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by: Jordan Woika, BestReviews Staff
by: Jordan Woika, BestReviews Staff
When you’re ready to step your green thumb up a notch, you need to get a greenhouse. Greenhouses let you care for plants outside their normal seasons and even outside your climate. Most greenhouses are big affairs that won’t fit in the average yard, but rest assured there are great options for those with less space.
The best small greenhouse for yards is the SV Scool Value Small Greenhouse. It’s just large enough to stand in and has shelves to maximize its available space.
There are four types of greenhouses with three being meant for small yards.
Yards come in all sizes and shapes. Greenhouses do the same.
Small greenhouses for yards are typically covered by glass or plastic.
Small greenhouse frames are typically aluminum or steel, but wood is also an option.
They can cost as little as $20 or as much as $500-plus. Miniature greenhouses typically cost $20-$100 while portable ones typically cost no more than $250. Starters typically cost no more than $500 before they start reaching sizes too large for the average yard.
A. Clear glazing lets in direct light while diffused glass lets in even light. Clear glazing is best for starting plants that will be transferred outside when they’re old enough. Diffused glazing is best for plants that will never be taken out of the greenhouse.
A. That depends on your climate and the climate you want to simulate. If you live in a cold weather climate and want to grow tropical plants, for example, you absolutely need some kind of heater.
Plan ahead when buying and assembling your greenhouse if you intend to heat it. Make sure it has the space to hold the heater you’ll be using and set it up near the heater’s energy source.
A. That depends on your local laws and especially on any restrictions your homeowner’s association may have. For legal restrictions, you shouldn’t need to worry unless the greenhouse requires permanent installation — something a small greenhouse is unlikely to need. For association restrictions, well, you just have to ask.
SV Scool Value Small Greenhouse
What you need to know: This small greenhouse is good for potted plants and even starting trees.
What you’ll love: It’s 4.6 feet by 6.3 feet wide and tall and can be either 2.5 feet or 4.6 feet deep. The door rolls up and can be tied open or it zippers closed so you can maintain your desired atmosphere.
What you should consider: A few consumers found the tie-down pegs to be too thin and flimsy, choosing to replace them with thicker stakes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Gardman USA Mini Four-Tier Greenhouse
What you need to know: This shelving-only greenhouse is the right choice for those with little space to spare.
What you’ll love: It’s 2.25 feet by 1.5 feet by 5.25 feet with a metal frame and four metal shelves. The door rolls up and can be secured with ties or zippered closed. Metal stakes and guide ropes keep it standing even in fierce winds.
What you should consider: A few customers had issues with the zippers breaking. The covering is clear, not green as it’s displayed in the listing.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
What you need to know: This greenhouse is perfect for enthusiasts with extra yard space.
What you’ll love: It has roll-up side panels and half-moon screens so you can precisely control your ventilation. A heavy-duty steel frame and guide wire anchors keep it standing no matter the weather. The cover is waterproof, ultraviolet-treated and powder-coated for maximum longevity.
What you should consider: It’s large enough that you may run into legal or homeowner restrictions. It takes time, tools and an extra set of hands to set up.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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