Welcome to our guide to the best small greenhouse!
Choosing different greenhouse styles isn’t just a decision; it’s an investment in quality greenhouse kits, impacting not just your plants but your holistic gardening journey with us at Greenhouse Emporium.
In this guide, we’ll navigate through the best compact greenhouses – from their innovative designs and affordability to sturdy reliability, by top brands like Janssens, Riga, Mont, Solexx, and Lumen & Forge.
Let’s get started!
What this article covers:
- The 9 best small greenhouse kits of 2023
- What to know about small greenhouse kits before shopping
- Best mini greenhouse FAQ
The 9 best small greenhouse kits of 2023
At Greenhouse Emporium, we’re not just greenhouse experts; we’re enthusiasts, just like you. We understand the sheer joy that envelops you as you step into your own vibrant, lush gardening sanctuary.
Finding the best small greenhouse to cradle your plants is a crucial journey. With our extensive expertise, we’ll explore the top small greenhouse kits of 2023 and help you pick the best one for your gardening needs and wants.
1. Best overall – Mont 8×8 Greenhouse
The MONT 8×8 Greenhouse is one of many great American made greenhouses and a true embodiment of aesthetic appeal and robust functionality.
Based on our first hand experience, this small glass greenhouse from Mont is a gardener’s delight, offering ample space and durability, ensuring your plants have a sturdy, stylish home. It’s not just a greenhouse; it’s a statement of elegance and commitment to your gardening journey.
Manufactured and produced by Riverstone Industries in the USA, it uses 40lbs. more aluminum than the average imported greenhouse, ensuring a sturdy and durable structure. The frame is made of extruded aluminum, which is US grade, stronger, and thicker than foreign aluminum.
One of the standout features is the 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate glazing on the roof and walls, which offers excellent insulation for your plants.
This is the same thickness used in most commercial greenhouses, making it an ideal kit for a hobby greenhouse. The greenhouse also comes with a patent-pending Twist & Lock construction for faster and easier assembly.
The MONT 8×8 Greenhouse offers an above-average interior height of 7 feet 6 inches, allowing tall gardeners to stand upright. It also includes automatic roof vent openers and a large double door (4 feet wide by 6 feet high) for easy access. The integrated dual gutter system makes rainwater collection effortless.
The MONT 8×8 Greenhouse is a dependable option for those looking for years of hassle-free indoor gardening because it comes with the strongest 10-year warranty in the industry, which covers not only the frame but also the polycarbonate sidewalls and roof.
2. Best budget – Solexx 8ft x 8ft Early Bloomer Greenhouse
The Solexx 8ft x 8ft Early Bloomer Greenhouse is one of many budget-friendly Solexx greenhouses, giving you the perfect blend of affordability and quality.
Our findings show that this greenhouse features Solexx’s unique, twin-wall 3.5mm Solexx XP panels, providing excellent insulation and diffused light that promotes plant growth. The panels are UV-resistant and shatter-proof, ensuring durability and longevity.
The Early Bloomer Greenhouse is designed with a strong composite frame that is rust and corrosion-resistant, making it a long-lasting investment.
It also comes with two full-length hanging rods, allowing you to maximize your growing space vertically. The easy-flow louver ensures proper ventilation, which is crucial for plant health.
Assembly is straightforward, thanks to the pre-cut and pre-drilled pieces, making it a weekend project even for those with limited DIY skills.
This greenhouse also includes a large, easy-access door for convenient entry and exit. With a 10-year limited UV warranty on the panels, the Solexx Early Bloomer offers peace of mind along with cost-effectiveness.
3. Best splurge – Hoklartherm Riga 2s Greenhouse 8×7
If you’re looking for the epitome of luxury and efficiency in small green houses, look no further than the Hoklartherm Riga 2s Greenhouse 8×7.
This premium greenhouse is designed with an eye-catching onion shape, which is not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The unique design allows for maximum light diffusion and snow shedding, ensuring your plants get the best environment possible.
After putting it to the test, we found that the Riga 2s features 8mm and 10mm thick twin-wall polycarbonate glazing, providing superior insulation and optimal light diffusion for plant growth.
