Key Takeaways -

• DIY greenhouse shelving maximises practical space while keeping plants and tools organised.
• Choose materials like wood, metal, or wire mesh for durability and proper drainage.
• Adjustable, vertical, or freestanding shelves offer flexibility for different plant needs.
• Proper planning ensures stable, space-efficient, and long-lasting greenhouse shelving.

Greenhouse shelving is a simple and cost-effective way to maximise space and keep your plants, tools, and gardening supplies organised. No matter the size of your greenhouse, the right shelving can help you make the most of your space while keeping everything easy to access.

This guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you build shelves that fit your needs. You’ll also find practical tips on choosing the best materials and designs for your greenhouse.

Keep reading to learn how to create sturdy, space-saving shelving that works for your plants and setup. With the right approach, you can build shelves that are both functional and long-lasting.

Key Factors to Consider Before Building

Before you start building your greenhouse shelving, it's important to plan ahead. The right design will help you make the most of your space while keeping your plants healthy and organised. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Available floor and wall space: Measure your greenhouse to determine how much room you have for shelves. Consider both floor-standing and wall-mounted options to maximise space.
• Type of plants and their light/water needs: Some plants need more sunlight, while others thrive in shade. Think about where to place shelves to give your plants the right conditions.
• Weight capacity and drainage requirements: Shelves should be strong enough to hold heavy pots and soil. Slatted or wire mesh shelves help with drainage and prevent water buildup.
• Material choices: wood, metal, plastic, recycled items: Choose materials that are durable and resistant to moisture. Wood offers a natural look, metal is sturdy, plastic is lightweight, and recycled materials can be an eco-friendly option.

Pallet Shelving: Budget-Friendly & Eco-Friendly

Pallet shelving is a great way to build sturdy greenhouse shelves without spending much money. By using reclaimed pallets, you can create functional storage while reducing waste. This design is easy to build and works well for organising plants, tools, and other gardening supplies.

Materials Needed

• Two wooden pallets
• Hand saw
• Electric screwdriver & screws
• Spirit level & tape measure
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Building pallet shelving is simple and requires only a few tools. Follow these steps to create a strong and practical shelving unit for your greenhouse.

1. Cut the Pallets: Divide each pallet into three tiers for shelving.
   • Use four slats for the bottom shelf.
   • Use three slats for the middle shelf.
   • Use one slat for the top shelf.
2. Build the Frame: Use pallet slats to create side batons for extra support.
3. Attach Shelves: Secure the shelves at your desired heights with screws. Use a spirit level to make sure they are even.
4. Add Support: Attach angled batons at 45 degrees to keep the structure stable.
5. Paint or Stain (Optional): Sand the shelves and apply paint or stain to protect the wood from moisture.

Ladder Shelving: Stylish & Space-Saving

Ladder shelving is a great way to add vertical storage to your greenhouse while keeping it visually appealing. This design allows you to display plants at different heights, making it easy to access and care for them. It also works well in small spaces, as it doesn’t take up much floor area.

Materials Needed

• An old ladder or wooden planks
• Screws or nails
• Paint or wood stain (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ladder shelving is easy to build and requires minimal materials. Follow these steps to build a functional and stylish storage solution for your greenhouse.

1. Repurpose an Old Ladder or build a ladder-like frame using wooden planks. Make sure it is tall and wide enough to hold your plants.
2. Attach Shelves: Add horizontal slats across each rung to create shelves. Space them evenly to fit different plant sizes.
3. Secure the Structure: Use screws or nails to keep the shelves sturdy. Check that everything is stable before placing any plants.
4. Customise (Optional): Paint or stain the shelving to match the greenhouse style. Let it dry before adding plants.

Wire Mesh Shelving: Optimal Light, Air & Water Flow

Wire mesh shelving is a great choice for greenhouses because it allows sunlight, air, and water to pass through easily. This helps prevent water buildup, improves ventilation, and ensures that all the plants receive enough light. It is also strong and durable, making it ideal for holding multiple plants.

Materials Needed

• Wooden frames
• Galvanised steel wire mesh (hardware cloth)
• Heavy-duty staples

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wire mesh shelving is simple to build and highly effective for greenhouse storage. Follow these steps to create a sturdy, multi-tiered shelf.

1. Build Wooden Frames: Cut and assemble wooden frames to match the size of each shelf tier. Make sure they are strong enough to support the plants.
2. Attach Wire Mesh: Lay the galvanised steel wire mesh over each frame. Secure it tightly using heavy-duty staples to prevent sagging.
3. Assemble the Shelves: Stack the units together to form a sturdy multi-tiered shelf. Make sure the structure is stable before placing plants on it.

Freestanding Central Shelving: Perfect for Large Greenhouses

Freestanding central shelving is ideal for larger greenhouses, providing plenty of storage while keeping plants easily accessible. This type of shelving allows you to organise plants by size, making the most of your available space. It also creates a strong focal point in the greenhouse.

Materials Needed

• Pressure-treated wood or metal frames
• Screws
• Spirit level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Freestanding central shelving is a sturdy and practical option for greenhouse storage. Follow these steps to build a durable, multi-tiered unit.

1. Build a Central Frame: Construct a strong frame with multiple tiers. Ensure the structure is wide and tall enough for your plants.
2. Attach Shelves: Secure horizontal slats or panels to create sturdy shelf tiers. Use a spirit level to keep them even.
3. Position in the Center: Place the shelving unit in the middle of the greenhouse. Use the lower tiers for larger plants and the top tiers for smaller ones.

