Adding a greenhouse to your garden is one way to extend your growing season and create a microclimate more suitable for growing certain veggies and flowers. But with so many greenhouse kits available, it can be difficult to know which is right for you.
In this article, we’ll review the top ten best greenhouse kits to meet every need. Plus, we’ll walk you through the different aspects to consider before making your purchase, introduce some great greenhouse accessories, and review the most commonly asked questions about greenhouse kits.
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Our Top Picks
Most Affordable Greenhouse Kit
Palram Hybrid 6 Ft. W x 10 Ft. D Greenhouse
- Spacious
- Well ventilated
- High wind resistance
Functional, stylish, and just the right size, this greenhouse is perfect for hobbyist gardeners and durable enough for most climates.
The dual-glazing construction utilizes opaque panels on the roof to block out harmful UVs and clear panels on the sides to maximize sunlight. A vent allows for quick climate control during the summer while protective polycarbonate glazing holds in heat during even the coldest months.
If you are looking for a large space to start seeds, pamper hot season veggies, and grow fresh food year-round, this is your greenhouse.
Best Premium Greenhouse Kit
Exaco Junior Victorian J-VIC 24 96 Square Foot Greenhouse
- Thick 4mm glass
- Rubber seals for better insulation
- Classic look
- High wind and snow rating
This gorgeous greenhouse combines elegance with function to help you maximize your plant production in style.
The thick glass paneling and rubber seals help keep this house warm in the winter while an auto-opening window vent allows for maximum airflow in the heat. Even in harsh northern climates, this greenhouse will allow you to grow vegetables all year-round.
If you are looking for a substantial greenhouse that will be as much a fixture in your yard as a functional element, you have found it.
The Best Greenhouse Kits Quick Comparison
Best Backyard Greenhouse Kits – Reviews
There is no limit to the uses of a greenhouse.
They provide a means to grow fresh food all year long. They act as a protective shell for sensitive flowers and houseplants. And they are the perfect place to sprout seeds and experiment with plant hybrids to get your growing season off to an extra-early start.
What you plan to use your greenhouse for should play a huge part in which product you choose to purchase.
But with so many greenhouse kit options available, it’s not always easy to make the connection between what you want to use your greenhouse for and which product is best for that use.
That is why we have done all the digging for you. We have searched the market for the best greenhouse kits of every type.
In the reviews below, you will find information on material, installation time, and, most importantly, what uses each greenhouse lends itself best to. That way you can spend less time shopping and more time growing!
Palram Hybrid Nature Hybrid Series 6′ x 10′ Walk-In Garden Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Spacious
- Well ventilated
- High wind resistance
If you are looking for a large greenhouse that you can utilize all year long for growing both hardy winter greens and heat-loving nightshades, then this hybrid Palram greenhouse is exactly what you need.
With double-walled opaque panels on the roof and clear single-walled glazing on the sides, this greenhouse provides both protection and plenty of light. The ceiling panels block 99% of UV rays while dispersing the light to prevent leaf burn. Meanwhile, the clear walls allow for maximum light transmission while letting you keep a close eye on your plants from anywhere.
An easy-open window vent and magnetic door make regulating heat and humidity a breeze during the hot summer months. In the winter, the durable polycarbonate glazing protects plants from extreme cold and wind while maximizing sun exposure.
This easy-to-assemble kit requires minimal tools and utilizes simple interlocking parts for fast installation. It is a large kit, however, so do expect to commit a little more time getting everything pieced together. It will take about nine hours for two people to construct.
The frame is made of lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum with a wind rating of 56 miles per hour and a snow load capacity of 15 pounds.
Palram Hybrid Nature Hybrid Series 6′ x 4′ Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy assembly
Just because you lack the space for a large greenhouse doesn’t mean you aren’t serious about greenhouse gardening. This compact hybrid greenhouse from Palram combines all the expert features you would expect to see in a large house but delivers them in a petite 6 by 4-foot design.
Like the larger 6 foot by 10 foot Palram nature hybrid series model, this greenhouse utilizes opaque, double-walled glazing on the roof and crystal-clear, single-walled glazing on the walls. This combination maximizes your light input without putting your plants at risk for UV burn.
Like the larger kit, this house also includes an easy-open vent and magnetic door. Opening both of these on hot summer days increases airflow and keeps your plants from sweltering.
In the cold winter months, the durable, polycarbonate panels protect plants. And, unlike larger greenhouses, this petite kit is perfect for use with a portable heater. The smaller square footage means it will cost less to keep this unit heated throughout the winter.
