Starter greenhouses represent a significant leap forward from their smaller cold frame counterparts. They cater to individuals eager to embrace the world of full-sized greenhouses but face constraints in terms of available space. These versatile structures often feature built-in shelves, offering a convenient platform for nurturing hundreds, or even thousands, of delicate seedlings. However, the world of starter greenhouses is diverse, with a wide array of materials used in their construction.
From polycarbonate to polyethylene, fiberglass to acrylic, vinyl to glass, the options for greenhouse coverings are abundant. Each material boasts its own unique advantages and drawbacks. Greenhouses crafted from more flexible paneling materials like polyethylene offer the convenience of mobility, allowing gardeners to dismantle or relocate their greenhouses as needed. However, these structures tend to have a relatively short lifespan, lasting only a few seasons at most. In contrast, greenhouses constructed from polycarbonate are heavier and less portable once set up, yet they can endure for decades or more. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that the quality of the greenhouse covering can vary significantly within each material category, necessitating careful consideration of the manufacturer’s reputation.
The spatial requirements for starter greenhouses also span a wide spectrum, with many excellent models available as kits complete with comprehensive instructions. These user-friendly kits empower enthusiasts to have their greenhouse operational within a day or less, enabling them to start cultivating flowers and vegetables promptly. However, the selection process involves more than just evaluating your space constraints and gardening aspirations—it also demands attention to your budget. Starter greenhouses are available at price points ranging from a hundred dollars to several thousand.
Recognizing the prominence of two primary material types for starter greenhouse panels, our team has divided the best options into two distinct categories: the best starter greenhouses with flexible paneling and the best starter greenhouses with polycarbonate paneling.
Without further delay, we proudly present the cream of the crop among starter greenhouses.
Best Starter Greenhouses Made with Polycarbonate Paneling
Palram Nature Series Harmony Hobby Greenhouse – 6 x 4 x 7 Forest Green
When it comes to selecting the ideal starting point for your gardening journey with a greenhouse crafted from top-notch polycarbonate paneling, the Palram Nature Series Harmony Hobby Greenhouse – 6′ x 4′ x 7′ stands out as an absolute gem. Palram, a renowned name in the industry, consistently delivers exceptional quality, and this greenhouse is certainly no exception.
What sets this greenhouse apart is its remarkable durability. With polycarbonate paneling that can withstand the harshest of weather conditions, you can rest easy knowing that snow, sleet, or hail won’t mar its pristine appearance. Furthermore, the inclusion of vents allows you to finely control the airflow and temperature within, ensuring the perfect environment for your beloved plants.
One of the standout features of this greenhouse is its exceptional light transmission, providing your plants with over 90% of the sunlight they need to thrive and flourish. Additionally, the lockable door adds an extra layer of security, and the ample 25 feet of growing space provides you with a verdant canvas for your gardening aspirations. To top it all off, a generous 5-year warranty accompanies this greenhouse, although its robust construction ensures it will serve you for many more years to come.
The Palram Nature Series Harmony Hobby Greenhouse is available in both silver and green variants, priced at around $500 at the time of writing. If you find yourself in need of more space, consider the larger version – the Palram Nature Series Harmony Hobby Greenhouse – 6 X 8 X 7 in a charming forest green hue.
In summary, when it comes to selecting the perfect starting point for your gardening adventure, the Palram Nature Series Harmony Hobby Greenhouse shines as an exquisite choice. Its rugged durability, exceptional light transmission, and thoughtful features make it a standout option for nurturing your green thumb. With Palram’s reputation for excellence, this greenhouse is a true masterpiece that promises to enrich your gardening experience for years to come.
Palram Four Season Chalet Hobby Greenhouse – 12 x 8 x 9 Charcoal Gray
The Palram Four Season Chalet Hobby Greenhouse earns our runner-up spot, and it’s easy to see why, despite its price tag of $2,199.00. This greenhouse boasts a generous growing space, offering 95 square feet of gardening area, surpassing even our top pick. What truly captured our team’s admiration is its remarkable versatility.
