6 Best Portable Greenhouses: Minimal Assembly and Sturdy Design!

We have reviewed the six best greenhouses on the market and ranked each with a specific nomination as to why they have made our list.
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 10, 2023
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If you are serious about gardening or looking to start gardening as a hobby, there are several different benefits as to why you should install a greenhouse in your home or yard.

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a greenhouse. For example, what is the purpose of your purchase? Have you ever lost your started seeds before? Do you know that frost and UV rays can damage and even kill your plants? Are you looking for the best portable greenhouse for your home?

The best portable greenhouse kits will help you keep your plants from dying in the harsh weather-related elements. If you need a portable greenhouse for winter, you should consider the quality of the greenhouse’s material to protect the plants best inside from the cold.

Whether you are looking for the best walk-in portable greenhouse or the best small portable greenhouse that can easily fit on your apartment’s patio, we have compiled a list of the top six portable greenhouses that will fit every one of your needs.

It is important to review each greenhouse in relation to your situation. For example, we may love the indoor/outdoor portable greenhouse that has shelves for storage, but you may not need this extra commodity. In that case, you may want to purchase the best pop-up greenhouse, which we also have reviewed not to have any shelves.

We have compiled a list of our top six favorite portable greenhouses based on style, size, ease of use, and durability.

Quick Summary

  • "This model is the easiest portable greenhouse to set up. It has a large area for such a lightweight product with six by eight feet of storage space, making it the Editor’s Choice."
  • Premium Pick: Quictent Upgraded
    "This model is our premium pick because it is easy to set up, spacious, and has a thick double-layered cover that protects your plants from harsh weather elements."
  • "This model is the perfect size for avid and beginner gardeners in a small setting. It is versatile and can be used indoors and outdoors. It is the best value for your dollar."
  • "This model is our favorite design: the steep pitch protects the cover from gathering water and being damaged by weather elements. Overall, we loved this design as it has everything you need, including shelves, to have your perfect indoor or outdoor garden."
  • Best Lean-To: BPS Lean-to Green House
    "This model will lean next to any solid surface of your home, including walls, doors, and garages. It is a perfect design for small properties and still allows a generous amount of space for plant storage."
  • "This model is an amazing deal. It is under 70 dollars, small, lightweight, and designed with heavy-duty steel for stability and durability."

Top 6 Portable Greenhouse Reviews 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2324 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 94.49 x 70.87 x 91.73 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 35.05 lbs

Other features: 1-year limited after-sale protection, steel-ceiling roof, 2-zippered walls, breathable window

The Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse is the perfect pop-up greenhouse. You can set up this greenhouse easily by just popping it out of the box. You glide it out of the box, and it will take shape. You do not need any tools and have a huge six by eight-foot floor space. The Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse is durable with its steel-framed ceiling and pre-assembled frame. The Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse also comes with a one-year warranty after the date of purchase that is subject to restrictions.

Unlike other models, the Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse is much larger and easier to set up. Other models require you to put the brackets and bars together. This model will instantly form a greenhouse indoors or outdoors when you pull it out of the box.

    What do we love it for?
  • We love that this greenhouse is a pop-up. It is so easy to get started. If you have back problems or are worried about setting up shelves, you do not have to have any anxiety with this product. The Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse instantly pops into shape. We also loved that the legs are adjustable, so it offers extra headroom.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse is basic. It will do the job but there are no extra bells and whistles. We hoped this greenhouse came with more shelving units or hanging storage options. If you want to shelve, you will need to purchase standing shelves separately. If you have large potted floor plants, however, this is an easy way to protect them. This greenhouse is also not ideal for cold temperatures. If you are looking for an easy greenhouse to set up outside to keep your plants alive during harsh winter months, we would not suggest the Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5942 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
2
Premium Pick

Quictent Upgraded

Features
  • Item Dimensions: 61.4 x 15.9 x 8.5 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 77.8 lbs

Other features: 2 doors, 10 exhaust vents, lifetime replacement warranty, heavy-duty transparent material

The Quictent Upgraded is one of our favorite greenhouses on the list. It weighs under 80lbs, making it easy for you to transport to any part of your property to set up. It has one mesh door on extremely hot days that will help ventilate your greenhouse and keep your plants alive. In total, it has two doors which present easy access. The zipper doors are simple to use from either inside or outside the portable greenhouse.

We love this product because of the quality material. The rows of crossbars are round and prevent water and snow from damaging the cover. The crossbars make this portable greenhouse extremely stable against the elements. UV rays can burn and destroy your plants. The water-resistant cover allows sunlight through but mitigates UV damage.

