The 7 Best Greenhouses for Your Backyard or Balcony

Any home gardener may dream of having a backyard greenhouse to get a head start on or extend the growing season. However, understanding what kind of greenhouse to buy for your climate and outdoor space can be a separate challenge.

Several of our editors are avid gardeners who love to dig into the best gardening accessories, and we’ve found that the best greenhouses are those with plenty of ventilation, insulating wall panels, and solid supports. It’s also always a bonus if they come pre-equipped with shelves to hold all our potted plants, seedlings, and trays,

We also recommend paying close attention to greenhouses that can withstand weather extremes, especially if you live in an area that stays cold or warm year-round.

Veikous Walk-In Polycarbonate Greenhouse Kit

Credit: Amazon

Our favorite greenhouse from Veikous is large enough to hold plenty of plants without overwhelming your backyard area. It’s also available in several sizes, so you can choose a size proportional to your space or gardening dreams.

The wall panels are made of polycarbonate, a thick plastic, and each panel has a ribbed pattern to diffuse light and block the most harmful UV rays. Polycarbonate is also insulating and won’t break easily. This helps control temperature and ward off harmful frost burn on your plants.

There’s also an adjustable vent on one of the roof panels, which you can open or close at your preferred angle. Best of all, you can install the vented panel in any spot you choose on the greenhouse’s roof, allowing you to adapt it to the sun’s angle in your garden.

Other great features include a lockable door and a slanted roof. However, note that the roof is not intended for heavy snow loads or winds over 30 mph. The manufacturer suggests improving the greenhouse’s wind resistance by sealing all panels with a silicone caulk.

This greenhouse does not have a floor, nor does it include shelves, although you could easily add a shelving unit if desired. You can also increase the wind resistance and durability of the greenhouse by assembling it over a concrete or brick foundation and bolting it down.

_{Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.8 x 10 feet | Material: Aluminum, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, roof vent | Foundation Required: No}

Yardistry Meridian Double-Wall Greenhouse

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Very sturdy construction
Wind and snow rated
Two shelves included
Well insulated
Automated roof vent

Not only is this cedar wood greenhouse attractive, but it also effectively keeps your delicate plants and seedlings protected no matter the weather. While you’ll need to sweep excessive snow accumulation off the roof, this sturdy structure holds up well to even rough winter weather, including wind and hail.

The cedar walls are tongue-and-groove construction for extra stability, as is the frame. The panels are double-wall polycarbonate for better insulation against cold weather in the winter, as well as UV rays in the summer.

The greenhouse has a small vent in the back wall for better airflow, and it comes with a roof vent opener that’s temperature sensitive. It will automatically open when temperatures are high, and then close again when the greenhouse’s interior cools. We also love that this structure has two wooden shelves, so you could use them as a potting bench, storage for your gardening tools, and more.

You’ll need at least one assistant (preferably two) to assemble the greenhouse. However, once assembled, you’ll enjoy this permanent greenhouse’s versatility, which can help you take your gardening to the next level.

_{Dimensions: 6.7 x 7.8 x 7.7 feet | Material: Wood, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, vents | Foundation Required: No}

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Can be used indoors
Great for small spaces
Comes with four wire shelves
Heavy-duty protective cover
Door easy to open and close

We love this mini greenhouse from Miracle-Gro for its versatility and ease of assembly. A mere 2 feet across and 1.5 feet deep, you could tuck this small greenhouse in a corner of your kitchen or other indoor area, install a grow light above it, and get a head start on sprouting seeds for planting outdoors in the spring.

While it won’t withstand high winds or heavy snowfall, you can also place it in a protected area outdoors, such as a patio or balcony, and use it for sprouting seeds, protecting delicate potted plants over the winter, or growing veggies for your enjoyment throughout the year.

The frame is made of powder-coated tubular steel, and the four wire-mesh shelves can be removed or repositioned. The fitted cover is made from heavy-duty clear PVC plastic, which lets plenty of light through while insulating your tender greenery against temperature extremes.

The cover has ties to keep it in position and double zippers that let you open the greenhouse to reach your plants or help control temperature and humidity levels. We just wish the roof had flaps for extra ventilation so we could keep the main door zipped shut.

_{Dimensions: 23.6 x 17.7 x 57.1 inches | Material: PVC, steel | Ventilation Type: Door | Foundation Required: No}

Exaco Riga 7ft. 8in. W x 7ft. L 2S Greenhouse

Credit: Home Depot

What We Like

Durable construction
Dutch-style door
Shelves included
Automatic roof opener

The Exaco Riga Greenhouse is a versatile model that stands up to wind, snow, and hail without problems. Plus, it’s a good size for most yards—big enough to hold plenty of plants but not so large that it will overwhelm your garden. It comes with two full-length shelves for your potted plants or trays of seedlings.

The frame is made from 12-gauge aircraft aluminum, and all the hardware is stainless steel. The panels are UV-protective-coated, double-walled polycarbonate, letting plenty of sunshine in while keeping damaging UV rays out. It has a front Dutch-style door and a large rear window for ventilation.

