The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (2025)

Gardening

Written by : Nikola Gemeš, Updated by: Samira Tasneem | Last Updated: June 20, 2024

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (1)

Outsunny 39" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (2)

Outsunny 5.9’ L x 3.0’ W x 3.0’ H Portable Mini Greenhouse - 2 Large Zipper Doors Garden Planter

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (3)

Outsunny 51" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (4)

AMERLIFE Mini Walk-in Greenhouse Indoor Outdoor 3 Tier 8 Shelves

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (5)

AMERLIFE 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (6)

Tingyuan Pop up Greenhouse Mini Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (7)

Flower House PlantHouse 2 Pop-Up Plant House

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (8)

Mini Pop up Greenhouse Small Indoor Outdoor Gardening

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (9)

Ohuhu Mini Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (10)

Nova Microdermabrasion Mini Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (11)

FDW Greenhouse for Outdoors Plastic Mini Greenhouse Kit

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (12)

Gosunny 4-Anchors Include Walk in Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (13)

Quictent 71" WX 36" D X 36" H Portable Cloche Mini Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (14)

Home-Complete Mini Greenhouse-4-Tier

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (15)

Educational Insights GreenThumb Greenhouse

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (16)

Quictent Greenhouse Mini Walk-in 3 Tiers 6 Shelves

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The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (17)

Best Choice Products 4-Tier 27x19x63-inch Mini Greenhouse

Contents

With the popularity of homegrown food and indoor gardening, the mini greenhouse market has exploded. Find out what to look for when buying one and see our list of top picks.

The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (18)

According to the National Gardening Association (NGA), 35 percent of American households grow food either at home or in a community garden.

Having fresh vegetables and herbs on the table all-year-round isn't the only benefit — homegrown vegetables often taste better than supermarket stuff.

If you’re interested in growing your own food but lack space and time, a mini greenhouse might just be the thing you need.

Here’s my review of the best mini greenhouses you can use in your own home.

Best Mini Greenhouses in the Market

1. Outsunny 39" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit

With clear plastic panels, this mini greenhouse allows you to maximize the available sunlight for your plants, while the adjustable roof lets you easily control the ventilation.

I love this greenhouse for two reasons: One, it fits almost anywhere and two, it retains excellent heat — which makes it perfect for early sprouting and growing late in the season.

This Outsunny greenhouse has a durable aluminum frame and rust-resistant hardware so you don’t have to worry about the elements — I know from my own experience that it’s going to last.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Aesthetic design
  • Great heat retention
  • Easy access to plants

Cons

  • Takes time to assemble

2. Outsunny 5.9’ L x 3.0’ W x 3.0’ H Portable Mini Greenhouse - 2 Large Zipper Doors Garden Planter

This spacious greenhouse can fit all your plants together and pamper them all year round.

Two large zippered front doors provide superb air circulation and give you easy access to your plants.

The way I see people use this greenhouse is to fit it over existing plants, flowerbeds, even small shrubs that need protection in winter.

Due to its generous height, I find that this one is perfect for my tomato plants.

Pros

  • Spacious
  • Quality steel tubing
  • Excellent ventilation
  • UV-resistant PE covering

Cons

  • Needs to be buried for stability

3. Outsunny 51" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit

The greenhouse is made of durable reinforced plastic that holds heat great, allowing you to extend your growing season late into the fall.

I recommend it to my friends who live in apartments — it fits almost any balcony, while the roof flaps keep out curious city birds.

The only issue I had was the manual. As parts were not labeled it took me a while to put everything together.

4. AMERLIFE Mini Walk-in Greenhouse Indoor Outdoor 3 Tier 8 Shelves

This walk-in greenhouse gives me generous headspace so I can easily check on my plants, while the shelves allow me to organize my herbs, veggies, and flowers.

The greenhouse has a lightweight steel frame and comes with four wind ropes and hooks, so you can easily anchor it for extra stability. This makes it ideal for windy days but also for people with pets.

However, the lightweight steel frame comes at a price, as it only supports light trays and planters.

