Not everyone has a spacious garden. This doesn’t have to stop you from getting a greenhouse, though. There are quite a few options for small spaces like patios or balconies. So, don’t give up the dream of becoming a greenhouse gardener just because of the lack of space. We compare the best city greenhouses for urban gardening so that you can make the right choice!
Greenhouse solutions for small spaces
Often people who have insufficient space only use cold frames to at least be able to extend the growing season. While some of them are good for year-round gardening like the Juwel Cold Frame, it is not the perfect solution if you want to grow a few more plants.
The benefit of a greenhouse is that you can grow vertically to make the most out of the given space. This is impossible with a cold frame.
There are actually plenty of greenhouse solutions for small spaces to make urban gardening possible. You can set them up on a balcony, patio, or in a small backyard. They can be leaned against a house wall or freestanding.
But let’s take a look at the different models. More details about each product below the table.
| Juliana City | Palram Mythos | Palram EcoGrow | Palram Hybrid | Genesis Mini | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size (ft)/ Floorspace (sq.ft.) | 1×3 / 3+ | 6×4 / 24 | 6×6 / 44 | 4×8 / 32 | 2×1.5 / 2.5+ |
| Height (ft) | 5.2 | 6.5 | 6.2 | 7.4 | 4/5.4 |
| Structure | Lean-To/ Freestanding | Freestanding | Freestanding | Lean-To | Freestanding |
| Year-round Use | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes/No |
| Glazing Material | 4mm toughened glass | 4mm Polyethylene | 4/6mm Polycarbonate (roof/walls) | 4mm Polycarbonate | PVC or PE |
| Frame Material | Extruded Aluminum | Brushed Aluminum | UV-protected resin frame | Aluminum | Metal |
| Vents | 1x | 2x with opener | 1x with opener | 1x with opener | No |
| Door | Sliding | Hinged, Single | Hinged, Single | Hinged, Single | Zipped, Roll-up |
| Portable | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Accessories | Removable shelves and cedar dividers, wheels | Steel Base, Rain Gutter, Magnetic Catch for Door | None | Steel Base, Wall Mounting, Rain Gutter | Shelves |
| Warranty | 12 Years | 5 Years Limited | 7 Years Limited | 5 Years Limited | 1 Year Limited |
| Price | $$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $ |
City Greenhouse from Juliana
If you love glass and only have a balcony, the Juliana City Greenhouse will be your best bet. It’s an elegant lean-to construction with wheels so that you can move it around as you wish. Juliana believes in what they do and, therefore, offer a 12-year warranty on manufacturing defects.
- Size: 1ft x 3ft
- Perfect for a balcony, rooftop terrace, porch or patio
- Removable shelves and cedar dividers
- Portable: Wheels enable to move it around
- Glazing material: 4mm toughened glass (for year-round gardening & good looks)
- Sliding glass doors for easy access & airflow
- Roof window for better ventilation
- Warranty: 12 years on manufacturing defects
Mythos Greenhouse from Palram – Canopia
Palram offers good, budget-friendly solutions for small backyards. Their Mythos line is available in different sizes with 6ft x 4ft being the smallest. However, this is not intended to be for year-round gardening unless you only want to grow cold season plants in winter.
- Size: 6ft x 4ft
- Perfect for small backyards
- Glazing material: 4mm twin-wall Polyethylene
- Lockable hinged door
- 2x Roof windows for better ventilation
- No shelves included
- Warranty: 5 years limited
EcoGrow 2 from Palram – Canopia
The EcoGrow 2 is a little larger than the other small greenhouses. Its barn-style shape makes it easy to move around. The Polycarbonate walls help with year-round gardening.
- Size: 6ft x 6ft
- Perfect for small backyards
- Glazing material: 4mm twin-wall Polycarbonate on the roof, 6mm Polycarbonate on sides
- Hinged door with latch
- Roof window for better ventilation
- Barn-shaped design for more headroom
- No shelves included
- Warranty: 7 years limited
Palram – Canopia Hybrid Lean-To Greenhouse
If you have a house with a small backyard area, you may want to get a lean-to greenhouse. The benefit is that it saves room by leaning against the house wall. This also creates a warmer growing environment in the winter season. The Palram Hybrid is the smallest lean-to greenhouse that we offer in our store. It is easy to set up and budget-friendly. If you have 10ft x 5ft to spare, you can also check out the Juliana Veranda Greenhouse.
- Size: 4ft x 8ft
- Perfect for small backyards, patios, larger balconies or wooden decks
- Glazing material: 4mm clear twin-wall polycarbonate
- Hinged door on the side
- Roof vent with opener for air circulation
- Rust-resistant aluminum frame with wall mounting and steel base
- No shelves included
- Warranty: 5 years limited
Genesis Portable Rolling Mini Greenhouse
Genesis Portable Rolling Mini Greenhouse lets you set up your garden wherever and whenever you need it. With more vertical growing space, it doesn’t take up too much from your small porch, backyard, or balcony. Therefore, it is perfect for urban gardening. It will act as a shield to your plants in winter and even in summer. Grow your favorite plants or even out of season crops anywhere on your property. The wheels allow for easy movement.
- Available in 3-Tier and 4-Tier
- Dual zipper door for easy access
- Powder-coated metal tubular frame and mesh shelving
- Caster wheels for easy movement
- Flaps can secure open with ties on top
- PVC fabric content
- Warranty: 1 year limited
In the end, it always depends on your personal situation to pick the right city greenhouse. Everyone has different circumstances that need to be considered before the purchase. Get more answers to pre-buy questions here!
