How to make a rack or shelves with your own hands for seedlings

Tired of removing indoor flowers from the windowsills every year and “decorating” the windows with boxes of seedlings? Are you upset when once again someone touches the seedlings with a curtain and breaks the young plant? Then a rack for growing seedlings is what you need.

A high-quality substrate, good seeds, timely fertilizing, regular watering - this is not all that is needed in order to get ideal seedlings. We often forget about the importance of light and comfortable temperature in the initial stages of a plant’s life and do not pay enough attention to this issue. But there is an excellent solution to this problem - growing seedlings on a rack.

Types of structures

For seedlings, you can assemble the following types of structures:

• Stationary. A suitable option for a specially equipped room for growing plants, since the structure cannot be disassembled, but is fixed in several directions. Its advantages are that it is reliable and durable.

Collapsible. If free space is limited, then it is better to choose such a design, since it is convenient to move, and after growing seedlings it can be completely removed. Window. This design is installed on the windowsill in the window opening. This design is suitable for germinating a small number of seedlings. Window shelving is often used to grow herbs for the table throughout the year.

Each design has its own advantages, so it is better to make your choice based on your own preferences and financial capabilities.

All about how to assemble a rack for seedlings

Structurally, any rack consists of shelves mounted on racks. The window system is no exception. Its peculiarity is that the dimensions must match the window opening. It is possible to install it on a window sill without fixing it or install additional fasteners on slopes. In some cases, shelves are installed not on racks, but directly in the window opening.

But if fasteners are placed on slopes, this will ruin their appearance. When the shelves are no longer needed, traces will remain. Therefore, assembling a shelving system is considered a more aesthetic option. To make it convenient to use, it must meet a number of requirements.

What should the system be like?

• Reliable and durable to support the weight of the seedling boxes.
• Durable so that it can be used for several seasons.
• Moisture resistant. When watering, water may spill, but it should not spoil the material.
• Compact and functional. Every inch of free space must be used.
• Convenient for the normal development of young plants.

It is desirable that the shelving system is attractive and does not spoil the appearance of the room.

Rack made of plastic pipe

This type of structure will be collapsible, and it is made in the same way as metal. The only difference is in the material of manufacture and fasteners. Such a rack has a small specific weight and can be easily dragged around the room, if necessary.

To make it you will need:

• hacksaw;
• glue Moment;
• PVC pipes;
• tees and corners.

Sequence of work:

• cut pipes of the required length for risers and crossbars;
• use tees to connect the pipes into two rectangles;
• The rectangles need to be connected at the corners with parallel sections of pipe - the result is a parallelepiped made of pipes;
• During the manufacturing process, long rack pipes need to be fitted with T-shaped fasteners, to which the pipes for holding the shelves will be attached;
• Secure pipe sections of the required size in the places where the shelves are expected to be located;
• Cut shelves from chipboard and place them on the pipes;
• Install backlight.

In this design, you can use not only fittings for connection; plastic is easily twisted with self-tapping screws, although the appearance of this rack will not be as aesthetically pleasing as in the first option.

Wooden frame made of timber

It makes no sense to consider in detail how to make shelves for seedlings with your own hands and attach them to a frame made of wooden beams. The assembly technology is similar to the production of metal structures.

First, two rectangles are assembled from timber - the side posts of the frame. The elements are connected to each other by jumpers of the upper and lower trim. Cross members are installed inside the side rectangles. These will be the shelf holders. All elements are assembled using self-tapping screws. The shelves themselves can be made not only from slabs, but also collapsible, using pieces of thin boards.

Advice! Wooden shelves are covered with foil on the front and back sides. In addition to protecting against moisture, the material will act as a reflector for illumination.

Preparation and planning

If it seems to you that there is nothing complicated in building a rack, then this is not entirely true.

In addition, it is important to immediately take into account the width of future boxes for seedlings, because the optimal width of the shelves directly depends on this parameter. In order for the finished structure to fully comply with all the stated requirements, it is very important to correctly calculate the size of each individual part and know exactly how to connect it with the rest

Drawings and dimensions

You can create completely different racks, but one of the most optimal options (in our opinion) is a rack one and a half meters long and 180 cm high. It will fit a wide variety of seedlings perfectly, and there will also be room for various tools for caring for them. There are 4 shelves in total, but in order not to bend over each time, the drawers can be placed only on the middle two, and the bottom one can be left for household needs. The distance between all shelves in our case corresponds to 50 cm (with a depth of 60 cm), and it is better to leave 10 cm between the floor and the first shelf to create small legs.

Important! Instead of the top shelf, if you are not going to put boxes on it, you can make several horizontal supports, which in the future will become an excellent place for attaching lighting elements and, at the same time, will hold the entire structure.

Material selection

You can make a rack for seedlings from almost any available material, be it metal profiles, plastic parts or wooden blocks. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but wooden products are still considered the most universal solution to the problem: they are affordable and easy to process , and when applied with a special coating they can be used for decades.

In addition, the strength of such racks is in no way inferior to metal varieties, but they usually weigh less. As for the type of wood, it can be either hard (for example, oak, ash or birch) or soft (pine, spruce, fir). In our work, we chose pine because it is more accessible and easier to process than others.

Tool preparation

The main assistants when constructing a rack for seedlings will be a saw (a miter saw is perfect, but you can use a regular one), a drill, a screwdriver or a regular screwdriver. Of course, if possible, it is advisable to get a power tool, since it will not only simplify, but also speed up the work.

We recommend reading about how to choose a saw, screwdriver, chainsaw and jigsaw.

Did you know? Screwdrivers have been serving people since the beginning of the twentieth century, but the electric models that are popular today went on sale only in the early 50s of the last century and have not lost their relevance since then.