Like all Palram houses, this one utilizes easy, interlocking assembly for quick construction. For stability, it is best to place this house on a wood base or slab, but many customers have also had success anchoring this greenhouse straight into the ground.
The frame is made of lightweight aluminum and rated for winds up to 56 miles per hour. It can withstand snow loads of up to 15.4 pounds.
Outdoor Living Today 8′ x 8′ Raised Garden Bed Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Garden beds and greenhouse in one
- Removable cover
- Perfect for small spaces
Greenhouses can take up valuable outdoor gardening space. If you have a very small garden, this can mean committing to transforming your entire garden area to a greenhouse–something that may not increase your overall production.
One ingenious solution to the small garden conundrum is the raised garden greenhouse from Outdoor Living Today.
The combination of raised beds and a greenhouse cover combine to give you the best of both worlds.
The tall cedar beds allow for easy planting and maintenance in a traditional outdoor garden setting. The addition of a removable polyethylene top, meanwhile, gives you the ability to extend your growing season the same way a standard greenhouse would.
The greenhouse itself is constructed with 6mm low-density polyethylene. This lightweight cover provides UV protection and diffused light for balanced growth. While not as durable as other glazing products, it does provide enough protection to allow you to start plants earlier in the spring and grow them long into the fall.
The cover is secured to a heavy-duty, powder-coated metal frame. This extra-tall frame is built with a high slope to capture more sunlight and heat and to allow you to walk through your garden beds without slouching.
Multiple vents along the base and in the roof of the cover can be rolled back to increase airflow. The insect netting below these vents will help keep your garden pest-free.
The garden beds themselves can take some time to construct, but no sawing is needed. All pieces in the kit have been pre-cut to allow for quick construction. The greenhouse cover is simple to assemble and can be easily removed as needed.
Looking for a small greenhouse? Check out our in-depth guide on mini-greenhouses here.
Outsunny 9.8′ x 11.5′ Hobby Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Portable
- Easy to break down
- Affordable
Putting up a greenhouse can be a commitment. Most kits take time to construct and do not move easily once they are put together.
If you are looking for a more flexible solution that comes with all the benefits of a traditional greenhouse, then the Outsunny portable hobby house is worth considering.
This lightweight, but expansive tent-style greenhouse utilizes durable mesh polyethylene strung over a steel structure to protect plants year-round. The green-tinted cover allows diffuse light to penetrate while restricting harmful UV.
Best of all, this greenhouse can be easily broken down after the cool spring months and rebuilt once it is needed again in the fall. The portable nature of this kit means you can construct it wherever it is needed. It can be used to cover existing garden beds or raised beds or even installed on a cement pad for use with potted plants.
This kit is not rated for extreme weather conditions. The manufacturer suggests the house be taken down if high winds or heavy snow is expected.
But for gardeners in mild climates, this portable greenhouse kit offers many of the benefits of a traditional greenhouse at a fraction of the cost.
ShelterLogic GrowIT 10′ x 20′ Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Durable tent-style house
- Extra-large footprint
- Portable
If you like the idea of a portable tent-style greenhouse but need one that can be used in more extreme climates, this durable extra-large greenhouse from ShelterLogic is a great choice.
Like the Outsunny portable tent, this one is easy to put up and take down. It can also be constructed over existing beds.
But the rating on this house is higher for wind and it can be used longer into the fall. This allows for an extra-extended growing season as well as the possibility of cold house use during the winter in mild climates.
The frame is made of powder-coated steel with patented ShelterLock stabilizers for increased strength. The kit comes with temporary anchors, but additional heavy-duty anchors may be needed in windy areas.
The translucent cover is made of polyethylene film that creates diffuse light for balanced growth. It is waterproof and UV resistant.
While heavier duty than many tent-style houses, this greenhouse is not rated for snow and should be disassembled during the winter in most climates. Users do report that it stands up to moderate wind well but severe gusts can cause damage.
Palram Snap & Grow 8′ x 20′ Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Extra-large
- Wide, double doors
- Multiple vents
- Crystal-clear glazing
Even in mild US climates, winter can be a difficult time to grow plants outdoors. This is true of many vegetables, but especially true of tropical plants, fruit trees, and other less hardy vegetation.
In these regions, a greenhouse can provide a safe, warm home for these sensitive plants during the cooler months. The Palram Snap & Grow greenhouse kit is one of the best larger options for this type of use.
This greenhouse has a massive footprint but remains lightweight and easy to construct thanks to the signature Palram aluminum interlocking structure. For the hobby gardener, this house provides plenty of room to maximize your gardening efforts.
The glazing consists of single-walled polycarbonate panels. These crystal-clear panels give the entire greenhouse the look of a traditional glass house, but with added durability. The coating is UV resistant but still allows maximum light transmission from all angles.
