Best mini greenhouses: Grow fresh plants year-round

Picture someone going out to their tiny balcony on a cold winter morning to pick basil leaves and crispy leaves of lettuce for breakfast. While it’s freezing outside, the plants are growing inside a compact greenhouse for herbs. It’s like having a miniature garden that keeps going all year long, in any season.

For apartment dwellers or anyone with limited outside space, growing plants year-round can be tricky. Cold weather, powerful winds and little space often complicate keeping plants alive during the fall and winter months. That’s where mini greenhouses can make a difference.

A mini greenhouse is a small, protective structure that allows plants to flourish in any weather. They provide warmth, shelter, and a conditioned environment for gardening, making them a strong option for novice as well as experienced gardeners looking to enjoy fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers 12 months a year.

Importance of a Mini Greenhouse

Mini greenhouses are ideal for anyone who is looking to grow plants at home without the need for a large backyard or expensive setup. They provide a number of advantages that make gardening simpler and more successful, especially in limited spaces.

1. Grow Plants Longer

Mini greenhouses extend the growing season. They help keep plants warm in early spring and late fall, and shield them from frost and cold snaps during the winter. That means gardeners can grow fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers for more months of the year.

2. Protect Plants from Weather and Pests

Strong winds, torrential rain and surprise storms can affect young plants. Mini greenhouses provide a sheltered environment where plants are protected from poor weather and invasive pests, whether bugs or animals that might eat them.

3. Save Space

This greenhouse is meant for small spaces, like balconies, patios and tiny backyards. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so even apartment dwellers can find a model that suits them. They enable gardening with little space required.

4. Budget-Friendly and Easy to Use

Mini greenhouses are far more affordable than full-size counterparts. They’re also simpler to set up, maintain and relocate if necessary. This makes them ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a low-cost way to start raising their own plants.

Types & Styles of Mini Greenhouses

Mini greenhouses are available in all shapes and sizes. All are designed to help people grow plants in limited spaces, whether they live in a house with a minuscule backyard or an apartment with a balcony. Some common varieties and styles of mini greenhouses are as follows:

1. Freestanding Greenhouses

Freestanding mini greenhouses are those that stand alone. People can set them in a backyard, on a patio or even on a large balcony. Most have a few shelves inside to hold plant pots, seed trays and tools. They also vary in height and size to grow all sorts of plants in these greenhouses. Some are even tall enough to enter.

2. Lean-To Greenhouses

Lean-to greenhouses are designed to be constructed against a wall such as the side of a house, garage or shed. This design also saves volume and gets additional heat from the wall, especially when the wall is exposed to the sun during the day. Lean-to greenhouses are ideal for tight spaces and can warm the soil, allowing for a string of crops to grow into the chilly months, as the wall retains some heat.

3. Pop-Up and Portable Greenhouses

Pop-up and portable greenhouse reviews are the best. They are constructed with a flexible framework and transparent plastic covering, which can be opened when people need it and folded away when they don’t. These are ideal for renters or anyone in need of a greenhouse that can be easily transferred or stored. They are also great for seasonal use, like starting seeds in the spring or protecting plants in winter.

4. Tiered Shelf Greenhouses

These are essentially shelf-like units with several levels on which to place the plant pots. They’re tall and narrow, so they don’t take up much space. Using the various shelves, individuals can make use of a little territory and fit a lot of plants. This type works well for balconies or small patios, and some models also have a zip-up plastic cover to ward off cold and pests.

5. Window-Sill Greenhouses

Indoor greenhouses can be placed indoors. They are often made of clear plastic or glass and retain warmth to make the conditions more inviting for small plants or seedlings. These are ideal for growing herbs such as basil, mint or chives indoors. They’re also wonderful for people who don’t have any outdoor space at all.

6. Cold Frames

Cold frames are low-to-the-ground greenhouses with clear lids that raise up and down. Gardeners use them to shield young plants from the cold and to give them a warm place to work early in the season. They are good for starting seeds or for extending the time to grow vegetables into the fall. Cold frames are easy, durable and space-efficient.

