Greenhouses allow gardeners to grow plants year-round, even in colder climates. Buying a kit greenhouse can be expensive, but savvy DIYers have discovered that IKEA cabinets make excellent and affordable DIY greenhouses with a little handiwork. IKEA’s versatile cabinet systems provide an ideal frame for an IKEA greenhouse, and their glass doors create ready-made windows to let in sunlight.
Converting IKEA cabinets into customized greenhouses offers many advantages over traditional greenhouse kits. IKEA cabinets are available in various sizes to suit your space, come in ready-to-assemble pieces for easy construction, and cost a fraction of complete greenhouse kits. With some simple modifications, IKEA cabinets can be transformed into productive greenhouses to shelter your plants.
This guide covers everything you need to know to create your own IKEA greenhouse cabinet, from picking the right cabinet and modifying it to setting up shelving and utilizing the space efficiently. Follow these IKEA greenhouse cabinet hacks to inexpensively construct a customized growing environment for your plants.
Choosing an IKEA Cabinet for a Greenhouse
The first step in creating an IKEA greenhouse is selecting the right cabinet. IKEA offers a wide selection of cabinet sizes and configurations to fit any space and suit different growing needs. Consider the following factors when picking an IKEA cabinet to convert into a greenhouse:
Size
Think about the number and size of plants you want to grow when deciding on cabinet dimensions. Measure the space available in your indoor or outdoor location for the greenhouse. Opt for the largest cabinet size that will fit the allotted area. Larger cabinets provide more interior space to add shelving and grow more plants.
Many IKEA cabinet lines come in multiple width options. For example, the popular BESTÅ series includes cabinets ranging from 23 5/8-inches to 47 1/4-inches wide. Take measurements to determine the maximum width that can accommodate your plants.
The height of the cabinet also impacts usable growing space. Taller cabinets allow more vertically stacked shelves. Standard base cabinet heights are 30 or 36 inches, while wall cabinets can be up to 80 inches tall.
Glass Doors
Look for an IKEA cabinet that includes glass doors to create the “windows” for the greenhouse. Glass doors with a high percentage of transparent surface area allow more interior light exposure.
Some cabinets only come with solid doors that would block light transmission. Make sure to select an IKEA cabinet with full glass doors to take advantage of the sunlight entering the greenhouse.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity levels inside a greenhouse. When selecting a cabinet, check that the design incorporates ventilation openings.
Many IKEA cabinets feature ventilation grilles on doors or open backs to facilitate air flow. If the cabinet lacks built-in ventilation, you will need to add your own holes or openings during the modification process.
Budget
IKEA cabinets are relatively inexpensive compared to complete greenhouse kits. However, IKEA offers many options across a wide range of prices. Basic pine cabinets start around $100, while upgraded cabinets with features like glass doors can run $400-500. Consider how much you want to spend when choosing your IKEA greenhouse cabinet.
Also factor in the cost of any additional materials needed for modifications and accessories. Setting a budget will help narrow down IKEA options to find the best cabinet greenhouse for your needs and price range.
Construction
Look for cabinets with thicker back panels and sides that will provide stability when converted into a greenhouse structure. Particleboard or fiberboard construction is fine for household cabinets but may not hold up as well in a greenhouse that will be exposed to humidity and soil moisture.
Solid wood cabinets offer greater durability but typically cost more. Also inspect cabinets for strong metal bracing along the top panel and crossbeams to reinforce the frame. Sturdy construction is key to creating a long-lasting IKEA cabinet greenhouse.
Modifying the IKEA Cabinet into a Greenhouse
Once you have selected the ideal IKEA cabinet, some modifications are required to transform it into a functional greenhouse. Follow this checklist to adapt key elements of your cabinet:
Remove Back Panel
Removing the back panel improves ventilation and light penetration in the cabinet greenhouse. Carefully detach it from the frame if your cabinet has an enclosed back.
Leave small cleats along the bottom edge to hold humidity trays. Cut openings at the top of the back panel if you want to leave it partially attached to conceal irrigation components.
Install Plastic Film or Polycarbonate Panel
Attach a transparent material over the open back to maintain warmth and humidity levels inside the greenhouse. Polyethylene plastic film or polycarbonate panels are inexpensive options:
- Plastic film – Stretch and staple greenhouse-grade, 6-mil polyethylene film across the back opening. Use a fan fold design with folds running horizontally to allow for contraction and expansion.
- Polycarbonate – Cut UV-protected polycarbonate panels to size and attach them to the open frame using plastic channel strips. Polycarbonate offers greater durability than plastic film.
Add Vents
Vents improve air exchange to prevent overheating in sunny conditions. Cut vents into the side panels or doors using a jigsaw:
- Side wall vents – Make triangular cuts measuring 6 x 6 x 6 inches on each side wall near the top. Attach plastic film or mesh screen covers over the vents to allow airflow while keeping out pests.
