The 9 Best Greenhouses of 2024 (2024)

Updated January 24, 2023

You can have a greenhouse in an afternoon with new, modern snap-and-go designs. There are a few options out there, but our top choice is this one with a SmartLock connector system. It's available in many different sizes, so you're likely to find one that suited for your space.

The frame comes in pieces and then quickly locks into place, one section at a time. This design even comes with the door and ventilation windows nearly fully assembled so you can quickly put them in place. The frame is a heavy duty aluminum and the panels are from polycarbonate, so you don’t have to worry about glass breaking or cracking. Just pick a sunny location for this one, and you’ll be ready to grow for years.

The pipe frame of this house is made from steel, while the structure itself uses environment-friendly polyethylene (PE)—a material that is resistant to cold temps. KOKSRY's greenhouse is one of the most affordable options for its large size, sitting at 56 inches wide x 30 inches deep x 76 inches tall.

It should go up quick and easy, because you don’t need any tools for assembly. It's easy to move it around to anywhere in your home or yard. This greenhouse can be used to overwinter plants, grow new ones, or for seedlings. It’s even roomy enough to do all three!

You only need about a 3-foot square space for the Mini Pop Greenhouse. Installation only takes seconds because all you have to do is pop it up, and it’s ready to go. It comes with four steel ground tacks if you want to secure it to a garden bed, and features a zippered window that can be opened during warmer days and closed at night.

This greenhouse works well for that tender plant that needs extra protection in winter, or you can grow something completely new. When you’re done using this greenhouse for the season, it folds flat for easy storage. This is perfect both inside or out, all you need is a sunny spot.

This cold frame is designed to withstand up to 6 feet of snow with extra insulation, so it’s truly an option for any climate. Each of the three separate windows can be opened individually for ventilation, and one has an automated opener. The unit measures 50 x 23 x 16 inches, and the transparent panels are UV-resistant so they shouldn't yellow.

It breaks down to store flat, so you can easily put it away when you don't need it. Assembly does require some drilling.

It’s a cold frame, a raised bed, and a mini greenhouse all in one. With this design, you really can garden year-round. Included in this kit are cedar planks (or you can choose cypress), a polycarbonate and aluminum frame, and a fabric liner. Because of the slatted floor design, you’ll naturally have good drainage and air circulation. The included cold frame closing top will allow you to extend your growing season earlier and later. Thenyou could also add a pop out greenhouse top for even more space.

You’ll have everything you need with this mini greenhouse kit, including built-in phyto-lights and an ultra-transparent cover. It’s the perfect three-story shelf for indoor plants or for starting seeds indoors. It might not be the top year-round option for plants outside, but it can do wonders for helping you keep those plants thriving indoors. Keep in mind you can also create a similar setup on your own by investing in some good grow lights. With this, you’ll have fun experimenting with herbs, starting seeds, and more.

The MCombo Wooden Cold Frame has benefits as a walk-in style greenhouse, but stands on a smaller footprint and opens from the front for convenient and easy access. It’s made from natural fir and is both waterproof and has UV protection. It features a self that can be adjusted to fit different plant heights.

It would make a beautiful addition to a sunroom, patio, or deck, or can be placed in a sunny spot outside. MCombo offers a 1-year warranty for this greenhouse.

This indoor greenhouse offers a beautiful decorative touch, and can also shield heat-loving houseplants from any drafty corders. In addition to being lovely, it still functions has full mini greenhouse functionality, with doors that open for ventilation. You can also use it for see starting, just be sure to place it in a sunny spot or combine it with a grow light. Three size options are available.

The owner of this Etsy store, Rob Terry, really covers the market when it comes to greenhouse plans. He has a few dozen to choose from, ranging in size, and his plans make it so easy to understand the necessary steps and put it all together.

The plans for this 8 x 12 foot greenhouse come with a spiral, 47-page book that includes a materials list, cut list, and drawing to help illustrate every step along the way. His goal is to make it possible for anyone to make their own greenhouse with basic supplies (this one mostly calls for 2 x 4 boards).

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Snap and Grow Greenhouse because it gives you a lot of space to grow whatever you want. If you’re looking for a smaller-space option that will allow you to grow plants even in winter, then we like the Grow House Greenhouse, which doubles as a cold frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a greenhouse expensive?

  The cost of greenhouses can vary widely, ranging from about $30 for lightweight options that sit directly on the ground, to thousands of dollars for standalone structures that are functionally small buildings. The larger, house-like structures can be more involved and costly to set up. However, consider starting off with a smaller, pop-up style, which is really affordable, to get going. Regardless of size, if you love gardening, greenhouses can be a worthwhile investment if you consider the value you get back over time from growing your own plants and food.

• How can I keep a greenhouse warm in the winter?

  The easiest and most cost effective way to keep a greenhouse warm in winter is to position it in a sunny location. Solar power can go a long way in keeping your greenhouse and plants warm. If you don’t have the right location, then you can look into other options like grow lights and/or heat lamps. It’s really best to know the amount of sun and temperatures you’ll be dealing with up front, so try to spend some time finding this information before you dive in completely.

• Where should you set up a greenhouse?

  Most often, this is going to be on the south side of your house in an open location that gets lots of sunshine. This area should be sunny throughout the year, not just in summer. Keep this in mind as you do an assessment of your location.

• What kinds of plants can you grow in a greenhouse?

  If you can grow it in your garden, there’s a good chance you can grow it in a greenhouse as well. You just need to have the right conditions. If you don’t have optimal growing conditions for what you want to grow—for instance, say you want to grow tomatoes—then adjust your plans. Start with easier to grow options like herbs or lettuce. After you master those and really get to know your growing conditions, graduate to something more challenging.

• Does a greenhouse need a heater?

  This depends a lot on your location and what you’re trying to grow. If you live in a cold region and you’re trying to grow vegetables year-round, then you might need to invest in a heater. Check the plants you want to grow for optimal temperature conditions, and be realistic about how cold it will be in your greenhouse. If you don’t want to add a heater, then just use it as a three-seasons option instead.

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