Pros

  • Walk-in design
  • Tiered shelves

Cons

  • No written manual
  • Shelves hold 33 lbs max

5. AMERLIFE 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse

I bought this greenhouse for my mother’s balcony to replace the one I made myself.

The UV-resistant cover makes this greenhouse perfect for drafty corridors and balconies, while the multilevel design gives you minimum footprint and maximum planting space.

Mom uses this greenhouse for her succulent collection and says she especially likes the roll-up door — she can water and mist her babies without any fuss while having them protected from rain and high winds.

However, plastic fittings need some work right out of the box and if you use it outdoors you may want to secure it against the wind.

Pros

  • Suitable for balconies and decks
  • Perfect for cutting propagation

Cons

  • Sub-quality plastic fittings
  • Not as stable without wind ropes

6. Tingyuan Pop up Greenhouse Mini Greenhouse

This miniature greenhouse with PVC cover is great for keeping individual plants, like peppers, warm on cold nights.

Remove it from the carrier and it pops into shape, so you don’t need to bother with assembly.

The problem with small greenhouses like this is that it gets very hot inside unless you keep the door open.

Pros

  • No assembly needed
  • Easy to store away

Cons

  • Mostly for individual plants
  • Gets too hot unless vented

7. Flower House PlantHouse 2 Pop-Up Plant House

Pop this plant house open and your flowers and veggies are ready for the cold season. When you’re done using it, just fold the greenhouse in its carrying case.

This feature also makes this mini greenhouse easy to clean. Just hose them with a low-pressure sprayer and mild dish soap.

Still, due to its size, this unit will only be able to accommodate one plant. I also had an issue with a zipper. Good thing it was taken care of by the seller.

Pros

  • Self-deploys
  • Portable

Cons

  • Limited space for plants
  • Flimsy zipper

8. Mini Pop up Greenhouse Small Indoor Outdoor Gardening

Apart from using it to protect individual plants, I found that this mini greenhouse maintains high humidity levels, which is perfect for seed sprouting.

These are also very affordable so instead of pitching a larger greenhouse in your yard, you just plant a couple of these and neither wind nor frost can harm your plants.

Unfortunately, affordable means that the cover feels flimsy at the touch, and again the door zipper didn’t hold out for long.

Pros

  • Ideal for growing indoors
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not so durable
  • Flimsy zipper

9. Ohuhu Mini Greenhouse

I’m a big fan of shelved greenhouses as I like to keep my plants organized: flowers on top, herbs in the middle, and vegetables on the two lower floors.

People often use these tiered greenhouses as green displays on porches or at the corner of the garden.

In bad weather, just zip down the heavy-duty front cover and your plant babies will be safe behind a tough PU cover.

On the downside, this greenhouse could use a set of wind ropes. Shelves may come apart unless you secure them with zip ties, especially if a few plastic joints break on you.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • UV resistant

Cons

  • Not very stable
  • Shelves need zip ties
  • Questionable quality control

10. Nova Microdermabrasion Mini Greenhouse

The multilevel construction of these greenhouses allows you to diversify your plants and keep them organized.

This particular greenhouse is ideal if you want to green up your patio, deck, pr balcony with annuals, as it takes little space and provides a splendid display.

Although advertised as rust-proof, the frame rusted quickly so I had to take it outside where I saw another problem — even a light breeze would knock it down.

Pros

  • Versatile design
  • Weather-resistant cover

Cons

  • Minor material defects
  • Lacks stability
  • Poles might rust

11. FDW Greenhouse for Outdoors Plastic Mini Greenhouse Kit

This walk-in portable greenhouse is perfect if you have plenty of space and want to enjoy every comfort of growing your own food.

For extra stability, you can anchor this greenhouse with four wind ropes and ground spikes that come with the kit.

Unfortunately, quality control could be better with this one. The product looks and feels cheap and despite the size, you can only use it for young plants and light trays.

Pros

  • Walk-in design
  • Free shipping

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy plants
  • Feels flimsy out of the box
  • PVC cover cracks after 2 years

12. Gosunny 4-Anchors Include Walk in Greenhouse

With a total of 12 wired shelves available, this greenhouse will hold many planting trays.

