Whether you are looking for a small and cheap greenhouse kit for indoor gardening or an elaborate one for extensive outdoor gardening, there are numerous units in the market to choose from.
Knowing how confusing it can be to select one amid so many, this article presents the top 7 picks. It reviews different the best greenhouse kits at various price points, sizes, and designs.
It then provides you with all the information you need regarding greenhouses and greenhouse kits to be able to choose the right one for you.
Best Greenhouse Kits Reviews: Our Top 7 Picks
Here is a detailed review of our top 7 picks:
1. Best Overall Choice: Home Complete HC-4202 Walk-in Greenhouse
The Home Complete Walk-in greenhouse kit is a versatile gardening facility that can support the growth of seeds, herbs, flowers, vegetables, and any other plants you prefer. This walk-in unit is easy to assemble, operate, and maintain. It comes with a clear instruction manual and does not require extra tools to set up.
It is held together by sturdy alloy steel frames and has an additional anchoring system, including ropes and anchoring hooks. It is covered by a clear PVC cover that allows sunlight into the plants while protecting them from pests and extreme weather conditions.
The greenhouse has eight sturdy shelves that are reinforced to the frame with zip ties to prevent them from tipping. The shelves offer ample room for pots, trays, and planters. It can be set up outdoors in the backyard, lawn, or garden, or indoors at the patio.
Key Features
- Frames: heavy-duty alloy steel
- Covering: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Size 3 x 56.3 x 76.7 inches
- Color: green
- Anchoring system: 4 ropes, 16 anchors, and shelf zip ties
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Lightweight and portable
- Has ample space for gardening
- Can be used for a wide range of gardening activities
Cons
- Not durable
- The shelves feel weak and flimsy
2. Best Premium Choice: Quictent Heavy Duty Walk-in Greenhouse
The Quictent Heavy Duty Walk-in Greenhouse is ideal for growing big plants. It is spacious yet lightweight and durable. It is supported by a powder-coated steel frame that is reinforced with middle rails for additional sturdiness. Additionally, it has 10 bases and 20 stakes to keeps it snow and wind-resistant.
The Quictent heavy-duty frame is upgraded with three-corner and four corner joints such that you won’t need to use screws. The joints also make the greenhouse more stable. To enhance stability, you can use additional anchoring accessories such as stakes and weights.
On the outside, it is covered by a two-layered polyethylene cover, which is tear-resistant. The cover is reinforced with mesh on the inside to protect the crops against weather elements. It is transparent and allows up to 85% of sunlight into the greenhouse.
You can bury the overlong edges of the cover under soil or cover them with compost or rocks to keep it in place even in harsh weather conditions such as storms and strong winds. The extra seal keeps away small animals such as raccoons, birds, squirrels, and rabbits from the greenhouse.
This greenhouse unit has two doors, a front and rear roll-up, double zippered door for easy access from either side of the greenhouse. The doors allow for air circulation and can be closed to keep away high humidity. Both doors have a mesh vent, each while the sides have four mesh vents, each for adequate ventilation.
It is easy to install and comes with all the necessary assembly parts and a manual. However, you may require additional help to set it up. This greenhouse kit comes with a lifetime replacement warranty on the connectors, base, stakes, one-year warranty on poles, and a 6-month warranty on the cover. It is also available in size 12’X7X7.’
Key Features
- Frames: Powder-coated Steel
- Covering: Double layered PE
- Size: 20’ X10’X7’ inches
- Color: Green
- Anchoring system: 10 bases, 20 stakes, three and four corner joints
Pros
- Spacious enough for big plants
- Designed to be strong and sturdy
- Has 10 vents for adequate ventilation
- Two zippered roll-up doors for easy access
Cons
- May need additional anchoring systems in extremely windy environments
- Pricey
3. Best Budget Choice: Gardman R687 4-Tier Mini-Greenhouse
The Gardman R687 is a small 4-tiered greenhouse kit that is most suitable for small spaces, whether on the deck, patio, balcony or even in the garden. This mini-greenhouse can be used to plant and grow a wide range of plants, including vegetables, flowers, bulb plants, exotic plants, house plants, etc. With that said, it is best suited for seed propagation as it creates a conducive environment and protects the fragile plants.
Its frames are made of tubular steel rods that fit into each other easily and sturdily. It is covered up with clear polythene that allows sufficient sunlight into the unit. It has a roll-up zippered door that allows for easy access to the plants.