- Door vents – Cut rectangular openings up to 4 x 8 inches near the top of the glass doors and attach screened covers.
Install Weatherstripping
Apply weatherstripping along the doors and sides where the cabinet panels meet. Compressing foam or rubber strips will seal gaps that allow warm air to escape. Ensure a tight fit for better heat retention.
Consider Supplemental Lighting
While the glass doors should transmit adequate light for most plants, you can install grow lights for additional illumination, especially in winter. Mount LED grow light strips under the top cabinet panel and connect them to an outlet timer to regulate the supplemental lighting schedule.
Setting Up the Greenhouse Interior
Once construction is complete, it’s time to outfit the IKEA cabinet interior for growing plants. Follow these tips to maximize the space:
Install Shelving
You’ll need removable shelving to hold potted plants inside the greenhouse. IKEA offers several shelving systems that conveniently fit their cabinet interiors, such as:
- KNAGGLIG – Wire shelving units with height-adjustable sides
- EDDASE – Steel rod shelves that slot into built-in holes on cabinet walls
- MAXIMERA – Glass shelves and metal support bars
Position multiple shelves spaced at intervals of 10-12 inches to accommodate plants of different heights. You can also DIY shelves using boards and brackets if desired.
Line with Reflective Material
Cover side walls and shelves with reflective material to maximize light exposure and distribute it evenly. Mylar, aluminum foil, or white paint will reflect sunlight onto plants from all angles within the greenhouse cabinet.
Create a Work Surface
Designate one lower shelf to serve as a potting bench and work area for planting, transplanting, and propagating cuttings. Place this removable shelf at a comfortable work height.
Add a Humidity Tray
Use a large tray filled with pebbles and water to boost humidity levels for tropical plants. Situate the tray on the bottom cabinet shelf or floor where it is not blocking sunlight.
Include Storage
Take advantage of unused spaces to store gardening supplies inside your IKEA greenhouse. Install corner racks for tools or pots. Attach mesh pouches to the door interiors to hold seed packets.
Use Casters for Mobility
Mount the cabinet on casters so you can easily move it to take advantage of sunlight from different exposures. Locking casters will keep the greenhouse stationary after rolling into position.
Grow Vertically
Make use of vertical space by training vining plants up the walls using plant velcro or clips. Let herbs and greens cascade over hanging pockets attached to the upper cabinet interior.
Ideal Plants for an IKEA Greenhouse
The right plant selections are key to getting optimal yields from your IKEA cabinet greenhouse. When stocking your greenhouse, look for plants with these characteristics:
Thrive in High Humidity
Many tropical varieties relish the warm, humid interior of a greenhouse cabinet. Bromeliads, orchids, ferns, begonias, and calatheas will flourish in these favorable conditions.
Tolerant Compact Varieties
Dwarf and bushy vegetables and herbs are ideal for fitting into the tight quarters of an IKEA greenhouse. Choose compact tomato, pepper, lettuce, kale, and green onion cultivars.
Enjoy Partial Sunlight
Full sun plants will scorch in the confined greenhouse space. Select shade-loving plants like impatiens, coleus, and bleeding hearts that can handle partial sunlight exposure.
Clean Air Purifying
Adding plants that remove air pollutants like toxic VOCs will help keep greenhouse air fresh and clean. Spider plants, peace lilies, aloe vera, and English ivy are excellent air-purifying choices.
Cascading Habit
Take advantage of vertical space by choosing trailing plants to hang along the greenhouse walls and shelves. Good options include string of pearls, spider plants, Swedish ivy, and burro’s tail succulents.
IKEA Cabinet Greenhouse Plans
Follow these plans to create customized IKEA cabinet greenhouses to fit any space and suit your growing needs:
Small Greenhouse
This mini greenhouse is perfect for a countertop or desk.
IKEA Cabinet: MILSBO, 23 5/8 x 15 3/4 x 30 inches
Light: North- or east-facing exposure
Plants: Mini veggies, herbs, mosses, succulents
Tips: Remove door for ventilation. Add supplemental LED strip lights.
Medium Greenhouse
A roomy free-standing greenhouse cabinet for medium-sized plants.
IKEA Cabinet: BESTÅ, 31 1/2 x 15 3/4 x 30 inches
Light: South- or west-facing exposure
Plants: Salad greens, seedlings, moisture-loving plants
Tips: Use wire shelving. Keep base on casters for mobility.
Large Greenhouse
Maximize plant capacity with this spacious converted cabinet.