The single-walled panels do make this greenhouse more affordable than others of its size but do not provide as much cold protection. For this reason, this product would not be a great choice for those living in harsher climates who want to grow in their greenhouse year-round.
Like most Palram houses, the Snap & Grow is highly durable and can resist winds up to 55 miles per hour, and is snow rated for 15.4 pounds. You will need two people to construct this house and should plan on one to two days to complete the installation.
Patiolife Garden Dome 12ft
Key Specifications
- Unique and fun igloo shape
- Multiple uses
- Portable
Portable tent-style greenhouses are great for covering large existing beds but are not appropriate for smaller yards. This unique Garden Dome from Patiolife comes with all the same benefits of a large portable greenhouse but in a much more compact and elegant package.
This igloo-like structure is made of durable ABS plastic. The interlocking pieces form a unique triangular pattern that allows for maximum light capture no matter the sun’s angle.
A clear PVC film stretches over the entire dome to insulate and protect the plants (and people) inside. Unlike polyethylene, this material has some give to it, which makes it better able to stand up to penetrating damage such as hail. The cover will appear wrinkled at first but should smooth out as it heats up in the sun.
This greenhouse can easily be installed over existing beds early in the spring to extend the season. It can even be used as a cold house through the winter months so long as additional insulating covers are used over the plants.
While this product is not rated for wind or snow, its unique shape lends itself well to resisting gusts and not collecting precipitation. Many users have reported that it holds up well through all types of weather including throughout the winter.
Exaco Junior Victorian J-VIC 24 96 Square Foot Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Thick 4mm glass
- Rubber seals for better insulation
- Classic look
- High wind and snow rating
All greenhouses are expected to be functional. But if you plan to make your greenhouse the centerpiece of your garden or a large part of your yard, looks are just as important.
For those wanting a high-end greenhouse that is as gorgeous as it is useful, this highly stylized glass greenhouse from Exaco is for you.
At 8 by 12 feet, this greenhouse is perfectly sized for hobbyist gardeners who want plenty of room to work. It includes a low profile sliding door for easy entry and a 3-inch tall foundation frame for quick anchoring.
The structure is made of stylish square black aluminum that is lightweight but durable. Large glass panels, each 4mm thick, make up the walls and roof, giving you a clear view of your plants from all directions.
A combination of thick glass and substantial rubber seals means this greenhouse is better insulated than any other on this list. In colder climates, it can be used throughout the winter as a cold house or heated to grow a variety of plants all year long.
The kit includes one auto-opening vent window for perfect airflow without the hassle. You will need two people to put it together and extra care is necessary to install the glass panels.
This kit is highly durable and can withstand extreme wind and heavy snowfall.
Outsunny 9′ x 3′ Small Greenhouse Kit
Key Specifications
- Easy assembly
- Low profile
- Portable
- Protects from sun and cold
If you live in an especially hot or arid climate, cold weather may not be the only thing you are battling in the garden. Powerful sunshine can also help shorten your growing season.
This low-profile, tent-style greenhouse from Outsunny is the perfect solution for extending the season and protecting plants from the scorching sun.
The durable steel frame assembles in minutes over an existing garden bed or raised box. The cover that extends over it is made from opaque PVC vinyl. This unique glazing diffuses harsh light to prevent leaf scalding while holding warmth in as the air outside cools.
Three large flaps allow for easy access to plants and provide ventilation when needed.
Facing these flap openings south in the cooler months will allow your seedlings plenty of sunlight on warm days. In the summer, rotating the greenhouse and opening the flaps to the north will keep your plants out of the direct sun while allowing for cooling airflow.
This lightweight house is not meant to be used throughout the winter and is not rated for wind or snow. To prolong its life, we recommend storing it away during cold months and reinstalling it to sprout seeds in the early spring.
ShelterLogic GrowIT 6 ft. x 8 ft. Backyard Greenhouse
Key Specifications
- Includes shelving
- Portable
- Easy to assemble
- Protects from sun and cold
One of the greatest benefits of a greenhouse is the ability to start your seeds. This not only saves money, but it can help you extend your growing season and give you better control over what you are growing.
But committing to a large greenhouse isn’t something most people want to do if starting seeds is their only goal. This simple tent-style greenhouse from ShelterLogic is the perfect solution.
This greenhouse has a small footprint but is tall enough to walk through comfortably. It comes with two shelves to hold sprouting trays which gives you more room to propagate.
The frame is made of durable steel and the cover of opaque polyethylene. Plants inside receive bright, diffused light and protection from cold spring nights.
