Struggling to locate a greenhouse kit to protect your frost-sensitive plants and keep them warm during chilly weather? Without a doubt, you’ve come to the right location!
Winter greenhouse kits offer better insulation, stability, durability, and heating options compared to traditional kits. They can accommodate both cold-tolerant and warmth-needing plants.
A winter greenhouse kit allows you to enjoy an extended growing season and a wide variety of plants, from tropical plants and herbs to exotic fruits.
In this guide, we shed light on the best greenhouse kits for winter you can buy. We also go over the factors you need to consider when buying a winter greenhouse kit, so stick around!
The 6 Best Winter Greenhouse Kits Compared
Greenhouse | Dimensions | Weight | Cover Material | Frame Material |
Sundale Outdoor Green House Kits to Build for Outside Winter | 106” x 35” x 35” | 10.9 lbs | Polyethylene | Coated Steel |
Quictent Portable Mini Cloche Greenhouse | 70” x 35” x 35” | 7 lbs | Polyethylene | Coated Steel |
Palram Canopia Hybrid Greenhouse | 98” x 71” x 82” | 63 lbs | Polycarbonate | Aluminum |
VEIKOU Greenhouse for Outdoor | 72” x 142” x 76” | 99.2 lbs | Polycarbonate | Aluminum |
Ohuhu Greenhouse for Outdoors | 56” x 55” x 76” | 24.3 lbs | Polyethylene | Alloy Steel |
Gardman R687 4-Tier Greenhouse | 19” x 27” x 63” | 11.2 lbs | Polyethylene | Alloy Steel |
The 6 Best Winter Greenhouse Kits Reviewed
There are many great winter greenhouse kits in the market, but we’ve managed to narrow down our list to just six top-performing options.
We’ve chosen them based on factors such as durability, ease of assembly, features, and overall value for the money.
Let’s check them out!
1. Sundale Outdoor Tunnel Greenhouse – Best Overall
- 🌱【ROLL-UP DOORS】The 3 zippered side doors of the small greenhouse allow easy access for tending to your plants and controlling temperature and humidity
- 🌱【LONGER TUNNEL GREEN HOUSE】Long tunneled greenhouse provides plenty of room for plants growing, while it features a small and lightweight body that portable to carry to anyplace you want it in
- 🌱【HEAVY-DUTY STEEL FRAME】This long outdoor greenhouse is made of a powder-coated tubular steel frame in sturdy construction, the surface is spray-treated to prevent rust, corrosion, and delay
- 🌱【UPDATED PE COVER】Reinforced PE cover of the winter green house is stronger and thicker than standard PVC to reinforce the frame whilst promoting strong and healthy growth
- 🌱【EASY ASSEMBLY】The purchase includes clear setup and cares instructions.Easy to assemble and disassemble, no tools required for assembly, and all parts are detachable
Kicking off our list of the best winter greenhouse kits is Sundale’s Outdoor Greenhouse. It has a long tunneled design that offers plenty of room while maintaining portability.
The greenhouse flaunts three zippered side doors that allow for easy access into the enclosure. They’re also great for ventilation and humidity control.
This outdoor greenhouse is built like a tank. It features a powder-coated steel framework that can handle harsh weather conditions. It’s also spray-treated for rust and corrosion.
The enclosure is covered with reinforced PE, which is thicker and more durable than PVC. The extended cover design ensures an airtight and secure greenhouse.
Additionally, the enclosure is 100% waterproof and offers UV protection. It also allows for great sunlight and heat preservation, as well as excellent light penetration.
The Sundale Outdoor Greenhouse comes with crystal-clear instructions on how to put together and disassemble the product without the need for any tools.
Key Features
- 106” x 35” x 35”
- 10.9 lbs
- PE cover
- Tunneled design
- Three zippered side doors
- Tubular steel frame
- Waterproof construction
Pros
- Sturdy steel frame
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- All parts are detachable
- Entirely waterproof
Cons
- High winds may blow off the cover
- May need ground stakes for support
2. Quictent Portable Mini Cloche Greenhouse – Runner-Up
- ITEM EXACTLY MATCH THE DESCRIPTION - Steel Framework(Heavy-duty powder coated)+Transparent PE cover(UV-protected, waterproof, reinforced). The given guy ropes can make cover & frame combined better)....
- GOOD SIZED PORTABLE MINI GREENHOUSE - Size of 71x36x36-inch, big enough to work for good sized plant pot & seed bed. It can be used both indoors & outdoors.
- OVERLONG COVER DESIGN - It makes this green house more airtight and secure. Just bury it in the soil, or put some bricks on it. An easy but useful way.
