Best Lean-to Greenhouses: Keep Your Plants Safe and Unharmed

Here, we will discuss the best lean-to greenhouses available and help you make the best decision on which to buy.
By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 30, 2023
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A lean-to greenhouse is a greenhouse that is constructed against the side of another structure. This means it shares one wall with another building and has a sloping roof. These structures are ideal for those interested in having a greenhouse of their own but do not want to commit to the time or do not have the budget available to build a complete greenhouse.

In this guide, we will discuss the best lean-to greenhouses currently available for you to choose from. This will help you get a head start on your backyard renovations and allow you to start your gardening projects instantly. The greenhouses we included in this list are some of the most affordable kits available as well as some of the easiest to set up. Lean-to greenhouse kits make it simple and easy to enjoy a fully functional greenhouse in less time.

Quick Summary

Top 6 Lean-to Greenhouses Reviews 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6108 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 56 x 16.85 x 4.25 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 20 lbs.

Other features: UV-ray protection, cold protection, breathable window

The VivoSun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse features a polyethylene cover and a shelf to make compact gardening easier. This greenhouse is made from durable material, including green reinforcing fibers throughout the PE cover that prevents harm from the outdoor elements and UV rays. It includes a shelf unit that is strong enough to hold all your starter seedlings. It is easy to assemble, and lightweight making is repositing it a simple task.

We decided to rank this lean-to greenhouse as our Editor’s Choice because it includes a multitude of exceptional features, all at a great price. It has received several positive reviews from current customers who appreciate features such as Cold Protection, Waterproof Cover, and a Breathable Window. This product is large enough to hold a fair number of plants with room for shelving and plenty of room for you to move around. It is reusable, tough, and the ideal solution if you want to grow plants on a property with limited space.

    Why are we impressed?
  • There are several things that we liked about the VivoSun lean-to greenhouse. Assembly is easy, and there are no tools needed to construct this simple structure. This lean-to makes it possible to make good use out of your available space. It is the ideal solution for any gardener with a small growing space who wants to extend the season and enjoy the beautiful view of their garden. The PE cover is strong and durable with reliable connectors, fixed ropes, and metal poles.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Some reviewers have complained about the cover not being a durable as they had hoped. While we did not have any issues with the PE cover ourselves, Some have mentioned this cover may actually be too lightweight, while other users have said that it providers just the right amount of coverage. You should consider the type of plants you plan to grow when purchasing a greenhouse. Doing so will help ensure that you get a cover that will provide you with the adequate amount of protection needed.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9187 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
2
Premium Pick

MCombo Greenhouse

Features
  • Item Dimensions: 29.9 x 18.2 x 43.3 inch
  • Cover Material: wood
  • Item Weight: 22 lbs.

Other features: adjustable shelf, openable roof, 1-year warranty

The MCombo Greenhouse Wooden frame portable mini greenhouse is the ideal solution for anyone who wants a small garden with limited space. We chose this compact indoor and outdoor greenhouse as our Premium Pick because it offers efficient protection for your plants, and it can be used anywhere.

This MCombo mini greenhouse is a great choice for gardeners who live in apartments, condominiums, or any location where they have limited space for a garden. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and it is size makes it simple and easy to move and relocate anytime you want. This green includes an adjustable shelf that will fit various types of plants to meet your needs. It ensures maximum light transmission function while retaining heat to ensure early seed sprouting.

    What do we love it for?
  • There are several things that we liked about the MCombo mini greenhouse. It is just the right size to fit inside or outside your home, in the garden, on the patio, or on your back porch. We like how easy it is to assemble and all the exclusive features included with it. This greenhouse features an openable roof and side vents that can be controlled by placing the screws in different rods.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Overall this mini greenhouse has received many great reviews from users. There are a few that mention how the greenhouse looks very nice, but it is not as durable as they had hoped due to the softwood construction. Others have mentioned that the setup was difficult because some of the predrilled holes were placed in the wrong location. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence with these units, and most users have very few complaints about it.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4230 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
3
Best All-Season Greenhouse

ABCCANOPY Lean-to Walk-in Greenhouse

Features
  • Item Dimensions: 80 x 40 x 85 inch
  • Cover Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
  • Item Weight: 21.5 lbs.

Other features: zippered roll-up door  and two windows, window netting, 8 stakes for stability

The ABCCANOPY Lean-to Walk-in Greenhouse is one of the most versatile greenhouses in the market. You can use it indoors or outdoors to extend your growing season. Its large capacity walk-in design offers ample space to grow as many plants as possible and still allow you to move around and work. The greenhouse offers solid durability with its UV protected thick PVS material. The PVC is odorless and non-toxic, and it creates a conducive environment for different plants including; vegetables, flowers, and herbs by trapping heat with maximum solar performance. It is also strong enough to protect the plants from pests.

