Backyard Greenhouse Ideas

Give your plants a home of their own with a greenhouse. Backyard greenhouses are popping up all over, turning gardens into charming, fairytale destinations. They're like playhouses for adults, where it's easy to lose track of time and things can get a little messy, but the possibilities are endless.

Backyard greenhouses range in size, price, and style—it all depends on what you want to accomplish. The main function of a greenhouse is to provide light and heat, which makes them a bright and happy hangout for plants and humans alike.

You don't have to be an expert gardener to pull off this wonderful addition. Backyard greenhouses are the perfect place for container plants to reside and thrive through cold patches. A greenhouse is entirely what you make of it. Keep it a functional space for storing tools, or dress it up with light fixtures and art—or better yet, do both.

Some women are turning their backyard greenhouses into a man-cave alternative: The She Shed. For women who find bliss in gardening and spending time outside, this can be the perfect relaxation getaway.

Sometimes these backyard greenhouses have nothing green about them. Lean-to styles can make for a cozy sunroom, without the hefty renovations. There may not be room for plants, but there's plenty of room for friends and wining and dining in style.

So now, where do you get started? First things first, decide what you want from your backyard greenhouse: garden fresh vegetables year round, a home for your prized potted plants, or a relaxation destination surrounded by nature (we could go on). Then calculate your price point. Greenhouses can range in price, depending on materials, size, and whether or not you actually build it yourself—and the level of difficulty for DIY also depends on these factors. If you're looking for a quicker, cheaper option, PVC pipes and plastic coverings can get the job done. If you have one of those Pinterest-perfect, fairytale styles in mind, you'll have to invest a little more time and money, but the payoff will be so worth it.