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The 10 Best Greenhouses of 2024

Extend the growing season for herbs, vegetables, and flowers

Greenhouses in a leaf inspired background

The Spruce / Kevin Liang

If you would love to garden year-round or get a headstart on your outdoor garden, you can install a greenhouse in your yard, patio, or home. These permanent or temporary structures modify the temperature and humidity for the plants housed within thanks to their materials and design.

“A good backyard greenhouse should be constructed with materials such as polycarbonate panels and an aluminum frame [for] unmatched durability and strength. Look for a greenhouse that can withstand various weather conditions while providing a stable environment for your plants," says Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance.

He adds that the best greenhouses also include a ventilation feature, such as windows or vents for improved airflow; are well-insulated to ward off the cold; and have enough interior space to hold plenty of potted plants, seedlings, and trays (depending on your needs).

We researched the top greenhouses for backyard gardeners, evaluating them for durable construction, reasonably easy assembly, ability to withstand weather extremes, ventilation features, and overall value.

What We Like
  • Polycarbonate panels

  • Adjustable roof vent

  • Sturdy aluminum frame

  • Lockable swing-out door

What We Don't Like
  • Not intended for very heavy snow or high winds

  • Does not include shelves

Whether you are new to gardening or have been gardening for years, our top pick from Veikous will serve you well. We love that it's large enough to hold plenty of plants but not overwhelming. And its sturdy frame of powder-coated aluminum won't rust or weather.

The greenhouse panels are made of polycarbonate, a plastic ideal for the purpose thanks to its strength, ability to block UV rays while letting sunlight through, and insulating capabilities. These help control temperature and ward off harmful frost burn on your plants.

One of the roof panels has an adjustable vent, which you can open or close to the angle you desire. This helps to control the temperature and humidity levels inside the greenhouse. You can install the vented panel in any spot you choose on the greenhouse's roof, allowing you to adapt it to your needs. The greenhouse has a swing-out door that makes it very easy to walk in or out of, plus it's lockable if you want to keep it secure.

The roof is slanted to help prevent the buildup of snow and increase the ability of the structure to withstand winds. However, note that this is not intended for very heavy snow loads or winds over 30 mph. The manufacturer states that you can improve the greenhouse's wind resistance by sealing all panels with a silicone caulk.

This greenhouse does not have a floor, nor does it include shelves, although you could easily add a shelving unit if desired. You can also increase the wind resistance and durability of the greenhouse by assembling it over a concrete or brick foundation and bolting it down.

Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.8 x 10 feet | Material: Aluminum, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, roof vent | Foundation Required: No

What We Like
  • Can be used indoors

  • Good for balconies, patios, or other small spaces

  • Comes with four shelves

What We Don't Like
  • Won't stand up to wind or snow

  • No ventilation other than door

We love this mini greenhouse from Miracle-Gro for its versatility and ease of assembly. At a mere 2 feet across and 1.5 feet deep, you can even tuck this greenhouse in a corner of your kitchen or other indoor area, install a grow light above it, and get a head start on sprouting seeds for planting outdoors in the spring.

While it won't withstand high winds or heavy snowfall, you can also place it in a protected area outdoors, such as a patio or balcony, and use it for sprouting seeds, protecting delicate potted plants over the winter, or growing veggies for your enjoyment throughout the year.

The frame is made of powder-coated tubular steel, and there are four wire-mesh shelves that can be removed or repositioned. The fitted cover is made from heavy-duty clear PVC plastic, which lets plenty of light through while helping insulate your tender greenery against temperature extremes. The cover has ties to keep it in position and double zippers that let you open the greenhouse up to reach your plants or help control temperature and humidity levels.

Dimensions: 23.6 x 17.7 x 57.1 inches | Material: PVC, steel | Ventilation Type: Door | Foundation Required: No

What We Like
  • Extremely durable construction

  • Automatic vent opener

  • Rear window

  • Includes two shelves

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly is fairly intensive

For areas that experience extreme weather, we love the Exaco Riga Greenhouse. This versatile greenhouse stands up to wind, snow, and hail without problems. Plus, it's a good size for most yards—big enough to hold plenty of plants but not so large that it will overwhelm your garden. We also like that it comes with two full-length shelves for holding your potted plants or trays of seedlings.

