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- Naomi Stephens | Permaculture Designer
Greenhouses for Small Spaces: How to Maximize Your Growing Potential
If you're looking to maximize your growth potential in a small space, a greenhouse is the way to go. Even if you don't have a lot of space, there are options available that will fit your needs.
In this blog post, I will discuss the different types of small and mini-greenhouses available and how to choose the one that is right for you. We'll also talk about some of the benefits of owning a small greenhouse and provide tips on how to get started!
Benefits of Owning a Small Space Greenhouse
A small space greenhouse is a great way to enjoy year-round gardening, even in the colder months. By providing a controlled environment, greenhouses allow you to grow plants that would otherwise not be possible. In addition, greenhouses can help to extend the growing season by protecting plants from frost and other extreme weather conditions. Perhaps best of all, owning a greenhouse gives you the opportunity to grow your own fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs all year long. With a little bit of planning and effort, a small space greenhouse can provide you with an abundance of fresh produce, even in the midst of winter.
Greenhouse Staging
One of the benefits of owning a small greenhouse is that it can be used for staging. Greenhouse staging is a process of using the mini greenhouse to grow plants that will later be transplanted into the garden. This is a great way to get a head start on the growing season, as well as to protect tender plants from frost or pests. In order to stage a plant, you will need to pot it up in a larger container and then place it in the greenhouse. The warmth and humidity of the small greenhouse will encourage root growth, and the plants will be ready to transplant when the weather warms up outside.
Having a small greenhouse can provide the perfect climate for germinating seedlings for an indoor garden too. By starting the seeds in the greenhouse, you can provide them with the ideal conditions for germination and then transplant them into your home once they have sprouted. This is a great way to have fresh herbs or vegetables year-round.
How to Choose the Right Small Space Mini Greenhouse
Not all small greenhouses are created equal, and choosing the right one for your needs can be a challenge. If you're tight on space, a greenhouse for small spaces is the way to go. These greenhouses are designed to fit in smaller yards or on patios and balconies.
When choosing a small greenhouse, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider what type of plants you want to grow. If you're only interested in starting seedlings or growing herbs, a smaller model will suffice.
But if you want to grow vegetables or flowers, you'll need a larger greenhouse with more ventilation and light. Other features to look for include shelves and racks for organizing pots and tools, and automatic ventilation systems that help regulate temperature and humidity levels. With so many options on the market, it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Thankfully I've done the leg work for you, see below for the best small greenhouses depending on the type you're looking for.
Types of Small Greenhouses
Small greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes, from small backyard structures to having a small greenhouse kit for a tabletop version. There are also a variety of small greenhouse designs that can be tailored to fit the space and needs of any gardener. If you're limited on space, here are a few types of greenhouses that might be right for you.
1. Lean-to Greenhouse
One option is the lean-to greenhouse, which can be attached to an existing building (such as a shed or garage) and doesn't require a lot of extra space. These greenhouses are typically shallower than other designs, which makes them ideal for growing plants that don't need a lot of root room (such as herbs and salad greens).
ABC Canopy Lean to Greenhouse
This greenhouse has great features for a portable mini greenhouse that is perfect for a small space.
It's one of the best on the market because it ticks all the boxes for everything you'd need in a lean-to greenhouse. It's highly recommended for growing indoors and outdoors. It has pest protection, and windows for air circulation. It's also a decent size for walking around in.
All Features:
Measures 80”(L) x 40”(W) x 85”(H). The 4 sturdy shelves provide plenty of room for trays, pots, or planters of anything you want to grow.
Zippered roll-up door for easy access and allows you to walk in.
Two roll-up windows for air circulation and convection.
Netting on the windows will protect your plants from pests.
8 Stakes are included for stability.
No tools required.
All parts are detachable, so you can move the greenhouse as the seasons change.
The green cover is water resistant, UV protected thick polyethylene (PE) which is non toxic and odorless, designed to trap in heat with maximum solar performance to keep the inside of the greenhouse warm to extend plant growing seasons.
