For years, I’ve been drooling over pictures online of beautiful gardens with permanent greenhouses – but I know my budget and my DIY abilities are limited. That’s why I’ve decided to turn to a more affordable and less permanent option while I save up for the glass greenhouse of my dreams.
I recently found a pop-up mini greenhouse that’s perfect for starting seeds and cold weather crops outdoors this winter. The Outsunny Mini Greenhouse, which is available from Amazon, Home Depot, and Wayfair, will help me scratch my greenhouse gardening itch without the hefty price tag and complicated construction.
If you just can’t wait to start growing again until spring, then this greenhouse (and three other economical options I’m eyeing) are just what you need. I’ll share why I’m adding this one to my cart now!
What I’m Buying
The Outsunny Mini Greenhouse from Amazon is a fantastic beginner greenhouse for new and experienced gardeners alike. There are a few different sizes to choose from to suit any garden, but I’m buying the 9x3x3 foot (2.7x0.9x0.9 m) option. This will allow me to start planting a vegetable garden earlier in the season and let seedlings grow outdoors with plenty of sunlight until they’re big enough to transplant.
This size is also a great choice because it will fit over the raised beds I’m planning on putting in next year’s garden. Though this greenhouse would work equally well over an in-ground bed, too. That means you can grow plants that are more tender than your USDA growing zone typically allows and keep them alive over winter.
Why I Chose This Greenhouse
At just around $30, you can’t beat the affordability of this pop-up mini greenhouse. But even though it’s cheap, it’s made with a durable steel frame that will last for many winter growing seasons. And the anti-tear cover is extra long, so you can bury it to stop animals from eating your seedlings inside.
This greenhouse is also easy to assemble without the aid of any tools, so it’s a great choice for those of us who are not DIY-inclined. All you have to do is snap the frame together and cover it with the heat-preserving, UV-protected plastic cover.
I wanted something cheap, easy, and that will help me start planting my new garden this winter. This greenhouse hits all the marks. And with a 4.2 star rating on Amazon from almost 700 shoppers, I know this product serves its purpose well.
Shop Mini Pop-Up Greenhouses
This is another wonderful and affordable option like my main pick. The big difference is the way it opens. Whereas the Outsunny greenhouse has sides that roll up so you can access plants, this one has windows on the top to make it easier to water plants.
Looking for something a bit bigger? This walk-in pop-up greenhouse is large enough to fit potted fruit trees, banana plants, and all your veggie seedlings. At just around $100 it’s a fantastic option for frugal gardeners who want a greenhouse of their own without the huge price tag.
Grow vertically with this 2-tier mini greenhouse that’s perfect for compact outdoor spaces. It fits snugly onto a patio or balcony and gives you double the growing space because of its two sturdy shelves. Plus, you can move this portable option to follow the sun in a shady landscape.