The frame is made from 12-gauge aircraft aluminum, and all the hardware is stainless steel. The panels are UV-protective-coated double-walled polycarbonate, letting plenty of sunshine in while keeping damaging UV rays out. It has a front Dutch-style door and a large rear window for ventilation.

There's also a roof vent with automatic temperature-controlled opening and closing; when outdoor air temperatures reach 73 degrees, the oil-filled pistons supporting the window will slowly start to expand, opening the window further as the temperature increases and allowing it to close once temperatures drop.

Rubber gaskets around the doors and windows seal out the weather and keep humidity inside. You can even run a small heater in the greenhouse during the winter to provide plenty of warmth for delicate greenery or for growing vegetables and herbs any time of year. And this is no eyesore; the sleek structure looks good in your yard while its peaked design prevents snow buildup and resists wind damage.

Note that you'll want an assistant or two and a free afternoon to complete installation, as it is time-consuming.

Dimensions: 7.8 x 7 x 7.1 feet | Material: Aluminum, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, vent, windows | Foundation Required: No

Ohuhu Large Walk-in Plant Greenhouse
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy assembly

  • Two side windows

  • Shelves included

What We Don't Like
  • Not for use in high wind or snow

If you are new to gardening or new to greenhouses, then this portable model from Ohuhu is a great choice, thanks to its easy assembly, reasonable size, and great features. While this is not a heavy-duty option for use in high winds or snowfall, we love it for adding some extra warmth and humidity to seedlings, delicate plants, or herbs and vegetables that could use a bit of protection from the elements while stretching out your growing season. And it's small enough to tuck on a patio or even a large balcony.

The metal frame is coated for rust resistance. The cover is made from polyethylene plastic, which helps control temperature and humidity, although not as effectively as polycarbonate. Still, we appreciate the two side windows for extra ventilation, as well as the large double-zippered front door. Plus, the greenhouse comes with 12 shelf panels that can be attached down the full length of the sides to hold pots and baskets.

There are ties to keep the cover attached to the frame, plus you get rope and tie-down stakes for extra security. All-in-all, this is a great choice for your first greenhouse, or if you only need a greenhouse for occasional use while starting seedlings or protecting delicate potted plants.

Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.8 x 6.3 feet | Material: Metal, polyethylene | Ventilation Type: Door, windows | Foundation Required: No

What We Like
  • UV-protection cover

  • Two doors

  • Includes wind ropes and pegs

What We Don't Like
  • Not suited to high winds or snow

A lean-to greenhouse is installed against a wall or is wall-mounted, so the solid wall provides extra protection and stability. We chose the Outsunny Lean-To Greenhouse as our top choice in this category because, at under 5 feet wide and less than 4 feet deep, it's the perfect size to fit against the side of a house and is easy to move when needed.

You could even set it up on a balcony to create a sunroom or growing area. We also like that this greenhouse comes with pegs and wind ropes for added stability, although this is not a greenhouse for use in high winds or heavy snowfall.

The Outsunny Greenhouse has a tear-proof and UV-protected polyethylene cover and a steel frame. There are zipped doors on each side, which give you access to the plants as well as a way to control heat and humidity inside the greenhouse.

While the structure does not include shelves, you could set a small shelving unit inside if desired. This small, easily assembled greenhouse is perfect for starting seedlings, protecting young or delicate plants, extending your growing season for herbs or vegetables, or warding off birds.

Dimensions: 84 x 56.4 x 46.8 inches | Material: Metal, polyethylene | Ventilation Type: Doors | Foundation Required: No

Giantex Cold Frame Greenhouse
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Environmentally-friendly materials

  • Lightweight and easy to move

  • Double doors and venting top

What We Don't Like
  • Not large enough for an extensive collection of plants

A cold-frame greenhouse is an enclosed structure that protects your delicate outdoor plants during winter months. This offering from Giantex is our top pick in this category because its frame is made of sturdy Chinese fir wood and it has plastic polycarbonate panels; polycarbonate is fully recyclable plastic that is lightweight, shatterproof, and very effective at blocking UV rays while letting sunshine through.

We love its versatile design: the double front doors swing open for easy access to the plants inside, and the hinged top can be lifted or lowered as needed to control temperature and humidity. At less than 3 feet long and under 2 feet wide, this attractively designed greenhouse doesn’t take up a lot of space, so you can tuck it on a patio or on the side of your house. You could even use it on a balcony.