Racks for seedlings: successful solutions from FORUMHOUSE users

Most gardeners begin sowing in late February - early March.
In many regions, it is still winter at this time with short daylight hours, hot radiators and dry air in the apartment. To create a normal microclimate for plants, FORUMHOUSE users use racks for seedlings that they make with their own hands: they allow you to comfortably place pots with seedlings, properly organize LED lighting, make better use of light from a window, and so on. Not everyone is able to make a lightweight, reliable, multifunctional and inexpensive design. We will look at several designs that have been approved by FORUMHOUSE users. The quality of seedlings depends on light, humidity, air temperature and soil temperature. Thus, due to a lack of light and excess heat, elongated, pale seedlings grow in the room. During the sowing season, it is no longer so cold outside the window - in March the temperature is above zero even in Siberia, and the heating in the houses is not turned off, the radiators are still hot. Seedlings respond to high temperatures with rapid growth, and the lack of light causes them to stretch out.

Heat is needed only before germination, and even then not all plants.

But it is advisable not to overcool the plants. It makes sense to put a thermometer in one of the pots with seedlings and monitor the soil temperature: it should not fall below 22 degrees for peppers and cucumbers, otherwise they will either not grow at all, or they will, but very poorly. For tomatoes, the desired soil temperature is not lower than 20 degrees. That is why it is not recommended to place trays with seedlings directly on the windowsill. But if you don’t want to see any “floors” on your window, then you can use viktor50’s advice: place wooden sticks 1-1.5 cm high across the windowsill, and on these stands - pallets with pots for seedlings. All the cold air will flow along the windowsill and will not reach the pots.

Since in most cases plants have to be illuminated, when installing shelving, the need to place lamps is taken into account . It should be possible to adjust the distance between the seedlings and the lamp. Fluorescent lamps should hang literally a centimeter from the tops of the plants and move away as the plants grow. And it is important not to place tall seedlings at the ends of the lamps - this is where the lamp gets very hot, and the rest of the flask is slightly warm.

Based on this, viktor50 recommends a formula by which the height of the shelves of the seedling rack is calculated.

The height of the planting containers + the height of the lamp + the maximum planned height of the seedlings + 10 cm just in case (then you can adjust it with stands).

According to viktor50, a shelf for seedlings with a width of 450 mm requires only a double lamp of 2x18 watts, and for 600 mm you need 3-4 lamps. In order to better reflect the light downwards, it is recommended to cover the inside of the lamps with aluminum self-adhesive tape. A lamp with a length of 1000 mm is not very good “under the windows”; a lamp of 36 watts with a length of 1200 mm would be better.

There is no need to illuminate the seedlings at night.

I get up at 7 am, at 7 am and the timer turns on the light, turns it off at 10 pm.

Moreover, many people make light-proof curtains for the front and back of the rack to give the seedlings a dark night for a certain period of time. Then it does not stretch out and grows strong.

Why do you need such a cabinet?

The rack consists of several shelves located one above the other. You determine their number yourself, based on how many boxes with sprouts you have. This is one of the advantages of the design. But there are others.

• Possibility of rearrangement. You choose the most suitable place for the plant rack. And, if necessary, you can move it to other areas of your apartment.
• There is often dirt left on the window sills from spilled soil - installing a shelving unit will prevent this problem.
• With the help of shelving, the problem of compact placement of all existing boxes with seedlings will be solved.
• Temperature. For young plants, the correct temperature regime is very important. There is always a risk of them freezing on the windowsill, since drafts can penetrate into the apartment from the window slits, and besides, they begin to plant seedlings in February, when the weather is still too cold. Also, seedlings may dry out due to excessive heat coming from the battery.
• Lighting. Plants “living” on a window often face a lack of light necessary for their full growth and development. They depend on sunlight, which may not be in sufficient quantity if the weather is cloudy outside for a long time. And the weak sun is still not able to heat the soil to the required condition. Shelves with a set of lamps will help provide young seedlings with the right amount of light.
• With a little imagination, you can make the shelving part of your interior so that it looks as organic and beautiful as possible in your apartment.

Features of the racks

A rack is a structure consisting of several floors of shelves located one above the other. The width of the shelves is usually 70 centimeters, the height is not limited.

A plant shelf with lighting is needed if:

• the apartment is located on the north side and there is not enough light;
• drawers do not fit on window sills;
• the temperature in the apartment is not suitable for growing seedlings;
• boxes with seedlings spoil the window sill material.

Interesting: you can make collapsible racks, or you can make stationary ones, and the latter are much more durable, they can only be suitable for apartments with a large area, since it will stand all year round.

As for folding or collapsible shelves for seedlings, they can be removed as soon as the seedling growing season is over - this is a very good option for apartments with a small area.

Advantages of folding structures:

• the ability to adjust not only the height of the shelves, but also their number;
• do not cause discomfort when moving around the premises at any time of the year;
• they can be removed at any time.

Backlight

For normal development of seedlings, planting of which begins in February, good lighting is needed. At this time, there is not enough natural light, since it gets dark outside very early. Therefore, when installing shelving, it is worth considering the possibility of installing special lamps that provide bright lighting. But there is no need to choose ordinary incandescent lamps for these purposes - they emit a lot of thermal energy that can burn plant leaves.

Which lamps should you prefer?

Options for lighting could be:

• high-pressure sodium lamps - soft light and minimal heat, they are durable, but require constant power in the network;
• phytolamp - dangerous to human vision;
• fluorescent lamps;
• LED lighting is the most favorable for plants, as it combines two color spectrums: red and blue. Is the most economical option.

LED lamps are well suited for illumination and have the following advantages:

• do not consume a lot of electricity;
• efficiency and payback;
• light up to 5000 lux;
• ease of installation.