Assembling the ABCCANOPY Lean-to Walk-in Greenhouse is completely hassle-free. You don’t need any tools and the assembly instructions are very straightforward. All its parts are detachable, so you can always take it down when you need to move it or store it when seasons change. Working in the greenhouse will be quite the joy for you as it has a zippered roll-up door for easy access and two windows for maximum ventilation. Further, the windows feature a mesh netting to keep curious pests out. Inside the roomy greenhouse, are four sturdy shelves on which you can place pots, planters, or trays of anything you intend to grow. The shelves are a bonus because they double the growing space so you can have a high plant count.

    What makes it special?
  • We loved the greenhouse’s stability and weatherproof build. We also found its easy assembly pretty impressive as you can easily take it down for storage to lengthen its lifespan.
    What cons did we find?
  • The greenhouse’s stitching is subpar and can easily rip if not well-maintained.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6267 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.5
4
Best Pop-Up Lean-to Greenhouse

Eagle Peak Portable Lean to Walk-in Greenhouse

Features
  • Item Dimensions: 108 x 48 x 98 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 28 lbs.

Other features: 2-zippered walls, 1-year limited after-sale protection

The Eagle Peak Portable Lean-to Walk-in greenhouse is a portable, walk-in greenhouse with an open canopy frame. It also includes an adjustable height feature that ranges between 7.54′ up to 8.2.’ this product is our choice for the best pop-up tent because of its super-fast setup and several other quality features.

This lean-to greenhouse is the best option for anyone who is interested in this type of gardening setup but does not want to spend a lot of time setting it up. It features mesh-reinforced material that is both strong and environmentally friendly for those who want to add more green products to their gardening efforts.

    What do we love it for?
  • There are several things we liked about the Eagle Peak Portable Lean-to Walk-in greenhouse. Along with being easy to move around and fast to setup, the Eagle Peak greenhouse provides a suitable environment where your plants can grow and flourish. It features two doors making it easy to access everything you have stored inside. We also like the fact that it is weather-resistant, allowing you to leave it outdoors in the elements all year round.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The main downside of this lean-to greenhouse would have to be the two open doors. While they are convenient when you need to get inside, the fact that the doors stay open means it does not allow the heat to remain inside. Aside from that, there are very few complaints about this product. We feel that this would be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add a small greenhouse to their backyard or patio.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5346 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
8.8
5
Best Large Lean-to Greenhouse

BenefitUSA New Large Walk-in Wall Greenhouse

Features
  • Item Dimensions: 120 x 60 x 84 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 33 lbs.

Other features: high humidity level

The BenefitUSA New Large Walk-in Wall Greenhouse is our choice for the best large lean-to greenhouse. This roomy portable greenhouse features six shelves that can hold all types of gardening projects. It features a full closed cover that maintains high humidity levels for all types of growing plants. This product is easy to assemble with no tools required.

This is an excellent product for beginner and expert gardeners alike. It is a large greenhouse with plenty of space inside for growing a variety of plants. This large greenhouse measures 10’X5’X7’H and is ideal for a small to medium-sized yard or patio to place it in.

    Why is it special?
  • There are several things we liked about the BenefitUSA New Large Walk-in Wall greenhouse. The main thing we liked about it was how much room it had inside. You could easily walk in, turn around, and take care of all your plants without restrictions. This lean-to greenhouse is also one of the most durable we have on our list, along with all the extra space. That is thanks to the steel frame that is durable yet easy to assemble.
    What are the flaws?
  • The air circulation for this greenhouse could be better. The only circulation that you can get is whenever the door flap is open. Some users have mentioned they have cut open a window flap on the opposing end and then added some Velcro strap closures to help better control the flow of air inside. Aside from that, we did not find many issues with this greenhouse and think it would be an excellent choice.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2157 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 78 x 39 x 85 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 18 lbs.

Other features: complimentary wired shelves

The CO-Z Lean-to Greenhouse is a convenient, portable, walk-in greenhouse featuring a waterproof UV-protected cover. We chose this greenhouse as the Best Value out of the five on our list because it is an affordable option retailing at just $89.79. And it is a great value because it is very roomy inside, offering plenty of space for multiple plants to grow freely.

This lean-to greenhouse offers plenty of space for plant storage and allows for healthy breathing. The user-friendly design includes a zippered, roll-up entrance and rust-resistant tubes to ensure durability. There are four ropes and stakes that secure the greenhouse and stop it from being destroyed by heavy winds.

