Looking to grow a range of plants in your garden but don’t have space for a full greenhouse? Why limit yourself, when you could purchase a mini greenhouse instead? A mini greenhouse is the perfect option for those people who don’t have an allotment, vegetable patch or a garden large enough for a “real” greenhouse.
A mini greenhouse will be able to provide protection, warmth and humidity to your plants and saplings that you are trying to protect. They are also normally much more portable, so can be erected over winter simply to protect more delicate plants from frost and snow. One of the main benefits of a mini greenhouse rather than a standard greenhouse is the small amount of space that they take up, their portability and how flexible they are in the places that they can be positioned. Not only that but they are going to be much cheaper too!
Our buyers guide will tell you all that you need to know on what you should be looking out for!
Best Pick – VonHaus Mini Greenhouse
- COMPACT DESIGN: Ideal for small gardens, patios, and allotments, watch your homegrown greens flourish in the VonHaus mini greenhouse – providing the perfect home for growing, cultivating, and displaying!
- WEATHER RESISTANT PVC COVER: Protect your plants from the elements for year-round growth. Adjust the roll up zip door to suit your needs whilst regulating the plant house’s temperature, creating an optimal environment.
- 4 WIRE SHELVES: Featuring a powder coated steel frame and 8kg capacity per shelf, grow all the plants, flowers, and veggies you want. Grow house measures H158 x W50 x D45cm overall.
- NO TOOL ASSEMBLY: Simply slot the poles together to start growing your own plant collection right away. Disassembling the green house is just as easy – perfect for storage or transporting to the allotment!
- THE VONHAUS PROMISE: All our products are backed by a minimum 2 year warranty, so you can be safe in the knowledge that if anything happens we're here for you. Use our products with confidence.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If the time is right for you to start growing your own vegetables, or maybe you have a number of seedlings that are needing that extra level of protection and warmth but nowhere to put them. Here is all the essential information that you need to get as quick as possible! We have also included some of our favourite products to make your lives even easier!
Types of Mini Greenhouse
Even mini greenhouses are going to come in a range of styles so that you can find one that is going to be right for you. This is probably the first thing that you need to consider, as it is going to impact on the size and materials that are used to make your mini greenhouse.
- Windowsill Greenhouses – These are by far the smallest types of mini greenhouse that will be available to you. They are also known as tabletop greenhouses. They are small enough to be able to sit on a shelf, window ledge etc so are perfect for anyone that doesn’t have a lot of space or maybe people who live in apartments. They are perfect for herbs or a couple of small seedlings but don’t offer much more flexibility than this in terms of the plants they will have space for.
- Upright mini greenhouse – These models tend to be the most common and what you will imagine when thinking of a mini greenhouse. These are taller but still reasonably narrow so that they don’t take up too much space in your garden. These are perfect for seedlings, potted plants or even taller vegetable plants, thanks to their height, so they will give you much more flexibility in what you can grow. We also like that they can usually be packed away too when you don’t need them.
- Planting mini greenhouses – These mini greenhouses are basically a miniature polytunnel – also known as a cold frame. Although described as mini, they are on the larger side and need to be positioned over the top of plants that you have already planted, which means that they are usually found in slightly larger gardens. They are perfect for plants that are ready to survive on their own out of a pot, but that still need some warmth and protection.
Mini Greenhouse Sizes
If you are specifically looking for a mini greenhouse, then you probably already have an idea of the type of greenhouse that you need. But even then, there are still a range of sizes available in the mini greenhouse world, depending on exactly how “mini” you want to go! The smallest models that you will usually find are known as windowsill greenhouses, and these are designed to be…kept on your windowsill. This makes them really nice and compact, usually coming in at around 80cm in height and 60cm in length. They are also designed to be really narrow – so make sure that your plants are actually going to fit inside them! These are perfect for if you are growing herbs to cook with etc.
Mini greenhouse sizes go all the way up to around 2m in height by around 1m in width (or sometimes the other way around if you are going for the mini polytunnel style). These will give you much more space and flexibility with the types of plants that you are going to be able to grow. The widths of mini greenhouses though tend to be more standard, ranging from around 20cm up to around 40cm. This should still be enough for a couple of rows of potted plants however if they are small enough, without the greenhouse taking up too much space in your garden.
Best Budget – Kingfisher GHPRO
- K.FISHER 4 TIER GREENHOUSE GHPRO
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Mini Greenhouse Build Materials
When you are comparing the different build materials found with mini greenhouses, you need to consider not just the frame but also the material that is used to cover the frame and actually make the greenhouse work! There will be a range to choose from so we have broken these down into two sections.