How to install lighting?

LEDs are very easy to use, and therefore installing them as lighting is very simple, for this you will need:

• red and blue diodes;
• special glue or thermal paste;
• base;
• wiring;
• fork; power unit.

Installation procedure:

1. The LEDs need to be soldered together in the order of two red, one blue.
2. Mount the diode strip on a base, which can be the back side of the shelves on which the seedlings are installed.
3. Connect the tape to the power supply, to which a wire with a plug is pre-soldered.

Important: the lighting should be turned off at night, and on sunny days if the plants are located on the south side of the apartment.

Choosing lighting for seedlings

To achieve the desired effect, you need to take a responsible approach to purchasing a special lamp. Fluorescent lamps have the least benefit for plants, so preference should be given to photoluminescent lamps, which provide softer and closer to natural lighting.

In addition, it is recommended to use a reflective screen to enhance the necessary impact on young shoots.

Lighting for seedlings should also be selected taking into account the required growing conditions in the natural environment.

It follows from this that lighting should not be around the clock, otherwise the seedlings will become excessively elongated, become pale and will be more susceptible to disease. Any plant needs a period of rest, usually at night.

The duration of use of additional lighting will largely depend on the location of the containers with seedlings. Preference should be given to southern windows, then the phytolamp will be used only to extend daylight hours in the morning and evening hours, as well as to maintain the required degree of illumination on cloudy days.

If the seedlings are placed on northern windows, then the duration of continuous switching on of the lamp will be about 12-14 hours.

Checking whether the seedlings need additional lighting is simple: turn on the lamp - if the room becomes significantly lighter, then additional lighting is necessary.

Assembly. To work you will need:

• long and short self-tapping screws;
• from 2 to 6 fluorescent lamps;
• wire with plug and switch.

Attach a fluorescent lamp, previously connected to a wire, to the bottom of the shelves. The lamps are placed at a distance of at least 30 cm from the seedlings, so that the light is distributed evenly.

You can create many different designs, but remember that the shelf located at the far end of the room must be complemented by a light source.

Why do you need a seedling stand in your home?

Some are so accustomed to placing homemade seedlings on window sills, kitchens, balconies and other “utility rooms” that they may now ask the question: “Why do I actually need such a structure if everything grows well anyway?” Okay, good, but what if you can do it even better?

Using a rack provides many advantages:

A rack is a mobile thing. You don’t have to make sure that the cat doesn’t knock the boxes off the windowsill or that the children don’t trample your seedlings while playing - just move the stand to a “safe” place. You can decorate the rack as you wish so that it fits seamlessly into the interior of your home. The rack is compact. You no longer need to make intricate steps, trying not to touch or step on the boxes with seedlings. Just place the stand where it won't disturb anyone. There will be no dirty stains left on the window sills (an indispensable attribute of traditional placement of seedlings). The seedlings will grow better, since with the help of a rack you can create the most favorable conditions for growing seedlings.

On a windowsill, seedlings may be at risk of being frozen due to the cold coming from the window, or drying out due to the heat emitted by the radiator. By installing a shelving unit in your home, you can regulate the level of illumination of plants by placing phytolamps for illumination. In addition, if the temperature changes, the rack can be moved to another room or simply moved away from the source of cold.

Cost of finished racks

Now in the retail chain you can purchase ready-made metal racks for growing seedlings. The cost of such products depends on the size and materials of production. The table shows the approximate price range for the most popular shelving models:

As for custom-made racks, their cost will depend on the complexity of the design and the size of the structure. The minimum cost starts from 5,000 rubles.

How to make a metal structure yourself

If you have decided to make a metal multi-tiered rack, then first of all start with preparation. Draw up a drawing with exact dimensions and calculate the load. The next step will be preparing the material for assembly and the necessary tools.

What tool might be useful to you:

• hacksaw for metal;
• roulette;
• Bulgarian;
• drill;
• pencil;
• welder;
• level;
• fasteners.

You also need to immediately prepare the material:

• metal profile – 20x20 or 40x20;
• corner - No.25;
• plywood or OSB - for shelves (can be a metal sheet);
• bolts with nuts;
• anchors for fastening;
• fluorescent lamps for lighting;
• wiring and lampshades.

The amount of material may vary depending on the dimensions of the rack. The cost of materials for creating structures for seedlings can be seen in the table:

Knowing the cost of materials, it is easy to calculate how much a rack for seedlings will cost if you assemble it yourself.

Lighting organization

Since seedlings begin to be planted in late winter, when there is still very little sun, the rack must be equipped with an artificial lighting system.

Lamps should be located above the plants. They are mounted on the “ceiling” of each “floor” with the possibility of height adjustment, depending on the growth phase of the seedlings. The longer the sprouts become, the higher the lighting fixture is hung accordingly.

What sources of artificial lighting are suitable then?

• LED lamps are used most often. With very economical energy consumption, they provide plants with bright light, which contributes to their favorable growth.
• Conventional fluorescent lamps.
• Phytolamps for plants serve as a kind of artificial sun, but their light can be harmful to human eyes.

However, experienced gardeners prefer this particular lighting source. The phytolamp has a radiation spectrum that stimulates plant development, improving metabolic processes and increasing the immunity of young shoots. Moreover, this type of light source consumes very little electricity and is absolutely safe for seedlings.

Tips for using phytolamps

• It is advisable to choose phytolamps that have a color spectrum consisting of blue, red, violet and white LEDs - this combination will have the most beneficial effect on the seedlings.
• The maximum time of use per day is 14 hours; they must be turned off at night.
• Proper installation of the lamp is important so that each seedling receives the necessary and uniform dose of radiation.
• When the seeds have sprouted, it is necessary to illuminate the seedlings continuously for 4 days.

