By and large, those plant species incapable of withstanding long spells of dry and harsh chilly weather are cultivated in greenhouses. Plants unable to survive and thrive in climes experiencing an extended period of frigid winter feel perfectly at home in greenhouses. You’ll come across greenhouses in a wide range of sizes, with some as small as a shack or hut while a few could be as large as a building.

The framework of a greenhouse is made of transparent material, usually glass, but sometimes rigid plastics like polycarbonate, acrylic, and fiberglass are also used. The transparent material, on the one hand, helps in trapping heat from sunlight, and on the other, the structure shields the plants from the freezing weather. Nowadays, large commercial greenhouses or glasshouses are used extensively for farming fruits, flowers, and vegetables on a large scale.

Are You Considering Installing a Greenhouse For Your Gardening Needs?

Many gardeners look forward to setting up a greenhouse of their own at some stage in their horticultural career. If you’re one such gardener, then you’ll need to have a natural flair for growing plants and adequate space for making the most of a greenhouse. One right way of getting in the groove is by buying a starter kit for constructing a greenhouse in your garden.

You’ll come across a variety of portable greenhouse (starter) kits available in different sizes and a range of prices. You can check out 6-7 portable greenhouse kits based on the size of your backyard and plants you prefer to grow. If you’re shopping for a handy greenhouse kit for the first time, you could get easily overwhelmed by the sheer variety. 

Not all glasshouses or hothouses are created equal, and one type could vary significantly from another in terms of features. Just do not assume that choosing a premium greenhouse will fit in your backyard or cater to your gardening requirements. The earliest versions of greenhouses that generally had a wooden structure with fragile glass windows did not serve as sanctuaries for plants.

Fast-forwarding to the present times, the modern-day greenhouses are available in kit form that comes with everything you require for easy and quick set-up. If you carefully follow the instructions in the manual, you’ll be able to quickly assemble the components, including shafts, shelves, cover, and the framework. Once you’re through with installing the portable greenhouse, you’ll have the leeway of farming your preferred plants.

At the same time, you’ll have the flexibility to unpack or disassemble the kit and resetting it following a change of seasons. In this review of ‘the best portable greenhouse kits for sale,’ I start with a detailed buying guide. This buyers’ guide offers you practical tips on how to choose a portable greenhouse kit that best fits your gardening needs.

After that, I walk you through the reviews of the top ten portable greenhouse kits that you can select from.  

Buyers Guide

How does a greenhouse work?

The very first thing you need to realize before you can start looking for an appropriate starter kit is to comprehend how a greenhouse functions. You’ll be able to make the best possible use of your greenhouse if you have a fair idea of how it works. Greenhouses principally work by trapping or locking in heat, and it is the glazing material (usually glass or fiberglass) that does the job.

The glazing material of the greenhouse has a transparent texture that helps smaller wavelengths of the sunlight to pass through it. The plants sheltered inside the hothouse absorb the heat and light filtering in through the glass, polycarbonate or fiberglass covering. In due course, the vegetation releases the extra heat (and moisture as well) that is not used up for photosynthesis.

However, it is worth noting that this surplus heat has a larger wavelength compared to the wavelength of the insolation. Consequently, this excess heat emitted by the plants remains trapped inside the glasshouse as it is unable to escape out via the glazing material—no wonder a glasshouse or greenhouse is also known as a hothouse.

So a greenhouse sustains the greenery or foliage housed within its interiors by shutting in heat and light to a moderate extent. Those plants which generally are unable to endure chilly weather thrive inside a greenhouse as they feel warm and comfortable. The key takeaway for you is that you’ll always have to opt for a greenhouse cover made of glass, polyethylene film, or fiberglass that facilitates the passage of sunlight and heat entrapment.

Figure out the type of greenhouse that is your best fit

When you get down to looking for your ideal portable greenhouse kit, you’ll come across three distinct types of glasshouses. These are the pop-up, lean-to, and the freestanding or self-supporting greenhouses. We’ll elucidate on these three broad types of glasshouses or hothouses in this section:-

Pop-up or ultra-mobile greenhouses: 

The pop-up greenhouses look very similar to the traditional self-supporting greenhouses but tend to be smaller than the latter. A pop-up greenhouse is designed in an innovative manner that makes its ultra-portable, which is also its USP. The fact that a pop-up hothouse is supremely mobile allows you to set it up wherever and whenever you want to.