There’s also a roof vent with automatic temperature-controlled opening and closing; when outdoor air temperatures reach 73 degrees, the oil-filled pistons supporting the window will slowly start to expand, opening the window further as the temperature increases and allowing it to close once temperatures drop.

Rubber gaskets around the doors and windows seal out the weather and keep humidity inside. The sleek structure will also look good in your yard while its peaked design prevents snow buildup and resists wind damage. You’ll definitely want an assistant or two and a free afternoon to complete the installation, as it is time-consuming.

_{Dimensions: 7.8 x 7 x 7.1 feet | Material: Aluminum, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, vent, windows | Foundation Required: No}

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Easy assembly
Two side windows
Shelves included
Small-space friendly

If you are new to gardening or new to greenhouses, then this portable model from Ohuhu is a great choice, thanks to its easy assembly, reasonable size, and great features.

While this is not a heavy-duty option for use in high winds or snowfall, we love it for adding some extra warmth and humidity to seedlings, delicate plants, or herbs and vegetables. And it’s small enough to tuck on a patio or even a large balcony.

The cover is made from polyethylene plastic, which helps control temperature and humidity, although not as effectively as polycarbonate. Still, we appreciate the two side windows for extra ventilation and the large double-zippered front door.

Plus, this greenhouse kit comes with 12 shelf panels that can be attached down the length of the sides to hold pots and baskets. There are ties to keep the cover attached to the frame, plus you get rope and tie-down stakes for extra security. This design is great for your first greenhouse, or if you only need it for occasional use while starting seedlings or protecting delicate potted plants.

_{Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.8 x 6.3 feet | Material: Metal, polyethylene | Ventilation Type: Door, windows | Foundation Required: No}

Credit: Amazon

At less than 3 feet long and under 2 feet wide, the Giantex Cold Frame Greenhouse doesn’t take up a lot of space, so you can tuck it on an apartment patio or a balcony. We love its versatile design: The double front doors swing open for easy access to the plants, and the hinged top can be lifted or lowered to control temperature and humidity.

It comes with two wooden shelves that can be removed or repositioned, allowing you to accommodate different plant heights. This greenhouse is called a cold frame because its main purpose is to provide additional insulation during the winter, rather than create an independent environment.

However, we wish the doors had rubber gaskets to insulate the structure more. If you’re wanting to offer your plants additional light and warmth during early spring, this is a great option.

_{Dimensions: 30 x 22.4 x 42.9 inches | Material: Wood, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Doors, vent | Foundation Required: No}

Credit: Amazon

If you don’t have the space (or the need) for a full-size greenhouse, this lean-to from VIVOSUN is a great alternative. It tucks neatly against an exterior wall—like your house, garage, or shed—and uses that extra bit of structure and warmth to help protect your plants from the cold. The UV-protected polycarbonate panels do a solid job of keeping heat in and diffusing light evenly, especially during those chillier months.

We love that it comes with a three-tiered shelving unit, so you’ve already got a place for pots, seedlings, or gardening tools without crowding the floor. The roof vent and sliding front door make it easy to control airflow, and setup is pretty straightforward—no special foundation required, just a flat surface and a sunny wall.

It’s not the most heavy-duty option out there, so if you get a ton of snow, you’ll want to reinforce it or take it down during winter storms. But for small-space gardeners who want a simple, efficient way to extend the growing season, this lean-to delivers.

_{Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.3 x 6.9 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Ventilation Type: Door, roof vent | Foundation Required: No}

Final Verdict

The Veikous Walk-In Polycarbonate Greenhouse Kit is our overall best pick. It’s a sturdy, permanent walk-in greenhouse with enough space for lots of plants, and the polycarbonate panels and adjustable roof vent allow for insulation and airflow. The Ohuhu Large Walk-In Greenhouse is our best for beginners pick because of its simple design. It has a polyethylene cover, metal frame, shelves, and double-zipped doors.

How We Picked Greenhouses

To choose the best greenhouses, we looked at a range of options to fit different gardening styles, spaces, and climates. We focused on models that are sturdy, weather-resistant, and easy to set up, paying close attention to the materials used in the frames and covers.

Polycarbonate and glass greenhouses stood out for their insulation and long-term durability, while PE-covered options made our list for being lightweight, portable, and budget-friendly. We also considered size, ventilation, shelving, and whether each one could handle year-round use or was better for seasonal gardening.

Every greenhouse we included is a great fit for a specific type of gardener, no matter if you’re just starting out with seedlings on a small patio or planning a full setup to grow through the winter. We also included a mix of styles, like walk-in, lean-to, and cold frames, so there’s something for every space and skill level.

How to Choose a Greenhouse

Consider the Best Type for Your Needs

There are several types of greenhouses to choose from. These are some common options for backyard gardeners.