Two options for shelves made of plastic boxes

Depending on the crops grown, seedlings can be large or small. Shelves for low plants can be made from plastic boxes stacked on top of each other. But first the containers need to be prepared. Using a sharp knife, cut off most of the side walls of the boxes. There should be a low side. The corner legs are left untouched. The prepared containers are placed on top of each other to create a rack with shelves.

The solution to the question of how to make a shelf for seedlings with lighting is to use LED or fluorescent lamps. Light sources are attached to the bottom of the box next in height to the tier.

For tall seedlings, the distance between the shelves is increased. Plastic boxes are prepared using a similar technology. To lengthen the racks, cut pieces of metal rod. The rods are inserted into the recesses of the drawer legs. A piece of hose is put on each rod. These will be limiters that prevent the upper tier container from settling. The rod should protrude from under the hose. When the next box is placed on top of the pins, its legs will rest against the stop.

Racks for seedlings with lighting

I share my experience of organizing a place for growing flowers and seedlings.

Photo: DIY orchid greenhouse

Greenhouse for orchids

I built a greenhouse for the orchids. A frame is knocked together from ordinary wooden slats and fastened with metal corners; it is covered with film. Fluorescent lamps are screwed from above to the “ceiling” of the greenhouse. Unfortunately, they get very hot, and plants can suffer from this.

On the other hand, additional heat increases humidity and creates a tropical climate in which orchids are comfortable.

The pots with orchids themselves stand on a box, the box is in a pallet. I pour hot water into the tray, the evaporating water provides the necessary humidity, and the roots themselves do not come into contact with the water.

Photo: prefabricated rack for seedlings with lighting

Metal rack with lighting

I built a prefabricated shelving unit using Leroy Merlin. The advantage of this design is that you can adjust the height between the shelves, and you can fill as many shelves as you need.

The only disadvantage of such a rack is the empty upper surface. Ideally, such a design should end with a shelf to make full use of all working surfaces.

I have 2 composite shelves, each 1 m long. I chose the widest ones in width, but it still happens that there is not enough space for all the plants. Shelves line the room along the wall.

In the center above the shelves inside the rack there are 2 lamps with a power of 11 kW and 14 kW. The lamps are connected to each other with a special adapter. Only one lamp is connected to the outlet.

I use an adjustable light switch so that the lamps turn on and off automatically at the right time.

Photo: DIY wooden rack

Wooden rack with lighting

This rack is assembled like a greenhouse from wooden slats and covered with film. I use it to grow petunia seedlings and vegetables.

In this design, heat-loving seedlings are reliably protected from the cold, while the greenhouse is easily ventilated.

Svetlana Samoilova, experienced gardener, author of the channel “Garden for the Soul”

Read even more articles on our website “Antonov Sad.ru”

And also in our VKontakte group.

How to make a rack yourself?

First of all, decide on the size of the rack. Everything here is individual and depends on your desires and capabilities.

Don’t forget that the seedlings will grow; take this into account when calculating the height of the shelves. If you plan to install lighting, make a reserve in length and height for the lamps: the lamp should protrude beyond the edges of the shelf so that the lighting is uniform, since fluorescent lamps usually heat up more strongly at the edges than in the middle.

Standard parameters of a rack for seedlings with 3-6 shelves:

• structure height – 1.2-1.8 m;
• shelf length – 1-1.2 m (adjusted to the length of the installed lamps or the width of the window, if it is a window rack);
• shelf height – 40-60 cm (calculation formula: container height + maximum seedling height + lamp height + 10 cm reserve);
• shelf width – 20-70 cm (boxes with seedlings can be placed perpendicularly on a wide shelf).

Shelving material. A stand for seedlings can be made from almost any material. Metal (stainless steel, perforated tubes, metal sheet), wood (timber), plastic (plastic pipes, plexiglass) are suitable. The strength of the structure depends not so much on the material as on the quality of workmanship.

Backlight. Typically, fluorescent lamps are mounted along the center of the shelf. Experienced summer residents claim that for one shelf 40-50 cm wide, a double lamp 2x18 W is sufficient. A wider shelf (60-70 cm) will require 3 lamps. At night, seedlings do not need to be illuminated. The best option is to turn on the lamps in the morning and turn them off before you go to bed.

In some cases, seedlings can be given a “dark night” even during daylight hours by covering the rack with a light-proof curtain. This is done in order to slow down growth if the seedlings begin to stretch.

To adjust the intensity of the illumination, the lamp can be attached to chains and hung on hooks built into the shelf. Depending on the stage of seedling growth, the lamp is raised to the desired height.

There are no strict rules regarding the design. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

Installation of the rack base. Manufacturing of ends, shelves. Installation of shelves and lamps.

For a visual master class with recommendations on how to make a metal rack for seedlings with lighting with your own hands, watch the video:

A durable rack with proper proportions and “properly” installed lighting is the key to successfully growing seedlings at home.

Which backlight to choose

There are many types of lamps. Each type of lamps has its own advantages and disadvantages. LED lamp is the most suitable for growing seedlings in terms of spectrum and technical characteristics.

High pressure sodium lamps

They emit light that promotes seedling growth. The orange-yellow glow they emit does not irritate the human eye, so they can be used in residential areas. The disadvantage of using them is their high cost. A power regulator is required to install the luminaires.

High pressure sodium

Phytolamps

Their spectrum is most suitable for plants, but it is not safe for humans. When installing a phytolamp, adjust it so that the light falls on the seedlings from above and from the sides. The minimum distance to the tops of plants is 10 cm.

