6 Budget-Friendly Greenhouses to Build Now Before the First Frost – to Keep Growing Your Favorite Plants for Longer
Looking to extend the growing season, but don't have the budget for a custom-built greenhouse? Try one of these affordable greenhouses instead.
Just because summer is almost over doesn’t mean the growing season has to end just yet. A simple greenhouse can help you extend your garden into fall and even winter, if you live in a warmer climate.
Greenhouses are a great way to get more out of your garden, but they’re often an expensive investment. That’s why I scoured my favorite online gardening resources to find highly-rated budget-friendly greenhouse ideas that will suit almost any yard or garden.
Below are some of the most affordable greenhouses you can buy. And now is the perfect time to add one to your landscape. Build these budget-friendly greenhouses now before the first frost hits to keep your favorite plants growing for a little longer.
Mini Greenhouses
Mini greenhouses are the ideal solution for gardeners who have a limited budget and limited space. These options are small, but mighty and will help you keep growing a selection of your favorite plants into winter.
1. Perfect for Raised Beds
This mini greenhouse will fit any size garden – from a few pots of tender perennials on a balcony to a raised beds in your backyard. It’s tall enough to accommodate larger established plants that have been growing strong all summer. It’s easy to put together and is an affordable way to keep growing in small spaces later into the fall.
2. Small Footprint, Big Growing Space
This tall and narrow greenhouse gives you lots of growing space in a small footprint. It comes with four shelves where you can overwinter potted plants or start seeds early next spring. The frame is durable and made from powder-coated steel. This mini greenhouse is also portable because it comes with wheels. Roll it into a sunnier spot, if needed, or even wheel it inside if the winter temperatures drop too low.
3. Ultimate Indoor Greenhouse
If you lack any outdoor space at all, then this indoor greenhouse is a great way to grow more plants this fall and winter. It’s made by the well-respected grow light brand Barrina, so it comes equipped with lights, a timer, a thermometer, and a humidity meter to monitor the conditions within your mini greenhouse. This is a great option if you’re looking to up your seed starting game, grow finicky exotic houseplants, or raise vegetables indoors all winter.
Walk-In Greenhouses
A walk-in greenhouse is the dream for many gardeners – myself included! These options allow you to overwinter lots of plants and extend the growing season by planting early. Add them to your yard now before the cold weather hits.
4. Basic High Tunnel
This basic high tunnel greenhouse is for serious gardeners only. The price tag on this option is unbelievable, but VEVOR is one of the brands our gardening experts rely on for affordable yet well-made tools. This greenhouse is roughly 20x10 feet (6x3 m), so be sure your yard can accommodate it before buying. If you’re looking to majorly increase your garden output or even start a hobby farm, this is a great deal to snap up before autumn arrives.
5. Easy Pop-Up Greenhouse
Want a greenhouse that requires almost no assembly at all? It doesn’t get any easier than pop-up greenhouse. The rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame pops up like a party tent to create a spacious greenhouse that can house all your potted tender perennials over winter. Reviewers on Amazon give this greenhouse 4.3 stars, noting its great heat retention that keeps plants cozy during the cold months.
6. Beautiful & Budget-Friendly
This lovely, classic greenhouse is only $150 and easy to assemble – it comes with all the necessary tools, too. It’s made from aluminum and UV-resistant polycarbonate panels for year-round use. It comes with vent windows, a locking door, and a thermometer and humidity meter to help you monitor and attend to your plants’ needs during every season. If you want a traditional greenhouse look on a tiny budget, this is a good choice to try.
