The 5 Best Small Greenhouse Kits of 2023

Looking to start growing plants or extend your gardening season? A compact greenhouse allows urban gardeners to nourish plants in a protected environment. With the right mini greenhouse, you can go from seedlings to fresh kale without leaving your balcony. This article reviews the 5 best small greenhouses of 2023 based on durability, natural light, and affordability. The top picks are:

• Little Cottage Company Octagon 8x8 Greenhouse - Best Overall

• Outdoor Living Today Cedar Greenhouse | 8x8 - Best Compact

• Hoklartherm Riga Greenhouses 2S (54 sq.ft.) - Most Durable

• Quictent Mini Walk-in Greenhouse | 56”x29”x77” - Best Portable

• Outdoor Living Today Garden in a Box 6x3 with Lid - Best Budget

Whether you're seeking the strongest greenhouse or the most portable option, this list has a high-quality compact greenhouse to meet your needs.

1. Little Cottage Company Octagon 8x8 Greenhouse - Best Overall

The Little Cottage Company Octagon 8x8 Greenhouse is our pick for the best overall small greenhouse. With its octagonal design and numerous windows, this greenhouse provides an abundance of natural light and space for your plants in a compact 8x8 footprint.

Crafted with meticulous Amish quality, this cedar greenhouse arrives as a DIY kit with pre-cut, pre-primed panels for straightforward assembly. The kit includes sturdy 4x4 runners and a plywood floor for a solid foundation. With features like LP Smartside trim, 18 tempered glass windows, 10 transom windows, polycarbonate roofing, and interior shelving, this greenhouse has everything you need to nurture your plants in style. The colonial Dutch door and stunning cupola add beautiful accents.

Key Features:

• The octagonal shape maximizes space
• DIY kit with pre-cut parts
• Cedar wood construction
• LP Smartside trim
• 18 tempered glass windows
• 10 transom windows
• Polycarbonate roof
• Interior shelving
• Colonial Dutch door
• Elegant cupola

Pros:

• Excellent natural light from numerous windows
• Ample growing area in a compact footprint
• Straightforward DIY assembly
• Durable cedar wood construction
• Beautiful accents like a cupola

Cons:

• Concrete slab not included
• Temperature control is not as robust as other greenhouses

Price:

$6,999.00

Final Verdict:

For gardeners seeking a stylish and highly functional mini greenhouse, the Little Cottage Octagon 8x8 Greenhouse is a superb choice. The abundance of quality features crammed into its octagonal design make this a greenhouse where your plants will thrive. Though painting is required and assembly can be tricky, the DIY kit and detailed instructions are helpful. If you want maximum growing space and natural light in a compact footprint, this greenhouse is ideal.

2. Outdoor Living Today Cedar Greenhouse | 8x8 - Best Compact

The Outdoor Living Today Cedar Greenhouse is a great option for hobby gardeners looking for a compact and durable greenhouse. Made from western red cedar, this 8x8 greenhouse offers strength, beauty, and just enough room for small-scale growing and storage.

With 410 cubic feet of space and standing just over 8 feet tall, the cedar greenhouse can accommodate a wide variety of plants, seedlings, gardening supplies, and tools. The polycarbonate roof and walls allow filtered sunlight ideal for growing while protecting plants from harsh weather.

Key Features:

• 8x8 footprint provides 410 cu ft of growing space
• Western red cedar construction is strong, durable, and beautiful
• Pre-cut parts for easy assembly
• Thick polycarbonate roof and walls filter UV rays
• Automatic roof vent window for ventilation
• Over 14 linear feet of storage shelves
• Complete hardware kit included

Pros:

• Compact 8x8 size great for small spaces
• Durable and attractive cedar construction
• Lots of storage space with shelves
• Automatic venting helps regulate temperature

Cons:

• Flooring not included
• Assembly requires time and attention to detail
• Some parts may arrive damaged or poorly labeled
• Polycarbonate sheets prone to scratches

Price:

$4,899.00

Final Verdict:

For those with limited space, the Outdoor Living Today Cedar Greenhouse is one of the best small greenhouses available. The high-quality cedar build and useful features like automated venting, shelving, and solar panel compatibility make this a great choice for hobby gardeners who want to extend their growing season. Though assembly takes time and some parts may be imperfect, the resulting cedar greenhouse is beautiful, functional, and built to last.