Lean-to greenhouses are typically small. One side attaches to a house or wall, which provides extra stability. These are good for balconies or other confined spaces, or if you only need a greenhouse temporarily. We like the Vivosun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse, our best lean-to pick.
Walk-in greenhouses are usually permanent structures, although some are for temporary use. They can be as small as 5 by 5 feet, but more often are larger. There are different styles of walk-in greenhouse, but most have a pointed or arched roof to prevent snow buildup and allow rain to easily run off. There are several walk-in options on this list, including the Veikous Walk-In Polycarbonate Greenhouse Kit, our overall best pick.
Mini greenhouses like our best budget pick, the Miracle Gro Transparent Greenhouse Kit, are useful for protecting trays of sprouting seeds or wintering potted plants. Some are small enough for indoor use, as well.
Cold frame greenhouses like our best for balconies pick, the Giantex Cold Frame Greenhouse, are primarily designed for wintering plants, similar to mini greenhouses. However, these structures are typically wooden and may even be designed to sit on top of an existing plant bed.

Make Sure It’s the Right Size for Your Space

One of your first considerations when choosing a greenhouse is how much space you have available and how you plan on using the greenhouse. Some greenhouses are only a few feet wide and deep, while others are large enough for commercial crop production.

Before getting started, measure the space where you plan on installing the greenhouse, and remember that you’ll need sufficient clearance all around it for easy access and adequate ventilation.

Tip From the Expert

Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance in British Columbia, says that smaller greenhouses in the 6 by 6 feet to 6 by 8 feet range are ideal for most hobby gardeners or those with limited space.

These structures are the easiest to maintain, while still providing plenty of space for growing herbs, flowers, and small vegetables. We especially like the Ohuhu Large Walk-In Greenhouse, our best for beginners pick, because it can be collapsed for the winter.

Medium-sized greenhouses ranging from 10 by 12 feet to 12 by 16 feet are ideal for those with more experience, more room, and the desire to grow larger crops. While all of our top picks are smaller than this size range, many of the manufacturers offer larger options that fall within this range.

Greenhouses beyond these sizes are generally best left to gardeners with considerable experience and a great deal of space, as they are difficult to construct, maintain, and manage.

Think About Where You’ll Install It

Along with greenhouse size, you also need to think about where you’ll install it. According to James, a greenhouse should be placed where it will receive mostly sunlight throughout the day, although a little shade is acceptable. This allows plants to grow faster and stronger.

If your issue is too much sun, though, then you might want a greenhouse designed to provide a little shade to your plants during the hottest days of summer, such as the Vivosun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse, our best lean-to pick.

A Tip on Placement

You should also keep in mind the location’s proximity to large trees. “While trees add beauty to your surroundings, they can pose a threat to your greenhouse. Falling branches, excessive shade, and spreading tree roots can hinder your plants’ growth,” James says.

Factor in Local Climate and Weather-Resistance

While all greenhouses provide some control of temperature and humidity, their ability to withstand weather extremes, particularly wind and snow, varies.

The sturdiest greenhouses, including our best upgrade option, the Exaco Riga L 2S, have wooden or aluminum frames with metal connectors and panels that are polycarbonate.
The most weather-resistant structures have double-wall polycarbonate panels, which add to the cost of the greenhouse but also are the most effective at maintaining interior warmth when outside temperatures dip to freezing. Our best overall, runner-up, the Yardistry Meridian Double-Wall Greenhouse, is one such option.

Note that many inexpensive greenhouses with polyethylene covers are not intended for use in the most rugged winter weather, but are fine for use when the snow isn’t too heavy or the wind too high. This is also true of lean-to and mini greenhouses.

A Quick and Easy Assembly

Some greenhouses are very easy to assemble, particularly those that are small and basically consist of a simple frame topped with a polyethylene cover, like our best budget pick, the Miracle Gro Transparent Greenhouse Kit. Many of these can quickly be assembled even by one person.

However, large walk-in greenhouses are a different story. You’ll want to have at least one assistant, and preferably two, as well as plenty of time to put together a permanent greenhouse.

Assembly Made Simple

Some greenhouse kits, including our overall best pick, the Veikous Walk-In Greenhouse Kit, make the process a little easier by providing written instructions and videos to help you more quickly put your greenhouse together.

Built-in Shelving Options

Many walk-in greenhouses, such as the Ohuhu Large Walk-In Plant Greenhouse, our best for beginners pick, include shelves along one or two sides of the structure, which are very useful for holding trays of seedlings, small potted plants, and gardening tools. If not, you can often install shelves yourself, or add a small freestanding shelving unit if necessary.

Smaller greenhouses are often designed as a set of shelves with a cover, which is ideal if you only need to protect seedlings or small potted plants, but doesn’t give you open space for larger potted plants.

If you need a greenhouse to house larger plants during the winter or protect plants in the ground during a spell of rough weather, consider a pop-up or temporary greenhouse without shelves (like this one that also makes a great gift for gardeners), but with plenty of open interior space.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullman is a writer for The Spruce since 2020, who specializes in home improvement products, including tools and landscaping supplies. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. She’s also an avid gardener, and loves to spend time caring for her garden and many potted plants, both indoors and outside.

For this list, she considered dozens of greenhouses, evaluating each for sturdiness, quality of materials, ventilation options, size, and ability to handle a wide range of weather conditions. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, as well as reviews and information on various gardening and homesteading websites.

Our Experts:

Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance in British Columbia
Jenica Currie, editor for The Spruce, who specializes in gardening and the outdoors

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