Frame
The frame of the mini greenhouse needs to be strong and durable – particularly if it is in an exposed area as they can be prone to damage from adverse weather conditions. You also need to consider whether you are going to be wanting to move your mini greenhouse occasionally – as if you are this will impact on the materials that you go for too!
- PVC – A PVC frame is going to be your cheapest and lightest option. If your mini greenhouse is going to be sheltered from the weather and you know that you are going to be able to pack it away when not needed then this could be the way to go. However, they aren’t nearly as durable as the other options so won’t be as long lasting.
- Metal – Your next option is going to be a metal frame, which will almost always be steel or aluminium. These are going to be much more long lasting and able to withstand whatever weather is coming their way. Aluminium isn’t as strong as steel but it has the benefit of remaining corrosion free for much much longer. Although not as easy to pack away as most PVC models, many metal frames can be taken apart and stored when you don’t need them.
- Wood – Wooden frames are going to be your most expensive option and provide you with a much more traditional, appealing finish for your mini greenhouse. It is also strong enough to be able to cope with strong winds and weather conditions – providing you treat and varnish the frame. The real downside to these models is that the frames really aren’t going to be able to be packed away when not needed, so you need to commit to where you want your mini greenhouse and be prepared to keep it there through the year!
Mini Greenhouse Cover
The cover part of your mini greenhouse is responsible for protecting your plants, keeping the environment inside the greenhouse stable and letting in that all important light, so make sure to choose right…
- Flexible PVC or Polyethylene – These two materials are going to be your cheapest options. They are nice and flexible and easy to secure over the frame and will be lightweight too so if you are wanting to move your mini greenhouse through the year you will be able to do this with ease. However, the massive downside to these materials is that they are not particularly durable.
- Polycarbonate – This is going to be a thicker, firmer material than flexible PVC so will offer better protection and will also be better suited to coping with more challenging weather conditions. This offers the perfect balance between the cheaper options and the more expensive options of glass, as they will be able to move if you need to and will be relatively long lasting. The only slight downside is that SOME types don’t let in quite the same amount of sunlight so this is worth checking for.
- Glass – Your most expensive, but also most durable option is going to be glass. This will be incredibly long lasting, let in plenty of sunlight and have the benefit of being scratch free. It will also let in up to 90% of sunlight, be weather resistant and protect from UV rays. However, you do need to consider that they really aren’t going to be portable and could be dangerous if they are somehow smashed!
TOP TIP: If you do decide to opt for a glass covering then make sure that the glass is shatterproof. This will help to ensure you have the protection you need and is particularly important if you have pets or young children that will be sharing the space.
Additional Mini Greenhouse Features
Once you have decided on the style of mini greenhouse that you want and the materials that you want it to be made from, there are a whole range of additional features that you need to consider before you make the final decision and make your purchase!
Building Your Mini Greenhouse
Don’t forget to check whether your mini greenhouse is going to come already built (this is unlikely) and the work that you are going to have to put in to get it ready to use. If you are low on helping hands, power tools and time, then look out for models that are going to come with frames that simply click or screw into place – and make sure that they come with the allen keys needed to do it! Also make sure to check the quality of the fittings and that they are going to be made from stainless steel that will be long lasting and weather resistant.
You then need to check whether your mini greenhouse needs securing to either the floor or the wall. The structure of their design means that there is potential for them to be blown around and damaged in strong winds, so making sure that they are fixed down is always a good option!
TOP TIP: If you need a quick solution for a mini greenhouse then why not look out for pop up options! These aren’t going to be the most stylish, but will literally pop up (like a pop up tent) and can then be put down again when you don’t need them anymore!
Design Features
Here are the additional design features that really stood out to us in the best mini greenhouses!
- Modular models – These are a great way to keep expanding your mini greenhouse collection depending on the space you have available and the number of plants that you need protecting at any one time. You will be able to connect and remove parts as and when you need them.
- Vents – Too much humidity really isn’t healthy for your plants, but a greenhouse environment is going to create quite a lot of it! Look out for models that come with vents that can be opened to let fresh air in, whilst still protecting your plants from unwanted critters!
- Optional shelving – Tall mini greenhouses will come in two forms…without shelves – which makes them perfect for tall vegetable plants that need space to grow, or with shelves – which makes them perfect for small seedlings that are growing in pots. But what if you want the best of both worlds? Look out for models that make it easy to remove the shelving depending on what you need at that time!