On the other hand, the portability of this type of greenhouse also lets you unpack it anytime and reset it at your convenience. The flexibility of a pop-up greenhouse implies that you can install it in the area of your garden that receives direct sunlight. A pop-up glasshouse is not only extremely portable and easy to install but also available in a range of sizes.

You can pick and choose an ultra-portable pop-up conservatory in a size that is suitable for your backyard/grow space. Another noticeable benefit of selecting a pop-up greenhouse is the convenience of storing it during the off-season. Since this greenhouse variety has a compact design and is very portable, you can easily disassemble it and store it safely when you’re not using it.

Pop-up glasshouses happen to be cheaper than the traditional standalone greenhouse or the lean-to hothouse. You should go for a pop-up greenhouse if you’re looking to provide temporary shelter to your plants during fall or spring.  

Lean-to or sloping greenhouses

A lean-to greenhouse is so-called because it is attached to your house and has a slanting roof leaning against the façade. How a lean-to glasshouse is designed does not leave adequate space inside the structure. This greenhouse type is suitable if you’ve just started gardening with a few plants and is not recommended for a veteran gardener.

A lean-to hothouse is undoubtedly not as useful and versatile as a self-supporting orangery and, therefore, cheaper than the latter. And since lean-to glasshouses are less complicated than freestanding ones structurally, setting them up is also more comfortable. For this reason, a lean-to glasshouse starter kit contains fewer components compared to a traditional standalone greenhouse.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that the asking price of this type of glasshouse could go up if you opt for high-quality components. For instance, if you choose mahogany or teakwood frames to accentuate your home’s aesthetics, the portable greenhouse kit will become pricier. The most conspicuous benefit of using a lean-to glasshouse is that it absorbs heat from sunlight as well as from your house.

On the other hand, the most glaring drawback of this hothouse type is that it is not at all portable. So, you cannot easily dismantle or take down a lean-to glasshouse as and when you need it. It is because of this downside of lean-to glasshouse that most gardeners prefer to buy a traditional or a pop-up greenhouse.

You can opt for a lean-to greenhouse if you’re on a budget and want to add to the beauty of your home by installing potted plants close to one section. 

Conventional freestanding or standalone greenhouses

The majority of gardeners, both first-timers and experienced prefer the traditional standalone greenhouse, which makes this glasshouse variety incredibly popular. As the name indicates, a freestanding greenhouse is a self-supporting structure, very much like your home.

A standalone greenhouse kit includes parts and components that enable you to create a structure that can stand on its own. Setting up a traditional self-supporting greenhouse in your backyard is like having a new home with its covering and framework. The most common freestanding greenhouse type is the Quonset, which typically consists of arched rafters, and also has self-supporting walls.

The other type of standalone greenhouse, which is also quite popular, is the ridge and furrow structure. A ridge and furrow glasshouse have a covering that is either curved arch or gabled. Freestanding greenhouses, on the whole, serve as commercial glasshouses or hothouses housing flowering, fruit, and vegetable plants over a large area.

Standalone self-supporting greenhouses happen to be the most popular amongst all glasshouse types, and for good reasons. For a start, this type of greenhouse is capable of operating effectively in the clime of any kind. In other words, you can farm any species of fruit, vegetable, or flowering plant in a freestanding greenhouse.

Hence, a self-supporting greenhouse is perfectly suitable for a professional or commercial grower looking to cultivate crops for the market. The unique structure of this greenhouse type offers a lot of space for a growing variety of plants throughout the year. Moreover, the double ridge vents and the wavering side vents facilitate the excellent circulation of air.  

Furthermore, the slanting arch profile helps make the best possible use of the available space for installing hanging baskets and cultivating bench crops. No wonder traditional standalone self-supporting greenhouses tend to be the costliest amongst the three basic types of glasshouses or conservatories. You can go for a freestanding greenhouse kit if you have extensive gardening experience, have a spacious backyard, and sufficient funds.

