If you are interested in building your own greenhouse, greenhouse plans are a good way to go. You can order greenhouse plans that map out every detail of the structure and tell you exactly how much of each material you will need. You choose the style and then order the plans for it. Greenhouse plans simplify the process of designing and building a greenhouse. Instead of having to come up with your own design and figure out how much wood, glass and shelving you will need, it's all done for you. Many companies online offer plans for greenhouses that cost under $20. That's a small investment for a structure you will love and use all year. A greenhouse can take many forms. You can get plans for a lean-to, which is a sloped roof structure that attaches to a house or building. You can also find plans for any number of free-standing greenhouses from the elaborate Gothic arched building to the more traditional Nantucket version. You can go Tudor or cottage, and you'll find everything you need in a good plan. A plan for a greenhouse is not the same thing as a greenhouse kit. A greenhouse plan is a blueprint. It's essentially a map that will show you where everything will be connected in order for the structure to stand. It will give you a materials and tools list so you can go out and get everything you need to build the house. A greenhouse kit, on the other hand, is a complete set of materials and instructions that contain everything you need to actually get your greenhouse built. Many companies offer greenhouse kits in dozens of beautiful styles and materials. You can either build them yourself or have someone come in and build from your kit for you. If you are at all handy with tools, a plan for a greenhouse makes sense. You can take your time and build it exactly the way you want it. Tweak the plans here and there to make it a little bigger or smaller. Include hanging hooks or potting benches. Have the door you want and the vented windows where you want them. Plans allow you to customize a greenhouse. They are ideal for use as they are or you can use them as a jumping off point for a customized building. The benefits of plans are great. They are extremely affordable and get you started on the right track to the greenhouse you have always wanted.