- Doors or curtains? – Check how you are actually going to get access to the plants that are in your mini greenhouse! This may sound obvious but it will actually really impact how user friendly your greenhouse is! Some models come with doors on hinges that will stay open automatically whilst you work. Others with lighter frames will come with hanging sheets or curtains that will need to be pinned open.
Best of the Rest
- 🌱 A paradise for plants: The sun shines filtered in through the cover, providing a warm and humid environment for your plants. Keeping insects and small animals away, your tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines will grow optimally in this 150 cm high foil greenhouse. Sekey greenhouse creates perfect conditions for growing tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, chili peppers, eggplants, melons and much more.
- 🌱 Stable, robust and safe: The double processing of polyester ensures a long service life. The environmentally friendly 0.5 PP plugs are non-toxic, sturdy and durable. The galvanized metal pipes have a diameter of 16 mm and a wall thickness of 0.32 mm. The metal bars on the sides and in the back reinforce the frame and ensure stability. The two additional metal rods on the top prevent the accumulation of water.
- 🌱 140 g / m² white PE coating: Corrosion-resistant, durable and robust. The white grids reinforce the structure and make it more wear-resistant. It is 100% waterproof and safe against UV rays, so your plants and flowers can absorb more sunlight for ideal growth. The zippered roller shutter offers easy access and good ventilation for optimal air circulation.
- 🌱 A garden with a firm footing: Sekey greenhouse is anchored in the ground with the 6 pegs supplied to ensure a firm footing. This easy-to-assemble greenhouse protects your plants from wind and rain (wind speed <50km / h). You can enjoy fresh vegetables and flowers all year round.
- 🌱 What you get: A greenhouse, a sturdy PE cover, a roller shutter, 6 pegs for additional stability, simple instructions, a two-year guarantee, reliable customer service around the clock and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- TRANSFORM YOUR PATIO INTO A PERFECT GROWING SPACE: Grow your own in gardens big or small with this Reinforced 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse from Christow. Greenhouse includes a rust-resistant, powder-coated tubular steel frame, heavy-duty PE cover, and four mesh shelves. Compact size when assembled: H5ft 2in x W2ft 2in x D1ft 6in.
- STRONG & STURDY REINFORCED COVER: Cover consists of an internal grid sandwiched between two layers of polyethylene. It’s thicker than a PVC cover for greater strength, stability and insulation, but still allows sunlight to shine through to create the perfect growing conditions. It’s also UV-resistant to reduce fading and degradation from the sun.
- HARDWEARING ROLL-UP DOUBLE ZIPPED DOOR: Designed with a roll-up door with zippers on either side to easily open and securely close. Simply unzip the door, roll it up and secure it with the integrated ties to improve ventilation and encourage pollination. Leaving it tied open also provides easier access when watering or clipping your plants and flowers.
- 4 MESH SHELVES FOR PLANTS & FLOWERS: The greenhouse contains 4 mesh shelves with 33cm of space between them. This gives you plenty of room to grow plants and flowers, as well as store bags of compost and other essentials. The mesh design allows pots to easily drain away any excess water. If you’re growing taller plants, simply remove a shelf to expand your growing space.
- CLICK-TOGETHER DESIGN FOR SIMPLE ASSEMBLY: No tools are required to build the greenhouse and it can be up and ready in minutes. Simply pop the tubular steel poles into the plastic connectors to build the frame, then attach the shelves and secure the cover over the top using the integrated ties. Clear instructions are included for fast and easy assembly.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
If you are new to mini greenhouses then why not check out this video? It provides some great tips on how to get the best from your mini greenhouse!
If you are wanting to heat your mini greenhouse then why not consider a greenhouse heater to make your life a little easier. It could be that you are thinking you need a larger space than a mini greenhouse has to offer. We have found some of the best allotment polytunnels for those of you wanting a bigger option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I grow in a mini greenhouse?
Mini greenhouses are perfect for growing almost any saplings and seedlings as they will be able to offer protection and warmth for these plants at the start of their lives. They can also be used for herbs that you are wanting to use in your kitchen, such as mint, thyme and rosemary. If you are wanting to use your mini greenhouse for taller plants and vegetables then make sure that you are able to remove the shelves!
Can you replace damaged mini greenhouse covers?
Yes! Most manufacturers will allow you to just purchase a replacement cover for your mini greenhouse providing it is made from one of the lighter, cheaper materials. Glass is harder to replace but should be possible through some manufacturers.
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