Key Features
- Frames: Steel
- Covering: Polythene
- Size: 27x 18 x 63 inches
- Color: White
- Anchoring system: 4 ropes, 16 anchors, and shelf zip ties
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Ideal for small spaces
- Simple and easy to assemble
- Can be used for a wide range of gardening needs
- Quite affordable
Cons
- You may need additional ties to sturdily secures the shelves on the frame
4. Homewell Mini Walk-in Greenhouse
The Homewell Mini Walk-in Greenhouse is designed to be portable, sturdy, and provide plants with the right conditions for optimal growth. It is suitable for a wide range of plants, including organic vegetables, seedlings, and flowers. It can be used to propagate seeds, harden off plants, provide protection against extreme weather conditions, or grow vegetables to maturity.
The walk-in unit offers ample space. It has six shelves with a capacity of up to 75 pounds per shelf. Its door is designed with a roll-zipper for easy access, and it also serves as a ventilation outlet, especially if you have planted large plants.
The greenhouse kit is held together by sturdy heavy-duty steel frames. It is covered by a clear polythene plastic cover that helps to retain heat for the appropriate temperature. This unit is easy to set up and breakdown.
Key Features
- Frames: Steel
- Covering: Polythene plastic
- Size: 56X29X77 inches
- Color: White
- Anchoring system: none
Pros
- Light and portable
- Easy to set up and take down
- Roll-up door design for easy access
- Sturdy shelves that support up to 75pounds per shelf
- Ideal for small spaces
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not withstand strong winds and storms
5. OGrow OG6868-PE Greenhouse
The OGrow OG6868-PE is a deluxe 2-tier, eight shelf greenhouse kit designed to be sturdy and easy to use. This walk-in greenhouse kit is lightweight, portable and you can set it up whenever you want.
You can set it up on your lawn, garden, backyard, balcony, or even patio. It is suitable for a wide range of gardening activities, including all-year-round flower and vegetable gardening. It comes with a setup and maintenance manual.
The greenhouse kit has a roll-up entrance cover with a zipper for easy access. Furthermore, it is covered with a green PE plastic cover that offers extra protection against direct sunlight. The shelves are further secured to the frame with cable ties. The entire unit is held together by heavy-duty frame plastic connectors. It also has an anchoring system that includes rooting anchors and ropes that keep it sturdy. On the inside, it is fitted with heavy-duty steel shelving for all your seed propagation and organization needs.
Key Features
- Frames: heavy-duty plastic connector
- Covering: Green PE plastic cover
- Size 56X56X77 inches
- Color: Green
- Anchoring system: 4 ropes and 16 anchors
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Has a strong frame and extra anchoring system for sturdiness
- Can be used for a wide range of gardening activities
- Spacious – 2 tiers 8 shelves to offer adequate gardening space
- Easy to access as it is a walk-in and has a roll-up door cover
Cons
- Parts are not well labeled to facilitate set up
6. Shelter Logic 10’X20’ GrowIT Greenhouse
This Shelter Logic unit is a medium-sized grow kit designed for outdoor gardening. It can be used for starting seeds, growing plants to maturity, or extending the growing season.
It is held together by tubular steel frames that are reinforced with Shelterlock 3x steel stabilizers. The steel frames are coated with a premium powder protective finish that protects it against rust, chipping, corrosion, and peeling. The frame system locks together perfectly and easily.
It is covered by three-layer polythene that is UV coated and waterproof to protect the plants against outside elements. The heat-bonded clear view polythene cover also provides illumination for plant growth. The cover is designed for a snug fit on the frame as it is fitted with a slide cross rail tensioning system.
On the side are easy-flow panels with bungee fasteners that offer airflow and temperature control. At the front is a roll-up double-zippered door cover that allows for easy access and airflow into the greenhouse. Both the front and rear doors have vents to promote optimal air circulation in the grow kit.
This unit is easy to assemble. It comes with a manual and a hardware kit to help you with the installation. It requires at least two people to set it up, and the process may take up to 2 hours.
Key Features
- Frames: Steel
- Covering: Polythene
- Size: 240X120X96 inches
- Color: Translucent
- Anchoring system: Shelterlock stabilizers
Pros
- Sturdy and durable frame
- It is large enough to grow enough food for a family
- Easy to install with a bit of help
- Optimizes airflow as it has vents in the doors and easy to open side panels
Cons
- If not properly installed, the cover easily tears up
7. Rion Grand Gardener GreenHouse
The Rion Grand Gardener greenhouse kit is built to be durable and to offer optimal insulation. It has a barn-style roof design that allows enough headroom for gardeners and ample space for plants. The roof has a vent for heat and air regulation even when the doors are closed. It has one double door for easy access.