Phytolamp - a modern lamp with radiation suitable for plants

Fluorescent lamps

They produce cold light that lacks the red component of the spectrum. Place at a height of 30–60 cm from the seedlings. Fluorescent lamps should protrude 5 cm beyond the edges of the shelves to ensure uniform heating of the seedlings.

For an area of ​​1 sq. m is required to place a lamp with a power of 80 W

Incandescent lamps

Suitable for air heating only. If you plan to use such lamps, they must be combined with fluorescent lamps.

LED lights

They combine the parts of the spectrum that are most necessary for plants. They consume little electricity and are easy to operate. To install LED backlighting you will need:

• blue and red LEDs;
• hot glue;
• power supply, plug and electrical cord;
• base for mounting LEDs.

When making LED backlights, alternate red and blue LEDs in this order: two red, one blue.

Procedure for installing the lamp.

Glue the LEDs together and bring them to the driver. Connect the driver to the switch. Screw the chains of LEDs to the base. When installing lighting, use a timer that controls the time the plants are illuminated. Attach mirrors or sheets of foil to the sides of the rack to reflect light. The height of the lamp should be adjusted to the height of the seedlings.

Plants illuminated with LED lights produce greater yields

To grow healthy and strong seedlings, it is imperative to provide the plants with sufficient light and warmth. A favorable microclimate can be created using racks for seedlings. Additional areas that you can make yourself will solve the problem of lack of space and sunlight for seedlings.

Deciding on design and construction

The rack consists of several shelves connected by longitudinal and transverse frame slats. If the space of the room allows, it is better to choose a stationary option in the form of a cabinet. Dimensions should be calculated based on the dimensions of the free wall where the structure is planned to be installed.

Wood products tend to deteriorate, especially in a humid environment. To do this, they need to be painted and the coating periodically renewed. Plastic models are strong and durable. Metal shelving is easy to use. Frames are often equipped with hooks or other fasteners, with which the height of the shelves can be easily adjusted. If necessary, shelves are removed or added.

In a spacious room you can install round or oval racks. This model looks aesthetically pleasing and original. There is access to plants from all sides.

Additionally, the structures are equipped with lighting. Lamps are selected depending on the needs of the crops being grown. Lamps are:

• sodium;
• luminescent;
• LED;
• incandescent lamps.

Phytolamps with LEDs are suitable for any crops. They contribute to the harmonious development of plants. To optimize the temperature in greenhouses, incandescent lamps are often chosen.

Having decided on a suitable option, you should study the models offered by manufacturers. If there is no suitable one among them or its cost is too high, there is always the opportunity to make the rack yourself.

Window sill rack

This type of rack allows you to install boxes with seedlings next to the window. This certainly plays a positive role, especially in terms of lighting. This design does not require the installation of lamps. However, this scheme also has its disadvantages. For example, the size of such a rack is limited by the width of the window sill and window. Therefore, some types of plants may not fit here.

Window sill shelving diagram.

Before starting work, as usual, we prepare the project and draw a drawing. It must indicate the dimensions of all future structural parts. This will prevent confusion during the assembly process.

1. First of all, we assemble the side parts of the rack. To do this, two rectangles are made from the profile by welding. Their height is five centimeters below the window opening. In depth they are equal to the width of the slope.
2. We fasten both rectangles together with long pieces at the bottom and top.
3. The frame for the shelves is welded from corners.
4. We make special threaded holes in the side posts (you can simply weld a nut). This will allow you to firmly clamp the structure between the window sill and the upper slope using bolts.
5. At the last stage, the structure must be treated with an anti-corrosion agent and painted.
6. After this, we cut out and fasten the shelves.

This type of rack is good because it can be removed from the window at any time by unscrewing the bolts and moved to a new location.

Video instructions for making a simple window rack

The video below is perfect for beginners. The design of the rack is very simple, airy, the author successfully chose the necessary camera angles and revealed in detail all the manufacturing aspects.

A few ideas for making your own shelving

Wooden shelving made from beams

Before starting work, make a design drawing, this will make it easier to navigate the dimensions and the required amount of materials. After the sketch is ready, prepare the following materials and tools:

• Three-meter wooden beam 45*45 mm;
• Wooden beam 30*60 mm;
• Plywood sheet;
• Self-tapping screws at least 4 cm long;
• Tape measure, pencil;
• Saw (preferably circular);
• Hammer, chisel;
• Screwdriver.

Wooden beam with a cross-section of 45 by 45 mm.

Manufacturing process: from a 45*45 block, make 4 identical stands of the required height, trim the lower edges with a circular saw to ensure stability of the product. Next, you need to make transverse strips on which the shelves will be attached. From a 30*60 block, cut the required number of planks.

To cut wood, you can use a circular or hand saw.

On the racks, use a simple pencil to mark where the cross bars will be located. In these places, using a chisel and a hammer, it is necessary to construct grooves for attaching the crossbars. When the required number of grooves are made, screw the cross bars to them with self-tapping screws.

Marking places for fastening bars.

All that remains is to make the shelves: the simplest option is to cut the original block into boards of the same size and secure them to the transverse planks between the two posts. If you decide to make shelves from plywood, then you need to cut it to the required size and secure it between the posts in the same way.

We make grooves for fastening the crossbars.

The wooden rack is ready. Finally, you can cover it with paint. Remember - to prevent it from cracking, you need to choose latex or acrylic paint, as they have moisture-resistant properties. The rack will look beautiful if you use self-adhesive film as decoration.

The wooden rack for seedlings is ready.

Manufacturing of metal collapsible rack

To create such a design, calculate the required amount of material based on the required height of the product and the length of the shelves. The metal corner will be used as racks, cross bars and shelf sides.

Calculate the amount of material based on the height of the racks and the length of the shelf.

