Grow Plants Year Round With These Small Greenhouse Kits (2024)

What We Researched

We chose this Canopia by Palram Hybrid Hobby Greenhouse as the best overall small greenhouse kit because of its aesthetically-pleasing look, sturdy materials, and extra features. The greenhouse's panels are made of polycarbonate, a material that's stronger and holds heat better than glass.

Its twin-wall roof panels filter harmful UV rays and transmit a high amount of light (in this model, over 90%) while breaking sun rays that may otherwise burn your plants. Plus, this greenhouse kit is available in a few frame color options, including gray, green, and silver, so you can choose the best look for your backyard.

The greenhouse frame is made of aluminum, a strong material that's rust-resistant, so you won't have to worry about the frame deteriorating over time. The greenhouse also features a roof vent for air circulation, a latchable door to keep out pests, and rain gutters that you can use to capture rainwater in a rain barrel for watering plants.

If you live in a climate that experiences a lot of rain, this is the greenhouse to invest in. We found that other greenhouses with similar features can cost thousands of dollars, but you can nab this one for a few hundred dollars.

Product Details: Size: 26 square feet, 72.75 x 51.125 x 81.875 inches | Panel material: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Aluminum

Walk-in greenhouse kits can get really expensive, with many costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. The Ohuhu Walk-In Plant Greenhouse rings is the best for those on a budget, and it boasts many features seen in higher-priced greenhouse kits, including ventilation windows, a metal frame, and 23 square feet of space.

Some of the cheaper greenhouse kits on the market are too small for you to move around inside. Even with six shelves on either side, this greenhouse has enough room for you to walk up and down your greenhouse to tend to your plants.

The zippered roll-up door allows for extra airflow, and the two ventilation windows include screens to keep out bugs. The kit also comes with 12 shelves to hold your plants and gardening tools.

The trade-off for this kit's low price, however, is its polyethylene covering. While the covering is water-resistant and protects against UV rays, its weakness is strong winds, and it's less stable than more permanent greenhouse structures.

To help with stability, the covering is extra long so you can weigh it down with stones, and there are also rings on the covering where you can attach ropes to anchor the greenhouse with the included stakes. This is a great purchase if you live in a climate that doesn't typically have strong winds or if you plan to place your greenhouse in a sheltered location.

It's also a smart choice if you plan to reposition your greenhouse throughout the seasons since it's lightweight and can be easily disassembled.

Product Details: Size: 23 square feet, 58.8 x 56.4 x 76.8 inches | Panel material: Polyethylene | Frame material: Metal

For those who are able to splurge on a small greenhouse kit, the Canopia by Palram Glory 6 ft. x 8 ft. Gray/Diffused DIY Greenhouse Kit is our top choice. This 6 x 8-foot greenhouse features polycarbonate panels and a sturdy, aluminum metal frame that is resistant to corrosion.

This greenhouse is also perfect to use if you live in an area that frequently experiences harsh weather conditions. Durably made, this greenhouse is hail resistant and has an internal anchoring system to help keep it from blowing away in high winds. The panels are UV resistant to help keep your plants protected from harsh sunshine.

There are vents on the side of the greenhouse, and the roof can be lifted to increase ventilation as well. We also love that this option includes gutters to help collect rainwater, so you can sustainably water your plants. The doorway is wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow or even a wheelchair.

With easy to read and clear instructions, you can put together this greenhouse without needing an expert. However, this greenhouse does weigh 171 pounds, so you may need assistance lifting the pieces for assembly.

Product Details: Size: 72.4 x 98.8 x 96.1 inches | Panel Material: Polycarbonate | Frame Material: Aluminum

People with limited outdoor space often can't get in on the fun that is owning a greenhouse. However, the Home-Complete Mini Greenhouse has a footprint of only 3.6 square feet, so it can fit on most small balconies and porches as well as in a sunroom.

The kit includes a tiered shelving unit; a polyvinyl (PVC) covering, which is thicker and more waterproof than the polythene coverings often found in other kits, and a durable steel frame to help keep the unit upright during unfavorable weather conditions.

Although it has a sturdy structure, this greenhouse can avoid bad weather altogether thanks to its four locking caster wheels. When a windstorm hits, simply wheel the greenhouse into a garage or shed and wait for the storm to pass.

If you don't need the wheels, they can be removed. Leslie F. Halleck, a horticulturalist and horticulture instructor at UCLA, says that small greenhouses such as this one can actually thrive indoors. "You can also use many of the smaller plastic-covered greenhouse kits indoors to grow your more sensitive, high-humidity tropical houseplants," Halleck says.

