Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
Purchasing one of the best greenhouse kits is an easy alternative to building one from scratch. From large to small, portable to permanent, here are some of Family Handyman's favorites.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Hotter, drier summers and snowier winters make outdoor growing challenging in all parts of the country. That, in turn, makes greenhouses more popular. Even without changing weather patterns, the stable environment in a greenhouse extends the growing season and allows for a wider variety of food and flowers than would otherwise be possible.
“Greenhouses are undoubtedly one of the most valuable tools in a gardener’s arsenal,” says Instagram and TikTok gardening influencer Joe of @joesgarden. “I should know, as personally I am lucky enough to have six; ranging from very small seed starting greenhouses and cold frames which are only large enough to poke your head into, to quite large spaces to grow larger crops that benefit from a little bit of help with my rather unpredictable British weather.”
via merchant
When it comes to the best greenhouse kits, budget and customization are a major concern. No matter the size or style of your yard, you’re bound to find a size and color configuration when you snag the Veikous Greenhouse. Not only is it incredibly simple to assemble, but it’s available in a whopping five different sizes. Plus, each size offers a choice between a sturdy gray or silver aluminum structure that never rusts.
It’s solid enough to withstand the winter with a few modifications like ground anchors and clear caulking the panels. For extra security, some reviewers recommend adding slide bolts to the door and ventilation panels. For the price, it’s well worth the extra DIY!
Dimensions: Multiple Available | Frame Material: Aluminium | Panel Material: Polycarbonate | Roof Load: 0.1 lb. | Warranty:Â 30 Days
Pros
Cons
via merchant
The Chalet Greenhouse is one of the best greenhouse kits if you have significant yard space. The 10-foot-by-12-foot footprint is large enough for plenty of plants, tools and irrigation equipment. Additionally, the structure is made of weather-resistant polycarbonate and features a rain gutter and high vaulted ceilings for trellising plants.
The semi-transparent roof protects plants from harmful UV radiation. The unit requires assembly, but it can remain a year-round fixture once it is in place. And better yet? You don’t even need to lay a foundation down ahead of time thanks to the galvanized steel base.
Dimensions: 8′ 9 9/10” H X 11′ 11 7/10” W X 10′ 1/2” D | Frame Material: Aluminum | Panel Material: Polycarbonate |Â Roof Load: 15 lbs. | Warranty:Â 5 years
Pros
Cons
via merchant
Maintaining humidity in a greenhouse is one of the more difficult learning curves when it comes to gardening. Yardistry takes this concept into account with the 6.7-foot-by-7.8-foot cedar Meridian Greenhouse. It includes a heat-sensitive, automatic roof vent opener that makes all-season outdoor growing productive and satisfying.
Tongue and groove-style pieces make it incredibly simple to assemble. A handy quick-hold feature keeps the door open when you’re moving in and out with plants.
Dimensions: 7′ 8 2/5” H X 6′ 8 2/5” W X 7′ 9 3/5” D | Frame Material: Solid wood | Panel Material: Polycarbonate | Roof Load: 36 lbs./sq. ft. | Warranty: 5 years
Pros
Cons
via merchant
Nothing brings you back to the future quite like a geodesic dome. The inexpensive Tierra Garden Haxnicks Greenhouse lacks the traditional geodesic structure with modular triangular panels but has a dome shape. It’s easy to set up and take down, so you can move it anywhere.
The frame is made from plastic, and the cover, which unfolds to fit snugly over it, is semi-transparent PVC. With a maximum height of seven feet, three inches and a floor area of 415 square feet, there’s lots of room for all gardening activities.
Dimensions:Â 7′ 2 3/5” H X 11′ 5 4/5” W X 11′ 5 4/5” D | Frame Material:Â Plastic | Cover Material: PVC/Vinyl |Â Warranty: 1 year
Pros
Cons
via merchant
The Jocisland Learn-To Greenhouse features twin-wall translucent polycarbonate PC panels and a heavy-duty and rust-resistant aluminum frame. It’s easy to assemble, and the purpose-built plastic drainage systems assist with excess rain and snow.
The transparent polyethylene allows the sun’s energy to pass through while blocking 99.99% of ultraviolet rays that can burn plants. The spear-like top sheds snow in winter and prevents birds from roosting. Detailed step-by-step instructions make this looming greenhouse easier than you’d expect to assemble.
