Has your storage shed been lying unused for quite a while? Does it break your heart when your plants wither away in the winter? You can easily convert your old storage shed into a practical greenhouse with some DIY modifications.
Many wooden shed plans are available online that show you how to build the perfect greenhouse from scratch. But if you don’t have the space to build one or can’t afford one, then you can easily convert your existing backyard shed into a safe haven for your beloved plants.
Let us look at a few simple tips on how you can convert your old shed into a garden greenhouse.
1. Replace The Shed Windows With Clear Acrylic Sheets
Your plants are going to need a lot of sunlight, especially during the winter months. Regular windows usually don’t let in enough light to sufficiently nourish plants.
Acrylic sheets are highly transparent and have high impact resistance, which means they don’t break easily. They are also available in a wide range of sizes and prices to suit your needs.
Remove the glazing beads from your existing shed windows using a screwdriver and pull out the window from its frame. Secure glazing tape around the window frame to make a waterproof seal, and then install acrylic sheets into the frame by reattaching the glazing beads.
2. Install A Skylight In Your Shed’s Roof
It is essential for sunlight to come pouring in from the top of your shed to give your plants ample natural lighting. This is where a plexiglass skylight becomes essential.
Determine exactly where in the roof you would be placing the skylight. Usually, it is best to have it exactly in the middle with one edge aligned against a rafter.
Mark the four corners of the skylight by driving screws into the roof from the inside. Then come to the outside of the roof and draw chalk lines connecting the four screws to mark the edges of the skylight.
Cut out the roofing material and shingles inside the chalk lines using a utility knife and a reciprocating saw. Now you can remove the screws.
Install 2×4 bracing along the perimeter of the skylight. Then secure the skylight to the bracing using roofing nails. Apply self-adhesive underlayment around the skylight’s edges to make a watertight seal.
If you have the budget, then you can also install multiple skylights to allow even more light into your shed.
3. Add Wall Shelves And Potting Benches In Your Shed
Potting benches and shelves will allow you to make full use of the space inside your shed. The shelves will give you space for storing pots, tools, seeds, and compost.
Keeping your flower pots on the ground will end up taking a lot of space. By installing aluminium shelving and placing your plants on them, you will be able to better organise your flower pots. Your plants will also get a lot more sunlight when placed at a higher level on the shelves.
Make sure to place some seed trays on your shelves to grow saplings quickly in an organised manner.
A portable potting bench will allow you to move things around the inside of your shed easily. It will also save you the effort of having to bend over every time you have to do some gardening chores like repotting your plants or starting your seeds.
A bench will also provide you with a handy area for storing your potting soil and gardening tools.
4. Build Ventilation
Your plants will need a continuous supply of fresh air to stay healthy.
Poor ventilation can also cause the growth of mould and mildew and cause wood to rot. Hence it is vital to install ample ventilation inside your shed.
Install a louvered gable vent at both ends of your shed just below the eaves.
Use a template to cut out the hole for the vent in the sheathing. There will be a perpendicular lip on the vent that will slide into the hole, and the overlapping face of the vent will cover the hole. Add caulking to seal the vent edges and keep out moisture.
5. Set Up Wall Hooks and Storage Tubs
Installing aluminium hooks to your shed’s rafters will give you a handy area for storing your watering cans, hanging baskets, and small tools.
You can also use it for hanging seed packets, gardening gloves, or even for drying herbs.
Stackable storage tubs will help you organise open compost bags.