To work you will need the following materials and tools:

• Metal corner measuring 3*3 or 4*4 centimeters;
• Thick glass or plywood for shelves;
• Bolts;
• Metal drill;
• Welding machine;
• Electric drill;
• A saw if the shelves are made of plywood or a glass cutter if the shelves are glass.

The height of the racks depends on the vertical distance between the crossbars.

Cut the metal corner into 4 equal posts, then cut the required number of cross bars (usually 6 or more are needed).

We make racks for the shelving.

Then you need to cut the horizontal load-bearing boards for the shelves, their number is multiplied by 2, that is, if you want to make a structure for 4 shelves, then the number of load-bearing boards is equal. Drill holes for bolts at the joints.

Assembling the structure using bolts.

Connect the uprights and crossbars with bolts; by welding, you need to weld the areas connecting the crossbars with the side bars for future shelves.

The frame is ready and the metal shelving is ready.

The frame of the structure is ready. Now cut the shelves to the appropriate size and place them on the base of the rack.

We place the glass sheet on the base of the metal shelving.

Note! It is possible to make a rack without shelves, but it will be necessary to make the crossbars so wide that the boxes with seedlings fit tightly between them. You can use lighting as decoration for a metal shelving, this will also have a positive effect on plants

And if the structure is located in a poorly lit place, the presence of lighting is mandatory. In order not to harm the plants, it is recommended to use LED, fluorescent or phytolamps.

Do not use regular incandescent lamps - they generate too much heat and can damage the plants.

Any lighting component must be attached to the bottom of the top shelf so that it illuminates the bottom. For fastening, you can use a variety of fastening methods that are convenient for you - metal wire, cutting tin tape and others.

Basic requirements for a rack for seedlings

The first thing you need to think about is what material the rack will be made of. Based on your design preferences and financial capabilities, you can choose the following materials:

• plastic. The color range of plastic in stores is very diverse, you can choose it to suit any interior. Plastic has excellent strength, is easy to clean, and does not absorb moisture. You can use not only plastic sheets, but also pipes.
• plexiglass. Products made from it are transparent and original, the shelves are modern and stylish. There are different shades of plexiglass; you can make a rack with shelves of different colors.
• tree. This material breathes, looks natural and beautiful. It’s really bad that it absorbs moisture, so when choosing a tree to create a shelving unit, buy its hardest varieties (maple, ash, oak, etc.). Although, in principle, today there are special impregnations that perfectly solve the problem of wood getting wet.
• plywood. It is easy to process, but because it gets wet easily, it is not particularly suitable for shelves with seedlings. If you choose it, then prepare several pieces of film for the pots.
• iron. Stainless steel looks great and is also durable. It is possible to use metal pipes or sheets.

When choosing a material, start from the fact that the shelf for the rack should be durable, comfortable for the plants and their owner, waterproof, serve for many years, and also be beautiful.

What materials can it be made from?

The most common materials are wood, metal and plastic.

Plastic is too broad a class of materials. Characteristics vary greatly depending on the production method, polymer base, and impurities. They can be both durable and not reliable enough. How to be environmentally friendly and contain toxic substances.

The depth or width of the shelf should not be more than 65 cm, otherwise it will be almost impossible to care for the seedlings.

Metal makes the most reliable and durable structures, but the material is not easy to process. More suitable for stationary structures due to its considerable weight.

Growing seedlings only takes a few weeks, so it may be wise to make a collapsible rack with removable shelves.

Wood is a noble, aesthetic and quite durable material, but it also has its drawbacks. The array noticeably loses quality when exposed to moisture for a long time, so it needs protective coatings.

This type of shelving is suitable for owners of large homes, in which there is a permanent place for furniture with large dimensions, where it will not interfere with everyday life.

You can also make a “hybrid” model. For example, a wooden frame and shelves made of metal or organic glass.

The dimensions are determined individually and depend on how much space you are willing to allocate for this rack.

An elementary option - a rack on the windowsill

The side supports can be attached to the window slopes, and shelves can be placed on top of them.

Regardless of the type of lighting chosen, try to place the seedlings on a south-facing window.

If you do not want to spoil the window, make a rack that matches the parameters of your window opening; you will need ready-made furniture panels that match the size of the window sill. Secure the side posts and shelves together with screws or nails.

The lighting intensity is selected individually for each plant.

This design will easily fit on a window, since plants need free space; usually there are no more than four shelves on it.

To increase the service life and give the product an aesthetic appearance, you can use paint.

This article presents the simplest options for manufacturing structures.

If you have a rich imagination and design skills, you can easily create various forms of shelving designs.

Collapsible rack

For owners of small apartments who still want to grow seedlings, a collapsible shelving design is best suited. Making such a rack with your own hands is quite difficult. However, if you don’t mind the time, you can make an excellent device that can be used as needed.

The materials most often used for this design are metal profiles. You can also assemble a wooden collapsible rack. However, you need to understand that such a design will not last long.

Scheme of a collapsible rack.

Before starting assembly, do not forget about developing the project and drawing the future structure. After preliminary preparation, we begin assembly.

1. We take four parts from the profile that play the role of racks. Holes are drilled into them to allow the installation of shelves, as well as diagonal ties.
2. Next, we drill holes in the parts that will serve as the frame for the shelves. Special brackets (or) bolts are inserted into the holes, which will allow you to install the shelves on the racks. Thus, the entire structure is held together.
3. After installing the bottom shelf, install the next one.
4. At the end, diagonal ties are attached using bolts, which make the structure more stable and durable.
5. If desired, lighting can be installed on the top shelf.

Ultimately, the apartment owner receives a very light rack that can be assembled and disassembled as needed. Yes, such a structure will be more expensive than a wooden one, but it has a number of advantages.

