Why/How Does Costco Have Greenhouses?

Many gardeners and home growers wonder whether Costco, the membership-only warehouse retailer, stocks greenhouses or related gardening structures. This article explains in clear, beginner-friendly terms what Costco offers, how availability works, and what you need to know before planning a purchase.

Costco is known for bulk groceries, electronics, household goods and seasonal items. In recent years, garden supplies have become more prominent in many warehouses. However, the presence of greenhouses at Costco varies widely depending on where you shop and when you visit. Some stores offer greenhouse kits and structures, while others focus on more traditional garden products like plants and outdoor supplies.

The goal of this article is to clarify what Costco does and doesn’t provide when it comes to greenhouses — and why availability can be inconsistent — so you can plan your gardening projects confidently.

What Is a Greenhouse?

Before diving into what Costco has, it’s useful to explain what a greenhouse actually is:

A greenhouse is a framed structure with transparent walls and roof (glass or plastic) that traps heat and light.
It creates a controlled environment for plants, helping them grow in cooler weather or early in the season.
Gardeners use greenhouses for:
- Starting seeds before outdoor planting
- Growing vegetables and herbs year-round
- Protecting tender plants from frost

Greenhouses range from small hobby kits to larger garden installations.

Does Costco Sell Greenhouses?

Yes — But Not at Every Store or All the Time

Costco does sell greenhouse kits and structures, but availability is:

Seasonal: Often appearing in spring and summer months when gardening demand is higher.
Location-specific: Some warehouses stock greenhouse packages, while others do not.
Limited supply: Items can sell out quickly due to high demand and limited stock levels. (Warehouse Runner)

For example, past Costco listings have included models like the Yardistry greenhouse kits, which are freestanding garden structures that require assembly and can be used as traditional greenhouses. (Frugal Hotspot)

Online listings in some regions (for example Costco UK) also show greenhouses in the gardening and garden structures category. (Costco UK)

Types of Structures You Might Find

Costco has been known to offer:

Greenhouse kits
Prefabricated units that come with panels, frames and hardware. You assemble the structure at home.
Glass or polycarbonate greenhouses
Larger greenhouses with toughened glass or durable plastic panels suitable for growing throughout the year.
Wood or cedar greenhouse frames
Aesthetic greenhouse kits made of wood with polycarbonate or glass panels. (Frugal Hotspot)

How Greenhouse Availability Works at Costco

Seasonal Rotation

Costco often rotates its stock depending on the time of year. Garden-related products — including greenhouses — most frequently arrive in spring and early summer, aligning with peak planting seasons.

Why this happens:

Customers are more likely to buy gardening products when planting outdoors.
Seasonal stocking helps Costco manage inventory and floor space.
High demand means items may sell out before the season ends.

Practical example:
A greenhouse model might show up at Costco on the warehouse floor in March or April, be sold out by late spring, and then not return until the next year.

Store-to-Store Differences

Larger Costco warehouses with more outdoor space may be more likely to stock big garden structures.
Some locations have separate outdoor garden centres, especially in parts of the US and Canada, where plants and garden items are displayed outside the main building. These sometimes include greenhouse offerings. (The Sun)
Smaller stores or those in urban areas may carry fewer or no greenhouses.

Online Options

In some regions, costco.com offers greenhouse listings that can be ordered online. These may be delivered to your home or to warehouse pickup, depending on local options.

Common Reasons for Variable Greenhouse Stock

Understanding why Costco’s greenhouse inventory varies can help you plan better.

1. Seasonal Demand

Garden products are seasonal — demand is highest in spring and early summer. Retailers often adjust stock accordingly.

Example:
A greenhouse kit might appear in April but be gone by June because most gardeners have already purchased one.

2. Warehouse Space and Layout

Not all Costco warehouses have room to display large outdoor structures. Those that do often use:

Outdoor lots near the entrance
Garden sections beside the main shopping area

Smaller warehouses might lack space for bulky items like greenhouses.

3. Supplier Contracts and Distribution

Products are supplied to Costco through external manufacturers and distributors. If a greenhouse model is in limited supply, Costco may stock it in only some areas.

Example:
A cedar greenhouse kit might be available in the US but not in the UK, or vice versa, depending on regional gardening trends and supplier agreements.

4. Member Interests

Costco is known for tailoring inventory based on what customers in a region buy. In areas with strong gardening communities, demand for greenhouses and plant supplies may lead to more stock.

Practical Tips for Finding Greenhouses at Costco

If you’re hoping to buy a greenhouse from Costco, here are some practical ways to increase your chances:

Check in spring: Garden structures are most likely to appear in early gardening season.
Ask staff: Warehouse employees may know whether a greenhouse is arriving or has sold out.
Monitor online listings: Costco’s website sometimes shows greenhouses that are not on the shop floor.
Visit larger warehouses: Bigger locations tend to have more seasonal and gardening inventory.
Be flexible: If one store doesn’t have greenhouses, neighbouring warehouses might.

Other Garden-Related Items at Costco

Even when greenhouses aren’t available, Costco typically stocks a range of gardening supplies:

Plants and trees — seasonal flora available in spring/summer. (The Sun)
Seeds and bulbs — for starting your own plants. (Costco Wholesale)
Raised beds, compost bins and planters — useful for outdoor gardening projects. (Costco Wholesale)

These products can support your gardening efforts even without a greenhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does every Costco store sell greenhouses?

No. Not all Costco locations carry greenhouses. Availability depends on warehouse size, regional demand and seasonal stock. (Reddit)

Do greenhouses at Costco cost more than at garden speciality stores?

Prices at Costco vary, and sometimes Costco prices are competitive due to bulk purchasing. However, pricing depends on model, size and features — not all greenhouses are the same.

Can I order a greenhouse online from Costco?

In many regions, you can order greenhouses online through Costco’s website when they are listed. Not all products may be available for home delivery.

When is the best time to find a greenhouse at Costco?

The spring and early summer months are the prime time to find greenhouse kits and garden structures at Costco due to seasonal gardening demand.

Conclusion

Costco does offer greenhouse kits and structures, but availability isn’t uniform across all warehouses or throughout the year. These items tend to be seasonal, location-dependent, and subject to limited stock. If you’re planning to buy a greenhouse through Costco, visiting early in the gardening season, checking online listings and speaking with store staff can improve your chances of finding what you need. Even if greenhouses are not in stock, Costco’s range of gardening supplies provides useful alternatives for planting and outdoor growing projects.