The roll-up door and generous middle section give you enough space to water your plants, even those at the lowest level.

However, the plastic cover isn’t very durable and the whole unit needs more weight to stand against the wind. If you have heavier planters, you may want to leave them on the ground level.

Pros

  • Walk-in design
  • Has lots of shelves

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy plants
  • The cover may rip in windy weather
  • Needs bricks for stability

13. Quictent 71" WX 36" D X 36" H Portable Cloche Mini Greenhouse

Since there's no built-in base or shelves, you’re not limited by the shelves’ carrying capacity — you can bring many large plants inside.

The way I arrange them is to line the tallest plants under the center roofline, and the others in front.

This greenhouse comes without anchor ropes so I had to bury the frame to make it more stable. Also, the cover isn’t UV-resistant as it already cracked on the corners.

Pros

  • Plenty of useful space
  • Can accommodate large plants

Cons

  • Plastic cover deteriorates in the harsh sun
  • Needs to be buried for stability
  • No anchor ropes

14. Home-Complete Mini Greenhouse-4-Tier

This 4-tiered greenhouse has wheels so you can easily roll it inside in cold weather or use it without the PVC shroud in summer.

If you prefer to have it fixed in one place, just remove the wheels and you’re all set.

However, I discovered that the wheels are useless when I fill the racks. The plastic cover has also ripped open on several spots, so durability and this product don’t stand together.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Free delivery

Cons

  • Hard to use wheels when fully loaded
  • Low-quality cover
  • Gets very hot in direct sun

15. Educational Insights GreenThumb Greenhouse

This mini greenhouse is also good if you’re looking to extend your growing season or keep a beautiful floral display on your porch.

The plastic cover is fully transparent and aesthetically more pleasing than some other mesh options — keep this in mind if you’re looking for a decorative mini greenhouse.

Contrary to what the manufacturer says, however, the frame rusted after just a few weeks. I also had to reinforce the shelves with zip ties.

Pros

  • Snug cover fit
  • Transparent plastic cover

Cons

  • The frame is prone to rusting
  • Seams need zip tie reinforcement
  • Limited space

16. Quictent Greenhouse Mini Walk-in 3 Tiers 6 Shelves

This walk-in mini greenhouse will shield your plants from rain and gusts of wind, and provides you with easy access for watering and picking.

However, the cover doesn’t go all the way down so pests may sneak in. The frame is also flimsy and several joints cracked while I was putting it together.

That aside, I still needed to use zip ties to makes the shelves hold.

Pros

  • Easy access for watering

Cons

  • Not the best quality frame
  • Shelves need zip ties
  • Not secure on the bottom
  • Flimsy plastic joints

17. Best Choice Products 4-Tier 27x19x63-inch Mini Greenhouse

The 4 shelves are more than enough for seedlings and herbs, but I also find the bottom shelf useful for storing my gardening tools and spare pots.

Unfortunately, this greenhouse doesn’t stand up to its name. Definitely not the best choice, as it was difficult to put together, and even complete needed support on the sides. The cover fits loosely which not only looks bad but lets warm air escape.

Pros

  • Has a lot of useful shelves

Cons

  • Light duty shelves
  • Loose-fitting cover
  • Tricky to set up
  • Needs external support

Read More:

How Much Does a Greenhouse Cost?

What Is A Mini Greenhouse?

A mini greenhouse is an umbrella term for greenhouses that includes a wide variety of designs, from those that can fit a whole person who’s standing, to those that are small enough for tabletop use.

Mini greenhouses that are commercially sold are typically made of metal frames, have optional shelves, and have a PU or PE plastic cover that zips open on one side.

The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (37)

One main reason (to have a greenhouse) is to be able to ‘winter’ your plants. Even in the most temperate zone you risk frost and freeze on winter nights and a well-insulated greenhouse is ideal to save those favorite plants

Kyle Barnette, Executive Director of the Charleston Horticultural Society

Most gardeners use them to start seedlings earlier or extend their growing season late into the fall. People also find them ideal for protecting their flowerbeds or individual plants against strong wind and pests.