    What makes it special?
  • There are several things we liked about the CO-Z lean-to greenhouse. We especially liked the affordable price of this product because you get a lot of benefits from this product at a great value. The user-friendly design ensures you have ample space inside to tend to all your plants, and the durable wired shelves are conveniently included. We also find it very convenient that the lean-to can be placed anywhere you have the extra space next to the doorway of your barn, garage, or home.
    What cons did we find?
  • There are some users who have mentioned that they had to make some minor modifications to the greenhouse in order for it to work properly. Others have said that the instructions are not very clear and there are only drawings or photos in the manual. Aside from that, there is not much we would change about this affordable and very useful lean-to greenhouse. We would be happy to recommend this product to others.

Things to Consider

In this guide, we will help you learn more about the basics of lean-to greenhouses, what to look for in a lean-to greenhouse kit, and other important factors you should consider when buying one of these products. We hope that you find this guide useful and it helps you choose the best greenhouse for all your gardening needs.

What Are Lean-to Greenhouses

Best Lean-to Greenhouses: Keep Your Plants Safe and Unharmed
A lean to greenhouse is a greenhouse that you build against a wall or the side of another structure.

Lean-to greenhouses are a special type of greenhouse Trusted Source Greenhouses & Experimental Garden | Harvard Forest The Harvard Forest has greenhouses, shade houses, and a common garden available for research projects that require more controlled conditions than those provided by the surrounding forests and fields. harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu that requires support from another stable structure to stand up. They have a frame that features three sides and requires back support from another structure’s wall. Because of this unique setup, you will need to do some research before purchasing a lean-to greenhouse. This is to ensure that you have a proper place either indoors or outdoors to assemble and set up your greenhouse for use.

There are several advantages associated with owning a lean-to greenhouse, including,

  • They cost less than a traditional four-walled greenhouse.
  • The weatherproof covers help protect plants from becoming exposed to harsh elements and UV rays.
  • They can provide better heat retention.
  • They are a good option for urban gardening and ideal for anyone who wants to grow seasonal vegetables all throughout the year.
  • There are excellent portable options available, like those mentioned in our reviews, that allow for easy relocation.
  • They can easily fit into small spaces.

Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to lean-to greenhouses that you should be aware of before you buy.

  • You will need a structure or a free and stable wall enough for your greenhouse to lean-to.
  • You could face some issues with building code restrictions if you do not ask for permission in advance.
  • The space is very limited in many of these greenhouses.
  • The greenhouse will require you to have a frost-free footer.

How to Choose the Best Lean-to Greenhouse

There are some key features that will help you tell the difference between a high-quality lean-to greenhouse and one that would be a waste of time and money. Here are some more details about the features you should be the most concerned about when buying a lean-to greenhouse.

Cover Material

The cover material for your lean-to greenhouse Trusted Source The autumn allure of the greenhouse - The Washington Post Mark Schroeter is that way. His garden is full of tropical fare slotted amid the more common hardy stuff, proving that you can fill nooks and receding corners with far more exotica than you can imagine and proving, too, that this can be done without making the landscape seem out of place or weird. www.washingtonpost.com will ensure that your plants are protected from the elements and that they will get the right amount of heat and humidity so they can thrive. The three main materials used for these greenhouses include polycarbonate, plastic, and glass.

Polycarbonate

Best Lean-to Greenhouses: Keep Your Plants Safe and Unharmed
A polycarbonate greenhouse will provide you with better insulation than a classic greenhouse.

Polycarbonate material can be shatter-resistant, which makes it a great option if you are concerned about durability. It can effectively filter out harmful ultraviolet rays, but they are unfortunately opaque, which means you cannot see through them and enjoy the view of your plants from afar.

Plastic

Best Lean-to Greenhouses: Keep Your Plants Safe and Unharmed
Plastic lets out less heat compared to glass, as it has better heat retention properties.

Plastic film can retain plenty of heat for a greenhouse, but it may not be as durable as polycarbonate. Plastic covers tend to wear down easily, especially when they are exposed to harsh weather conditions or the sun. It may not be the most durable option, but it is often the most affordable.

Glass

Best Lean-to Greenhouses: Keep Your Plants Safe and Unharmed
Glass will, therefore, transmit the same amount of light throughout its life.

While glass may not be a material used for a greenhouse cover, there are some lean-to greenhouses that feature glass in their construction. Glass has a much better ability to retain heat, But it is also very likely to crack or break. The best thing about glass greenhouses like the MCombo Greenhouse is that it allows you to see inside clearly.

