Building a Temu Greenhouse with a Small Deck: A Cozy, Practical Project for Your Homestead

Hey, y’all! It’s been a busy season here on the homestead, between working on our dream house and taking care of the chickens, goats, and pups, but I finally got around to putting together something I’ve been dreaming about: a Temu Greenhouse with a small deck for the family to gather around. I know what you’re thinking—what’s a Temu Greenhouse? Well, it's basically a DIY greenhouse that’s perfect for beginners and small spaces, and it’s all about making the most out of what you’ve got on a limited budget by using Temu.

Whether you’re growing veggies in the winter or just need a little extra space to enjoy the outdoors, a small deck can really add to the charm and usefulness of your greenhouse. Let me share some tips on how we built ours and how you can too!

1. Planning Your Space & Choosing the Right Location

First things first, take a good look at your land. We’re blessed with lots of space, but I still wanted to make sure the greenhouse was tucked in a spot that would get plenty of sunlight during the day. You don’t want your greenhouse in a shaded area where it won’t warm up properly.

When choosing a spot, keep these things in mind:

Sunlight: Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Wind Protection: Try to put it in a sheltered spot to protect the greenhouse from strong winds that can cause damage. Having trees around to help break the wind is always a plus.
Accessibility: The deck will need to be close enough to your garden so you can easily step outside for a quick gardening session. I wanted mine close to where we plan on putting our outdoor garden in the spring so I could go back and forth with ease.

2. Building the Greenhouse Frame

Now, if you're like me, you're looking for a budget-friendly option. That's where the Temu Greenhouse comes in—it’s a simple structure that’s easy to build. It is a complete kit and all you have to do is patiently follow the instructions. And, I mean patiently. It was a lot more affordable than traditional glass and I’m all about saving where I can.

Here’s a simple step-by-step:

Structure: I started by sorting everything in the kit to make it easier for me to find everything. I then just took it one page at a time in the instructions. I was able to build this by myself with minimal assistance while my husband focused on the frame we would be placing it on and the small deck.
Size: Our greenhouse is about 8x12 feet, which gives us just enough space for a small deck and a some plants inside. You can always go bigger or smaller depending on your needs.

3. Adding the Small Deck

Once the greenhouse itself was set on the frame (this took me, my mom, and my husband to lift the greenhouse and set it on the frame), it was time to build the deck! Now, this is where it gets fun. A little deck in front of the greenhouse gives you a nice place to sit with a cup of coffee or tea, and trust me, that southern sun feels good when you can step out and enjoy it.

Here’s what we did:

Size & Materials: For the deck, we used pressure-treated lumber. The size of our deck is about 4x8 feet, big enough for a cozy chair and some plants. I could probably add another chair, but one is good for now. Make sure to measure your space and choose the material that’ll stand up to the weather in your area. Cedar or treated wood works well for outdoor spaces.
Foundation: We leveled the frame and the deck by using blocks. We then added pressure-treated lumber, plywood, and later a fake grass rug for the inside of the greenhouse.
Flooring: For the flooring on the inside of the greenhouse, we simply used plywood.
Finishing Touches: I added a few planters on the deck to grow some evergreen trees, which makes the whole space feel inviting. You could also add a small herb garden if that suits your style!

4. Insulating & Winterizing Your Greenhouse

Now, I’m all about making sure things last and that means getting your greenhouse ready for winter. You don’t want your plants freezing and you sure don’t want to spend all that time and money on something that’s going to fall apart come the first frost.

Here’s what worked for us:

Insulation: I added bubble wrap insulation on the inside of the plastic to keep the warmth in. It’s simple, affordable, and works wonders.
Ventilation: Even in the winter, you need airflow. I installed a small, manual vent at the top of the greenhouse to allow warm air to escape during the day.

5. Bonus: Creating a Cozy Corner

I couldn’t resist making a little cozy spot on our deck and also inside the greenhouse. As much as I love tending to the garden, there’s something about having a little place to sit and enjoy the space that makes the whole project feel complete. So, I added:

A couple of comfy chairs (one on the deck and one inside the greenhouse_.
A potting table to get some work done and then enjoy my coffee (or maybe a glass of sweet tea).
Some twinkling fairy lights through the middle of the greenhouse for a bit of southern charm when the sun goes down.

Final Thoughts

Building a Temu Greenhouse with a small deck is a great way to make the most of your homestead, especially if you’ve got limited space or you want to create a cozy outdoor spot that doubles as a little retreat. With a bit of planning, some elbow grease, and maybe a few days of hard work, you can have your own greenhouse and deck to enjoy year-round.

I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with for your own greenhouses! If you have any questions or need more advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Keep tending your gardens and always remember—good things come to those who wait (and work hard, too!).

Take care, and happy building!

‘Til next time, friends!

Blaina Jo