Key Features & Buying Considerations

There are lots of factors to consider when choosing a mini greenhouse other than price. The right greenhouse should suit the space, accommodate the local weather and fulfill the gardener’s needs. Here is a breakdown of a few features to consider before purchasing:

Size & Footprint

The size of the area available is one of the first things to consider. A big mini greenhouse will not be good for a small balcony while a small one will not accommodate the needs of a plant owner who has many plants. Measure the area first, whether a corner of a patio or on a narrow balcony, so the greenhouse will fit and not obstruct walkways or doors.

Frame Materials

The frame is the backbone of the greenhouse. Different materials provide different strengths:

• Metal (Steel or Aluminum): Steel is strong and durable, making it an excellent option in wind-prone areas. It’s lighter than rustable metal and doesn’t rust, so it’s easier to move and lasts a long time.
• Wood (Cedar or Pine): It offers a classic natural look; wood is commonly used for cold frames or decorative greenhouses. Cedar is more rot-resistant; pine may require treatment to endure outside.
• PVC or Plastic Frames: These are cheap, lightweight, easy to install. But they may not fare as well in extremely windy or stormy regions.

Coverings & Glazing

The cover, or “skin,” of the greenhouse affects how much sunlight is allowed in and how much heat is retained.

• Glass: Transparent and durable, glass permits a lot of sunlight but is heavy and can break easily.
• Polycarbonate Panels: These are like glass but made of plastic. They are lightweight, strong and provide good insulation. They also shield some ultraviolet rays to protect plants.
• PE (Polyethylene) Film: The thin plastic sheets that wrap around the frame. This is the cheapest option, and it works reasonably well, but it might need to be discontinued after a year or two.

Ventilation & Airflow

Good air circulation keeps plants healthy by deterring mold and letting hot air escape. Look for greenhouses with:

• Louvered vents
• Roll-up sides or zip-up doors

These features allow for ventilation and regulate cooling and heating as needed.

Shelving & Storage Capacity

Shelves allow gardeners to make the most of vertical space. Certain greenhouses include built-in shelving; some leave space open for specialty setups. It’s nice to have sturdy shelves that can accommodate a space full of pots, tools and seed trays without toppling over.

Assembly & Portability

Some mini greenhouses can be assembled in minutes; others require more time and tools. Pop-up models are the simplest, though even sturdier ones should include clear instructions. If anyone will be moving the greenhouse regularly for optimal sunlight, or simply to vary its location with the seasons, it’s useful to choose a lightweight or wheeled design.

Weather Resistance

A mini greenhouse should shelter plants from wind, rain and strong sun. Look for:

• Wind resistance: Heavier frames or models that can be anchored down.
• UV protection: Covers that block harmful rays while still letting in light.

It’s very important to choose a wind- and weather-wise model if living where there are strong storms or intense sunlight.

Top 5 Mini Greenhouses

Mini greenhouses are ideal for those who want to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, or flowers year-round, even in an apartment or the tiniest of homes. Check out 5 of the best mini greenhouses from Growcycle:

1. SUNPACK T5HO Mini Greenhouse Kit

The SUNPACK T5HO Mini Greenhouse Kit is ideal for those looking to start up seeds indoors, particularly over the winter months. Everything a gardener needs to get started growing is included in this kit, from a tray and a dome to cover the plants to a T5 high-output (T5HO) grow light to give plants what they need to grow indoors.

It is constructed of BPA-free plastic to safely grow edible plants like herbs and vegetables. It’s ideal for sun seekers who want to start planting seeds undercover in the winter.

2. SunBlaster NanoDome with LED Strip Light Stand

The SunBlaster NanoDome with LED Strip Light Stand is a compact greenhouse for herbs and an energy-efficient mini greenhouse setup. The kit consists of a NanoDome (a small, clear plastic dome) that sits over a stout tray.

This dome is paired perfectly with a high-quality LED strip light, the light which the plants need to grow strong and healthy. The LED light is long-lasting, so gardeners won’t have to frequently replace bulbs. It is beneficial for gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance system that’s energy efficient.