It comes with two wooden shelves that can be removed or repositioned, allowing you to accommodate different plant heights. It's very easy to assemble and disassemble this small greenhouse—you don't even need tools—so you can quickly assemble it at the start of winter, and then put it away during the more temperate months.

Dimensions: 30 x 22.4 x 42.9 inches | Material: Wood, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Doors, vent | Foundation Required: No

What We Like
  • Very sturdy construction

  • Attractive appearance

  • Holds up to rough weather

  • Two included shelves

What We Don't Like
  • Lengthy and complicated assembly

Not only is this cedar wood greenhouse attractive to look at, but it also effectively keeps your delicate plants and seedlings warm and cozy over the winter. While you'll need to sweep excessive snow accumulation off the roof, this is a sturdy structure that holds up well to even rough winter weather, including wind and hail.

We consider this something of an investment, but this durable greenhouse should keep your plants protected for years to come. The cedar walls are tongue-and-groove construction for extra stability, as is the frame. The panels are double-wall polycarbonate for better insulation against cold weather in the winter, as well as UV rays in the summer.

The greenhouse has a small vent in the back wall for better airflow, as well as an automatic temperature-sensitive roof vent that automatically opens when temperatures are high, and then closes again when it cools down. There's a sturdy lockable door, as well. The greenhouse comes with two wooden shelves to hold your smaller plants and pots, and there is plenty of floor space for larger plants.

Be aware that you'll need at least one and preferably two assistants to assemble the greenhouse, and it will take quite a few hours. However, once you have it assembled, you'll enjoy this beautiful, permanent greenhouse that can help you take your gardening to the next level.

Dimensions: 6.7 x 7.8 x 7.7 feet | Material: Wood, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, vents | Foundation Required: No

Eagle Peak Pop-Up Walk-In Shade Greenhouse
PHOTO:

Eagle Peak

What We Like
  • Protects plants from sunburn and scorch

  • Holds in humidity

  • No tools needed for assembly

  • Versatile use

What We Don't Like
  • Won't stand up to high winds

  • No window or vents

While most gardeners use greenhouses to protect plants from the cold, gardeners in very warm climates are likelier to need to shade their plants from intense sun. And for those scenarios, we like this portable shade-cloth greenhouse from Eagle Peak. The galvanized steel frame requires no tools for the very easy assembly; basically, all you have to do is unfold it.

Top the frame with the green high-density polyethylene fabric cover, and you are ready to go. This shade-cloth greenhouse is ideal for positioning right over plants in the ground on the sunniest days, or use it to provide some heat relief to your potted plants. According to the manufacturer, it can be as much as 30 degrees cooler inside the greenhouse than out in the heat, but your plants are still enjoying plenty of sunlight.

The greenhouse has a front zipped door, but no windows. Nor does it come with any shelves, although you could set a small shelving unit inside if you needed to. This is not a structure for use in high winds, on rainy days, or when it's snowing. You'll want to pack it up and put it away for the season once summer ends. You could even use it as a shaded space with the door unzipped for outdoor dining or relaxation.

Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.1 x 7.4 feet | Material: Steel, polyethylene| Ventilation Type: Door | Foundation Required: No

What We Like
  • Attractive appearance

  • Sturdy construction

  • Polycarbonate panels

What We Don't Like
  • Should be assembled on a foundation and then anchored in place

  • No included shelves

Maximize your herb, vegetable, or flower gardening with this attractive walk-in greenhouse from Palram. It has a powder-coated aluminum frame with galvanized steel at the base for extra support and strength. The frame is fully covered with polycarbonate panels that slide into place for easier assembly, and block almost 100 percent of harmful UV rays while allowing 90 percent of sunlight to penetrate for healthy plant growth.

We think it's the perfect spot to start your seedlings in advance of the spring planting season, protect your delicate plants over the winter, or extend the growing season of herbs and vegetables.

Along with the front door, there's a large roof window that you can open or close to control the interior temperature and humidity level. Although no shelves are included with the greenhouse, you could easily add your own shelves if desired. You can also add a small heater if necessary during the coldest winter days.

