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With a portable greenhouse, you can grow anything, from flower beds to larger crops, in a safe, controlled environment.

by: Angela Watson, BestReviews Staff

With a portable greenhouse, you can grow anything, from flower beds to larger crops, in a safe, controlled environment.

by: Angela Watson, BestReviews Staff

If you don’t have a lot of yard space or want a smaller version of a traditional greenhouse, portable greenhouses are the perfect solution. Also called miniature greenhouses, they’re perfect for gardeners who want to grow plants in a safe, controlled environment.

There are several types of portable greenhouses, ranging in sizes, materials and shelving options available. You can narrow down your choices based on the plants you want to grow and how much room you have.

Portable greenhouses have the following benefits:

Portable greenhouses are usually more lightweight and portable than traditional models. This means you can easily move them around on your property if needed. If you have a small enough one, you can also take it with you if you relocate.

Where you install the portable greenhouse depends on its size, shape and how much sun your plants may need. Common areas include a balcony, patio, yard or garden.

There are several types of portable greenhouses.

Most greenhouses have metal frames, such as aluminum or steel. Some use wood, but this is less common. Greenhouses have covers to protect plants, which are usually made out of polyvinyl chloride, plastic, polycarbonate or glass.

Most covers, such as polycarbonate ones, provide extra ultraviolet protection to plants. They also provide optimal protection for plants and make it easier to grow them.

Most greenhouses are square or rectangular. Some have a base, while others go directly onto a concrete, wood or dirt surface.

Many vertical greenhouses have multiple shelves, some of which you can adjust and remove as needed. This feature makes it easy to grow different types and sizes of plants at once.

Another common design feature is doors. Some open from the top, while others open from the side. A few use a zipper and a flap instead of a solid door.

Portable greenhouses are usually under 6 feet tall. Many are even smaller and more compact. Generally, vertical models are taller and narrower, while horizontal ones are the opposite. Depending on the size and construction material, most weigh between 10 to 80 pounds.

If you’re new to gardening or want to grow a few plants, start with a smaller greenhouse. But if you’re an avid gardener or are interested in growing a lot of produce, choose a larger one.

Gardman R687 Four-Tier Mini Greenhouse

This small alloy steel-framed miniature greenhouse is ideal for those who want to grow taller plants. It’s 63 inches tall and has four shelves. It also comes with a clear polyethylene cover and zippered doors. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

This larger model is relatively lightweight and has a sturdy steel frame. The cover blocks out ultraviolet light and keeps humidity levels consistent, providing a controlled growing environment that’s great for sensitive plants. It’s an exact square of 7 feet tall by 7 feet wide and has a zippered door. Sold by Home Depot and Wayfair

Convenient for growing a couple of smaller plants, this pop-up greenhouse works well inside and outside. It has a durable polyvinyl chloride cover that helps block out the sun and controls the humidity inside. It also has an open bottom, making it great for covering small garden beds or seedlings. Sold by Amazon

This walk-in greenhouse comes in two sizes and is perfect for gardeners with more space to grow plants. It has four heavy-duty shelves that can hold up to 50 pounds each, a roll-up zipper door that provides excellent ventilation and an eco-friendly cover. It’s well-constructed and is resistant to strong winds and rain. Sold by Amazon

Mcombo Two-Tier Wooden Cold Frame Garden Greenhouse

This wood-framed greenhouse comes with an adjustable layer height and a slanted roof with grooves that help with water drainage. It also has double shelves for growing small plants and flowers. Plus, it has a foldable cover for when you want to expose the plants to direct sunshine. It’s available in orange and gray. Sold by Amazon

At 2 feet high and nearly 4 feet wide, this small greenhouse is easy to assemble, durable and lightweight enough to move around as needed. It’s perfect for growing seeds before transplanting them outside. Sold by Wayfair

Zenport D Cold Frame Greenhouse

With a raised metal bed and removable waterproof cover, this greenhouse provides an optimal growing environment for sensitive plants. It has two roll-up zippered panels you can use to access plants on either side. Sold by Wayfair

Giantex Garden Portable Wooden Cold Frame

Available in three sizes, this model has a solid frame consisting of heavy-duty wood and double-walled polycarbonate. It has a foldable top that’s also removable. It’s a great option for gardeners who want to grow multiple small or medium-sized plants. Sold by Amazon

This 40-inch-by-19-inch greenhouse stands 63 inches tall and has four levels. It has a zippered door and a reliable plastic cover that helps with humidity and temperature control. It’s large enough to hold several plants. Sold by Home Depot

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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.  

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