I can’t believe it’s only been a few months since my hubby built me my dream space. I love to putter in the garden, and have always imagined a little greenhouse of my own to store my treasures and pot up my plants. As with most of the projects around here, I have a vision in my head what I am thinking, and he brings it to life! I am going to do my best to explain the whole process of building our greenhouse, but remember….I only stepped in when it was time to paint and decorate!! haha
I wanted it to replace the little outhouse/shed that I had. It was darling, but it was starting to rot. Once it was removed, we had a clean slate.
We had purchased the reclaimed windows and door from our brother in law, and designed the whole shed around those. We laid out the windows on the floor of our pack barn to figure out the best way to make them work. We had 8 square windows (4 for each side) and 5 tall rectangle ones (3 for the back and 2 on either side of the door) Once we measured the size of the windows, we figured out how high the walls needed to be, and how high the the windows needed to be from the floor etc. I’m only 5’2″ and I knew I wanted a potting bench in there and the bottom of the windows to be right above the potting bench. (and remember, when I say “we” I mean Gerald) The walls were framed up, leaving holes for the all the windows and the door. All 4 walls and trusses were built from 2×4 pressure treated lumber. He figured it would withstand the elements a little better.
Once the walls were constructed, it was time to prep the “building site” Our soil is very sandy and well drained, so we didn’t spread any gravel down. Once the soil was leveled, we used 12.5 x 30 cement pieces, that were used to build silos, for the foundation. Our farm used to be a cattle farm, and we have an old cattle barn and silo on our property. These pieces were piled up in the barn from a second silo that used to be here, and they were perfect! Of course you could use heavy patio stones, or pour a concrete foundation.
Once they were all level, it was time to put the walls up! I could see my vision come to life! Gerald had some help building the trusses for the roof, to make sure all the angles were right. Strapping (1 x 4) was nailed across the roof trusses in preparation for attaching the roof. He then screwed 1 x 12 rough pine boards on the entire outside to construct the walls. They were screwed on leaving a small gap between the boards to allow for expansion. (when the boards get wet, they will expand and may crack if they were attached tight together) We painted everything with white outdoor porch paint. After painting, he used grey caulking between the boards for the “mortar”.
We used clear poly-carbonate roof panels for the roof. This makes it so bright and WARM!
Because there is an overhang on each side of the roof, it left a wide gap. Gerald attached strapping underneath to prevent any creatures (wasps and bees etc) getting in. He then went along and sealed any small cracks with clear silicone.
Next, the windows and the door were installed. Strapping was used for all the outside trim on the windows and the door.
hook and eye latch 
hinged windows
I wanted the two middle windows on each side to swing out for ventilation, so he hinged the top of those. We used non galvanized hinges because I wanted them to rust over time, and it didn’t take long! To keep the windows closed, we used a decorative “hook and eye.” You can find these at any hardware store. To hold them open, I use a piece of 2 x 4. (I think this looks charming, Gerald wants to figure out something more permanent)
gate hardware 
gate hardware
The door hinges and latch are black gate hardware.
I can’t even begin to explain how much I love my little shed!!! In Part 2 of Building our Potting Shed, I will share the details of the floor and the permanent potting bench under the window!! Thank you for following along!!
Love that shed!!! Such a beautiful environment to ‘work’. Gerald is so gifted. Your talents blend together to make a beautiful space. A great match and perfect fit. Blessings to you both.
Thanks Mom! He definitely brought my dream to life!
Oh I’m so glad you did this Tracey! Now I have something to show my husband!! He’s a planner-type guy! Maybe I can slowly start talking him I to collecting windows with me!!! Just beautiful, my friend!
Oh Thank you Jeanette! That means the world to me! Happy hunting and good luck!
Wow! What a great team you two are! With your vision and Gerald’s skills, you created a lovely little retreat. But what makes it extra special is all the adorable little touches you added and all the pieces you filled it with!
Thank you so much Lori! I am certainly blessed to have Gerald bring all my ideas to life! Some he isn’t too sure of…haha
Just so amazing! Our shed is rotted and on our project list if the rain will ever stop. I will keep yours handy for reference! 😍😍
Oh thank you Larissa! Yes, the sun needs to shine again!
Looks amazing ! I should talk John into making me one.
Thanks Marg! Yes you should! haha
Tracey this is so adorable! I agree with you about the two x four to prop open the window. I just love that space!!! Is Gerald for hire? lol
Thanks Kim! I knew you would get the 2×4! haha Not so sure if Gerald has the time….he’s too busy doing my projects! hahaha
Absolutely amazing!!! Your potting shed is so dreamy!! I love every detail of it!!!
-Emily
Oh Thank you so much Emily!! you are a doll. xo
From the looks of your commenters there will be lots of “grateful” husbands out there! This is so helpful though really. We have been talking about building a shed and this helps people to see that it can be done! It’s just beautiful!
Thank you Jenn so much! I can’t wait to see your shed! It will be beautiful 💗💗