3. SunBlaster Bionano Dome Kit

The SunBlaster Bionano Dome Kit is a step up for a serious gardener needing a simple mini greenhouse setup. It includes a clear plastic dome, 1020 sturdy tray, high output T5 light and a unique Nanotech reflector that disperses light across the plants more efficiently.

This setup can ensure that all the plants inside have the right amount of light, especially in no red-light areas. It is suitable for gardeners looking to grow several seedlings, as it delivers uniform light distribution.

4. SunDome LED Mini Greenhouse Kit

The SunDome LED Mini Greenhouse Kit is a beginner-friendly choice for aspiring indoor gardeners. This mini greenhouse includes a clear plastic dome, a sturdy tray and a built-in LED grow light. It’s a low-tech system that makes it easy for people to begin an indoor garden, with no special skills or tools required.

It is good for someone who has just started and wants to give the indoor mini greenhouse with lights a try.

5. Mondi 7” Dome Mini Greenhouse

The Mondi 7” Dome Mini Greenhouse offers a more professional-grade option for growing seedlings and larger plants. It has a sturdy, heavy-duty plastic dome and comes with two vents that are adjustable, so users can regulate the temperature and humidity in the greenhouse.

It’s great for gardeners who need space for taller plants but also want a compact, easy-to-manage greenhouse. It is great for either serious gardeners or someone who needs space for growing several plants.

Setting Up & Maintaining a Mini Greenhouse

Whether it’s a cold winter day or a hot summer morning, a mini greenhouse is a wonderful way to grow plants in small places. Here is a simple guide for setting up and maintaining a mini greenhouse.

1. Choosing the Right Location

Choosing the ideal location is the first step to establishing a mini greenhouse for cold weather. It will work in a garden where the greenhouse will be placed.

• Suppose using the greenhouse inside, near a window with lots of sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal, as it receives the most sunlight during the day.
• If it’s outside, find a spot that gets ample sunlight and is sheltered from high winds. Do it well with the best mini greenhouse for balcony, patio, or backyard.
• Check that the spot isn’t too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Keep in mind that mini greenhouses tend to hold heat, so good air circulation is necessary.

2. Setting Up the Mini Greenhouse

Once the location is selected, it’s time to construct the greenhouse. It’s easy to set up, typically taking a matter of moments.

• Assemble the greenhouse according to the instructions that come with it. Most mini greenhouses are easy to set up with a few tools.
• If the greenhouse has some shelves, install them now. Shelves offer surfaces for plants and additional room for them to thrive. If there are shelves, add smaller shelves to maximize space.
• Plant the herbs, vegetables, or flowers in trays or containers. Container plants need drainage holes to avoid water sitting at the bottom.

3. Maintaining the Mini Greenhouse

Setting up a greenhouse is one thing, but keeping it in good shape so the plants can thrive is another. Here’s how to do that:

Watering

Plants require consistent watering, but not overwatering. Check the soil frequently to ensure it’s neither too wet nor too dry. Water the plants with a watering can with a gentle spout or a spray bottle directly over them. Ensure a greenhouse has a proper drain if it has a tray or reservoir.

Temperature Control

A mini greenhouse for cold weather keeps plants safe from the cold but can run too hot inside, as well. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature. Most plants prefer “room temperature,” between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C).

If it’s too warm, open the vents (if equipped) or roll up the sides to bring in cool air. That will keep the temperature in the range of that the plants will like.

Humidity

Mini greenhouses are more humid, which is good for some plants but not for others. Open the vents or leave the door open to let fresh air in if it becomes too humid. Mist lightly every few days for plants that enjoy humidity. But don’t allow water to pool on the leaves, which can cause mold.

The Bottom Line

Mini greenhouses allow people to grow plants year-round, regardless of the limited space or inclement weather. Greenhouse farms offer small greenhouses that shield plants from both cold and heat, providing the ability to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers in any season. Growcycle provides a range of mini greenhouses to get started on the journey to sustainability, from small greenhouses for a patio to an indoor mini greenhouse with lights. 

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.