Installation is a breeze and so is disassembly, making it easy to remove the greenhouse in the summer or fall depending on your needs.
According to users, this house stands up remarkably well to moderate wind. It is not rated for snow, however, and the manufacturer recommends brushing any accumulation off immediately if you do choose to leave the tent up through the winter.
Greenhouse Kits Buyers Guide
Greenhouses come in all sizes and utilize a variety of materials to make up the paneling and structure. The size of your yard, the intended use for the house, your climate, and many other aspects will determine which greenhouse kit is right for you.
How Does a Greenhouse Work?
The short answer is that greenhouses work by converting light energy into heat energy and trapping it inside. Providing the ideal conditions for many plants to thrive.
Read our full guide here: How Does a Greenhouse Work?
What Size Greenhouse Do You Need?
How big your greenhouse should depend on two factors: how much room you have and what you plan to use it for.
Small yards and gardens demand a greenhouse with a small footprint. Larger yards allow for more flexibility.
If you plan to use your greenhouse simply for sprouting seeds and starting plants, then you can likely get away with a smaller kit. If you plan to grow veggies all year round or fill the space with greenery for a secluded getaway, a larger greenhouse is a better choice.
One final thing you’ll need to consider is your local building ordinances. Many cities and counties have rules regarding permitting for outdoor structures. In most cases, only buildings over certain square footage need to be approved or permitted. HOAs may also have bylaws dictating how big greenhouses can be.
Make sure to check your local laws before committing to a larger greenhouse.
What Material Should Your Greenhouse Cover and Frame Be?
When it comes to the frame material included in your greenhouse kit, there are generally only a few options.
- Aluminum structures are the most common in rectagonal kits of every size. Aluminum is lightweight which makes for easier construction, but also more prone to damage during shipping and high winds.
- Steel supports are often used in conjunction with polyethylene or PVC plastic glazing. They provide a solid structure that is resistant to damage. Steel is heavier than aluminum and is typically only used in smaller kits.
In terms of glazing material–the substance that makes up the transparent or semi-transparent areas of a greenhouse–, there are five main choices. Some are available in both clear and semi-transparent finishes.
- Acrylic is less common than it used to be but is stronger and more transparent than other options. It comes in both single-walled and double-walled sheets. It can be pricey and, like most plastics, is easily scratched
- Fiberglass is less common for greenhouse kits but is often used by DIYers, especially in its corrugated form. It only comes in single-walled varieties and the quality differs greatly between manufacturers.
- Glass is common glazing used in high-end kits. It is available in varying degrees of thickness with additional coatings that can protect against UV and add strength. It is durable and long-lasting but heavy and difficult to cut.
- Polycarbonate is the most common glazing used in greenhouse kits. It is available in single, double, and triple layers with the latter being the most insulating but also the most expensive. It has a relatively long lifespan and is very lightweight.
- Polyethylene film is a sheet plastic that is used in many low-end kits and removable greenhouses. It is cheap and flexible but has a short lifespan. Polyethylene only comes in a single layer and requires additional insulation efforts for use in colder climates.
What Tools and Skills Are Required?
Just about anyone can put together a greenhouse kit assuming they have the patience and time to do so.
Simple steel and polyethylene kits require the least amount of time commitment and are generally straightforward to construct. Rectagonal kits, especially large ones, tend to have a lot of pieces and can take up to a full day to put together.
Due to the nature and shape of most greenhouses, you will likely need two people to get the job done easily.
In terms of tools, most sets can be installed entirely using only a ratchet set and drill.
Do You Need a Foundation?
Most traditional-style greenhouse kits do need some kind of foundation in place.
An existing concrete slab works well in many situations. The greenhouse should be secured to the slab using concrete anchors. Do keep in mind that a full slab limits your growth potential as in-ground planting will not be possible.
Another easy option is to build a base out of 4” by 6” treated lumber. Make sure this frame is square and fits the dimensions of your new greenhouse. The house will need to be anchored to the frame and the frame anchored into the ground using long rebar.
Small kits and portable types, like the GrowIT Backyard Greenhouse, can be anchored directly into the ground. Make sure the area is flat and even to avoid pulling the greenhouse out of the square. When this happens gaps can form between the frame and glazing which reduces the greenhouses effectiveness.
Consider Your Weather
There are a lot of reasons to consider your weather and climate before choosing a greenhouse. Different greenhouses provide different degrees of insulation and have variable durability ratings.
Kits that utilize single-walled glazing provide minimal insulation. These kits are most useful for allowing you to start plants a month or two early and for extending the fall season. By using row covers and other internal layers, you may be able to grow throughout the winter in mild to moderate climates.