- KEEP THE GROUND NICE AND WARM - This has about a 95% germination rate instead of the usual 80% due to the nice ground warmth! Equipped with 2 doors and 4 zippers, the greenhouse can be completely...
- SPECIAL DESIGN 2 DOORS - They can be completely opened, rolled up, and tied with ropes, creating a bigger operating space and better ventilation. Easy to set up and pretty stable. (For more...
Quictent’s Mini Cloche Greenhouse is an airtight, ultra-secure option that’s best suited for small to medium-sized plants. It also serves as an excellent seed bed.
The greenhouse features a powder-coated steel framework that ensures durability and stability. It also comes with a transparent PE cover that offers reliable plant protection.
What we like the most about this portable greenhouse kit is the doors. There are two doors that you can easily open and roll up using ropes and zippers, offering excellent ventilation.
Another thing we’ve found really impressive is the ground warmth. It ensures a germination rate of up to 95%. Most other Quictent products offer an 80% germination rate.
The Quictent Portable Mini Cloche Greenhouse comes with 50 T-Type tags that you can use to mark your plants. It weighs a bit under 10 lbs, making it one of the lightest options on the list.
Key Features
- 70” x 35” x 35”
- 7 lbs
- PE cover
- Overlong design
- Two roll-up doors
- Coated steel frame
- Waterproof design
Pros
- Excellent germination rate
- Durable steel frame
- Airtight and secure enclosure
- Good ground warmth
- Wallet-friendly price tag
Cons
- Not the best zipper material
- Could use more tie points
3. Palram Canopia Hybrid Greenhouse – Premium PickIf you’re in the market for a spacious greenhouse that’s built like a tank and don’t mind the steep price tag, you can’t go wrong with the Palram Canopia Hybrid Greenhouse.
- Virtually unbreakable 4 mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels block up to 99.9% of UV rays and diffuse sun light eliminating the risk of plant burn and shade areas
- Crystal clear polycarbonate side panels provide 90% light transmission
- Rust resistant aluminum frame with 48 sq. feet of growing space
- Includes adjustable roof vent, rain gutters, lockable door handle with magnetic door catch and a galvanized steel base for structural support
- 5 year limited warranty and US based customer support
There’s no beating this large greenhouse in terms of durability. Its rust-resistant aluminum frame is virtually unbreakable and offers 48 sq. ft. of space for growing plants.
Additionally, the kit includes 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels that block up to 99.9% of UV rays. They’re also great at diffusing sunlight to reduce the risk of plant burn.
The kit also includes clear side panels that deliver great light transmission. You also get a roof vent, rain gutters, and a lockable door handle with a magnetic catch.
And if that’s not enough, you also get a galvanized steel base for optimal structural support. It’s pretty much unmovable, regardless of how harsh the weather is.
To put it all off, the Palram Canopia Hybrid Greenhouse offers you a 5-year limited warranty and US-based customer support.
Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely!
Key Features
- 98” x 71” x 82”
- 63 lbs
- PC panels
- Galvanized steel base
- Aluminum frame
- Lockable door handle
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Outstanding build quality
- Adjustable roof vent
- Plenty of growing space
- Great base stability
- Reliable customer support
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Complex assembly
4. VEIKOU Greenhouse for Outdoor – Best Design
- 【CUSTOMIZE WINDOW POSITION】Different from other greenhouses, the window of our polycarbonate walk-in greenhouse with 4-position manual adjustable poles for better ventilation, which can create an...
- 【LOCKABLE SWING DOOR】Unlike other polycarbonate greenhouses with sliding door, we upgraded the door for a swing-out lockable design which makes it easier for you to walk into the greenhouse for...
- 【HEAVY-DUTY GREENHOUSE FOR OUTDOOR WINTER】The frame of our heavy-duty walk-in greenhouse kit is made of premium corrosion resistant and weather resistant powder-coated thickened aluminum in grey...
- 【PERFECT FOR PLANTS IN WINTER】The polycarbonate aluminum green house kit with a sloped barn rooftop design, which can effectively improve the wind resistance of the product. The panels of...
- 【DIMENSIONS】The overall size of greenhouse: 70''W x 119''D x 76.6''H. The size of door: 24.4'' W x 65.7'' H. The interior dimension of greenhouse: 67.5''W x 116.5''D. Be aware for that our...
VEIKOU’s Greenhouse for Outdoor is another heavy-duty kit perfect for winter plants. It’s just as durable as the Palram Canopia but at a less expensive price tag.
This greenhouse flaunts a thickened aluminum construction that’s resistant to rust. It comes with polycarbonate side and roof panels for optimal thermal insulation and strong impact resistance.