Decide On How You Want To Use The Glasshouse

The greenhouse type you should be choosing will also depend to a great extent on how you intend to use the structure. In other words, the purpose or purposes for which you intend to use the greenhouse will also hugely influence your decision. Your decision to buy a pop-up or freestanding greenhouse will depend upon the following aspects or factors:-

You plan on cultivating plants throughout the year 

If you’re seriously considering growing plants in a glasshouse throughout the year, then you’ll need a heavy-duty hothouse. Greenhouses are designed for sheltering vegetation primarily during the winter season when the cold weather could be detrimental for some plants. So if you decide to opt for a greenhouse that can enable plants to thrive not only during the winter but round the year, then you’ll need a smart structure.

Simply put, you’ll have to buy a freestanding orangery perfectly capable of trapping the optimal amount of heat and sustaining it all through the year. When you are thinking of farming crops year-round, then it’s not just about locking in more heat but also holding onto it. In an ordinary glasshouse, your plants may flourish during the winter but may struggle to survive during the summer season.

Run-off-the-mill greenhouses will inevitably trap adequate heat but may be incapable of allowing a portion of it to escape, especially during summer. So if you continue to house your plants in a regular glasshouse during the summer, the chances are that the plants might get burnt. Hence you’ll need to opt for a state-of-the-art greenhouse that features an effective ventilation mechanism or system that’ll facilitate escaping of excess trapped heat.

Additionally, such a greenhouse should also come equipped with a sound cooling system that’ll promote evaporation, thereby letting go of extra heat. 

You want your plants to thrive in winter 

Most plant species can survive in low temperatures, but they require a warm environment for growing and developing. Therefore you’ll have to buy a high-quality greenhouse if you want your plants not just to survive but thrive as well in winter. Of course, such a premium glasshouse model would be quite expensive, but it’ll offer excellent value for your extra investments.

Investing in a greenhouse featuring excellent thermal insulation functionality is worthwhile as the structure will keep your plants safe and comfortable throughout the year.

You want your plants to overwinter 

If overwintering plants is your chief objective, then you should purchase a glasshouse that promotes artificial heating. The main reason why you’d want plants to overwinter is that they’re highly susceptible and sensitive to chilly weather. Therefore it does need to be emphasized that you’ll have to opt for a glasshouse that allows third-party heating.

A hi-tech greenhouse that facilitates artificial heating can be used in other seasons also and not just during the winter. The temperature differential that you’ll need to maintain inside the greenhouse in comparison to outside will determine the type you’ll need. You’ll have to buy a greenhouse that comes with quality insulated cover if you live in a region that experiences frigid winters.  

You want to make the most of the fall for a promising start in spring

Almost all the greenhouses that you’ll find in the market have heat-trapping mechanism and ventilation as essential features. So, if you’re looking for a glasshouse that enables your plants to grow and develop effectively during the transitional fall period, you’ll surely find one. Such a greenhouse serves as an elementary one, and therefore you may not have to invest heavily.  

Making up your mind on the size that would be perfect for you

You need to make up your mind on the right size of the glasshouse you’d need to purchase. If you select a massive model for which you don’t have sufficient room, then your investments will be futile. On the other hand, if you settle for a tiny greenhouse, then you may not have enough space to cultivate your plants.

You should also take note that if you opt for a smaller size, then it may not be able to keep up your gardening needs eventually. After all, you’ll surely like your garden to grow in size with time, implying that you’ll add more plants. The thumb rule is to invariably choose a glasshouse that is approximately 30%-40% bigger than your immediate space requirement. 

Nevertheless, you’ll first need to figure out the exact space you require currently for accommodating your plants. You start by determining the length and breadth or width of your purported greenhouse. The minimum width that the greenhouse needs to have should be between 20-25 inches, as you’ll be making rounds to check on your plants.

While checking on the plant beds, you’ll want to ensure that there is sufficient space to walk through. Hence, you should add another 4-5 inches to the width to make allowance for the extra space. When it comes to deciding on the greenhouse’s length, you’ll have to consider the total number of plants you want to cultivate.

Irrespective of the number of plants you decide to grow, you’ll have to leave a minimum space of 1 sq foot all around for a 5”-6” pot. So it follows that if you place containers of larger size, you’ll have to maintain a greater distance between any two pots both row and column-wise. Once you’ve determined the exact dimensions of your greenhouse, you can proceed to buy one that is about 30-40% larger. 