Vertical Garden Shelving: Maximising Small Spaces

Vertical garden shelving is a great way to maximise space in a small greenhouse. By stacking shelves upwards instead of spreading them out, you can create more room for plants while keeping everything organised and easy to reach. This design is perfect for making the most of limited space.

Materials Needed

• Wooden planks or pallets
• Screws
• Wall brackets (if attaching to greenhouse walls)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Vertical shelving is simple to install and helps keep plants at different heights for better light exposure. Follow these steps to build a strong and space-saving unit.

1. Stack Shelves Vertically: Choose a rear wall in the greenhouse and position the shelves one above the other to create a tiered effect.
2. Secure with Brackets: Attach the shelves firmly to the wall using brackets and screws. Make sure they are level and stable.
3. Use Different Depths: Adjust the depth of each shelf to accommodate plants of varying sizes, ensuring proper spacing for growth.

High-Level Shelving (Strawberry Boards): Great for Sunlight-Loving Seedlings

High-level shelving, also known as strawberry boards, is perfect for seedlings and plants that need plenty of sunlight. By placing shelves higher up, closer to the greenhouse glass, plants get maximum light exposure. This method also frees up lower space for other gardening tasks.

Materials Needed

• Aluminum boards or wooden planks
• Wall brackets

Step-by-Step Instructions

High-level shelving is easy to install and helps create extra storage without taking up floor space. Follow these steps to build sturdy, sun-catching shelves.

1. Mount Boards Along the Eaves or Gables: Position the boards near the top of the greenhouse and secure them with wall brackets.
2. Ensure Stability: Check that the shelves are level and strong enough to hold plants without sagging or tipping.

Tips for Greenhouse Shelving Design

Drainage

Good drainage prevents water buildup, which can lead to root rot and mould. Use slatted or wire mesh shelves to allow excess water to drain away (1). Adding gravel trays or decorative stone under pots helps control moisture levels and prevents water from pooling on shelves.

Durability

Greenhouse shelves need to withstand moisture and daily use. Choose pressure-treated wood to prevent rot or galvanised steel to resist rust. These materials ensure your shelving lasts for years without weakening.

Customisation

Shelves should be flexible to accommodate different plants. Adjust shelf heights to fit various plant sizes and growth stages. This allows you to maximise space while ensuring each plant gets the right amount of light.

Aesthetics

Greenhouse shelving should be both functional and visually appealing. Match shelving materials and colours to your greenhouse style for a cohesive look. Consider wraparound shelving to use corner spaces efficiently and create a seamless, organised layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make My Greenhouse Shelves Adjustable?

To make greenhouse shelves adjustable, use brackets with pre-drilled holes or install slotted uprights that allow shelves to be moved up or down. This flexibility lets you accommodate different plant heights, store watering cans, and adjust for seasonal changes.

Metal shelving with adjustable tiers is another great option for easy customization, providing sturdy support for plants and gardening essentials.

Which of These Shelving Ideas Is Best for Displaying Low-Hanging Plants?

High-level shelving (strawberry boards) is ideal for displaying low-hanging plants, as it keeps them elevated and exposed to sunlight. Another great option is wraparound shelving, which allows plants to drape over the edges while maximising greenhouse space.

Both designs create an organised and visually appealing display.

Can I Use Floating Shelves in a Greenhouse?

Yes, floating shelves can be used in a greenhouse, but they must be securely attached to strong walls or support beams. Using heavy-duty brackets ensures they can hold the weight of pots and soil. Floating shelves work best for lightweight plants and decorative storage.

Which Method Can Be Used as a Potting Bench?

Freestanding central shelving can double as a potting bench by providing a sturdy, waist-height surface for transplanting and preparing plants. Pallet shelving can also be repurposed for this purpose, especially when reinforced for extra stability.

A well-designed potting bench should include storage for tools and potting mix.

Which Shelving Is Great for Planting Alpine Plants?

Gravel-lined shelving or trays are best for planting alpine plants, as they provide excellent drainage and mimic their natural rocky habitat. High-level shelving also works well since it keeps alpine plants in cool, well-ventilated conditions while maximising sunlight exposure.

Proper drainage is key to preventing root rot in alpine plants.

Can Greenhouse Shelving Be Used for Seed Starting?

Yes, greenhouse shelving is perfect for seed starting, especially when designed for maximum light exposure and easy access to watering. Wire mesh shelving allows airflow around seedlings, while vertical garden shelving can help organise different plant stages.

For best results, use waterproof trays and grow lights to support early growth.

Can I Use Recycled Windows to Build Greenhouse Shelving?

Yes, recycled windows can be used to build greenhouse shelving, providing a sustainable and visually appealing option. By securing shelves onto a window sill, you can create a sturdy surface that allows plants to receive plenty of natural light.

Recycled window shelving works well for lightweight plants and decorative storage. Ensure the structure is properly reinforced to support the weight of pots and gardening supplies.

Conclusion

Building your own greenhouse shelving is a cost-effective way to create a practical space for organising plants, storing tools, and gardening supplies. Whether you choose pallet, ladder, wire mesh, or freestanding shelving, each option helps maximise space and improve plant care.

By selecting the right materials and design, you can create durable, efficient shelving that suits your greenhouse needs. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your greenhouse into a well-organised, thriving environment.

Sources -

1. https://manabouttools.com/greenhouse-shelves/