The versatile greenhouse is perfect for indoor and outdoor use to extend your growing season. It is great for plants, seeds, herbs, vegetables, or flowers.
At the time of writing this lean to greenhouse costs $99.95
2. Window Greenhouse
Another option is the window greenhouse, which is essentially a box that fits over a window and is perfect for starting seedlings or growing small plants. Window green houses can be a good option for controlling the climate of your plants indoors. It can help plants that need humidity, or a warmer environment. Its also great for keeping pets off your plants!
Ikea Windobox Greenhouse
This stylish window box is certified refurbished and tested which means we'd be reducing waste instead of buying a brand new one. Its also an Amazon best seller with a ton of positive reviews mainly for its easy assembly and ability to hold humidity.
At the time of writing this lean to greenhouse costs $45.95
3. Pop up greenhouse
A pop up greenhouse is a small, portable greenhouse that can be set up in a matter of minutes. These greenhouses are ideal for small spaces, such as balconies or patios. Pop-up greenhouses typically have clear PVC walls and a sturdy steel frame. They also feature ventilation panels to ensure that plants receive adequate airflow.
One of the biggest benefits of a pop up greenhouse is that it can extend the growing season and protect plants from extreme weather conditions. This means that you can enjoy fresh produce even during the winter months. If you are tight on space, a pop up greenhouse is an excellent way to get started with gardening.
Home Complete Pop up Greenhouse
The number 1 product for pop up greenhouses is by Home-Complete. It has everything you would need in a greenhouse notably:
Comes on wheels making it easily portable and accessible,
Great storage space
No fuss easy build
Most customers have had this set up for years as it is built sturdy and is reliable under all weather conditions.
At the time of writing this lean to greenhouse costs $54.87
4. Mini walk-in greenhouse
The mini walk-in greenhouse is a great addition to any garden. It's perfect for starting seeds, protecting young plants, and extending the growing season. The mini walk-in greenhouse is made of a sturdy, UV-resistant polycarbonate material that is easy to clean and maintain.
It has a large door for easy access and ventilated windows to help regulate temperature and humidity. The mini walk-in greenhouse is perfect for small gardens or a small versions can fit easily on balconies and can be easily assembled in just minutes. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, the mini walk-in greenhouse is a great way to get the most out of your garden.
SV Scool Value Mini Walk in Greenhouse
The below is the best seller mini walk in greenhouse from SV Scool Value. It uses a PE cover instead of PVC which prevents it from corroding as fast as a PVC plastic would. PE cover is odorless, non-toxic, low-temperature resistance, acid, and alkali corrosion resistance.
It's got enough space for all your growing needs and it is rust resistant and durable.
Whilst this product has many positive reviews it is notably lightweight and should be staked in the ground for extra protection.
At the time of writing this lean to greenhouse costs $89.99
5. Table Top Greenhouse
A tabletop greenhouse is a small, enclosed space that is used for growing plants. These greenhouses are typically made out of plastic or glass, and they have a ventilation system to ensure that the plants inside receive the proper amount of air circulation.
Tabletop greenhouses are a great way to start plants from seed or to grow herbs and other small plants indoors. They can also be used to extend the growing season for delicate plants that cannot tolerate being outside in cold weather.
In addition, tabletop greenhouses can provide a dreary room with a much-needed pop of color and life.
NCYP Store Table Top Greenhouse
The below glass tabletop greenhouse is from NCYP Store and it's a cute little greenhouse perfect for indoor arrangements. It doesn't leak and the top opens can closes to keep moisture in. It can be used succulent, moss, fern, cacti, small tropical plants, miniature, fairy garden.
At the time of writing this lean to greenhouse costs $36.97
Now that you have an overview of the differences between greenhouses, you can choose the best one for you. Subscribe for more content, tips and tricks for small gardens, permaculture and sustainability.
