4 Reasons to build a greenhouse

by Carolyn Ross 03/31/2025

If you want to get the most out of their gardening regardless of climate, one of the best ways is to build a greenhouse. Greenhouses come in many styles and can be built to fit your specific needs. Whether you own a few plants or maintain an entire garden, here are some of the biggest reasons to consider building a greenhouse at home:

Gardening all year

When you build a greenhouse, growing vegetables and other warm-weather plants becomes a viable option all year round. A sturdy greenhouse keeps plants sheltered from cold temperatures while still allowing them to get the necessary sunlight they require. You can grow fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs and salad greens in your own greenhouse all year long.

Controlled growing environment

Some plants have very specific environmental needs. If you like tropical plants, for example, it’s important to provide enough ambient humidity and warm temperatures for them to thrive. Installing grow lamps and heaters in a greenhouse means you can mimic warm, sunny desert conditions for cacti and succulents. A greenhouse makes it easy to create your own microclimate to support many kinds of plants with ease.

Save money

If you currently spend money every year on new plants and seeds for your garden, building a greenhouse could potentially save you a bundle. Overwintering plants is a simple process when you have a greenhouse and will let you keep your existing plants alive season after season. Also, if you grow veggies and other edible plants, you can save money on produce by growing it in your DIY greenhouse at home.

Protect your plants

A sturdy greenhouse protects your plants from the elements and other living things. Insects and similar tiny pests can spread easily and destroy entire gardens. Larger animals like deer or even neighborhood dogs also pose a threat to your plants’ wellbeing, and in a greenhouse they’re safely locked away. When you build a greenhouse, you also keep pets, children and wildlife safe from potentially toxic plants.

No matter what you grow in your garden, a DIY greenhouse can be a useful addition to your home life; just make sure you have all the materials needed for your particular style of gardening. Keep these factors in mind when creating your greenhouse plans.

About the Author
Author

Carolyn Ross

Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment. 

She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.

Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents.  She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years. 

This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.