Do you live in a climate that limits your ability to garden?
Do you ever wish you could garden all year?
Are you unsure if you should buy a Greenhouse Kit or DIY a Greenhouse?
If you want to garden all year, regardless of where you live then a Greenhouse is your solution.
But how do you know what the Best Greenhouse is for gardening?
After much research, working with experts in the industry, and using my own Greenhouse, I have compiled 10 BEST Greenhouses for Gardeners.
And if you scroll to the bottom you will find answers to 5 Frequently Asked Questions.
10 BEST Greenhouses
The list below is categorized by Small, Medium, and Large.
Best Small Greenhouses (3 Choices)
#1. Palram Mythos Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Size: 6 feet by 4 feet
- Benefits: Rust-resistant, 10 plant hangars, snow load up to 15.5 lbs. per square foot.
Pros
- Rust-Resistant Aluminum Frame
- 15.4 pounds per square foot snow load
- Adjustable
Cons
- Not great for starting seed
- Only moderate strong
Palram is one of the leaders in Greenhouse Kits.
The Mythos Greenhouse comes with a 4mm twin wall roof and side panels. The side panels are almost unbreakable and block 99% of harmful UVA Rays.
The Mythos Greenhouse has 24 square feet of growing space and has 10 plant hangers.
Also, this greenhouse comes with an adjustable roof vent, rain gutters, lockable door handle, and steel base.
#2. Ohuhu Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Steel
- Size: 5 feet by 6.5 feet
- Benefits: 12 wired shelves, zipper roll-up door, easy to move
Pros
- Portable
- Large Space
- Stabile Frame
Cons
- Not great for mature plants
- Does not keep plants as hot as other greenhouses
The Ohuhu Greenhouse is the perfect portable greenhouse for beginners and advanced gardeners.
This greenhouse is 5 feet by 5 feet and is the perfect space for seedlings and young plants.
In addition, it is easily moveable making it the perfect greenhouse for patios, decks, and balconies.
The Ohuhu Greenhouse comes with 12 wire shelves. It also is designed with zippered-roll up doors for easy access and ventilation.
Finally, it is made with heavy-duty rust-resistant tubes that have an 18-pound weight capacity.
#3. Flower House SpringHouse Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Clear PVC
- Size: 6 feet by 6.5 feet
- Features: high humidity level, Open floor, UV protection
Pros
- Quick and Easy Setup
- Protects and extends the growing season
Cons
- Less durable than other options
- Holds less weight than other options. May collapse in heavy snow.
The Flower House SpringHouse Greenhouse is the perfect greenhouse for vegetables, herbs, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
It is a greenhouse that is quick and easy to setup. It literally takes minutes.
This kit comes with PVC material and has UV protection to help increase the durability for years to come.
Also, it protects and extends your growing season and can be placed directly over trees and bushes.
My favorite part about this greenhouse is that it promotes and maintains high levels of humidity. This greenhouse will help promote faster and healthier growth of your plants.
Best Medium Greenhouses (3 Choices)
#4. Palram Hobby Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Steel
- Size: 6 feet by 8 feet
- Benefits: unbreakable, 5-year warranty, 10 plant hangars
Pros
- Steel Structural Support
- 5-year warranty
- 90% light transition panels
Cons
- Relatively expensive
The Palram Hobby Greenhouse maybe my favorite medium size greenhouse on the list.
It comes with 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels. These are practically unbreakable and blocks approximately 99% of harmful UV rays.
In addition, the panels diffuse sunlight to help reduce the risk of plant burn and has about a 90% light transmission. This is the perfect greenhouse for mature plants!
Also, this greenhouse has 48 square feet of growing space. It comes with plant hangers, adjustable roof vents, rain gutters, a lockable door, and steel structural support.
Best of all is it comes with a 5-year warranty and customer support that is based in the USA.
#5. Rion EcoGrow 2 Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Resin
- Size: 6 feet by 8 feet
- Benefits: Easy assembly, weatherproof, Optional base kid to increase size
Pros
- Easy to Assemble
- Perfect for Mature Plants and Cold climates
Cons
- Comes in only one shape
- More expensive than most medium size greenhouses
The Rion EcoGrow 2 Greenhouse is a heavy-duty greenhouse that is made with 100% UV protected plastic frames.
This greenhouse comes with 4mm polycarbonate roof panels and 6mm twin-wall polycarbonate sidewalls.
It is incredibly easy to assemble and requires no tools. All you have to do is assemble the easy pin and lock assembly system.
When assembled it is 6 feet by 8 feet and is in the shape of a barn, which is perfect in any property.
Also, this greenhouse comes with a high headroom making it perfect for tall plants and tall gardeners.
#6. Outsunny Portable Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Size: 6 feet by 8 feet
- Benefits: sliding door, UV sheets, rain gutter
Pros
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Ability to plant crops into the soil
- Portable
Cons
- May not be best for winter planting in cold climates
- Lacks luxury features that other greenhouses have
The Outsunny Portable Greenhouse is the perfect option for anyone who would like to move their greenhouse from year to year.
