Glue old CD cases together to make a seriously inventive structure for the garden

If you want to extend the growing season into the cooler months, you can protect your plants by making your own minigreenhouse. Once you figure out what you want to grow, and what your challenges are with the weather, you can follow any one of these easy tutorials to keep growing longer.

Minigreenhouses fit just about anywhere in your yard and don't have to be permanent. You are free to move them around and put them in the best spot depending on sunlight and exposure to wind and rain. Let's check out some inexpensive ways to protect your plants while creating attractive additions to your garden.

This first project from Meg at Mega Crafty features old CD cases, which you most likely have hanging around your house somewhere. The tutorial is very detailed, but Meg assures us it's basically just a few cuts and then the rest is just gluing the cases together.

The end result is a fully functional greenhouse that keeps recycled CD cases out of the landfills and puts them to good use in your yard.

Balcony Garden Web created this greenhouse using old windows. It's small enough that you could even use it on a balcony or small patio and still keep your plants protected from the elements. The glass provides extra insulation and keeps your more fragile plants protected.

3. Turn an old pallet into a fully functional minigreenhouse ​

Instructables offers a tutorial for this recycled pallet greenhouse. Just a few basic cuts and some plastic sheeting complete this inexpensive project. This one is pretty sturdy and will last several seasons if you want to reuse it year after year. Your garden will surely thrive the longer your plants can grow inside this minigreenhouse.

Cat Carlisle of Crafty Cattery shows us how to make this greenhouse out of PVC pipes and old shower curtain liners. This protective home was specifically designed to keep the plants inside safe during the winter months. It's easy to put together and can help insulate against the weather and pests.

5. Umbrella turns into a minigreenhouse in minutes ​

Kristina from A Little Bit Wonderful shows just how easy it is to make a greenhouse using a clear umbrella to protect your plants from the weather and pests. There are just a few modifications needed to make this protective home for your plants, whether they're just getting started in the spring or the weather is unpredictable throughout the seasons where you live.

Which of these projects are you most excited to complete? Please tell us in the comments and don't forget to SHARE this article with others to pass along the inspiration. Enjoy working on your new minigreenhouse.