IKEA Cabinet: SEKTION, 47 1/4 x 24 x 80 inches
Light: South-facing exposure
Plants: Full-sized vegetables, vining plants, tropicals
Tips: Install polycarbonate back panel. Use humidity trays.
Mini Greenhouse Array
Get more growing power from multiples of the versatile MILSBO cabinet.
IKEA Cabinet: 3x MILSBO, 23 5/8 x 15 3/4 x 30 inches each
Light: South-facing exposure
Plants: Mixed greens, herbs, flowers, propagations
Tips: Arrange in a row on low platform. Link irrigation systems.
Troubleshooting Common IKEA Greenhouse Problems
When issues arise in your IKEA cabinet greenhouse, use these troubleshooting tips to get your plants thriving again:
Problem: Condensation dripping from cabinet interior
Solution: Increase ventilation. Wipe down excess moisture daily.
Problem: Mold or fungal growth
Solution: Eliminate standing water. Apply fungicide spray on affected plants.
Problem: Plants overheating
Solution: Add more vents. Use shade cloth over cabinet. Mist plants daily.
Problem: Leggy, sparse plant growth
Solution: Provide more light exposure. Switch to lower-light tolerant plants.
Problem: Slow seed germination
Solution: Use bottom heat mats. Maintain optimal 70-75°F soil temperature.
Problem: White residue accumulating on surfaces
Solution: Increase ventilation. Clean residue with diluted bleach or vinegar.
Problem: Pests like aphids or spider mites
Solution: Remove affected plants immediately. Apply insecticidal soap spray.
Accessorizing Your IKEA Greenhouse Cabinet
Take your IKEA greenhouse to the next level by incorporating these enhancing accessories:
- Automatic vents – Link vents to a thermostat to regulate ventilation based on temperature.
- Grow lights – Supplement natural light with full spectrum LED grow lights on adjustable hangers.
- Glass door locks – Secure doors shut with locking mechanisms to prevent unwanted opening.
- Irrigation system – Install a misting system or drip lines to automatically water plants.
- Automatic humidifier – Prevent excess dryness with a cool mist humidifier connected to a humidistat.
- Rolling stand – Elevate on a wheeled plant stand for extra height and mobility.
- Solar panels – Harness the sun’s energy to power internal lighting and accessories.
- WiFi controller – Remotely monitor conditions and control components like vents and lights.
Get Growing!
Converting an IKEA cabinet into a customized greenhouse is an easy and affordable way to grow plants year-round. Follow these IKEA greenhouse cabinet hacks for choosing and modifying the ideal cabinet to shelter your indoor garden. With some simple DIY handiwork, you can create an effective and stylish greenhouse tailored exactly to your space and plants’ needs.
The versatile IKEA system enables endless possibilities for designing your own unique greenhouse cabinet. Maximize every inch of space with shelving and storage to accommodate a bounty of plants. Achieve optimal growing conditions with ventilation, lighting, and accessories tuned to your plants’ preferences.
In no time, you can be harvesting fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers right from your IKEA cabinet greenhouse. Let these IKEA hacks inspire you to get creative with converting an off-the-shelf cabinet into a fully functional, customized greenhouse that makes growing your own plants easy and fun all year long!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of an IKEA greenhouse cabinet?
IKEA greenhouse cabinets provide an affordable, customizable DIY greenhouse option. They offer more space than mini greenhouses, allow you to control growing conditions, work for indoor or outdoor use, and let you grow plants year-round in any climate.
What IKEA cabinets work best for a greenhouse?
Opt for glass-door IKEA cabinets like MILSBO, DETOLF, or BESTÅ that allow ample light transmission. Look for larger sizes, ventilation options, and durable materials.
How do you convert an IKEA cabinet into a greenhouse?
Remove or ventilate the back panel, add polyfilm or polycarbonate, install vents and shelves, line with reflective material, and include humidity trays and storage accessories to transform IKEA cabinets into greenhouses.
What can you grow in an IKEA cabinet greenhouse?
Compact vegetables like lettuce and herbs, vining plants, air plants, tropicals like orchids, succulents, seedlings, propagations, and other plants that enjoy warm, humid conditions and partial sunlight grow well in IKEA cabinet greenhouses.
How do you maintain temperature and humidity in an IKEA cabinet greenhouse?
Ventilation, humidity trays, sealing with weatherstripping, heating mats, and humidifiers help regulate temperature and humidity. Automatic vents and humidifiers make it easier.
How much does it cost to build an IKEA greenhouse cabinet?
The main costs are the IKEA cabinet itself ($100-$500+ depending on size and features) and any additional materials for modifying the cabinet. Total costs typically run $200-$800+ for a DIY IKEA greenhouse cabinet.
About the Author
This article was created by Claude, an AI assistant created by Anthropic to be helpful, harmless, and honest.