Read More:

Building the Perfect Cattle Panel Greenhouse: A Comprehensive Guide

Uses of A Mini Greenhouse

While tabletop greenhouses are perfect for protecting your collection of succulents and cacti in the cold season, multi-tiered and walk-in greenhouses cover a wide variety of uses, from seed starting to cutting propagation and growing edibles.

However, the smaller size of mini greenhouses doesn’t mean they need less maintenance. Heat and humidity can build up rapidly in these small units, so you either need to monitor the humidity levels or keep your greenhouse ventilated whenever possible.

My Recommended Mini Greenhouse

If you’re looking for one greenhouse that offers a full package, you should seriously consider theOutsunny 39" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit.

The first thing I like about it is the solid design. The greenhouse looks and feels stable. No need for you to fumble with zip ties or ropes.

Also, every single part fits perfectly — nothing cracked or ripped here. When I shut the roof panels in the evening, I know my peppers and herbs are safe and pests can go and try elsewhere.

I love the roof panels for another reason: they open all the way up, allowing me to pluck the choicest leaves and quickly inspect what’s going on inside.

I Recommend

THE Outsunny 39" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit

Whether you’re looking to germinate flower seedlings or start a mini garden of edibles, I’d recommend you go for the Outsunny 39” Kit.

Nikola Gemeš

Nikola, an electrical engineer, simplifies intricate sustainability subjects for his audience. A staunch environmental conservationist, he embodies his beliefs daily through recycling and cultivating his own food.

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6 Comments on “Best Mini Greenhouses: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

    I love mini greenhouses! I have a few of them and they are so handy for growing plants indoors. I highly recommend them!

    Reply

  1. Pingback: How to Build a Lean-to Greenhouse? - GreenCitizen

  2. I am curious if any of these reviewed greenhouses are made from eco friendly materials? I am looking to buy a small temporary greenhouse for my apartment deck to protect my edible plants from nearby construction debris and chemicals.

    However, I wonder if they are incased in plastic that is coated in chemicals that if that gets hot, those chemicals will release gasses hat will permeate into the plants that I will be eating.

    Perhaps I am uneducated on if this can actually happen or not. But I am finding I am concerned about it and can find zero information on this.

    Any perspective would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Marissa

    Reply

    Interesting information about PVC Decks. This looks super cool. I’ll be back to read more!

    Reply

  3. Pingback: Top 7 Best Mini Greenhouses In 2021 For You - Gardening For YOU

  4. 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse
    During the warmer months of the year nothing beats getting out into the garden and caring for your favorite plants. As spring approaches, the days are beginning to get longer, flowers are starting to bloom and your favorite garden center is stocking up for the long summer season. While spring and summer are the best time of year for gardeners, what are you supposed to do the other half of the year when temperatures and light are less than spectacular? Although many gardeners have resigned themselves to the fact that their planting days must come to an end during the cooler months of the year, the fact is that it’s still possible to grow beautiful plants using a 4 tier mini greenhouse.

    Reply

    Leave a Reply

The Best Mini Greenhouse In 2020: Read Before You Buy (2025)

FAQs

Is it worth buying a mini greenhouse? ›

You can protect your flowers and plants

Any greenhouse space is better than none. In the depths of winter, putting your most delicate pots and planters in a Greenhouse can protect your plants. Even if you don't heat the interior, a Greenhouse provides essential insulation.

Do mini greenhouses work? ›

In spring and early summer, coldframes and mini-greenhouses are a useful place to harden off tender young plants, such as half-hardy annuals and vegetables. These structures can be used to provide a halfway house between the greenhouse and the harsher conditions experienced in the garden.

What is the best month to buy a greenhouse? ›

Without a shadow of a doubt the best time to be buying a greenhouse is in advance of the new growing season. Don't wait until March or April when you see the first daffodil appear to place your order, get your order in well before then.