The enclosure features a swing-out lockable door for easy access and adjustable poles for ideal ventilation. It’s spacious enough to accommodate both your plants and gardening tools.
We’re quite fond of the roof’s sloped barn design, which helps a lot with wind resistance. It also prevents rain and snow from stocking up on top of the enclosure.
The VEIKOU Greenhouse for Outdoor is available in several size options. The one we linked to is the second smallest of the bunch, so you can size up or down as you see fit.
Key Features
- 72” x 142” x 76”
- 99.2 lbs
- PC panels
- Aluminum frame
- Swing-out door
- Sloped barn roof
- Adjustable poles
Pros
- Highly durable construction
- Great insulation and ventilation
- Excellent wind resistance
- Available in several size options
- Clear assembly instructions
Cons
- Not the most affordable option
- Takes a few hours to assemble
5. Ohuhu Greenhouse for Outdoors – Best Value
- Warm yet Ventilated: With the zippered roll-up door and 2 screen side windows, you can regulate external airflow to keep the plants warm and provide better air circulation for the plants, and works as...
- Large space: Constructed with 12 wired shelves – 6 on each side, and measures 56.3” (L) x 55.5”(W) x 76.8”(H), which makes space for all your blooming flowers, sprouting plants and fresh...
- Rock-solid Stability: Structured with heavy-duty rust-resistant tubes for extended durability, supported with an 22 lb. weight capacity, so it is strong enough to hold seed trays, pots and plant...
- Beautify your green spaces: Designed with a zippered roll-up door for easy access and screened ventilation for optimum air circulation. Giving your patios, balconies, decks and gardens a touch of...
- Easy Movement and Assembly: All parts are detachable, so you can set it up wherever you want to, and move it when the seasons shift. No tools required
With many positive reviews, an excellent rating, and an attractive price, the Ohuhu Greenhouse for Outdoors Kit is one of the most popular options among gardening enthusiasts.
The greenhouse is structured with heavy-duty tubes that are resistant to rust. It features a solid steel base for rock-solid stability.
This conservatory has a total weight capacity of 18 lbs, so it’s strong enough to hold seed trays, plant pots, and plant growth lights.
The great thing about this greenhouse is that it’s small enough to be used in gardens, terraces, balconies, patios, porches, and more. Yet, it’s spacious enough to hold several plants.
We like the fact that the kit includes 12 wired shelves, six on each side. So, you won’t have to buy any additional accessories unless you’re looking to add more shelves.
The kit also features a zippered roll-up door for screened ventilation and easy access. All of the parts included in the kit are detachable, and the assembly process requires no tools.
Key Features
- 56” x 55” x 76”
- 24.3 lbs
- PE cover
- Alloy steel frame
- 12 wired shelves
- Special mesh side windows
- Zippered roll-up door
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- All parts are detachable
- Great air circulation
- Reliable UV protection
- Excellent shelving
Cons
- Poor assembly instructions
- Poor door zipper material
6. Gardman R687 4-Tier Greenhouse – Most Compact
- Ideal for small backyards or homes where space is an issue; place on a deck, patio, or balcony
- Gives seeds, seedlings, and young plants an early start
- Clear polyethylene cover and roll-up zippered door for easy access
- Strong push fit tubular steel frame assembles in minutes without any tools
- 27" Long x 18" Wide x 63" High
If you’re new to the use of greenhouses and are looking to start small, the Gardman R687 is the pick for you. It’s perfect for small backyards, patios, and balconies.
This greenhouse is as lightweight and easy to assemble as it can be. You don’t need any tools to put it together, and you can move it around without having to disassemble it.
The enclosure is divided into four tiers, so you won’t have to pay extra for shelving. It features a roll-up zippered door and a clear PE cover for water and bug resistance.
Don’t let the small size fool you; the Gardman R687 is built from alloy steel, meaning it will take a whirlwind to put its durability to the test.
This mini greenhouse kit is ideal for giving seedlings and young plants an early start. That said, we wouldn’t recommend it for medium to large-sized plants, as it would be too small.
Key Features
- 19” x 27” x 63”
- 11.2 lbs
- PE cover
- Alloy steel frame
- Roll-up zippered door
- Four shelves
- Push-fit assembly
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Waterproof and bug-resistant
- Sturdy steel construction
- Super easy assembly process
- Extremely cost-effective
Cons
- Not suited for large plants
- Shelves may wrap over time
Choosing the Right Greenhouse Kit for Winter
Now that you know about the best winter greenhouse on the market, let’s discuss the factors you need to consider when looking for the perfect kit for your needs.
Size and Layout
The first factor you need to consider is size. If you’re new to using greenhouses, we recommend starting with a small greenhouse kit.