Note that although it is easier to assemble than many other permanent walk-in greenhouses, you'll still need an assistant or two and plenty of time to put it together. While it does not include a foundation, the manufacturer recommends assembling it on a concrete or other flat foundation and then anchoring it for improved wind resistance and strength.

Dimensions: 6.1 x 10 x 6.1 feet | Material: Aluminum, steel, polycarbonate | Ventilation Type: Door, window | Foundation Required: Yes

What We Like
  • Easy to assemble and store

  • Can be positioned over plants in the ground

  • Large enough to walk inside

What We Don't Like
  • Not for use in high winds or snowy weather

If you need a portable option for occasional use, we love this lean-to greenhouse from Eagle Peak. It's large enough to hold a lot of plants, and tall enough for you to walk inside, but not so big that it will be hard to fit into your yard, or even onto a balcony or small patio. We recommend it for temporary use in protecting potted plants from a cold snap, germinating seeds in advance of spring planting, or even sheltering delicate plants in the ground from a dip in the temperature.

This greenhouse requires just one person to set it up; just pop open the metal frame, set it where you want to use it, and then top it with the water-resistant, UV-blocking polyethylene cover and anchor the tie-down ropes if desired. It has large zippered doors on each side, as well as a window in the back, so you can provide plenty of ventilation to your greenery while giving them some protection from the elements.

Once the weather is mild, you can easily take the greenhouse down and store it until you need it again. We especially like this portable greenhouse for gardeners in areas where the weather can be especially unpredictable. Just be sure you store it in windy or snow conditions as it is not made for extreme weather.

Dimensions: 9 x 4 x 8.2 feet | Material: Metal, polyethylene | Ventilation Type: Doors, window | Foundation Required: No

Final Verdict

If you want a sturdy, permanent walk-in greenhouse with enough space for lots of plants, polycarbonate panels for the best insulation, an adjustable roof vent, and a lockable swing-out door, we love the Veikous Walk-In Polycarbonate Greenhouse Kit, our best overall pick. But if you just need a simple, less expensive greenhouse for occasional use during the winter (or are using a greenhouse for the first time), the Ohuhu Large Walk-In Greenhouse, is our best for beginners choice. It has a polyethylene cover, metal frame, shelves, and double-zipped doors.

What to Look for in a Greenhouse

Type

There are several types of greenhouses to choose from. These are some common options for backyard gardeners.

  • Lean-to greenhouses are typically fairly small. One side attaches to a house or wall, which provides extra stability. These are good for balconies or other confined spaces or if you only need a greenhouse temporarily. We like the Outsunny Lean-To Greenhouse, our best lean-to pick.
  • Walk-in greenhouses are usually permanent structures, although some are for temporary use. They can be as small as 5 x 5 feet, but more often are larger. There are different styles of walk-in greenhouse, but most have a pointed or arched roof to prevent snow buildup and allow rain to easily run off. There are several walk-in options on this list including the Palram Canopia Harmony 6x10 Greenhouse Kit, our best walk-in pick.
  • Mini greenhouses like our best budget pick, the Miracle Gro Transparent Greenhouse Kit, are useful for protecting trays of sprouting seeds or wintering potted plants. Some are small enough for indoor use, as well. 
  • Hoop greenhouses are mostly used to cover rows of crops. They are basically a row of plastic hoops covered with a material that lets light in but provides protection from frost and UV rays.

Size

One of your first considerations when choosing a greenhouse is how much space you have available and how you plan on using the greenhouse. Some greenhouses are only a few feet wide and deep, while others are large enough for commercial crop production. Before getting started, measure the space where you plan on installing the greenhouse, and remember that you’ll need sufficient clearance all around it for easy access and adequate ventilation.

James says that smaller greenhouses in the 6 x 6 feet to 6 x 8 feet range are ideal for most backyard gardeners or those with limited space as they are the easiest to maintain, while still providing plenty of space for growing herbs, flowers, and small vegetables. We especially like the Palram Canopia Harmony 6x10 Greenhouse Kit, our best walk-in pick, in this size range.

Medium-sized greenhouses ranging from 10 by 12 feet to 12 by 16 feet are ideal for those with more experience, more room, and the desire to grow larger crops. While all of our top picks are smaller than this size range, many of the manufacturers offer larger options that fall within this range.

