DIY Mini Lean-To Greenhouse

Pick a location to build your mini lean-to greenhouse. The area should include a sturdy south-facing wall and a flat ground surface.

Measure and mark 6 feet from the ground on the wall. Use a level to draw an 8-foot long horizontal line at the 6-foot mark.

Position the stepladder below the line along the wall. Carefully place a 2-by-4-inch board across the 8-foot line. Ask an assistant to hold the board level. Nail the board into place using 3-inch nails every 18 inches along the board. This is the header board for the mini lean-to greenhouse.

Place a second 2-by-4-inch board on a flat surface. Measure and mark a spot 4 inches from the end of the board. Repeat on the opposite end of the board. Mark 2 feet in from each of the previous marks on the same board.

Drill a 5/8-inch hole through each of the marks made in the second board. This is the footer for the greenhouse.

Measure a distance of 5 feet away from the wall where the header is attached. Place the footer board at this location. Arrange the board until it is parallel with the wall and in line with the header.

Hammer a piece of rebar through each of the holes drilled in the footer. This will hold the board in place.

Place another 2-by-4-inch board on an angle between the header and footer. One end of the board should be touching the header and the other the footer. Position it so it is exactly centered between the boards. Place the remaining two boards on the sides in the same manner. These will be the rafters for the mini greenhouse.

Nail the rafters to the header and footer with 3-inch nails. Nail on an angle through the rafters for the tightest hold. This completes the greenhouse frame.

Drape the plastic over the greenhouse frame. Arrange the plastic until it fully covers the frame with an equal amount overhanging on each side of the frame. Pull the plastic far enough down so the ends touch the ground.

Pull 6 inches of the plastic over the footer. Wrap the 6 inches of plastic around one of the furring strips. Pull the wrap tightly, and screw the strip unto the top of the header board. Repeat with the footer board, pulling the plastic as tight as possible.

Place a furring strip over the plastic at on top of each rafter. Screw the strips to the rafters. This will keep the plastic tight.

Pull the remaining lengths of plastic against the wall. Weight the ends of the plastic down with heavy rocks or bricks. To open the greenhouse, remove the rocks or bricks and fold the flap of plastic up.