The heavy-duty aluminum frame ensures durability and longevity, making it a long-term investment for serious gardeners. It also comes with a large Dutch-style door and an adjustable roof vent for optimal ventilation.
With the Riga 2s, you’re not just growing plants; you’re cultivating a lifestyle.
4. Best for small outdoor spaces – Janssens Junior Victorian J-VIC 23 Greenhouse 8ft x 10ft
The Janssens Junior Victorian J-VIC 23 Greenhouse is a dream come true for those with limited outdoor space but unlimited gardening aspirations.
This 8ft x 10ft greenhouse Victorian style model is a compact yet highly functional space, perfect for a year-round cook’s garden or a specialized plant collection.
Crafted with 4mm tempered glass panels and a sturdy aluminum frame, this greenhouse is built to last. It features an elegant design that adds a touch of class to any outdoor setting.
The J-VIC 23 comes with a sliding door and roof vent, ensuring optimal air circulation for your plants. Its high sidewalls provide ample headroom and space for tall plants or shelving.
Whether you’re growing culinary herbs like basil and thyme or exotic plants that require a controlled environment, this Janssens model can help you in your gardening endeavors.
5. Best for large outdoor spaces – Solexx 8ft x 8ft Garden Master Greenhouse
For gardeners blessed with ample outdoor space, the Solexx 8ft x 8ft Garden Master Greenhouse is our recommendation for some of the best small garden greenhouses, offering ample room for a variety of flora without compromising on aesthetics.
Constructed with twin-wall Solexx panels, this greenhouse offers superior insulation, ensuring that your plants remain protected in varying weather conditions.
The heavy-duty composite framing adds to its durability, making it a long-lasting investment for your garden. With its expansive interior, you have the flexibility to add shelving, hanging plants, or even a small seating area to enjoy the serene environment.
The Garden Master gives you an optimal environment for your plants to flourish while adding aesthetic value to your outdoor area.
6. Best wood-framed – Palram Canopia 8ft x 8ft Sun Room 2 Greenhouse
For those who appreciate the timeless beauty of wood-framed structures and want to buy small greenhouse, the Palram Canopia 8ft x 8ft Sun Room 2 Greenhouse is an exceptional greenhouse without glass.
This greenhouse seamlessly blends the rustic charm of a wooden frame with the advanced features of modern greenhouses. It’s constructed with high-quality, UV-protected polycarbonate panels that offer excellent insulation and durability, ensuring your plants are well-protected year-round.
Its design allows for optimal sunlight exposure, ensuring your plants get the light they need while being shielded from harmful UV rays. The wooden frame adds both aesthetic value and structural integrity, making it a sturdy and reliable option for your gardening needs.
In essence, the Sun Room 2 offers the best of both worlds: the classic appeal of wood and the functional benefits of modern design
7. Best for raised garden beds – Juwel Raised Bed With Cover
If you’re passionate about raised bed gardening, the Juwel Raised Bed with Cover Cold Frame is a game-changer in cold frame kits. This innovative product is specifically designed to complement raised garden beds, offering an ideal microclimate for your plants.
The cold frame cover is made from high-quality, UV-resistant polycarbonate panels that provide excellent insulation and light diffusion, ensuring your plants are well-protected and receive the right amount of sunlight.
What sets this Juwel cold frame apart from other miniature greenhouses is its versatility. It’s perfect for growing a variety of plants, from herbs and leafy greens to flowers and small fruits.
The cover is easily adjustable, allowing you to control ventilation and temperature, which is crucial for optimizing plant growth in a raised bed setting.
In short, the Juwel Raised Bed offers a specialized, effective solution for those who love raised bed gardening.
8. Best to easily assemble – Solexx 8ft x 8ft Harvester Greenhouse
Ease of assembly is a joy every gardener deserves, and the Solexx 8ft x 8ft Harvester Greenhouse is one of the best indoor greenhouse kits, known for its user-friendly assembly.
This Solexx greenhouse kit ensures you spend more time gardening and less time setting up; drawing from our experience, we know your plants can’t wait to move into their new home!