Dimensions: 9′ 2 4/25” H X 13′ 9 3/5” W X 9′ 4 1/5” D | Frame Material: Aluminum | Panel Material: Polycarbonate |Â Roof Load: 60 lbs. | Warranty:Â 1 year
Pros
Cons
via merchant
If you aren’t on a budget and want a greenhouse that functions as a mystical backyard greenhouse hideaway, the Colonial Gable Greenhouse might be for you. Besides an enchanted look, the greenhouse style provides plenty of usable space inside.
The white wood framework is large and robust, and the polycarbonate glass is mold- and mildew-resistant. Beautiful sun sky roofing provides additional glamour. Plus, the entire thing comes primed and ready to paint. Choose your favorite shade for the ultimate dreamy sanctuary.
Dimensions: 10′ 4” H X 8′ W X 12′ D | Frame Material: Solid wood | Panel Material: Polycarbonate|Â Roof Load: 35 lbs. | Warranty:Â Yes
Pros
Cons
via merchant
The Sunroom lean-to greenhouse upgrades the south-facing wall of any home while providing plenty of space for year-round growing. It’s one of the best greenhouse kits for those without significant yard space. The white resin frame abuts the side of the house and can sit directly on the ground or brick or concrete footing.
The unit comes with clear polycarbonate top panels and sturdy acrylic side panels to provide maximum sunlight and warmth for starting seeds and winter growing. Additionally, there is one ventilation panel on the roof.
Dimensions: Multiple options | Frame Material: Aluminum | Panel Material: Acrylic; polycarbonate |Â Roof Load: 11 lbs. | Warranty: 7 years
Pros
Cons
via merchant
Sometimes you need instant protection for your prized plants against a late frost, birds or a pest infestation. The Porayhut Pop-Up Greenhouse is set up like a pop-up tent to provide a three-foot-square working area that’s four feet high. When the growing season ends, it collapses into an 18-inch-by-18-inch-by-2.36-inch bundle that weighs about six pounds.
This greenhouse features a reinforced polyethylene mesh cover with a roll-up door and windows on either side. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s there when you need it and an effortless greenhouse idea for spring.
Dimensions: 37″ L x 37″ W x 48″ H | Frame Material: Steel wire | Cover Material: Polyethylene | Warranty: No
Pros
Cons
via merchant
The four-foot-by-six-foot Eagle Peak Portable Walk-In Greenhouse fits on a small patio but has plenty of room for flowers, sprouts and vegetables. Unlike most similar types of greenhouses with multiple parts that require assembly, the collapsible frame can be set up in seconds.
The green polyethylene cover blocks harmful UV radiation, and the doors and windows roll up and down for ventilation and temperature control for optimal greenhouse temperatures. The company provides a one-year warranty for the frame and a cover for the portable greenhouse. What more could you ask for?
Dimensions: 72 x 48 x 88.8 in. | Frame Material: Steel | Cover Material: Reinforced PE film |Â Warranty: 1 year
Pros
Cons
via merchant
The Worth Garden Four-Tier Mini Greenhouse only has a 27-inch-by-19-inch footprint, so it’s easy to tuck away in the corner of the kitchen or on a balcony garden. And at 63 inches, it’s tall enough to accommodate up to four shelves for plants, flowers and gardening supplies.
The easy-to-assemble frame is steel, and the cover is clear PVC. The front cover can be rolled down to create a temperature-controlled environment for all-season growing, and the unit is sturdy enough to withstand winter’s ravages.
Dimensions: 27 x 19 x 63 in. | Frame Material: Steel | Cover Material: Clear polyethylene |Â Warranty:Â 12 years
Pros
Cons
“Any savings you might make are soon offset once you factor in your time, the overall quality and the lack of any form of warranty. If you are only wanting a very small, cold frame-style greenhouse then yes, it may be worth building it yourself, but for anything slightly larger, I would leave it to the professionals, unless you are lucky enough to be highly skilled at DIY.”
According to Joe, any modifications you make are much more of a difference than the type of greenhouse you choose. He notes that in mid-winter you will need a greenhouse with a proper closing door on hinges rather than one on rollers as that will always leave gaps. The same applies to windows and vents too. Finally, even the most well-insulated greenhouse needs some form of greenhouse heater.
Even more important than heat is light, though. “Without enough light, you will have very little success. Regularly clean your glass to ensure as much valuable winter sunlight as possible can get in,” says Joe.
It differs depending on the company and size of the greenhouse, but typically greenhouse kits are delivered to your curbside unless you choose to spring for professional installation. Some companies may call to schedule the delivery ahead of time.
