Turning my pergola into a greenhouse

susyrosy

Hi - I have a pergola attached to my house outside my downstairs bedroom french windows. It has a vine over it in summer, but in winter it does nothing, and I was just wondering about turning it into a winter greenhouse using temporary panels. I'd been thinking about large bubble wrap attached/stapled to wooden panels, so they could be removed in spring. Alternatively, polycarbonate or rigid plastic sheeting.

I'm a complete ignoramus about this and a very dodgy diy-er, and would be really grateful for suitable suggestions. The size of the pergola is approx 12ft by 5ft, with paved flooring.

Thanks for all helpful suggestions!

Susy

Lotus-eater

Is the pergola strong enough to resist winds when clad in something? Not something it would have been built to withstand.

Do you realise how much polycarbonate costs? (Not cheap)
Bubblewrap won't withstand the weather very well by itself.


What do you want a greenhouse over the winter for?

alanobrien

You could get away with bubble wrap around the outside but you would need solid panels on the roof. keep in mind they may have to take the weight of some snow so they really need to be angled slightly.

I know a couple of people who do this and use the enclosed space to over winter tropical plants.

For the floor i would just put down some weed fabric. Thats easy cheap and fast, i use it in the greenhouse.

Farway

I think you may find wind a problem, once it catches a corner or gets in & builds up pressure inside you may find the panels / bubble wrap in next door

Worth a try but be aware of pitfalls & cost