The unit is covered with polycarbonate panels that have heat retention and are breaking-resistant. The clear cover allows for a clear view of the plants while the roof diffuses 90% of sunlight. Both the frame and the cover are waterproof.
The walk-in greenhouse is supported by heavy-duty resin frames that ensure it offers optimal insulation and durability. The frame has a simple pin and lock connector system for assembly. It can be set upon a concrete or timber foundation.
Key Features
- Frames: Resin
- Covering: Polycarbonate
- Size: 20’ X10’X7’ inches
- Color: Green frames and translucent cover
- Anchoring system: pin and lock connector system
Pros
- Spacious with ample headroom
- Designed to be strong and sturdy
- Easy to access with a double door
- Ideal for winter gardening
Cons
- Complicated setup and the instruction manual is not concise
Buying Guide for Greenhouse Kits
The rest of the article provides you with all the information you need to know about greenhouse kits to make the best purchasing decision.
Why Would You Need a Greenhouse Kit?
There are several reasons why you may need a greenhouse, including preference or an urge to experiment with greenhouse gardening on a small scale. However, for most people, the number one reason they consider a greenhouse is to control their crop production – the weather or season notwithstanding.
For instance, if you are keen to grow your own organic groceries for at-home consumption, then you will find that without a greenhouse, there are seasons when you may not have any produce due to extreme weather conditions.
On the other hand, people who produce different crops for commercial purposes on a small scale magnitude may have their business affected when the weather conditions are not conducive.
Benefits of Greenhouse Kits
Below are some of the top benefits of greenhouse kits:
- Allow you to grow crops in all seasons. Greenhouses give you climate control throughout the year. Therefore, you can adjust to the conditions you would like to grow your crops, whether it is in the summer or winter.
- Greenhouses help with pest and disease control. A Greenhouse kit shields your crops against animals and pests that could compromise their growth, for instance, birds, moles, dogs, etc.
- Greenhouse kits protect fragile plants such as seedlings and sprouts. Heavy rain, hail, and storms can damage fragile, germinating, or sprouting crops, and the greenhouse protects them from such impact.
- Increases production. The controlled environment in greenhouses increases the rate of germination and maturity of the crop. As a result, you have a larger harvest than in an uncontrolled environment.
Possible Drawbacks of Using Greenhouse kits
While greenhouse kits offer obvious benefits, there some cons associated with them. Here is a look at the possible drawbacks of greenhouse kits:
- Can be expensive to set up. The prices of greenhouses vary depending on their size and material. However, the cheapest greenhouses range at around $100 and can go up to thousands of dollars for large and sophisticated greenhouse kits.
- High operating expenses. You will need to invest in the necessary accessories to keep the greenhouse conditions favorable throughout the crops’ lifetime.
- Require constant monitoring. Greenhouse gardening can be time-intensive as it requires you to constantly monitor the conditions and adjust accordingly.
Why Should You Consider a Greenhouse Kit?
Greenhouse kits are an ideal option for at-home gardening for the following reasons:
- They are generally cheaper than greenhouses yet offer the same level of efficacy
- Some incorporate modern technology that optimizes the conditions for plant growth
- They are easy to set up and operate
- They are easy and affordable to maintain
- You can use several greenhouse accessories to customize their functionality
- There is a variety of designs and sizes to choose from to suit your gardening needs
Types of Greenhouses
Greenhouses can be categorized according to their purpose, temperature level, style, and method of construction as follows:
Types of greenhouses according to their use:
- Cold frames. These are medium-sized, portable greenhouses set above a garden bed to protect the germinating or sprouting plants against pests, animals, and harsh conditions While providing the ideal conditions for growth. They are often used during spring to protect sprouting seedlings from frost and cold rains.
- Starter greenhouses. These can be small or midsized. They are used for propagating seeds, which will be later transplanted outdoors to a farm or garden. They are often clear or translucent to allow sunlight in, which is a crucial condition for propagation.
- Grower greenhouses. These are large greenhouses that are used for growing crops to full term. They are versatile and can be used to germinate crops, protect sprouting crops, grow crops to maturity, or prepare crops for harvesting.