Product Details: Size: 3.6 square feet, 27.1 x 19.3 x 63.3 inches | Panel material: Polyvinyl (PVC) | Frame material: Steel

If you have plenty of room in your yard, we recommend the ShelterLogic GrowIT Greenhouse. This greenhouse is one of the largest on our list, measuring 100 square feet.

The size gives you enough horizontal space for multiple shelves and, at eight feet tall, enough vertical space for extra-tall plants. You'll find plenty of ventilation features for temperature control and airflow throughout this greenhouse, including a rollup door and side panels as well as a half-moon window on the gable.

The greenhouse is supported by a steel frame and features a translucent plastic covering made of ripstop fabric, a woven material that prevents tearing. The fabric is resistant to water, offers UV protection, and captures heat so that warmth stays inside the greenhouse even when the sun starts to go down.

Plus, unlike other large greenhouse kits, this kit's assembly time is relatively short, clocking in at a little more than two hours (other kits can take four to eight hours to put together). However, like other greenhouses with plastic coverings, this kit may not hold up as well when strong winds or heavy snow comes through.

To make it more wind resistant, secure the greenhouse with the included anchors and consider adding additional ones as needed.

Product Details: Size: 100 square feet, 120 x 120 x 96 inches | Panel material: Ripstop fabric | Frame material: Powder-coated steel

For those who prefer a rustic option, the MCombo Wooden Greenhouse is the best small greenhouse kit for you. At 57.9 inches long and 73.4 inches tall, this greenhouse is small enough to fit on a back porch or in a backyard (or even indoors).Made of high quality fir wood, this greenhouse is durable enough to withstand the elements.

In addition to the wooden frame, there are also transparent polycarbonate panels that allow sunlight to reach your plants and help create an ideal temperature for your plants to thrive. This walk-in greenhouse includes two levels of shelves to add plants or seedlings to, and you can utilize the ground space as well.

The roof of this greenhouse can be opened to increase ventilation or allow rainwater to water your plants during a shower. The two paneled doors can also be locked, so you can 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.

Product Details: Size: 57.9 x 73.4 x 28.5 inches | Panel Material: Polycarbonate | Frame Material: Fir wood

If you want to cover your fruits or vegetables that are in a raised garden bed, the Quictent Portable Mini Cloche Greenhouse is our top pick. This affordable small greenhouse kit features polyvinyl panels that are transparent so you can easily see all of your plants, and a steel frame to provide sturdiness and durability.

One of the ends features a door that can be unzipped, so you can easily access your plants. With doors that can be rolled up and top panels that can be unzipped, there are multiple options to create ventilation with this greenhouse. The bottom of the cover extends slightly behind the bottom frame, so you can add weights to the cover to provide stability during windy days if needed.

There are two sizes available (71 x 36 x 36 inches and 95 x 36 x 36 inches) so you can choose the one that best fits your existing gardening beds. However, since both sizes are only 3 feet tall, this may not be the best option if you have taller plants or vegetables in your gardening beds.

Product Details: Size: 71 x 36 x 36 inches or 95 x 36 x 36 inches | Panel Material: Polyvinyl (PVC) | Frame Material: Steel

Some greenhouse kits can take upwards of eight hours to assemble. If you don't want to dedicate that amount of time to building a greenhouse, consider the Outsunny Portable Tunnel Greenhouse.

It doesn't require any tools, nails, or screws to put it together; all you have to do is insert the rods into fasteners, secure the polyethylene covering to the frame via fabric ties, and, voila, you have a greenhouse.

The rods are made of powder-coated steel, which is a durable and rust-resistant material. Although polyethylene covers can catch in the wind, this greenhouse's low-profile design makes it less vulnerable to gusts. The extra-long cover can also be grounded by rocks for extra stability.

Unlike other small greenhouse kits on the market, this greenhouse is not tall, measuring only three feet in height. Despite its squat size, the greenhouse is relatively easy to access once you're on your hands and knees thanks to the side doors that can be rolled up to the peak of the roof and secured with ties.

At under $100, this kit is a great choice for those beginning their greenhouse journey as well as people who have raised garden beds that need a cover. Seedlings are especially compatible with this type of shelf-less greenhouse because they get the unobstructed light they need to grow properly. When you're done gardening for the season, the greenhouse can easily pack away in a storage bin.