Should a mini greenhouse be in full sun? ›

Imagine the greenhouse as a sunbathing spot for your plants. Full sun exposure ensures that the greenhouse soaks up all the warmth it can get, making it the best way to heat a greenhouse by increasing the unheated greenhouse temperature.

How often should I water my mini greenhouse? ›

In late spring, summer, and early fall you will likely be watering your greenhouse garden every day or at least every other day. In late fall, winter, and early spring when temperatures are more mild you will likely be watering much less frequently, about once a week.

What is a good size for a small greenhouse? ›

Greenhouses can come in many different structures and sizes, making them adaptable for all gardens. A typical small 6' x 8' will give scope for a good range of general Greenhouse gardening.

What is the disadvantage of greenhouse? ›

The greenhouse effect leads to soil erosion leading to the destruction of fertile land. The crop yield is decreased as the greenhouse effect causes soil erosion. Global warming occurs due to an increase in temperature via the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse effect also leads to global climatic changes.

How many years does a greenhouse last? ›

The greenhouse frame can last you up to 70 years (depending on the soil's corrosiveness). While the greenhouse frame can last for 20+ years, the polycarbonate panels will last for up to 15 years, at which point you can replace with new ones and install them on the existing frame.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a greenhouse? ›

Building your own greenhouse allows you to source less expensive materials and design it to your budget. Smaller DIY greenhouses can be built for $500-$2,000, while larger permanent structures may cost $5,000-$25,000 depending on the size and materials used.

Where is the best place to put a mini greenhouse? ›

Position Your Greenhouse for Plenty of Sunlight

South-facing locations are ideal, but East- and West-facing spots can work as well—just be sure to account for the angle of the sun at different times of day. In short, pick a spot that will get as much sunlight as possible.

What not to put in a greenhouse? ›

What not to grow in a greenhouse
  1. Giant Trees and Shrubs: ...
  2. Invasive Species: ...
  3. Aggressive Vines: ...
  4. Water-Hungry Crops in Excess: ...
  5. Plants with Extreme Temperature Requirements: ...
  6. Highly Sensitive Varieties: ...
  7. Crops with Pests and Diseases: ...
  8. Plants with Excessive Maintenance Needs:
Nov 14, 2023

What grows best in a small greenhouse? ›

Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini and Lettuce

Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are greenhouse darlings and will thrive in the warmth. Cucumbers, squash and zucchini will also work well and growing them up a trellis or wall is a great way to save a bit of space.

Best mini greenhouse: find the perfect design for ...Gardeningetchttps://www.gardeningetc.com/.../best-mini-greenhouse ›

The best mini greenhouse will do the exact same job as a regular greenhouse, just in a much smaller footprint, making them a perfect choice for small patios or ...

Mini Greenhouse - Amazon.com

Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/mini-greenhouse/s?k=mini...
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/mini-greenhouse/s?k=mini...
Check each product page for other buying options. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color.
A backyard greenhouse kit can provide a stable, warm environment where plants can be grown all year. They can also be used to get a jump start on the growing se...

What is the point of a small greenhouse? ›

Small Greenhouses give gardeners the chance to grow their own vegetables and plants all year round, whatever the weather. Let's take a look at some small Greenhouse ideas and how to choose the best Greenhouse for small garden spaces, to help you make the most of the land you have available.

Do the mini greenhouses keep plants warm in winter? ›

Sunlight passes through the greenhouse glazing (usually glass or plastic), warming the interior as it does. Once inside, the sunlight is absorbed by the plants and soil, raising the temperature within. This natural solar heating is a cornerstone of greenhouse warmth and allows plants to thrive even in winter.

Is an unheated greenhouse worth it? ›

Not every greenhouse needs climate control. You can, in fact, use unheated greenhouses to great effect. While you may be less able to control temperature, you'll offer the plants and equipment within the house a lot more than you could if they were out in the elements.

Are there any disadvantages to a greenhouse? ›

Cons of Greenhouse Farming

Production costs are expensive. High up-front costs to build the structure. No natural pollination.

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