Though you may have to spend more on buying such a greenhouse, it’ll work out cheaper in the long run. If you purchase a model having the same dimensions you determined, then you’ll have to reinvest to expand it, or you may have to buy a new one. So, your cumulative investments in the latter scenario will easily exceed what you’d spent had you purchased a model 30-40% larger than your    

Where in your backyard do you want to install the greenhouse

Optimal placement of the greenhouse is as crucial as buying a glasshouse that best fits your requirements. That being said, selecting the ideal site for your greenhouse is critical for putting it to the best possible use. You’ll have to several aspects into consideration for choosing the right place for your conservatory or hothouse.

The most crucial factor you’ll need to keep in mind is which section or area of your backyard receives maximum sunlight. By and large, it is the southern section of your garden that receives continuous sunlight for the better part of the day. However, the positioning of your home could be such that the garden does not have a southward facing end.

In such an eventuality, you can consider choosing the eastern/southeastern or western/southwestern exposures. You’ll also have to keep the aspect of orientation in mind; a garden with a north-south direction receives more light than one which is east-west oriented. Nevertheless, the exact amount and duration of sunlight your greenhouse may need will considerably depend upon the purpose you’re using it for.

So you’ll have to take note of this aspect as well when it comes to choosing the best possible location for your orangery. Other factors that play a role in selecting the best site for your greenhouse include a water source, drainage system, and accessibility. Out of these factors, convenience is one aspect that you’ll need to pay proper attention to. 

Most of all, you’ll have to access the glasshouse time and again for transferring soil, fertilizer, water, plant pots, and other essentials.  

The materials from which the structure is made matters the most

The materials from which greenhouses are constructed make the most significant difference when it comes to functionality and performance. However, there are no standardized or approved specifications that certify that a particular material (or materials) is ideal for a greenhouse. A wide range of materials, including glass, fiberglass, polyethylene, galvanized steel, and polycarbonate are used for constructing a hothouse.

The greenhouse type that best fits your glasshouse gardening needs and preferences depends upon your budget and the model’s features.  

Frame 

The materials that are usually used for erecting the frame of a greenhouse include galvanized steel, plastic, hardwood, and aluminum. Every material has its benefits and drawbacks, and therefore it cannot be said with certainty that specific material is most suitable. For instance, an aluminum framework tends to be immensely robust and hardwearing, and never corrodes breaks or wears away.

Aluminum also has the rigidity and hardiness to sustain a glass covering. It is for this quality of aluminum that the material is always used in conjunction with glass for making a premium greenhouse.

Cover

The covering or top of a greenhouse is undoubtedly the most critical component of the structure. The type of material used for crafting the greenhouse’s cover significantly influences the amount of light transmission and heat retention. Additionally, the covering material also has a considerable impact on the effectiveness of the circulation of air, maintenance convenience, durability, and aesthetics.  

The most popular materials used for building the covering of a greenhouse are glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and fiberglass.

Give due consideration to the aspect of ventilation 

You should pay due attention to the aspect of ventilation, and for a good reason. During the summer, when temperatures rise substantially, the interior of a greenhouse gets heated up intensely. Your plants might burn up, wither, and ultimately die if your greenhouse is not well-ventilated.

An adequately ventilated greenhouse helps maintain a stable temperature and also promotes air circulation. Look for a portable greenhouse kit that allows you to set up roll-up windows or modifiable roof vents. 

Finally, the price 

It goes without saying that you can get yourself a premium greenhouse if you are willing to invest a hefty amount. So it is your budget that determines whether you’ll be able to buy a top-quality product. In case you are looking for a small greenhouse, you’ll be able to bring home a quality model that costs within $100. 

Reviewing the Best Portable Greenhouse Kits For Sale

Palram Nature Harmony Greenhouse

The Palram Nature Harmony Greenhouse is your best bet if you’re looking for a greenhouse that you can set up quickly. At the same time, this gable-type freestanding hothouse offers the ideal environment for nurturing your saplings so that they eventually mature into healthy plants. The Nature Harmony Greenhouse from Palram is incredibly durable and hardy as it features a base made of galvanized steel.