You see, the larger the greenhouse, the more garden or backyard space it will require. Not only that, but larger greenhouses tend to be expensive and hard to maintain.
You should also consider the size of the plants you’re looking to grow and the headroom they will require until they’re fully grown.
Further, you need to consider the greenhouse’s layout. Does it come with shelves and benches that will allow for segmentation and maximum space efficiency?
Insulation
Based on the climate in your area, which will affect your insulation needs, your choice of glazing panels for your greenhouse will differ.
Generally, polycarbonate panels are the best in terms of insulation, impact resistance, and heat diffusion. They strike an excellent balance between heat retention and light transmission.
Glass panels are also an option to consider. They’re durable and offer superb light transmission. However, they might require additional insulation to prevent heat loss.
Frame Material
Winter greenhouses come in a variety of frame materials. We’re particularly fond of aluminum frames, as they’re lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. They’re great for most, if not all, weather conditions.
For areas that experience harsh winter conditions and heavier snow loads, greenhouse kits that feature a galvanized steel frame are the way to go. They’re the most durable of the bunch.
If your area experiences mild winter conditions, PVC frames are a good choice. They’re not the most durable, but they’re affordable, lightweight, and require minimum maintenance.
Ventilation
Proper greenhouse ventilation is essential for preventing excessive condensation and humidity, which can lead to mold, pests, and diseases.
You should look for a winter greenhouse that features roll-up doors, adjustable roof vents, and side vents. Louvers, shade coverings, and exhaust fans are also a plus.
Snow Load Capacity
A greenhouse’s snow load capacity refers to the maximum amount of snow it can safely handle without the risk of collapsing on your plants.
If your region is known for heavy snowfall, look for a winter greenhouse kit with a high snow load capacity of around 30 lbs of snow per sq. ft.
Heating Options
If you live in an extremely cold climate, consider greenhouse kits that feature a heating system, as it’ll be hard to maintain optimal temperature without it.
Winter greenhouse heating systems come in the form of propane heaters, electric heaters, and radiant heating systems, with propane heaters being the most popular option.
Ease of Assembly
Some greenhouse kits are easier to assemble than others. In fact, some greenhouse kits might require advanced DIY skills or a professional installation.
With that in mind, you should look for an easy-to-assemble kit that comes with clear instructions and all of the needed installation tools.
Cost
Last but not least, you want to consider the cost of the greenhouse kit relative to your budget. In general, greenhouse kit prices vary based on brand, size, materials, and features.
We recommend buying a high-quality greenhouse kit that offers reliable durability and insulation. Even if it’s a bit costly, look at it as a long-term investment rather than a steep price tag.
Once you’ve chosen your ideal kit from our selection, take your planning to the next level. Get books on landscape design for your winter greenhouse and turn your green haven into a masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Greenhouse Is Best for Winter?
The best greenhouses for winter are the ones built with double-walled polycarbonate. They offer better insulation and heat retention than other greenhouse types and are durable enough to handle harsh winter weather conditions.
How Do I Keep My Greenhouse Warm in the Winter?
There are many ways to keep your greenhouse warm in the winter. You can use bubble wrap for insulation. Generally speaking, the bigger the bubbles, the more effective the insulation.
You can also combine dedicated greenhouse heaters and air circulators to disperse heat across the entire greenhouse. This is especially beneficial if you have a sizable greenhouse.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for a Greenhouse?
Most crops can tolerate an average temperature of 50°F. To be more specific, cold-sensitive crops shouldn’t be kept below 55°F, whereas cold-tolerant crops shouldn’t be kept under 35°F-40°F.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Greenhouse?
Some of the disadvantages associated with greenhouse technology include:
- High initial and maintenance costs
- Potential for pests and disease outbreaks
- Constant monitoring and regulation
- Increased energy and water consumption
- Limited scalability in certain regions
Are Plastic Greenhouses Good for Winter?
Yes, because plastic greenhouses are excellent at retaining heat. That said, they aren’t the most durable, with an average lifespan of 4 years.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, the six best greenhouse kits for winter available today!
Though there are several other excellent greenhouse kits on the market, we assure you that the ones reviewed in this article are the best of the bunch.
Sundale’s Outdoor Greenhouse seems to check all of our boxes. It strikes an excellent balance between durability, insulation, spaciousness, and pricing.
If you don’t mind paying extra, you can’t go wrong with Palram’s Canopia Hybrid Greenhouse or VEIKOU’s Greenhouse for Outdoor. And if you’re just getting started, give the Gardman R687 a go.
Order your favorite winter greenhouse kit today to keep your plants safe from the cold!
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API