It is approximately 6 feet by 8 feet and is built with heavy-duty aluminum.
It has polycarbonate sheets that keep plants safe and exposed to light. You can also plant your crops directly into the soil.
Also, it comes with a sliding door and a rooftop vent panel to help ensure proper ventilation.
Large Greenhouses (4 Choices)
#7. Palram Snap & Grow Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Size: 6 feet by 8 feet
- Benefits: 90% light transmission, 5-year warranty, premium starter kit
Pros
- 5 Year Warranty
- Reputable company
Cons
- Not as large as other large greenhouses
The Palram Snap and Grow is a 68-foot greenhouse that comes with a 5-year warranty.
It has crystal clear polycarbonate roof and wall panels that allow 90% light transmission.
Also, it includes double-wide doors, adjustable roof vent, rain gutters, lockable door handle, and extra support beans. It is also built with a steel frame and base.
And best of all it comes with a premium starter kit that includes an automatic vent opener, anchorage kit, 2 heavy-duty kits, an irrigation system, and 10 plant hangers.
#8. Monticello Premium Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Size: 8 feet by 24 feet
- Benefits: dual rain gutters, ability to expand, programmable watering system
Pros
- Programmable Watering System
- Greenhouse Sink
- Commercial Work Benches
Cons
- Expensive
The Monticello Premium Greenhouse is my favorite greenhouse on this list.
It is an 8 foot by 24 foot greenhouse that can expand by 4 foot increments.
It comes with one side of commercial benches, interior shade system, programmable watering system, and a greenhouse sink.
Also, it has 5, 2 feet by 2 feet roof vents and an amazing gutter system.
And even better is that this product is made in the USA.
#9. Solexx Gardeners Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Composite
- Size: 8 feet by 16 feet
- Benefits: durable snow and wind, 10-year warranty, built-in benches
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- built-inch benches and hangars
- wind-proof and snow-proof
Cons
- High-priced compared to competitors
The Solexx Greenhouse is the only composite greenhouse on the list.
This greenhouse is 8 foot by 16 foot and comes with a 3.5mm twin-wall solexx panels. This will create a 100% diffused light. Also, it comes with a heavy-duty sturdy frame.
This greenhouse comes with air vents, lockable doors, tie-downs, and a solar opener.
Best of all is that is has a 10-year warranty!
#10. Quictent Portable Greenhouse
Features:
- Frame Material: Steel
- Size: 8 feet by 16 feet
- Benefits: 85% transparent light, 2 layers thick cover, warranty
Pros
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Very large growing space
Cons
- Not suitable for cold climates
The Quictent Portable Greenhouse may be the best bang for your buck if you live in a mild climate.
It is 20 feet by 10 feet and comes with a steel frame and warranty.
It also has metal double zipper front and back doors for ventilation. Also, it has 10 vents and heavy-duty polyethylene cover that is waterproof and UV protected.
And if you need extra protection for cold nights it comes with double-layered mesh to protect all 4 corners of the greenhouse.
7 Frequently Asked Questions
#1. How much do Greenhouse Kits Cost?
A greenhouse can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on size and frame material.
Typically, greenhouse kits will cost about $25 per square foot.
#2. What Should I Look for When Buying a Greenhouse Kit?
Not all greenhouses are created equally.
Landscape layout, Cost, Size, Frame Material, Insulation, and Window Panels are critical factors you should have an understanding of before purchasing one of the Best Greenhouses on this list.
A) Landscape Layout
Before purchasing one of the Best Greenhouses in this article it is first important to determine your landscape layout and if a greenhouse is the right fit for you.
Before you decide where to put your Greenhouse it is critical that you have an understanding of your city’s zoning requirements.
Can you have a greenhouse? Are there size regulations? Does it have to go on a specific part of your property? Does it have to be a specific distance from your neighbors?
These are all great questions to ask.
I would then recommend finding an area on your property that will get at least get 6 hours of sunlight all year.
If you live in a shaded area it may not affect gardening in the summer, but could greatly impact what you can grow in the winter.
In addition, there may be a benefit of building your greenhouse near an electrical outlet or water pipes/supply.
Finally, you want to prepare the site where your greenhouse will be built.
You may need to clean the area. You may also need to remove rocks, wood, or other debris.
When preparing your site there may be a benefit of having a concrete foundation poured first. This will greatly increase the insulation in the winter.
B) Greenhouse Costs
Another important factor of owning a greenhouse is cost.
Typically, the larger the greenhouse kit the more expensive it will be.
Greenhouse kits typically range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
If you want the best price, I recommend buying a greenhouse kit through: Amazon
Also, it is important to remember that there may be other costs associated with your greenhouse.
Will you need any additional materials to build it? Will you need to clear land? Pay someone to build it? If so, then factor those costs into the total cost.
In addition, what will the maintenance cost?
