Small greenhouse kits are a great alternative to building your own greenhouse. Instead of spending time and labor designing and building a greenhouse from scratch, a small greenhouse kit simplifies the process by including all the needed materials as well as an assembly guide. Many can be built in an afternoon.
“When looking to purchase a greenhouse kit, you should decide how you are planning to use it, how much space you have and determine your budget,” says Nancy Trautz-Awot, horticulture specialist at Burpee Gardening.
She also recommends considering whether you want a portable and temporary option, or one that is more permanent. If you only have a few plants to tend to or are a beginner, a temporary greenhouse will suffice. “If you are an experienced gardener that wants to grow year round, or grow more exotic plants, go with a permanent structure,” she says.
The best small greenhouse kit for beginners is an affordable one made from polyethylene or polyvinyl. For advanced gardeners or those who want a more permanent structure, a small greenhouse with polycarbonate panels is the best choice.
“Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride give you a basic greenhouse that gets the job done, but polycarbonate gives you a polished, aesthetically-pleasing greenhouse,” Trautz-Awot says.
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Size
“I think that space is a really important first consideration,” Halleck says. “Those new to greenhouses often underestimate the amount of space they really want or need when buying a greenhouse kit.”
“Too often, new greenhouse gardeners quickly outgrow their first kit much faster than anticipated,” she explains. “Give thought to all the types of activities you want to prioritize in your greenhouse.”
Before you buy, consider the number of plants, their light needs (for instance, can a plant be on a shaded lower shelf, or does it need maximum light exposure?), and the height of your plants.
If your primary purpose is to grow seedlings, get a greenhouse that doesn’t have shelving, as seedlings need a lot of light and warmth to grow and shelves can create too much shade.
If you are overwintering plants or growing vegetables, a large greenhouse with polycarbonate or glass panels would be best, as they retain heat better than greenhouse kits with polyethylene coverings.
If your outdoor space is small, opt for a greenhouse with a tiered shelving unit to maximize vertical space. 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 need to identify the spot that gets the most sunlight. A greenhouse should be placed in the sunniest spot of your outdoor space so that it can soak up enough heat to benefit your plants.
Once you’ve identified the best location, measure the area to see how much space is available for a greenhouse.
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Shape
A greenhouse’s shape is a key part of its aesthetic, and various shapes also provide different functional advantages. 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. This is the most common design for a reason; space is used efficiently and the set up ensures that plants get plenty of sun. You can find greenhouses of all sizes in this design.
Lean-to: This design is perfect for homes that don’t have much backyard space. A lean-to model can be placed on a southern-facing or brick wall so the radiating heat from the wall warms the greenhouse. 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.
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. Due to their distinct shape, domes also heat up easily in the winter, but may feel uncomfortably hot in the summertime.
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Panel Material
Greenhouse panels are made from various materials, but a few popular choices are polyethylene, polyvinyl, and polycarbonate. Choosing the best material for your garden depends on a few different factors. “It really depends on your budget, how you want to use your greenhouse, and your experience,” Trautz-Awot says.
“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.” Trautz-Awot warns that it won’t last as long as other materials so it may need to be replaced within a few years. However, she does advise that kits made from this material are typically easy to assemble.
Polyvinyl is another material that is commonly used in small greenhouse kits. “It is a step up from polyethylene,” Trautz-Awot says. “It usually lasts a few years longer than polyethylene but it is still relatively inexpensive.” Polyvinyl is a popular material for greenhouses since it is fairly durable and can transmit light well; however, it doesn’t offer as much UV protection as other materials.
“[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.”
Greenhouses made with polycarbonate, like the Exaco Riga 7ft. 8in. W x 7ft. L 2S Greenhouse, can also stand up better to wind and snow, making them ideal for climates with harsh winters. Because this material is so durable, small greenhouse kits made with polycarbonate are typically more expensive.
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Frame Material
The most common materials used for framing the best small greenhouse kits are aluminum and steel. 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.
“If you grow in very cold or windy climates, you need a solidly built structure that can both hold enough heat and be safely secured to its foundation,” Halleck says. “Aluminum and galvanized steel frames are the next step up and are best when you need something a little bigger, taller, and stable.”
Steel is the strongest of the two, though because of its heft, you’ll need a bit more muscle when assembling. Aluminum is more lightweight but still holds up well to the elements.
Regardless of your climate, a steel frame is always a good choice if you’re buying a greenhouse with a plastic covering, which is less stable than more permanent greenhouse structures that feature glass or polycarbonate panels.
Some small greenhouse kits have wood frames. Wood offers a natural look along with stability. However, according to Helleck, you can’t use just any wood for a greenhouse. “If you choose a wood frame, make sure it’s a rot-resistant lumber, such as cedar, and a ground-rated contact wood for the foundation, or you’ll end up with wood rot.”
What We Researched
To find the best small greenhouse kits, we researched a variety of options and assessed their size, shape and material. We looked for options that are large enough to work in while still manageable to construct without a professional. We also paid attention to the frame material, and many of our top picks are constructed from durable steel.
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Credit: Wayfair
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
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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
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Keep in Mind
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Because of its stacked shelving, this product won’t work well for plants that require unobstructed light, such as seedlings and vegetables.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 casement 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 Bottom Line
Canopia by Palram Hybrid Hobby Greenhouse is our best overall pick for its charming look, high-quality materials, and non-standard features, including rain gutters and a latchable front door.
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Your Questions, Answered
Where can you buy a small greenhouse kit?
Small greenhouse kits are available through online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and The 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 the necessary tools on hand to build a greenhouse, or would you need to make several purchases?
If you have construction experience and won’t need to hire a professional for help, building your own greenhouse may be cheaper. This is especially true if you would need to make a lot of modifications to a standard greenhouse kit to achieve your vision, as most kit manufacturers charge extra for changes while others don’t even offer the option for modifications.
Keep in mind that you may need a building permit to build your own greenhouse, whereas most small greenhouse kits don’t require a permit.
If you do decide that you want to build your own greenhouse, and are looking to hire help, Helleck cautions to only hire a contractor that has built greenhouses before. “Make sure they have extensive experience doing so, as greenhouse foundations and installations come with unique needs and potential complications,” Helleck says.
If you want a standard greenhouse design or don’t have the skills or time to design and build a greenhouse from scratch, buying a greenhouse kit will be more affordable.
Plus, manufacturers have the advantage of being able to purchase materials in bulk and can often get them cheaper—and charge you less—than the prices you’ll find at your local home improvement store. Manufacturers have also tested their greenhouse kit designs, making sure they hold up to various weather conditions, and offer warranties to protect your investment.
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Who We Are
Rachel Ahrnsen is a master gardener and contributor for Better Homes & Gardens who focuses on outdoor products and gardening. Rachel relied on hours of research, her master gardener training, and her experience as a caretaker of a community garden to help update this article.
Brandi Fuller, who has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022, focusing on home and outdoor products. She has also written for publications such as Southern Living and Real Simple. For this article, she consulted Nancy Trautz-Awot, a horticulture specialist at Burpee Gardening, for her insights on the best small greenhouse kits. She also conducted additional research and compared multiple products to find the best ones.
We chose these greenhouse kits by looking at popular small greenhouse kits on the market and narrowing down our picks based on key specifications, including material type, square footage, features, and customer reviews and ratings. We also consulted Leslie F. Halleck, a horticulturalist and horticulture instructor at UCLA, for additional insight.