Build an effective DIY straw bale greenhouse!

A straw bale greenhouse is a type of greenhouse that uses straw bales as walls.

There are countless reasons why having a greenhouse is an excellent idea. But they do require a sizeable investment. The cost of buying materials for a greenhouse alone can cause some to pause and reconsider.

A greenhouse made from straw bales? It’s certainly interesting but many would be doubtful about this idea. This type of greenhouse is often used in cold climates as the straw bales help to insulate the space.

Straw bale greenhouses are typically built with a frame of wood or metal, and the straw bales are then stacked on top of the frame. The straw bales can be left natural or they can be covered with a layer of plaster or stucco.

Yes, it’s affordable (even money-saving for some), environmentally friendly and provides good insulation. But is it strong enough?

A straw bale greenhouse has the potential to be an excellent addition to your home, provided you take the necessary precautions during construction. As with any construction project, there is always the potential for disaster, but if you build your straw bale greenhouse carefully and take into account the intense weather conditions that may occur in your area, you should be fine.

But there are large straw bale greenhouse constructions that prove this build is one great option you can consider. With enough research, proper design, and quality build, a straw bale greenhouse should work just as well as the more common greenhouses that people DIY.

The example that you see above is a nice start, BUT it’s an unfinished project.

Here are a few general points to keep in mind when building a straw bale greenhouse:

Plastering the straw bales

Make sure to protect the straw bales from the weather by plastering them. Plastering the bales will help to extend their lifespan and prevent them from rotting. Make sure to do this as soon as possible after putting the bales in place, as exposure to the elements can cause them to degrade quickly.

Leaving them exposed will cause them to eventually rot, which you obviously do not want. There are many sources for a plaster recipe out there. You can also find one that includes cement to make your straw bale walls more water-resistant.

Include a window

When designing your greenhouse, be sure to include operable windows. These windows will allow you to release excess moisture that builds up inside, helping to protect the straw bale walls from deterioration. By venting the greenhouse on a regular basis, you can prolong the life of your straw bale walls and ensure a healthy growing environment for your plants.

Use Polycarbonate Sheets

Last but not the least, use polycarbonate greenhouse sheets if possible – for your ceiling and non-straw bale walls. Polycarbonate sheets are a strong, double-wall, lightweight material that provides great light transmission but filters out harmful rays at the same time. It’s a perfect complement to your relatively light straw bale walls as well as great for your plants!

Now as mentioned earlier, building a good straw bale greenhouse will depend on many factors – space, location, budget, available materials, weather conditions, and more. If you carefully consider all of these factors before starting your project, you’ll be much more likely to end up with a greenhouse that meets your needs and lasts for years to come.

If you lack experience in building construction, be sure to solicit the help of professionals or friends who have more knowledge in design and construction when planning to build a straw bale greenhouse. This will help ensure that your greenhouse is built properly.

You’ll need these materials:

• PVC
• Timber
• Clear Corrugated Roofing Panels
• Straw Bale

And these tools:

• Cordless Drill
• Measuring Tape
• Spirit Level
• Shovel
• Hammer
• Table Saw

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.

You can get step-by-step instructions from Countryside here.