Growing flowers and your own vegetables is a rewarding and cost-effective hobby. That being said, depending on your climate, it can be a challenge to keep your plants healthy when the weather begins to turn. Having a greenhouse allows you to extend your growing season.
However, if you aren't an avid builder and don't want to attempt a permanent structure, greenhouse kits are an easy-to-assemble option that still proves effective — and take way less time to get up and running. Additionally, many smaller greenhouse kits can be placed indoors or on decks and patios with proper lighting conditions, making gardening far more accessible in urban landscapes or homes with less outdoor space.
Whether you're a novice or a gardening pro, read on for our greenhouse kit recommendations to suit your setup and commitment level.
Best Greenhouse Kits
What to Consider
When considering a greenhouse kit, pay close attention to its size, shape, materials, and total storage space before making your final choice.
Size and Storage Capacity
The total size and storage capacity of your greenhouse needs to jibe with the number of plants you have and how well the structure fits in your yard or home. Many larger greenhouse kits are spacious, but lack the shelving of more compact options. So, make sure to keep in mind your planting priorities and actual available space.
Shape
Greenhouse kits come in different shapes and with varied interior layouts. Some are designed to cover a rack or shelf of potted plants while others are meant to protect gardens and flower beds. Greenhouse kits also come in oblong, wider shapes to fit yards or spaces that require it. If style is important to you, there are eye-pleasing greenhouse kits with domes or gazebos that integrate well with existing aesthetics.
Materials
Your greenhouse kit's cover material or paneling plays a major role in how well your plants are protected from UV rays, cold temperatures, and rain. Some are made from mesh-like polyethylene (PE), which is waterproof and blocks UV rays. There are also clear PVC options—great if you want to showcase your plants, though they can have a strong smell and are more susceptible to tearing and oxidation.
Most greenhouse kits with hard paneling use polycarbonate, which protects plants from UV rays and inclement weather while still allowing light inside. Greenhouse kit frames are typically powder-coated or galvanized steel, which holds up well against corrosion or potential damage. Some kits have lightweight but durable aluminum frames.
How We Selected
We read through myriad trusted reviews to see what enthusiastic gardeners had to say and drew from our gardening knowledge to make our selections. We covered all the most popular styles and sizes, highlighting each model's most notable features, including details on frames and covers, plus extras like windows, ground flaps, stakes, and tie-down ropes. We also offer options across a range of price points: the smallest models are typically under $50; midsize are under $150; and large greenhouse kits are generally under $300. Some premium options may range higher than $300.