Making a stand for seedlings

When all the tools and materials are ready, it’s time to move on to the actual construction of the rack. Essentially, this process consists of two main steps: cutting the parts and assembling them.

We recommend reading about how to grow seedlings using toilet paper, diapers, and whether it is worth buying cassettes and peat tablets for seedlings.

Cutting parts

You can buy boards of any thickness and width at a hardware store, but you still have to cut them. So, in our case, the width of the boards for the shelves is 10.5 cm, and the supporting parts of the rack are made of 2x3 cm bars. Having measured the required length on each element, the cut is made with a crosscut saw or a regular saw. Wooden blocks and boards can be stacked in pairs, which will save overall work time. As a result, we ended up with 4 long legs, one shorter one (for fixing the structure at the back) and 8 short bar crossbars.

Three shelves will consist of 15 boards 1.5 m long. If you want to further strengthen the rack, you can cut more short bars to screw them between the bar crossbars to the side supports (diagonally).

Did you know? Ebony wood is considered one of the most expensive types of wood, which is often used for decorative purposes. For 1 cubic m buyers can pay from $30,000.

Assembling the rack

Finished cut wooden parts can be compared to a construction set that will have to be folded to obtain the finished product.

It will be useful for you to read about how to choose a lamp for lighting seedlings, as well as how to make lighting for seedlings at home.

It’s not difficult to cope with this task, the main thing is to follow the sequence of actions:

1. We take the first two support bars (length 1.8 m) and, stepping back from the edge 10 cm, attach the first crossbar between them.
2. After 50 cm we fix another one, and after it two more, so that the result is a kind of staircase.
3. In the same way, we connect together the supporting parts for the second side of the future rack.
4. Now all that remains is to connect our “stairs” with shelves consisting of five boards: we fasten the first one at the very edge of the lower crossbars, and then after 1.5 cm we screw the next ones along the entire depth of the future shelf. Thus, you will get the first, lowest shelf, which in our case will be used for the service tool.
5. We create the two upper shelves in the same way, simply by securing all the boards to the side supports.
6. At the very top, instead of a shelf, we use only one long wooden beam connecting the edges of the rack (like the boards, it is screwed with self-tapping screws). In the future, lamps can be attached to it.
7. To complete the process, we attach another long beam diagonally to the back of the rack, which will give the structure greater rigidity and stability.

Important! Instead of self-tapping screws, you can also use dowels, but in this case, assembling the rack will take much longer. This solution is suitable for people who want to make the design more attractive and are willing to put in a little more effort.

What types of racks can there be?

The simplest corner structure made of wooden blocks

Some readers may now be thinking, “why make racks for seedlings with your own hands when you can buy ready-made ones in any specialized store.” There may be some truth in this, but we will still present several arguments in favor of self-production.

• Most racks for seedlings are very unreliable and are produced in a strict economy of materials, and this can lead to disastrous consequences - if such a rack breaks, you will not only lose all the seedlings, but also provide yourself with cleaning work for a long time.
• Despite the low quality and durability, the distinctive feature of such racks is their price. For comparison, to independently manufacture a standard rack, you will spend about 2,000 rubles, while in a store it can cost up to 5 thousand or more.
• Most ready-made shelving comes in standard shapes and sizes, which is why it is often simply impossible to place them in your home. If you make it yourself, there will be no such problems. And you can collect exactly what you need.

In a word, making your own shelving is a good idea from all sides. The whole process will not take much time and effort, but the result can be enjoyed for more than one season.

Stationary rack

Stationary rack with perforated corners, which can be replaced with a regular profile pipe

A stationary plant rack is ideal for those who plan to regularly grow seedlings, and the area of ​​the house allows you to place a structure that cannot be disassembled.

Such racks are installed using the “dead” fixation method, that is, they are attached in several directions, which gives them strength and durability. As for the materials from which they can be made, both wood and metal are suitable here with equal success (see Making a metal rack with your own hands). Moreover, metal is considered more preferable because of its strength, of course, subject to its processing and protection from corrosion.

The main thing when making such a rack is a thorough calculation. It is important to take into account all the nuances that may affect the seedlings, since it will be very, very difficult to remake such a structure later.

Advice! When making a stationary rack, try not to skimp on paint; the coating should reliably protect the metal and last a very long time, and cheap paint very rarely meets these criteria.

Collapsible rack

Drawing of a collapsible rack with all components

Is your living space large? Then collapsible racks for seedlings are what you need. They can be installed only during disembarkation, and put away in the pantry after they are no longer needed.

It is somewhat more difficult to make such a structure, but it has a number of advantages over stationary shelves:

• You can move the rack as needed.
• Adjust the height and size of the structure.
• The rack does not get in the way in the apartment and is removed as needed.

As for the materials for manufacturing, in principle, you can use wood, but you must remember that with constant assembly and disassembly, it will quickly become unusable, so a metal corner and profile is considered more preferable.

Window shelving

Wooden window rack with lamps

This design is also called a proofing rack, that is, it is installed on racks that extend the rack from the window sill to the top of the window. This fastening gives the rack additional strength, and if necessary, it can be easily removed.

The main disadvantage of window structures is that they have a height limitation, that is, if the distance between the racks is planned to be 50 centimeters, then a maximum of three shelves can fit on one window, and only on the condition that the seedlings should not be tall.

The choice of the optimal design entirely depends on the characteristic features of the room where it will be located, which is why it is so important to take into account all the nuances, even those that at first glance seem insignificant. Well, in order to visually see how different shelving in a house or apartment will look like, we suggest you watch the video in this article.

Why do you need lighting for seedlings?

There are reasons why it is very desirable to use lighting when growing seedlings:

If you are engaged in early cultivation of seedlings, additional lighting will be very useful, since it will lengthen the daylight hours for the plants.

