The Creative Way To Turn An Old Trampoline Into A Winter Greenhouse

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If your trampoline has bounced its last bounce, you might feel stuck wondering how to dispose of the clunky, junky giant. But don't throw it out yet! A trampoline frame is the perfect base for several creative garden projects, including the greenhouse of your dreams. With a few supplies and some determination, you can turn an old trampoline into a greenhouse by reinforcing the frame and dressing it in clear plastic sheeting.

There are a few methods you can follow to turn a trampoline into your own greenhouse. The simplest technique involves splitting the round frame in half, then turning the two halves upright to create an arched room. This ensures the inside of the greenhouse will have enough height to walk inside. If you'd rather work with the whole frame, you can create a round hut-shaped greenhouse, but you may need additional materials like a center pole, bendable PVC pipes, or wood beams to give the structure more height. 

For the sake of this DIY, we'll focus on the most popular method, the arched shape. Before you can start building the greenhouse, you'll need to disassemble your trampoline. Carefully unhook the springs around the rim so that you can remove the center mat. Save the springs in a bucket; there are ways to reuse old trampoline springs too! Next, flip the frame over and remove the trampoline legs. You should now have a large metal hoop which can either be unscrewed or cut with a reciprocating saw or hacksaw to form two halves.

Plan the best location for your backyard greenhouse before you get started building. Ideally, it should be somewhere with access to a nearby water source and full sunlight, especially in fall and winter. Enlist the help of a friend if needed to prop up one half-circle piece of the trampoline frame, supporting it at the ends by screwing into footboards or tying to metal T-posts pushed firmly in the ground. Follow the same steps with the other arched piece. This will form the front and back wall of your greenhouse. Next, screw boards spanning between the two arches. These can be anywhere from 4 feet to 10 feet long or more, depending on how deep you'd like your greenhouse structure to be. Self-tapping screws can make this project easier as you're drilling through the metal. 

With the frame complete, you're ready to finish the greenhouse with plastic. Toss plastic sheeting like this chicarry 6 mil Clear Greenhouse Film over the structure, adjusting it so it hangs evenly on both sides. Secure the plastic to the wood boards with roofing nails or staples. On the front side of the greenhouse, you can either construct a door frame and repurpose an old door or allow two sheets of plastic to overlap like curtains, which can then be parted to walk through.

A greenhouse really can be as simple as a frame and a clear plastic tarp. However, there are a few things to consider if you want it to function as well as possible. Even in winter, greenhouses should be hot and humid, but poor ventilation is one overlooked reason your greenhouse plants might struggle. Stagnant, humid air can lead to problems with pathogens, fungi, and inadequate CO2 exchange. To remedy this, install a box fan at one end of your greenhouse, taping the plastic tightly around it. A thermometer and hygrometer can also be helpful additions to ensure the inside of your greenhouse stays within a safe, ideal range of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 to 85% humidity.

You will likely need to replace the greenhouse plastic every few years, depending on how well it withstands outdoor conditions. Changing out the plastic also presents a good opportunity to reorganize your greenhouse to maximize space and reassess the structure itself. Consider installing shelves for organizing smaller plants and seedlings, and keep an eye on your local secondhand markets. You can repurpose multiple trampolines to extend your existing frame and make a larger greenhouse! Of course, this plastic-covered structure can be used for more than just plants. Hang a few strands of LED string lights and place a cozy bench or hammock inside, and you might find that it's also a great place for you to enjoy a little warmth and fresh air in winter.