3. Hoklartherm Riga Greenhouses 2S (54 sq.ft.) - Most Durable

If you're looking for a durable and well-insulated small greenhouse, the Hoklartherm Riga 2S is a great option. Made in Germany with sturdy aluminum framing and 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels, this greenhouse is built to last.

The Riga 2S provides ample ventilation with roof vents, a side vent window, and a gable window. The windows have automatic openers for easy use. The adjustable 2-level shelving is great for plants of any height and has removable inserts.

Key features:

• 8mm polycarbonate glazing for superior insulation
• Durable aluminum frame and polycarbonate panels
• Lots of ventilation
• Adjustable shelving system
• Can add foundation frame for secure installation
• Provides sufficient warmth for winter

Pros:

• Extremely sturdy construction and high-quality materials
• Excellent insulation enables year-round growing
• A good amount of ventilation
• Adjustable shelves for versatile use

Cons:

• Assembly directions could be clearer
• A few parts may need replacement over time

Price:

$5,200

Final Verdict:

With its rugged German-engineered construction and ample insulation, the Hoklartherm Riga 2S earns our title of Most Durable Small Greenhouse. It's built to provide reliable performance year after year. Despite needing some parts replaced down the road, its unmatched durability and ability to maintain comfortable temperatures make it a top choice for a long-lasting mini greenhouse.

4. Quictent Mini Walk-in Greenhouse | 56"x29"x77" | Most Portable

The Quictent Mini Walk-in Greenhouse is designed for portability and convenience. At just 56"x 29 "x 77", it is small enough to set up in spaces like patios, balconies, or even indoors. The lightweight polyethylene cover and powder-coated steel frame make it easy to move the greenhouse in and out as needed. With its small footprint, transparent cover, and ventilation, the Quictent mini greenhouse maximizes precious space for starting seedlings early or growing plants year-round.

Key Features:

• 100% waterproof PVC cover with UV protection keeps the interior warmer while allowing sunlight through
• Mesh windows on the back and sides provide ventilation on hot days
• Screen door keeps pests out while allowing air circulation
• PE door seals in warmth during winter
• A vertical shelf and 10 hooks provide storage space inside
• Includes 50 plant tags and 40 zip ties for organization

Pros:

• Portable and compact
• Durable transparent cover
• Ventilation keeps the interior from overheating
• Screen door protects plants from pests
• Can be used outdoors or indoors

Cons:

• Not as sturdy or heavy-duty as larger greenhouses
• The cover can tear if not handled carefully

Price:

$82.99

Final Verdict:

For its small size and price point, the Quictent Mini Walk-in Greenhouse is a great option for starting seeds or growing a few small plants. The portability allows gardeners flexibility in setting it up outdoors when weather permits or moving it indoors to extend the growing season. While not as sturdy or spacious as more expensive greenhouses, it provides an affordable solution for small-space gardening. The ventilation and transparent cover help maximize the interior growing environment. With some creativity in arranging shelves and plants, the Quictent mini greenhouse is an excellent value for hobby gardeners with limited space.

5. Outdoor Living Today Garden in a Box 6x3 with Lid - Best Budget

The Outdoor Living Today Garden in a Box 6x3 with Lid is the best budget greenhouse for urban gardeners looking to maximize growing space without breaking the bank.

This cedar greenhouse offers over 18 square feet of growing space while maintaining a small 6x3 footprint that can fit in tight spaces. The 33.5-inch high fencing lined with black wire mesh keeps pests of all sizes out of your garden.