Double and triple-walled glazing is a must if your area experiences harsh winters. These kits will allow you to start seeds earlier in the spring and grow cold-season plants throughout the winter without the use of a heater. They will also provide a more consistent temperature for hot-season plants during the summer.
If your area experiences a lot of snow, you will want to make sure you check the snow load capacity rating for your kit. Higher-end rectagonal kits with sloped roofs, like the Palram Snap & Grow, are less likely to be damaged during heavy snowfalls.
Winds can also be damaging to greenhouses. If you commonly experience high winds or gusts, be sure to check the wind rating before committing to any kit. Polyethylene sheets and other lower-end products may not be durable enough to withstand frequent winds.
Where Should You Locate Your Greenhouse?
Consider which areas of your yard receive the most consistent sunshine during the cold winter months. Generally, this will be an area on the south or east side of your house. But if you have a larger yard, this can be any spot that isn’t crowded by tall trees or other buildings.
You will want to position your greenhouse so it receives the most direct sunlight throughout the day in the winter. For rectangular houses, this means positioning the door facing east or west so that one sloped side is facing the sun in the south.
You should also consider convenience when deciding where to place your greenhouse. Being able to quickly run outside to clip some greens for a salad as you prepare dinner is one of the many benefits of a greenhouse. But if it is located too far from your home, you may be less likely to take advantage of this perk.
The Best Accessories for Your Greenhouse
All the greenhouse kits mentioned above provide a great starting point for extending your growing season. But there are many additional accessories worth considering to get the most out of your purchase.
Grow Lights
Colder weather isn’t the only thing that keeps plants from growing well in the winter. Shorter periods of daylight also pose an issue.
By adding grow lights to your greenhouse, you can entice plants, especially vegetables, to grow more abundantly in the colder months. Lights, like these linkable LED grow lights, are also a great option for providing supplemental lighting for greenhouses in shady yards.
Heating
Unless you live in a very mild climate, your options for growing vegetables in your greenhouse in the winter will be limited without the use of a heater. In some areas that experience very short seasons, a heater will be necessary to start seedlings early enough to have them mature before the fall frost.
Heaters that can be set for lower temperatures, like this one from Bio Green, are perfect for the greenhouse. They allow you to keep the area just warm enough to make your plants happy without spending the money it would cost to maintain a steady 65 degrees during a freezing winter night.
Air Movement
Air movement is important in the greenhouse not just for temperature control, but to help your plants breathe.
According to Shane Smith, author of Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion, in a stagnant greenhouse, plants can develop CO2 deficient envelopes around their leaves. By using a small oscillating fan, you can keep the air in your greenhouse moving to encourage more robust growth.
Greenhouse FAQ
Is it cheaper to buy or build a greenhouse?
Depending on the materials you choose to use, building your greenhouse may be cheaper than buying a kit. But the amount of time and work you will have to put in will be considerably more. With that in mind, most greenhouse kits are more than worth their price.
Is glass or plastic better for a greenhouse?
Both thick glass and double or triple-walled polycarbonate plastic have great insulative properties in a greenhouse.
Glass does tend to be heavier but will last forever assuming it is not broken by large hail, flying objects, or during the installation process. Polycarbonate plastic is lightweight and does not break easily, but is more prone to wind damage.
Can I grow year-round in a greenhouse?
Yes. Well-insulated greenhouses allow you to grow plants year-round in most climates.
Cold season plants like kale and spinach will grow throughout the winter even in northern regions. If you want to grow warm-season plants like tomatoes and peppers throughout the year, you will need to use a heater and lighting over the winter.
Do plants grow faster in a greenhouse?
Yes, plants do grow faster in a greenhouse.
Greenhouse plants experience less variation in temperature and aren’t exposed to damaging winds and weather. They’re also less affected by pests and pathogens. Additionally, greenhouses have higher CO2 concentrations inside than the air outside which leads to more sustained growth.
Learn more: The fastest growing vegetables.
Greenhouses For All
When it comes to greenhouse kits, there is no shortage of options on the market.
Purely for function and ease of assembly, we love the hybrid Palram greenhouse. The size is perfect for most hobbyists and the combination of double-walled roof panels and clear sidewalls allow for optimal light while still protecting the plants inside.
If you are most interested in a greenhouse that is as beautiful as it is functional, the Junior Victorian from Exaco is by far your best option. Beautifully clear glass panels and extra decorative flares paired with unbeatable protection from the cold and heat make for the complete package.
Have more questions about greenhouse kits or how to use them to optimize your garden? Let us know in the comments section below.