Product Details: Size: 27 square feet, 108 x 36 x 36 inches | Panel material: Polyethylene | Frame material: Powder-coated steel

If you want to garden year-round, the Exaco Riga 2S Greenhouse has several features that make it ideal for winter use. Its sloped roof encourages snow to melt and slide off the structure, preventing snow buildup that could cause a collapse.

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. This means that not only will your plants get the light they need without overheating, but during colder months, the panels will also capture heat to protect plants from the outside elements.

You can add a small heater during the winter for additional warmth. This greenhouse is supported by a thick aluminum frame for extra strength and also comes with two removable polycarbonate shelves to support your plants.

For ventilation, the greenhouse has a rear casem*nt window and a latching Dutch door, which allows for airflow while keeping out small animals. The greenhouse also includes a large 40 x 24-inch roof vent that has a heat-activated automatic opener to help the structure maintain a consistent temperature. Plus, the brand offers warranties: 10 years for the polycarbonate panels and 15 years for the aluminum frame.

Product Details: Size: 54 square feet, 92 x 84 x 85 inches | Panel material: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Aluminum

The indoor Ohuhu Mini Greenhouse is a low-stakes way to invest in your gardening journey. At less than $50 at the time of publish, the greenhouse is affordable and perfect for starting seeds indoors or providing a good environment for houseplants that may need higher levels of heat and humidity.

The greenhouse has four shelves with a capacity of 22 pounds, which can be stabilized and secured to the frame with fixed clips. The rust-proof metal frame is sturdy and the polyethylene cover resists corrosion, UV rays, water, and low temperatures.

To access the greenhouse, there’s 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 with a double layer roof. In addition to the extra protection, the double layer roof model also comes with a rod that you can install at the top. This rod is perfect for hanging grow lights and also provides additional stability.

Assembly and disassembly is simple and doesn’t require any tools, making it feasible to move the greenhouse between indoor and outdoor locations depending on the season. To add to this greenhouse’s versatility, you can also remove the cover and use it as a plant stand. Keep in mind that if you do choose to move this greenhouse outdoors, it doesn’t come with an anchoring system to keep it stable in inclement weather.

Product Details: Size: 27 x 67 x 20 inches | Panel Material: Polyethylene | Frame Material: Metal

If you want to add a greenhouse to the side of your home, shed, or garage, a lean-to model, like this pick from Eagle Peak, will work great. The greenhouse allows in plenty of sun and also maintains high humidity inside. To easily adjust humidity and increase the airflow, there are two large roll-up zipper doors that can be opened to various heights, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere for your plants. One advantage of the lean-to design is you can place the greenhouse against a brick or southern-facing wall so the radiant heat from the wall will warm your plants.

Unlike many kits on our list, there are no tools required for assembly, making this a great option for beginner DIYers. The strong powder-coated steel frame will ensure the greenhouse withstands the outdoor elements and the green, water-resistant polyethylene fabric cover offers UV protection to help prevent sunscorch. This greenhouse also comes with an included plant rack so you’ll be ready to put your plants inside as soon as it’s assembled.

Though this greenhouse is not insulated enough to grow through a tough winter, it’s a great option if you want to extend the growing season and protect plants from early or late frosts. As a bonus, Eagle Peak offers a one-year limited warranty.

Product Details: Size: 6.6 x 6.9 x 3.3 feet | Panel Material: Polyethylene | Frame Material: Steel

This stylish dome from Gardenigloo is sure to add the “wow” factor to your backyard. The dome shape is visually striking and dome shapes are particularly good at resisting severe weather; the design can handle a 90 pound snow load and withstand winds up to 31 miles per hour.

The geodesic dome shape also offers other advantages. This greenhouse will require 40% less heating in cold temperatures than a traditional gable greenhouse. This is due to the fact that its surface is always at right angles to the sun’s rays, even in low winter sun. However, this greenhouse could get very hot in the summertime and it may be a good idea to purchase the additional cover for it, especially if you want to use the dome as an outdoor living space.

The greenhouse is made out of a sturdy PVC frame which is covered by the transparent PVC cover. The PVC cover is UV- and water-resistant and can handle temperatures as low as -4° F and as high as 140° F.

The included anchorage systems for both hard and soft surfaces ensures that the dome stays firmly in place. The window vents allow for airflow, temperature and humidity regulation. With a base area of 107 square feet, there’s plenty of room for your plants, as well as outdoor furniture so you can relax in the dome and admire your space.

Product Details: Size: 11.75 x 7.17 x 11.75 feet | Panel Material: PVC | Frame Material: PVC