Key Features:

• Assembled dimensions of 72 x 39 x 33.5 inches (71 inches with trellis raised)
• Pre-assembled cedar panels for quick and easy setup
• Front fence panels fold down for easy access to plants
• 20-inch high growing beds
• Sturdy marine-grade hinges prevent rusting
• The Cedar arm allows easy opening and closing of the trellis

Pros:

• Spacious 18 sq ft growing area in compact 6x3 size
• Durable cedar construction built to last
• Trellis converts to lid to protect plants from pests
• Easy to access plants from fold-down front panels
• Can grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers

Cons:

• Takes a lot of soil to fill planter beds
• Not as easy to fully square panels during assembly

Price:

$689

Final Verdict:

For budget-conscious gardeners, the Outdoor Living Today Garden in a Box 6x3 is the best compact greenhouse for getting a spacious growing area without spending a fortune. Despite the large amount of soil required and tricky assembly, the high-quality cedar and innovative space-saving design make this an unbeatable value for small-space gardening on a budget.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Small Greenhouse

When shopping for the best mini greenhouse for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider: 

• Size - Make sure to measure your outdoor space first to find a greenhouse that fits. Compact 4x4 or 4x8 footprints are great for small patios or balconies. Walk-in greenhouses around 6x8 feet offer ample room to move around inside. 
• Materials - Durable metal and powder-coated steel frames withstand weather better than plastic versions. Wood frames made of cedar or redwood are attractive but require more maintenance. Polyethylene and polycarbonate plastic covers should be UV-resistant. 
• Ventilation - Proper airflow prevents overheating and allows moisture to escape. Look for roll-up doors, screened vents, and zippered windows to control ventilation. Some greenhouses have automatic openers for convenience.
• Accessibility - Hinged doors, zippered panels, and fold-down front fences make it easy to access your plants for tending and harvesting. Adequate headroom to stand and move around inside is ideal.
• Shelving - Built-in shelves provide storage for potted plants, seed trays, tools, and supplies. Metal wire shelves are sturdy and rust-resistant. Having at least 3-4 adjustable tiers accommodates both small and large plants.
• Portability - Having a lightweight portable greenhouse with a tubular steel frame allows you to move it around your outdoor space to follow the sun or bring sensitive plants indoors. 
• Assembly - Opt for greenhouses with few parts and easy snap-together or slide-lock construction that can be put together without tools. Pre-assembled kits are the quickest to set up.

The best mini greenhouse for you provides adequate space, ventilation, accessibility, and durability to nurture your plants in your unique outdoor environment.

Conclusion

A mini greenhouse allows hobby gardeners to nurture plants in a protected, controlled environment. With options like durable polycarbonate panels or cedar wood kits, tabletop mini greenhouses to walk-in models, and features like ventilation, adjustable shelving, and doors, you can find the perfect compact greenhouse to start seeds, overwinter plants, or grow greens and herbs. Select the best mini greenhouse kit that will protect your plants from the weather so you can enjoy gardening all year round.

FAQs

What makes a mini greenhouse one of the top picks for 2023?

A mini greenhouse becomes a top pick due to its functionality and features. For instance, if a greenhouse is perfect for extending the growing season, allowing for individual plants to thrive, and also the greenhouse is constructed with a sturdy metal frame, it easily makes a top pick. Newly designed models of garden greenhouses also provide increased usability and durability.

What are the benefits of a mini greenhouse that comes with four shelves?

A mini greenhouse that comes with four shelves offers multi-level planting. Each shelf can house different types of plants, giving you more space to grow a variety of herbs, flowers, or veggies. From the bottom shelf upwards, each level can be customized according to your plant's needs for light and space.

Can an outdoor mini greenhouse withstand direct sunlight?

Yes. Most outdoor mini greenhouses can withstand direct sunlight. The materials they are constructed of are generally UV-resistant, and designed to protect your plants without obstructing their access to sunlight. However, it is still crucial to monitor and control temperatures inside the greenhouse during extremely hot days.

Does a walk-in greenhouse give the advantage of checking on the plants easily?

Absolutely. A walk-in greenhouse gives you the convenience of easily checking on your plants without the need for any tools. These greenhouses provide a large space where you can comfortably move around, observe, and care for each of the plants.

Can I grow tender plants in a mini greenhouse?

Yes, you can. A mini greenhouse provides a controlled environment that is perfect for growing tender plants. The enclosed space helps maintain humidity and temperature, protecting the plants from harsh outdoor conditions.

What differentiates a vertical greenhouse from other mini greenhouses?

A vertical greenhouse, typically featuring shelves on top of each other, is designed to maximize planting space by growing plants upwards. This design is particularly suitable for gardens with limited space. Even in such a small footprint, a vertical greenhouse can house a variety of individual plants.