Portable or Permanent Lean-To Green Houses

This is a large permanent style lean-to and it rests against the stone wall of a building facing the rays of the sun to the South.

The Purpose of a Green House

The purpose of a greenhouse is to house plants and seedlings in an insect free environment which provides the right amount of humidity and warmth for their growth or propagation. It can also be used as a hospital for sick plants that need to be separated and reestablished.

Lean-To green houses are meant to be temporary quarters for plants until it is time to transplant them into vegetable or flower gardens. A storage bin for tools and supplies are usually located in a shed at a nearby location.

Hobby and gardening enthusiasts are always using some form of greenhouse environment for their seeds or seedlings. The amount of gardening or types of plants grown determines the consideration for a portable or permanent structure. The greenhouse is an essential tool for any type of vegetation.

Modern green houses are now made of light weight materials of aluminum and plastic which is economical until a more permanent green house is assembled.

Light Weight Construction

Light weight portable lean-to green houses are made with aluminum or PVC piping and covered with your choice of poly carbonate, shade cloth, or polyethylene film. This structure is attached to the side of a stable supporting wall which may be a house, garage, shed, barn or other types of structures.

The green house is placed on the south side of a building taking advantage of the warm sun. The portable unit can be easily removed or dismantled to be placed elsewhere when the seasons change in order to follow the sun.

An example of a permanent lean to which has lasted for many years. This brick and glass structure is attached to a very secure brick wall. I would guess the age of this building to be about 40 or 50 years old. With a few cosmetic changes and minor repairs it will be ready for another long life.

Constructing Permanent Green Houses

These green houses may also be constructed to be permanent. The construction materials include wood, steel, aluminum or plastic. The type of slanted roof and the three sides will determine if it will be covered with glass, poly carbonate, shade cloth, or polyethylene film.

Basic Decisions Before Building

1. Location
2. Land area
3. Size and design
4. Type of slant roof
5. Building plans
6. Personal construction skills
7. Aesthetic value
8. Construction materials
9. Utility outlets
10. Access path for hauling heavy supplies

A lean-to is often called a half-house because it is only a one-half building. Your costs will be much greater than a portable unit. But this lean-to is meant to be a lifetime investment. Part of the costs will be minimized as you are using a wall which is attached to a house, barn, shed, or other permanent structures.

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