But ease of assembly doesn’t mean a compromise on quality. Our investigation demonstrated that the Harvester Greenhouse is constructed with durable composite framing and features twin-wall Solexx panels that provide excellent insulation and light diffusion, ensuring optimal growing conditions for your plants year-round.
Overall, the Solexx Harvester Greenhouse offers a perfect blend of simplicity and functionality, allowing you to focus on what you love most—gardening.
9. Best for winter use – Janssens Royal Victorian VI23 Greenhouse 8ft x 10ft
Winter gardening is a delightful endeavor, and with the Janssens Royal Victorian VI23 Greenhouse 8ft x 10ft, it becomes a seamless, joyous activity.
This elegant Victorian greenhouse kit is specifically designed to offer superior insulation and durability, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to extend their gardening activities into the colder months.
Constructed with 4mm tempered glass panels and a robust aluminum frame, this greenhouse is built to withstand harsh winter conditions.
The glass panels not only provide excellent insulation but also allow for optimal light penetration, ensuring your plants receive the warmth and light they need to thrive.
Additionally, the VI23 comes with a built-in misting system and roof vents for effective climate control, further enhancing its suitability for winter gardening.
How we chose the best greenhouse kits
Choosing the best greenhouse building kits for our guide was a journey through decades of our experience, prioritizing factors like durability, ease of assembly, size versatility, and, of course, the overall health and happiness of your plants.
We’ve nurtured relationships with top brands like Janssens, Riga, Mont, Solexx, and Lumen & Forge to bring you nothing but the best in greenhouse technology.
As per our expertise, along with countless customer feedback, these brands have proven to stand the test of time and elements, providing reliable, quality environments for your plants to thrive.
Embark on your green journey with us, and let’s cultivate a world where every bud blooms with vigor and every leaf!
What to know about small greenhouse kits before shopping
Embarking on the journey of selecting between a cold frame or greenhouse for the ideal small greenhouse kit can be both exciting and a bit daunting.
With numerous options available on the market, including finding a hothouse greenhouse for warmer climates, it’s imperative to understand the key aspects that can influence your purchasing decision and, ultimately, the success of your gardening endeavors.
Let’s delve into some crucial factors to consider before making your investment.
Panel material
When it comes to choosing the right panel material for the best small greenhouse, we at Greenhouse Emporium put our trust in the Holy Grail of polycarbonate, glass, and polyethylene:
Polycarbonate panels
When it comes to the ever-popular ‘polyethylene vs polycarbonate greenhouse‘ debate, polycarbonate panels are a popular choice.
This is due to their durability and ability to diffuse light, which can prevent plant burn. They also provide good insulation, ensuring that the greenhouse retains heat effectively.
This material is available in different thicknesses and can be either clear or opaque, each serving different purposes in terms of light transmission and insulation
Glass panels
Glass panels are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and their ability to allow maximum light transmission. However, our research indicates that they might not retain heat as effectively as polycarbonate and can be more fragile.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a lightweight, flexible material often used in hoop or tunnel greenhouses. It’s generally less durable than polycarbonate but can be a cost-effective option for seasonal use.
Frame material
Next, let’s talk about the four best types of framing material that you often find on our top 9 picks for the best small greenhouses: aluminum, steel, wood, and PVC.
Aluminum
Aluminum frames are resistant to rust and are generally lighter than steel, making them a popular choice for smaller greenhouses where portability might be a consideration. They might not provide the same level of sturdiness as steel, especially in areas prone to strong winds or heavy snowfall.
Steel
Steel frames are robust and can provide excellent stability and durability, especially in larger greenhouses or in regions with challenging weather conditions. However, they may be prone to rust if not properly treated or coated.
Wood
Wooden frames, often used in a traditional or Victorian style greenhouse, offer a classic aesthetic appeal. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent rot and deterioration, especially in humid conditions.
That’s why we highly recommend trying out our high-quality greenhouse shelves and benches made with treated wood that can last you for years to come.
PVC
PVC frames are typically found in smaller, hobbyist greenhouses or cold frames. While they are lightweight and affordable, they may not provide the longevity or durability needed for year-round use or in harsh weather conditions.