Types of greenhouses according to temperature level:
- Hothouse greenhouses. Commonly referred to as hothouses. Their temperature level ranges between 65-70 degrees or higher. They are most suitable for growing tropical and exotic plants. They are installed with heaters to maintain these high temperatures.
- Warm greenhouses. Their temperatures range between 50-55 degrees. These are used to grow plants you would normally grow outdoors. However, they are fitted with heaters and grow lights to raise the temperatures to the recommended levels during winter.
- Cool greenhouses. Also known as frost-free greenhouses. Their temperatures range between 40-55 degrees. It is best used as a nursery for germinating seeds or growing starter plants. Generally, they do not require heaters and grow lights.
Types of greenhouses according to style:
- Classic vs modern greenhouses. If you are installing a greenhouse within your home, you want it to be compatible with the home’s entire design. For instance, a flat-roofed house will go well with a flat-roofed greenhouse.
Types of greenhouses according to structure:
- Greenhouses kits. These are preassembled, portable greenhouses that are easy to install. There are various designs, sizes, and specifications available at different price points. While you can easily DIY install some greenhouse kits, others are elaborating and require professionals to install.
- Freestanding vs attached greenhouses. While freestanding greenhouses can be set up on the ground independently, attached greenhouses are attached to another structure or building. For instance, you can attach one to one of the walls of your main house for easy monitoring. Besides, a greenhouse attached to the main house can keep the house warm, especially in the colder seasons. On the other hand, a freestanding greenhouse is installed in isolation either within the vicinity of your home or away.
Materials Used to Make Greenhouses and Greenhouse kits
When exploring the type of materials used to make a greenhouse, we will look at the most common materials for the covering and the frame.
Most commonly used materials for greenhouse covering.
Greenhouse covering plays a crucial role in allowing light into the crops and temperature retention. When determining the right greenhouse covering material to choose, consider how much light you want to allow into the unit and temperature retention level. Also, consider the durability, sturdiness, cost, and flexibility of the material.
Traditionally, greenhouse coverings were made of glass. However, over the years, this has evolved, and there are numerous other types of greenhouse covering materials as follows:
- Fiberglass. Fiberglass is usually translucent, allowing sufficient light into the unit. It has higher heat retention than glass. It has an outer gel coat that protects the fiber from heat damage; a fiberglass greenhouse can last up to 10 years. Fiberglass coverings are usually corrugated to keep the structure sturdy. Over time, a clear fiberglass covering becomes etched and yellowish from prolonged exposure to the sun and a collection of dirt.
- Tempered glass. This material is durable, impact-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperature changes. It is usually about 3mm thick, but 4mm thickness is also ideal if you are looking for extra sturdiness and insulation. However, during construction, ensure to insulate the edges as they easily shatter or break. Tempered glass covering is clear, allowing light in, and does not allow for diffusion. However, it is more expensive than polycarbonate panels.
- Polycarbonate panels. These are lightweight yet high-quality and durable as they can last up to 15 years. However, while they are as clear as glass, they are equally strong and scratch-resistant. Single-walled polycarbonate panels do not retain heat. Nonetheless, you can reinforce heat retention with multi-walled panels such as twin-walled or triple-walled polycarbonate panels. Triple-walled polycarbonate panels are particularly impact-resistant and can stand heavy snow without cracking or getting distorted.
- Polythene film. UV-treated polythene films are preferred for covering large greenhouses. This is because they are cheaper, easy to install and maintain and offer excellent heat retention. Polythene films are translucent. They are ideal if you want semi-diffused light. If you want more rigidity but with better flexibility than polycarbonate panels, then go for 2-ply polythene films.
Commonly Used Materials for Greenhouse Frames
A greenhouse frame provides sturdiness and holds the entire structure together. There are a variety of greenhouse frame materials in the market, including:
- Sufficiently thick wood is durable and sturdy. Most DIYers prefer to use wood frames as it is easily accessible. However, wood rots easily, especially in places where it is in contact with the ground or exposed to lots of moisture.
- Aluminum. Aluminum is strong yet lightweight. It is also rust-resistant and has a long lifespan. As such, it is the most commonly used material for greenhouse frames. However, it is not insulative and allows for heat loss from the greenhouse.
- Steel. Steel is strong, durable, heavy, and relatively cheap. It is best used along with polythene film covering as other materials do not lend themselves to steel. However, because it is heavy, steel frames are cumbersome to transport. Therefore, steel frames are most common for larger commercial greenhouses.