Typically, you won’t have to make repairs in the first ten years of your greenhouse. Later in a greenhouse life, you may need to put additional money into it for repairs.
Also, don’t forget to factor heating your greenhouse and providing water to it in the total costs.
I once heated my greenhouse in January for an entire month straight and my electric bill was three times as expensive as before!
C) Greenhouse Size
Typically, greenhouses come in three sizes; small, medium and large.
Small greenhouses are usually 6 feet by 2 feet.
Medium greenhouses are usually 10 feet by 12 feet.
And large greenhouses are 10 feet by 20 feet.
When determining the size of the greenhouse you should buy I recommend first determining how much space you have in your yard.
After determining how much space is available, I then recommend determining how much room your plants will need.
Finally, determine if you will ever have an interest in expanding the number of plants you will have in your greenhouse.
If you foresee needing more space in the future it may make sense to start with a medium or large greenhouse.
D) Frame Material
Frame material may be one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a greenhouse.
The type of frame material you use will directly impact how durable and long-lasting your greenhouse will be.
Aluminum Frame
Aluminum frames are the most common type of material used for the best greenhouses. It is light, easy, and cheap.
Wood Frame
Wood Frames are some of the most durable and best insulating frames for your greenhouse. In addition, they are typically easy to set up and are relatively inexpensive.
Plastic Frame
Plastic frames are some of the cheapest frames you can find for greenhouses. While they are not the most durable, they do provide excellent insulation.
Steel Frame
If you want the most heavy-duty frame for your greenhouse then go with a steel frame. Steel typically low cost and is reasonably easy to set up.
PVC
PVC frames are almost as cheap as plastic and provide just as good of insulation. This type of material is also great for cold frames that you wish to easily move. The only downside is that they are typically not strong or durable.
Solexx
Solexx is composite, which is a type of hybrid material of aluminum, plastic, and PVC. It provides excellent insulation but is very expensive.
Window Panels
Another factor that you should consider when building or purchasing a greenhouse is what type of window panels it comes with.
Clear panels will give you more sunlight. This is great for starting seeds as they need more sunlight.
Twin aka multi-walled panels is great for growing mature plants. It diffuses sunlight, which is perfect to help plants steadily grow.
The size of the window panels is also important.
The bigger the panel, the more sunlight your plants will receive. Again, more sunshine is perfect for seedlings. Less sunlight is typically needed for mature plants.
#3. How Do You Heat Your Greenhouse in the Winter?
Having a greenhouse is a great way to extend the gardening season. Having one of the best greenhouses increases your likelihood of success.
But having the best greenhouse does not always guarantee success when it comes to heating your greenhouse in the winter.
Below, is a list of ways you can heat your greenhouse cheaply in the winter:
- Use a heater
- Add insulation
- Add heat-absorbing barrels
- Double layer your plastic
- Use Compost
- Add extra insulation at the north side of your greenhouse
- Build your greenhouse partially underground
- Add burlap
#4. What Type of Greenhouse Should I Build?
The type of Greenhouse Kit you should buy depends solely on your landscape, your city ordinances, and what you would like to build.
You can build a free-standing greenhouse, a gutter-connected greenhouse, or a portable greenhouse.
#5. Are Portable Greenhouses Good?
Portable Greenhouses are great options for someone who wants a greenhouse on their patio or deck.
This type of greenhouse provides gardeners with the ability to quickly access their plants from the house. This is also a great option for someone who wants to expand or move their greenhouse.
Portable greenhouses though do not prevent freezing and damage to plants as well as stationed greenhouses.
#6. What are the Benefits of Owning a Greenhouse?
There are many benefits to owning a greenhouse. Some of the benefits include:
- Longer Growing Season
- A wider range of plants can be grown
- Less worry of pests or insects
- Less worry about weather
- Environmentally Friendly
- Energy Conservation
#7. How Long Do Greenhouses Last?
As described above, greenhouses longevity will mainly depend on the materials you used and the climate you live in.
Expect on average for your greenhouse to last between 15 to 25 years, although some greenhouses can last a lifetime.
Greenhouses in climates that have mild winters and summers will tend to last longer than those that are exposed to extreme cold or heat.
Also, greenhouses that are made of steel, aluminum, and certain types of finished wood should last longer no matter where you live.
Conclusion
As a reminder, not all greenhouses are created equal.
When looking for the best greenhouses there are numerous factors that you should take into consideration.
You should:
- Select the appropriate landscape layout
- Understand all costs
- Determine the correct size
- Understand the appropriate frame material
- Ensure you have the correct window panels
In addition, you want to make sure you purchase the correct small, medium, or large greenhouse.
When purchasing one of the best greenhouses make sure it has:
- Lockable doors
- Vents
- Benches
- Sink (if you are lucky)
- hangers
- greenhouse space
- UV protected
Please note that if you purchase a greenhouse from one of the above links a portion of the proceeds will help to keep this website as effective as it can be.
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