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You wont have to build one from scratch with these kits.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
Small greenhouse kits are a great alternative to building your own greenhouse.
Many can be built in an afternoon.
She also recommends considering whether you want a portable and temporary option, or one that is more permanent.
Canopia.Credit: Wayfair
The best small greenhouse kit for beginners is an affordable one made from polyethylene or polyvinyl.
Material:Based on expert advice, we considered options with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or polycarbonate panels.
“Give thought to all the types of activities you want to prioritize in your greenhouse.”
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), and the height of your plants.
This option would also work well for people with plants that do well with indirect light.
If you have ample space in your backyard, you oughta identify the spot that gets the most sunlight.
Credit: Home Depot
Greenhouses on our list come in three main shapes: traditional gable, lean-to, or dome.
Traditional Gable:This classic greenhouse design features four walls and sloping roofs that create triangular gables.
you could find greenhouses of all sizes in this design.
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Lean-to:This design is perfect for homes that dont have much backyard space.
As an added bonus, the building wall adds stability for inclement weather conditions.
However, these designs are usually fairly small and working in them may feel cramped.
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Dome:A dome greenhouse will be visually striking in your garden.
As an added bonus, this shape withstands severe weather well and snow slides off easily.
Choosing the best material for your garden depends on a few different factors.
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Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a plastic film usually 6-12 millimeters thick, Trautz-Awot says.
It is inexpensive, has excellent light transmission, and is easy to use.
It is great [for] someone who wants to start using a greenhouse without a lot of investment.
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However, she does advise that kits made from this material are typically easy to assemble.
Polyvinyl (PVC)
Polyvinyl is another material that is commonly used in small greenhouse kits.
It is a step up from polyethylene, Trautz-Awot says.
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It usually lasts a few years longer than polyethylene but it is still relatively inexpensive.
Polycarbonate
[Polycarbonate] is rigid clear plastic that can last 10 to 15 years, Trautz-Awot says.
It has the best light transmission and has a double wall that helps to keep the greenhouse better insulation.
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Greenhouses made with polycarbonate, like theExaco Riga 7ft.
Because this material is so durable, small greenhouse kits made with polycarbonate are typically more expensive.
Both of these materials are rust-resistant and hold up well outdoors, even through bouts of inclement weather.
Having this kind of frame material is especially important in places that experience harsh weather conditions.
Aluminum is more lightweight but still holds up well to the elements.
Some small greenhouse kits have wood frames.
Wood offers a natural look along with stability.
However, according to Helleck, you’re free to’t use just any wood for a greenhouse.
Shelves are sold separately.
The polyethylene covering may not hold up well in windy climates.
Walk-in greenhouse kits can get really expensive, with many costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Some of the cheaper greenhouse kits on the market are too small for you to move around inside.
The kit also comes with 12 shelves to hold your plants andgardening tools.
The trade-off for this kit’s low price, however, is its polyethylene covering.
It weighs 171 pounds.
This greenhouse is also perfect to use if you live in an area that frequently experiences harsh weather conditions.
The panels are UV resistant to help keep your plants protected from harsh sunshine.
The doorway is wide enough to accommodatea wheelbarrowor even a wheelchair.
However, this greenhouse does weigh 171 pounds, so you may need assistance lifting the pieces for assembly.
People withlimited outdoor spaceoften can’t get in on the fun that is owning a greenhouse.
The greenhouse is not load-rated and may collapse if snow piles up on its cover.
If you have plenty of room in your yard, we recommend theShelterLogic GrowIT Greenhouse.
This greenhouse is one of the largest on our list, measuring 100 square feet.
It is delivered in three separate boxes, and you may need help assembling it.
For those who prefer a rustic option, theMCombo Wooden Greenhouseis the best small greenhouse kit for you.
Made of high quality fir wood, this greenhouse is durable enough to withstand the elements.
The two paneled doors can also be locked, so you might keep your plants or gardening tools safe.
The greenhouse kit arrives in three separate boxes, so you may need help moving the boxes.
You also may need additional hands to assemble the greenhouse since it is a little over 6 feet tall.
Since its only 3 feet tall, it may not be suitable for taller vegetables.
One of the ends features a door that can be unzipped, so you could easily access your plants.
Unlike other small greenhouse kits, this one only comes with one roof vent.
The shape also encourages winds to pass over the greenhouse.
The thick twin-wall polycarbonate panels retain heat better than glass while offering UV protection to avoid burning your plants.
you might adda small heaterduring the winter for additional warmth.
This greenhouse doesnt come with an anchoring system.
The indoorOhuhu Mini Greenhouseis a low-stakes way to invest in your gardening journey.
To reach the greenhouse, theres a roll-up door with a tie to keep it open.
The kit comes in two versions: one with a single layer roof and one witha double layer roof.
This rod is perfect for hanginggrow lightsand also provides additional stability.
Your Questions, Answered
Where can you buy a small greenhouse kit?
Small greenhouse kits are available through online retailers includingAmazon,Walmart, andThe Home Depot.
You also may be able to find greenhouse kits locally at home improvement or garden stores.
Is it cheaper to build a greenhouse or buy a kit?
This depends on a few different factors.
First, assess your construction skills and tools.
Are you able to design your own greenhouse plan with adequate ventilation?
Do you feel confident selecting materials, cutting them to size, and assembling them?
Do you have thenecessary toolson hand to build a greenhouse, or would you oughta make several purchases?
She has also written for publications such as Southern Living and Real Simple.
She also conducted additional research and compared multiple products to find the best ones.
We also consultedLeslie F. Halleck, a horticulturalist and horticulture instructor at UCLA, for additional insight.
