972]

@LisasGarden  Thanks heaps for the update !!! Sounds wonderful and I’m sure it keeps you busy 🥰🐝

[LisasGarden]

@mich1972 i tried to upload a video but it didn’t come through. I’ll try some photos . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Lovely work @LisasGarden! Just so you know, you can upload a video to Youtube and then add it to your reply by tapping the video camera icon in the text editor and pasting the link.

Mitchell

[mich1972]

@LisasGarden  Good morning 🌿🌿🌿 thank you for sharing your photos. Now there’s lots going on in there. I love it !!!!!!

[LisasGarden]

https://youtube.com/shorts/xlxxPGJeLD8?feature=share

[MitchellMc]

Many thanks for adding that link @LisasGarden.

Just a little tip, which took me a while to work out, you can't embed Youtube shorts into forums. Youtube will automatically make any video under 60secs into a short. Anything longer, and you can then embed the actual video via the share link in your comments.

Mitchell