Shelter Logic Grow It Greenhouse in-a-box

Intro

You can choose from three distinct sizes of ShelterLogic GrowIT greenhouse in a box, and the glasshouses can be installed with remarkable ease. The entire greenhouse has been crafted out of premium polyethylene, which guarantees consistent protection to your plants from inclement weather. On the other hand, the cover or top of this ShelterLogic conservatory has been shaped out of ripstop waterproof nylon fabric that allows consistent sunlight transmission.

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At the same time, this GrowIT greenhouse in a box is very portable, implying that you can unpack it anytime and reset it according to your convenience. The frame is made of the 1-inch gauge of premium powder-coated steel that makes the scaffold rustproof, peel, graze, and scrape-resistant. The greenhouse fabric acts as an excellent thermal barrier keeping all your plants well-insulated while checking to overheat and promoting ventilation.

Description

The ShelterLogic GrowIT 6’ x 8’ backyard greenhouse with integrated shelving is ideal for growing saplings or overwintering your plants. Construction from the topnotch steel tubular frame makes this greenhouse very compact, reliable, and durable. Finished with a high-grade powder coating, the 1-inch metal frame is extremely resistant to corrosion, rust, peeling, and chipping.

The waterproof PVC cover layered with 5.5oz of the ripstop fabric lets the right amount of sunlight to pass through. On the other hand, the cover is UV-treated, which ensures that a minimal amount of damaging UV light passes through. This feature ensures that your plants are not only shielded from hazardous UV rays but also unaffected by harmful insects and fungus.

The fabric used for this GrowIT greenhouse acts as an effective thermal barrier furnishing excellent insulation while also checking to overheat. Consequently, you do not need to water the greenhouse more frequently and install a separate ventilation system. The stepwise shelving on either side of the hothouse allows you to position plants according to their stage of growth.

The meshed metal profile goes a long way in facilitating good drainage, and the double-zippered door panel permits a comfortable walkthrough. The roll-up double zippered door panel comes in handy when you need to access your seedlings and plants. Both the rear panel and the front door have vents for boosting up optimum temperature regulation and circulation of air.

Grandio Element Walk-In Greenhouse

Intro

If you live in a region that often experiences inclement weather and have a small garden, then look no further than the Grandio Element Walk-in Greenhouse. You can pick and choose from two different sizes-6’ x 4’ and 6’ x 8’-to comfortably fit the structure in your backyard. On the other hand, you can select from a range of anchor types for a customized installation to suit the climate and your surroundings.

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Nevertheless, if you’re still looking for an excellent reason to invest in this greenhouse, then the fact that it comes with a 10-year warranty will suffice. Some of the most practical features of this walk-in-greenhouse include polycarbonate panels, eye-catching appearance, and dual sliding doors for easy access.   

Description 

Grandio Element introduces its 6’ large walk-in greenhouse that delivers on the performance front despite its small size. If you compare this step-in greenhouse with the other greenhouse models of Grandio Element (Ascent and Elite), you’ll find their features are almost similar. In other words, this Grandio Element greenhouse has nearly the same versatility as its bigger brethren but occupies a lesser footprint. 

So you can easily install this walk-in-greenhouse if you have a small backyard or patio. This greenhouse features roof vents, 6’ tall double-sliding doors, 7’ of headroom, and a hardwearing powder-coated aluminum frame. At the same time, the structure comes equipped with 1cm thick twin-wall polycarbonate panels, and polycarbonate covering makes the unit extremely performance-driven.

All the components of this Grandio Element glasshouse have been designed and constructed innovatively, allowing the structure to withstand the harshest of conditions. That this greenhouse from Grandio Element has an A-styled framework is what makes it so handy and graceful. The A-frame profile comes in entirely usable if you’re looking to make the most of your indoor grow space.

Also, the 1.6mm profile aluminum frame can efficiently cater to the greenhouse gardening needs of both professional and amateur horticulturists. To say the last but not the least, this Grandio Element greenhouse is just what you need if you want your plants to overwinter. 

Shelter Logic GrowIT High-Arch Greenhouse with Heavy-Duty Steel Frame and Waterproof Ripstop Cover

Intro

ShelterLogic is a specialist manufacturer of portable greenhouse kits and is one of the most popular suppliers of the same. This greenhouse kit producer has made a name for itself by manufacturing and supplying of premium portable greenhouse kits. Take, for instance, the GrowIT High-Arch Greenhouse with Heavy-Duty Steel Frame and Waterproof Ripstop Cover for tall plants.