Additional lighting gives plants light from all sides and does not allow them to stretch too far towards the light source.

If you provide plants with the necessary spectrum of light radiation, they will be able to safely go through all stages of growth and development.

So, we are convinced that highlighting plants is useful and necessary. It remains to figure out how and with what help to do this.

Plants provided with additional light in the early stages are much stronger, stronger and more resilient than those that were left without it - in addition, they are better able to resist infections and produce greater yields.

Backlighting is good when it is as close in spectrum to natural sunlight as possible.

The best light spectrums are red and blue, with red helping plants grow and blue helping cells develop.

What kind of light do seedlings need?

before picking seedlings. You need to use blue and red light, in the proportion of two red and one blue. Blue light will perfectly stimulate the growth of roots, but it will slow down the development of the stem - it will grow wider, not higher. The stem will be thick, and there will be a large distance between the leaves.

after the pick. You need to reduce the lighting for two or three days. The plant is stressed and needs rest. Over the course of a month, you need to highlight the seedlings one to one, blue, red.

How profitable is it to make shelves yourself?

There are several reasons why it is better not to buy a shelving unit with lighting, but to make the design yourself:

1. cheap shelves are made from low-quality material, so they are short-lived;
2. models made from good material are expensive (around 6,000 rubles and more);
3. a model sold in a store does not always fit in size, but a home-made rack can be made according to individual dimensions of the required dimensions.

If you decide to buy a rack in a store, then you should pay attention to the quality. It must meet the following requirements:

• high-quality from moisture-resistant materials;
• ready for repeated assembly and disassembly;
• provide free access to seedlings from any side;
• have an aesthetic appearance.

The material used for making structures can be different:

• wood;
• metal;
• plastic.

The most common materials among gardeners for making illuminated racks are wood - affordable and environmentally friendly, and metal - strength and durability.

Varieties

Racks for seedlings are primarily distinguished by the number of tiers and the material used in assembly. The number of shelves depends on ease of use and the number of seedlings.

Standard models are made of 3 tiers, but a homemade rack can consist of more shelves. Here they are based on necessity and ease of use - not everyone can freely and safely reach the upper tiers.

The materials for making shelving can be:

wood

This is the most common manufacturing method, since the principles of working with wood are familiar to almost all home craftsmen;

metal

As a rule, guides for drywall and perforated profiles are used for finishing corners;

plastic

The most convenient and high-quality method is polypropylene water pipes and fittings.

In addition, combined models using different materials are popular. For example, wooden shelves are mounted on metal or plastic supports.

This option is even more common than others, since it is most convenient to use sheet materials for the manufacture of horizontal planes.

In addition, racks are distinguished by installation method:

floor

Installed directly on the floor, can be firmly fixed or be able to move to other areas of the room;

wall

The structure is hung on a vertical surface like shelves. It is necessary that the walls are strong and can support the weight of the rack and seedlings;

window spacer option

The side walls of the window opening are used as load-bearing planes.

Finally, a distinction is made between collapsible and solid racks. The former are convenient in city apartments, the latter are most often used in private houses, where, in addition to placing seedlings, they perform various household tasks.

Types of lighting fixtures for growing seedlings

The correct choice of lighting is based on calculating the number of lux and lumens per area occupied by seedlings. First, it’s worth understanding the most important characteristics of lamps – what is lux and what is lumen.

The latter denotes the unit that measures luminous flux. And lux shows the degree of illumination of 1 m2 of luminous flux

It is lux that you need to pay attention to when purchasing lighting. Ideally, the number of suites should be at least 8000

If the area with seedlings is more than 1 m2, you need lamps that would provide a total of 8000 liters per square meter. m. That is, as a rule, one device is not enough.

A standard window sill will require at least two lamps.

When choosing a backlight, you should also pay attention to the type of radiation - it must be red and blue without fail. Uniformity of lighting plays a big role, otherwise plants will develop unevenly

So, there are several types of lighting devices:

• Energy saving
• Luminescent
• Phyto lamps

We'll tell you how to make LED and fluorescent lighting

Installation of LED lighting

Experienced gardeners claim that seedlings grown under such lighting produce a rich harvest.

LED lights combine the red and blue spectrums most in demand by plants.

To install this type of lighting you will need:

• tapes with red and blue diodes;
• transparent glue “Moment”;
• plinth with cable entries or plastic base;
• screws and screwdriver;
• plug, switch, electrical wire;
• reflectors (mirrors, aluminum sheets, stainless steel);
• insulating tape.

The process of equipping a rack with lighting:

1. Attach the LED strip to the base or plastic base.
2. Attach the tape to the switch.
3. Connect the cord and plug to the switch so that it reaches the outlet.
4. Tape the base (or baseboard) to the bottom of the shelf using Moment adhesive or self-tapping screws.
5. Attach reflectors to the sides of the rack.

The LED lamp can be equipped with an automatic timer and set to any time interval. Optimal - 14 hours

Illumination from fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps are sold in specific sizes. Therefore, when building a stand for seedlings, it is important to take this point into account when designing.

The lamps are mounted on special brackets and, in turn, are attached to the bottom of the shelves. Each should have two lamps. It is important to ensure that there is at least 1.5 cm of space between the shelf and the lamp.

Wire can be used to secure the fixture to the stand. If desired, hang the lamps on chains or hooks and adjust the lighting intensity.

The height is adjusted to increase the growth of the seedling.

Regardless of the type of lamp, there are general rules for additional lighting:

• It is not recommended to leave the lighting on at night, as plants also need a period of hibernation;
• on sunny days there is no need for additional lighting from windows on the south side;
• The need for a longer photoperiod is individual for each crop.