Item Dimensions and Weight

You can find lean-to greenhouses in every size imaginable. There are small greenhouses like the MCombo Greenhouse that you can carry around and place wherever you want, inside or outside your home. And there are larger lean-to greenhouses Trusted Source Designs unveiled for the world's largest single-domed greenhouse French architecture firm Coldefy has revealed its latest ambitious project: the largest single-domed greenhouse in the entire world. www.cnn.com that you can walk around in, such as the BenefitUSA Large Walk-in Wall Greenhouse.

Weather Resistance

You will need to think about the seasonal weather conditions in your area when it comes to choosing a lean-to greenhouse based on its weather resistance. If you have heavy snow in your area or a lot of rain, you will want to consider buying a very durable greenhouse and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. One that we highly recommend is the VivoSun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse. It features strong metal poles and a durable PE weather-resistant cover.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is one of the most important features to consider when purchasing a portable greenhouse. You want to be able to grow specific plants that rely on certain temperatures. Being able to maintain a certain temperature all throughout the year will help to ensure your plants grow properly. If there is too much humidity inside your greenhouse, you may end up killing your plants. And if you have the temperature too, they will freeze.

Ventilation

The right amount of ventilation is necessary to achieve temperature control inside your lean-to greenhouse. You do not want your plants to get too hot during the warm summer months, so finding a greenhouse with a cover that has plenty of ventilation will help to ensure your plants get the right amount of air and humidity.

Price Tag

The lean-to greenhouses included in our review range in price from as low as $86 up to around $136 or more. In our review, we chose the CO-Z greenhouse as the most affordable option because it retails for around $86 and because it has many of the same features that you would find on other lean-to greenhouses that cost much more. Overall, these products are a good investment for anyone who loves the idea of having a greenhouse but cannot afford to purchase a traditional one.

 

FAQ

What Material is Best for a Lean-to Greenhouse?

When buying a lean-to greenhouse, the material to look for includes polyethylene or PE plastics and polycarbonate plastics. You want to purchase a greenhouse with a cover made from these materials. This will help ensure that your plants will be protected from the outdoor elements and help retain heat. The greenhouse frame may be made from aluminum alloy or stainless steel. These are both good, durable options that can withstand heavy wind and rain.

Where Should I Place My Lean-to Greenhouse?

Your lean-to greenhouse can go anywhere as long as it is supported by a strong and durable wall of another stable structure. You can place it next to your house, garage, shed, barn, or any other structure that is on your property. If you are renting, be sure to ask for permission before you place a lean-to greenhouse against any structure.

What Side of the House Is the Best for My Lean-to Greenhouse?

Typically, the best location for a lean-to greenhouse is on the south or southeastern side of the house in a sunny area that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the fall and winter months. If this is not possible, the next best place would be the east side of the house.

What Are Lean-to Greenhouses Good for?

You can grow anything you want inside a lean-to greenhouse. There is really a limit to what vegetation or flowers you can produce. You can also grow fruits and herbs if you want. The materials the greenhouse is made from can help your plants thrive even during cold weather, which is because the warm temperature stays inside and helps to extend your harvesting time to late fall.

Are Lean-to Greenhouses a Good Option?

While they may have their advantages and disadvantages, lean-to greenhouses are excellent products and great for anyone who wants to grow a garden but is limited on space. They are also ideal for those who would like to own a traditional greenhouse but do not have the time, space, or money needed to fulfill that dream. These greenhouses are convenient, portable, and can be used without many of the limitations you may run into with a traditional greenhouse.

Our verdict

The ABCCANOPY Lean-to Walk-in Greenhouse offers an exceptional build quality and stability. You can use it in all the four seasons to plant different plants. The greenhouse is easily portable and assembles quickly. The PVC material used to make it can hold up well to all the environmental elements. This is also a quite affordable option when you consider all the benefits you receive from it.

We hope that you were able to learn more about lean-to greenhouses with this review and buyer’s guide. We enjoyed comparing the features of what we feel are the best lean-to greenhouses currently on the market and hope you will enjoy using these products as you grow and tend to beautiful flowers and a bountiful harvest throughout the year.

References

1.
Greenhouses & Experimental Garden | Harvard Forest
The Harvard Forest has greenhouses, shade houses, and a common garden available for research projects that require more controlled conditions than those provided by the surrounding forests and fields.
2.
The autumn allure of the greenhouse - The Washington Post
Mark Schroeter is that way. His garden is full of tropical fare slotted amid the more common hardy stuff, proving that you can fill nooks and receding corners with far more exotica than you can imagine and proving, too, that this can be done without making the landscape seem out of place or weird.
3.
Designs unveiled for the world
French architecture firm Coldefy has revealed its latest ambitious project: the largest single-domed greenhouse in the entire world.
9,8
Total Score
VivoSun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse - Editor's Choice
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