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This freestanding greenhouse comes in three different sizes, so you have the option of selecting a format that suits your garden. As its names indicate, this high-arch greenhouse measures 12’ from the ground to the top, thus offering you plenty of headroom. The hardwearing and tough metallic steel frame guarantees that the conservatory continues to perform for a long time.   

Description

You’ll find many good reasons to choose the GrowIT High-Arch Greenhouse from ShelterLogic for your garden, backyard, or courtyard. This greenhouse features a waterproof ripstop fabric cover that offers comprehensive from the rains and the elements. At the same time, the UV-treated semi-transparent fabric cover ensures the transmission of the right amount of sunlight and heat to your plants.

So you do not need to worry about your plants wilting and dying from the destructive effects of UV light. Additionally, this hothouse is available in three distinct sizes (13’ x 20’, 12’ x 24’, and 12’ x 20’), which means you’ve sufficient growing space. The included auger anchors guarantee that your greenhouse will continue to stand tall in the face of severest storms and cyclones.

And you’ll warm up to this ShelterLogic GrowIT high-arch greenhouse’s arch design, which is very attractive in terms of aesthetics. This GrowIT greenhouse’s innovative design implies that you get plenty of space for cultivating tall plants. On the other hand, high-arch hothouse’s profile ensures the diffusion of optimum sunlight for the growth and development of small shrubs.

The waterproof ripstop cover and the robust metal steel scaffold guarantee optimum insulation and protection from the vagaries of weather. The 1-5/8” healthy premium powder-coated steel frame furnishes effective defense against rust, corrosion, chipping, and peeling. Ratchet-Tite straps furnish excellent tensioning for firm cover anchoring.

Palram HG5008 Mythos Hobby Greenhouse 6’ x 8’ x 7’, Silver

Intro 

If you’re looking for a performance-driven greenhouse that is also very affordable, then do not look beyond the Palram HG5008 Mythos Hobby Greenhouse. The HG5008 Mythos Hobby Greenhouse from Palram is reinforced with 4MM solid twin-wall polycarbonate panels on the sides and cover. This functional feature helps in boosting the diffusion of intense sunlight that could singe plants and also betters structural support. 

Quictent 2 Doors 20 Stakes Heavy Duty Portable Greenhouse

Intro

The Quictent 2 Doors 20 Stakes Heavy Duty Portable Greenhouse is precisely what you need if you’re looking for a spacious sturdy and lightweight hothouse. This spacious, heavy-duty portable greenhouse from Quictent is perfect for farming great vegetable, fruit, and flowering plants, shrubs, and herbs. This greenhouse’s powder-coated steel frame comes with center rails for prolonging the structure’s useful life.

Best Choice Products 15 x 7 x 7 ft Portable Walk-In (My Favorite Selection)

Intro

The SKY 1917 15x seven x7ft Portable Walk-In Greenhouse from Choice Products offers plenty of growing space, is robust, and very pocket-friendly. This SKY portable walk-in greenhouse will meet your needs if you’re thinking of cultivating vegetable, fruit, and flowering plants in all the four seasons. The eight roll-up windows, together with the heavy-duty plastic cover, help transmit the right proportion of sunlight and air, helping plants to develop to their full potential.

Exaco Victorian J-VIC 2496 (My Favorite)

Intro  

The Junior Exaco Victorian J-VIC 24 96 sq. Ft. the greenhouse is the most versatile orangery you can go for. The Junior Exaco J-VIC 2496 is a premium product from the house of Janssens (based in Belgium) reputed for producing premier glasshouses. This Junior Victorian hothouse offers an ideal greenhouse setting and, at the same time, accentuates the classiness of your backyard.

Ogrow 25 sq ft Aluminum Lean-to Greenhouse

Intro

The Ogrow aluminum lean-to greenhouse is an extremely user-friendly and affordable glasshouse offering an ideal solution to gardeners intending to grow sensitive plants in a limited space. The steady perpendicular structure is compatible with installing on any flat concrete, graveled or soil surface, and adjusts to any environment.