DIY IKEA GREENHOUSE CHECKLIST AND STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Popular IKEA DIY Greenhouse Cabinets

Each of these can be customized using the products listed below!

IKEA Milsbo Tall

Perfect for showing off taller species of plants!

IKEA Milsbo Wide

For wider plants with additional surface space above (for more plants!)

IKEA Rudsta

A cost-effective option for your next Planty Shanty!

Setting Up Your IKEA Greenhouse: Essential Tools and Accessories

If you're looking for a quick shopping list, look no further. Below you will also find a step-by-step guide to complete your greenhouse or Planty Shanty! (Trying to make Planty Shanty a thing lol. Help me out! )

1. Greenhouse Cabinet

   • Recommended: IKEA MILSBO Tall, MILSBO Wide, or RUDSTA (or a similar enclosed display case)

2. Grow Lights

   • Barrina LED Grow Lights – Full-spectrum lights for optimal plant growth

3. Fans or Ventilation

   • USB Fan – Helps circulate air and prevent humidity buildup

4. Hygrometer / Thermometer

   • Digital Hygrometer – Accurate humidity and temperature readings

5. Weather Strips

   • Weather Stripping Tape – Maintains a stable microclimate by sealing gaps

6. Humidity Control

   • Humidifier or Pebble Tray – Keeps moisture levels ideal for tropical plants

7. Extra Shelves & Brackets

   • Acrylic Shelves – Modern look, better light penetration

   • Shelf Brackets – Sturdy support for multiple planting levels

8. Magnets & Hooks

   • Magnetic Hooks or Strips – For mounting tools, small fans, or lights

9. Power Accessories

   • Extension Cord

   • Kasa Smart Plug – Enables remote control or scheduling of lights and fans

10. Drill & Step Bit (2”)

• Power Drill

• 2” Metal Step Bit – For adding grommets or custom holes

11. Grommets (2”)

• Rubber or Plastic Grommets – Keep cables neat without compromising the enclosure

12. Optional Accents

• Monstera Cabinet Handles – Add a botanical flair to your greenhouse doors

• Front Door Weather Strip – Further seal the cabinet for consistent conditions

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions:

1. Assemble Your IKEA Cabinet

• Follow IKEA’s Directions
  Start by constructing the cabinet according to the included IKEA instructions.

• Drill for Cable Management (Optional but Handy)
  Before attaching the back panel, use a Power Drill and 2” Metal Step Bit to create a discreet hole near the base—ideal for running cords neatly out of sight.

2. Prepare and Install Shelves

• Choose Your Style
  You can keep the stock shelves or upgrade to Acrylic Shelves for a sleek, modern look.

• Measure & Cut
  Ensure the shelves fit the MILSBO’s interior dimensions. If needed, trim wire or acrylic shelves and consider spray painting them to match.

• Secure with Sturdy Brackets
  Attach Shelf Brackets to the desired heights using pre-drilled holes or by adding new ones. Slide in the shelves and verify they’re level.

3. Install Your Grow Lights

• Pick the Right Lights
  For optimal coverage and spectrum, we recommend Barrina LED Grow Lights.

• Mounting Magic
  Attach them above each shelf using strong double-sided tape or Magnetic Hooks. Magnets help with repositioning lights as your plants grow.

• Tidy Cables
  Run cords through your custom hole using 2” Grommets. This keeps wires neatly organized.

• Power Up
  Pair an Extension Cord with a Kasa Smart Plug for easy scheduling and remote control of your lights.

4. Enhance Air Circulation

• Cooling Fans
  A USB Fan or two is essential to prevent stagnant, humid air that can invite fungal issues. Position them so air moves across all shelves.

• Secure Fans
  Use magnets, zip ties, or hooks to anchor fans in place. If you need more reach, opt for USB extension cords.

5. Perfect the Humidity & Temperature

• Must-Have Hygrometer
  Keep track of humidity and temperature with a Digital Hygrometer. Alarms and readings help avoid mold or excessive dryness.

• Weather Strips
  Add Weather Stripping Tape along door edges or gaps, sealing in your chosen microclimate.

• Humidifier
  If you’re growing tropical plants, a Humidifier ensures the ideal moisture level—especially in drier months.

6. Finishing Touches & Customizations

• Monstera Cabinet Handles
  Upgrade the default hardware with Monstera Cabinet Handles for a stylish botanical flourish.

• Front Door Weather Strip
  A Front Door Weather Strip refines the look and further stabilizes climate control.

• Extra Accessories
  Feel free to add pegboards or small hooks for tools and décor.

• IKEA Spare Parts
  Need additional components? Visit the Official IKEA Spare Parts Page to order replacements.

Final Thoughts

Following our step-by-step guide, with these essential accessories, you’ll create a stunning and highly functional indoor greenhouse—perfect for nurturing your botanical beauties. For more plant care advice, product recommendations, and in-depth tutorials, visit PlantyShanty.com. Shop with our affiliate partners to get everything you need for your greenhouse project and watch your indoor garden thrive!

Happy growing, and congratulations on building your very own PlantyShanty! We'd love to see pictures, don't hesitate to reach out!

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