Greenhouses beyond these sizes are generally best left to gardeners with considerable experience, as well as a great deal of space, as they are more difficult to construct, maintain, and manage.

Location

Along with greenhouse size, you also need to think about where you’ll install it. According to James, a greenhouse should be placed where it will receive mostly sunlight throughout the day, although a little shade is acceptable. This allows plants to grow faster and stronger.

If your issue is too much sun, though, then you might want a greenhouse designed to provide a little shade to your plants during the hottest days of summer, such as the Eagle Peak Pop-Up Walk-In Shade Greenhouse, our best for warm climates pick.

Also, keep in mind the location's proximity to large trees, “While trees add beauty to your surroundings, they can pose a threat to your greenhouse. Falling branches, excessive shade, and spreading tree roots can hinder your plants' growth," says James.

Ease of Assembly

Some greenhouses are very easy to assemble, particularly those that are small and basically consist of a simple frame topped with a polyethylene cover, like our best budget pick, the Miracle Gro Transparent Greenhouse Kit. Many of these can quickly be assembled even by one person.

However, large walk-in greenhouses are a different story. You’ll want to have at least one assistant, and preferably two, as well as plenty of time to put together a permanent greenhouse.

Some greenhouse kits, including our best overall pick, the Veikous Walk-In Greenhouse Kit, do make the process a little easier by providing not just written instructions, but videos to help you more quickly put your greenhouse together. 

Weather Resistance

While all greenhouses provide some control of temperature and humidity, their ability to withstand weather extremes, particularly wind and snow, varies. The sturdiest greenhouses, including our best heavy-duty option, the Exaco Riga L 2S, have wooden or aluminum frames with metal connectors and panels that are polycarbonate.

The most weather-resistant structures have double-wall polycarbonate panels, which add to the cost of the greenhouse but also are the most effective at maintaining interior warmth when outside temperatures dip to freezing. Our best for cold climates pick, the Yardistry Meridian Double-Wall Greenhouse, is one such option.

Note that many inexpensive greenhouses with polyethylene covers are not intended for use in the most rugged winter weather, but are fine for use when the snow isn’t too heavy or the wind too high. This is also true of lean-to greenhouses, including our best lean-to pick, the Outsunny Lean-To Greenhouse.

Shelving Options

Many walk-in greenhouses, such as the Ohuhu Large Walk-In Plant Greenhouse, our best for beginners pick, include shelves along one or two sides of the structure, which are very useful for holding trays of seedlings, small potted plants, and gardening tools. If not, you can often install shelves yourself, or add a small freestanding shelving unit if necessary. 

Smaller greenhouses are often designed as a set of shelves with a cover, which is ideal if you only need to protect seedlings or small potted plants, but doesn’t give you open space for larger potted plants. If you need a greenhouse to house larger plants during the winter, or protect plants in the ground during a spell of rough weather, consider a pop-up or temporary greenhouse without shelves (like this one that also makes a great gift for gardeners), but with plenty of open interior space.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may need inside your greenhouse.

  1. Ohuhu Plant Greenhouse Shelves: Several greenhouses on this list do not come with shelves for your potted plants and seedling trays. We like this two-pack from Ohuhu that features four shelves each with a 22-pound weight capacity per shelf. It's easy to install and take down, making it a great option for a variety of greenhouses.
  2. Dr. Heater Greenhouse Garage Workshop Infrared Heater: Keep your larger greenhouse (and tender plants inside) warm in the winter with a compatible space heater. This 1500-watt option from Dr. Heater is portable and lightweight. Just keep in mind you will need an outlet since it is plug-in only.
  3. Mars Hydro LED Grow Light: If your indoor or outdoor greenhouse needs more light, a grow light can help. We tested this option and found it's great for a large amount of plants or seedlings since you can connect multiple lights (sold separately).

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullman is a freelance writer for The Spruce since 2020, who specializes in home improvement products, including tools and landscaping supplies. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. She’s also an avid gardener, and loves to spend time caring for her garden and many potted plants, both indoors and outside.

For this list, she considered dozens of greenhouses, evaluating each for sturdiness, quality of materials, ventilation options, size, and ability to handle a wide range of weather conditions. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, as well as reviews and information on various gardening and homesteading websites. 

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