With its aesthetically pleasing design and spacious interior, the Four Season Chalet effortlessly transitions from a functional greenhouse to a charming sunroom. Much like the Nature Series Hobby Greenhouse, it features panels constructed from a high-quality, 99.9% UV-blocking polycarbonate material that allows for exceptional light transmission, exceeding 90%.
The reinforced double-walled construction of this chalet ensures superb insulation, making it an excellent choice for year-round gardening, particularly during the winter months. Additionally, like our winner, it comes equipped with lockable doors and a rust-proof galvanized steel frame, and the manufacturer backs it with a reassuring 5-year warranty.
If you’re planning to invest in a greenhouse that will stand the test of time and have the financial means to do so, we highly recommend considering the Palram Four Season Chalet Hobby Greenhouse. It’s a true gem for serious gardeners looking to nurture their greenery for years to come.
Best Starter Greenhouses Made with Flexible Coverings/Paneling
Spring Gardener Gable Greenhouse
Our top choice for a beginner’s greenhouse with a flexible covering is the Spring Gardener Gable Greenhouse. Available in three different sizes ranging from 6′ x 8′ x 7′ to 10′ x 20′ x 9′, this greenhouse offers versatility to suit various gardening needs.
As of the time of this review, the prices for the Spring Gardener Gable Greenhouse range from $199 to $629.99, making it an affordable option for aspiring gardeners. What sets this greenhouse apart are its practical features, including roll-up windows, a user-friendly wing nut assembly system that requires no tools, a rust-resistant frame for durability, and UV-protected translucent fabric to optimize light conditions for your plants. Additionally, it includes insect netting to help you manage unwanted pests.
While it’s worth noting that this starter greenhouse doesn’t come with shelving, we believe this is a minor drawback given its overall value. The fabric covering does have a limited lifespan, typically lasting a season or two, but its outstanding performance more than compensates for this. Customer feedback attests to its quality, with a remarkable average rating of 4.7/5 stars. In summary, the Spring Gardener Gable Greenhouse is a highly recommended choice that offers both affordability and functionality for gardeners of all levels.
OGrow Deluxe Walk-In 3 Tier 6 Shelf Portable Greenhouse
The OGrow Deluxe Walk-in 3 Tier 6 Shelf Portable Greenhouse emerges as a compelling contender, closely trailing the Spring Gardener Gable Greenhouse in the race for your gardening needs. At a mere cost of $62.70, as reflected in the current market, this introductory greenhouse offers exceptional value that’s hard to ignore.
Measuring approximately 6.4 feet in length, 4.67 feet in width, and 2.4 feet in height, this greenhouse comes equipped with six sturdy shelves and a convenient roll-up door. If you find these dimensions a tad small for your ambitions, fear not, as there is an alternative version available, measuring 4.67 feet in both width and depth, and towering at 6.4 feet in height: the Ogrow Deluxe Walk-In 2 Tier 8 Shelf Portable Greenhouse.
The abundance of shelving within this greenhouse provides ample space for nurturing a multitude of seedlings, facilitating a head start to your growing season. It’s worth noting, however, that the shelving in portable greenhouses of this kind is typically designed to support seedlings and lightweight plants, rather than heavier vegetation.
One drawback to consider is the limited ventilation options, apart from the primary door. This deficiency in airflow can pose challenges in regulating the internal climate, especially during hot and humid periods. Furthermore, in terms of durability, it’s important to set realistic expectations; this starter greenhouse is built to last for a few seasons at most.
In conclusion, the OGrow Deluxe Walk-in 3 Tier 6 Shelf Portable Greenhouse stands as an attractive choice, offering affordability and versatility for your gardening endeavors, while also bearing in mind its limitations in terms of ventilation and longevity.