Once you know which panel and frame material you want for your brand new greenhouse, you should also consider the following important factors before making your purchase:
- Size and space: Ensure the greenhouse kit you select is suitable for the available space in your garden or yard. Consider not only the footprint but also the height, especially if you plan to grow tall plants or use shelving units.
- Climate adaptability: Choose a greenhouse that is suitable for your local climate. For instance, if you live in an area with harsh winters, a well-insulated greenhouse with sturdy construction will be vital.
- Ease of assembly: Some kits are designed for easy assembly, requiring minimal tools and expertise. Ensure that the kit you choose aligns with your DIY capabilities, or consider the cost of professional installation.
- Purpose: Identify the primary purpose of your greenhouse (e.g., extending the growing season, cultivating tropical plants, or starting seedlings) and ensure that the selected kit meets those needs.
- Budget: Factor in not only the cost of the greenhouse kit itself but also additional expenses such as foundation preparation, heating, cooling, shelving, and potentially, a permit.
Selecting the right small greenhouse kit involves a thorough understanding of the materials involved, the space available, and your gardening objectives.
By considering the panel and frame materials, along with other pivotal factors, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a flourishing greenhouse garden. Always do your research beforehand to make an informed decision that will serve you and your plants well in the long run.
Best mini greenhouse FAQ
Navigating through the myriad of options and information available about mini greenhouses can be a delightful yet potentially overwhelming journey.
We, at Greenhouse Emporium, understand the plethora of questions that might arise as you step into the world of mini greenhouses. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to assist you in making an informed decision, ensuring that your green companions have a cozy and nurturing home.
Is it cheaper to build a greenhouse or buy a kit?
The decision between building a greenhouse from scratch and purchasing a kit largely depends on various factors, including your budget, time, and DIY skills.
Building a greenhouse might seem like a cost-effective option initially, but it requires a significant amount of time, expertise, and effort to ensure it’s structurally sound and effective.
On the other hand, buying a greenhouse kit, like those available at Greenhouse Emporium, provides you with all the necessary components, instructions, and the assurance of a well-designed, tried-and-tested structure.
Our kits are often meticulously designed to ensure optimal growing conditions, making them a reliable and hassle-free option.
What is the best month to buy a greenhouse?
While greenhouses can be purchased year-round, many gardeners opt to buy them in the late winter or early spring to get a head start on the growing season.
However, it’s worth noting that we, at Greenhouse Emporium, offer a range of commercial greenhouses suitable for various climates and purposes, ensuring that you can start your greenhouse gardening journey at any time of the year.
Additionally, keep an eye out for seasonal sales, discounts, and promotional offers that might be available during certain times of the year, such as Black Friday or end-of-season sales.
How long does it take to assemble a greenhouse?
The assembly time for a greenhouse can vary widely based on its size, design, and the individual’s familiarity with assembly processes. Mini greenhouses or smaller kits might take a few hours to a day, while larger or more complex structures might require a couple of days or even professional installation.
At Greenhouse Emporium, we ensure that our greenhouse kits come with clear instructions and are designed for relatively straightforward assembly, allowing you to embark on your gardening adventure as swiftly as possible.
Which greenhouse glazing to go for?
Based on our observations, choosing the right glazing for your greenhouse is pivotal, as it influences light transmission, insulation, and durability.
Common glazing options include:
- Polycarbonate
- Polyethylene
- glass
As per our expertise, each glazing type comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks.
For instance, polycarbonate offers excellent insulation and is durable, while glass provides optimal light transmission but may lack proper insulation. Your local climate, the plants you intend to grow, and your budget should all be factors in your decision.
We, at Greenhouse Emporium, offer a variety of glazing options and are always here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring your plants receive the optimal light and protection they deserve.
Your journey towards establishing a small greenhouse should be as smooth and enjoyable as witnessing the first sprouts in spring. We hope these answers provide clarity and assist you in making informed decisions.
Shop with us now at Greenhouse Emporium and transform your space into a vibrant sanctuary of serene, sustainable living with our green house accessories!