- Resins. Plastic resin is becoming preferred to aluminum frames because it is lightweight, aesthetically attractive, cheaper, and has better heat retention. However, plastic resin frames are not as sturdy as aluminum and steel frames; therefore, they are most suitable for smaller units with a shorter dimension. Besides, this material is susceptible to damage by UV rays.
Essential Greenhouse Accessories
While purchasing a greenhouse is the first step towards controlling your crop production all-year-round, you will need certain accessories to maintain optimal conditions within the unit. The following are some of the most essential greenhouse accessories:
- Greenhouse heating systems. These include heaters, grow kits, and automatic louvers that help to generate the required amount of heat within the unit.
- Watering systems. There is a wide range of watering systems to choose from, including drip systems, irrigation systems, and water wands. Water wands are the most common for free hose irrigation. They release tiny droplets of water on the plant in timed intervals. On the other hand, irrigation systems and drip systems are more elaborate and work well for larger greenhouses.
- Pest control accessories. For instance, a simple wire mesh to keep the insects and bugs away. Other pest control accessories include slug traps, pesticides, insect hotels, etc.
- Staging and shelving accessories. There is a wide variety to choose from depending on the type of crops you are growing, the size of your greenhouse, and preference. These include two-tier, three-tier, or four-tier standing units, growing racks, seed trays, sprout trays, and potting benches. Besides, shelves and benches keep your greenhouse neat and organized.
- Anchoring systems, e.g., galvanized steel braces. They reinforce the frames and entire structure against strong winds or thunderstorms, which could shift the greenhouse base if it is too light.
- Lighting accessories. These provide and control the amount of light in the greenhouse. While natural sunlight is sufficient in some cases, in other cases, you may require additional lighting, especially at night and during winter.
- Digital thermometer and thermostats. Digital thermometers monitor and take temperature readings while monitoring and regulating temperature according to your preset optimal conditions.
- Greenhouse covering. Although most greenhouse kits come with covering, it may tear or crack, requiring you to replace all of it or parts. You may also want to supplement the existing coverage with cloth shades to regulate heat, light or provide shade to the crops.
- Cleaning kits. These are essential for maintaining the overall hygiene of the greenhouse. They also come in handy when cleaning water droplets that may have condensed on the frame or covering to prevent mold or mildew manifestation.
- Greenhouse ventilation systems. These may be elaborate ventilation systems such as automated air conditioners or simple, manually operated fans that help properly ventilate the greenhouse.
Other common greenhouse accessories include plant labels, seed storage bags, gardener’s sets, greenhouse sign, paper pot maker, gardening logbook, digital weather station, etc. Some greenhouse kits come with the necessary accessories, while in other cases, you buy separately.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Greenhouse Kit
Here are the important factors to consider when determining the most suitable greenhouse kit to buy.
- Preferred size. This will depend on the scope of farming you want to do and the space you have available for setting up the greenhouse.
- The purpose for which you will be using the greenhouse kits. This will be a critical factor for determining the type and size of greenhouse to choose.
- The site of the greenhouse kit. The site of the greenhouse will affect how much sunlight gets into the unit. Consequently, it will influence the most appropriate covering to choose from and need additional lighting accessories. Also, for indoor gardening in patios or balconies, a smaller unit will work better.
- Climatic conditions in your area. If you live in an area that experiences storms, snow, and strong winds regularly, ensure to go for a greenhouse unit that has credibility for being sturdy and weather resistant.
- Ease of installation. Chances are you are going for a greenhouse kit because you want a unit that is easy to set up and portable. Find out if the unit you are considering is easy to set up, comes will all the necessary assembly hardware and a manual. Some units may require professional installers, others you can easily set up with the help of one or two people, while others you can set up on your own.
- Local regulations. Investigate whether there are any permits required to set up a greenhouse kit in your location.
- Credibility of the brand you are considering. Check the credibility of the greenhouse kit you are considering. Check online reviews for the specific product on different review platforms. Find out whether the manufacturer offers a warranty and if they stand by it.
Greenhouse kits are a great tool to include in your gardening resources. They allow you to farm all-year long and to maximize production. When deciding on the right one for you, first assess your needs. This will help you make a critical decision regarding where you will place it, the right size, and key features. Therefore, when shopping, you will know exactly what you are looking for, and it will be easy to settle down to one. Happy gardening!