In comparison to the previous model, the Quictent Upgraded has two different sized mesh doors which serve a different purpose. One door allows for ventilation while the other one will keep the greenhouse warm. The upgraded version also has seven rows of reinforced steel crossbars.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Our favorite part about this product is its durability. For a portable greenhouse, it has excellent structure and support. When you think of portable, you may think of something that is flimsy or easily damaged. The Quictent Upgraded has a thick double-layered cover. This double-layered cover does not damage easily in the elements.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The Quictent Upgraded has fewer ropes and stakes than the previous model. We had hoped that it would come with the same or more secondary supports. However, because the framework is heavy, it does not appear to affect is functionality. We still suggest not having the doors face the areas where you receive most wind. This is because wind can easily come in through the door vent and wear on the material.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5486 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
3
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 27 x 19 x 63 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 10.16 lbs

Other features: heavy-duty bearing net, antifreeze, UV protection

The Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier is extremely lightweight at 10.6lbs. If you have a small balcony, deck, or patio, the Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier makes a perfect garden set-up. The unique design has an easy roll-up door. The roll-up feature means you do not have to have extra space for a door. The heavy-duty shelves are powder coated. They have a net on each layer strong enough to hold pots, seed trays, and plants. The outside cover allows for extra sunlight yet protects your plants from the weather elements. There are not many tools required for assembly.

In comparison with previous models, this model has four shelves. The four metal shelves are extremely sturdy and allow for more plants. Other models have only two or three shelves. Another huge difference is the width and height. The Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier is taller but allows for more plant space. You can easily fit it into a smaller outdoor patio. This is essential if you live in an apartment with a small patio or have limited outdoor space. It is also great if you want a lot of plant space with little maintenance.

    Why did it make our list?
  • What we loved about this product was its versatility. It can be used indoors, outdoors, and in small or large areas. This product is the perfect starter greenhouse. If you do not know whether you want to grow a large or small garden, this size is perfect for testing the waters. The size is also ideal for experienced gardeners that want to start beautiful seeds or have a small garden to tend.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • We wished the Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier had the option for a cover below the last shelf. The Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier is advertised indoors, but your floors will be messy without a protective bottom cover. This is hard to clean up if your indoor Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier is filled with plants. We hoped there would be an option for easier clean-up, but there is nothing available.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3432 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 57 x 57 x 77 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 24.7 lbs

Other features: 12 wired shelves, 1-year after-sale protection

The Eagle Peak Outdoor/Indoor Walk-in Greenhouse is flawlessly designed and constructed. We absolutely loved the door design as it comes with one screen door and one PE door. The screen door prevents small animals and insects from coming in and eating your garden, while the PE door helps to keep the greenhouse warm. The floor space is large and measures 57 by 57 by 77 inches. Each hard-wired shelf holds up to about 20lns. You do not have to worry about purchasing shelving, as it is dutifully designed with shelves in mind. If you want to store seeded trays or potted plants, The Eagle Peak Outdoor/Indoor Walk-in Greenhouse is the perfect greenhouse for you.

In comparison to similar or older models, the peak of the cover is different. It has a higher pitch which enables water to roll off easier. Greenhouses with rounder peaks, we often find they gather more water and are at more risk for tearing. We loved the high pitch on the Eagle Peak Outdoor/Indoor Walk-in Greenhouse.

    Why did it make our list?
  • After carefully reviewing hundreds of greenhouses on the market, this one was one of our favorites. This greenhouse is the perfect indoor/outdoor greenhouse. The PE door is designed to entrap heat during cooler months if you need the best portable greenhouse for winter. However, we recommend you purchase a heat source to put inside the greenhouse if you live in extremely cold conditions. But even with a heat source, there is plenty of floor space. With smaller portable greenhouses, you could not easily maneuver safely around a heat source.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • We loved that the shelves had extra reinforcement clips. However, we wish the greenhouse itself had stakes or clips to keep it better pinned to the ground to add stability. The greenhouse cover is long, and you can easily add rocks or soil to the material to provide better stability or prevent the cover from wind damage. Out of the six reviewed greenhouses in this article, and even with its lack of ground stakes, the Eagle Peak Outdoor/Indoor Walk-in Greenhouse is by far one of our favorites.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6899 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
5
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 80.4 x 39.6 x 86.4 inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 19 lbs

Other features: mesh PE cloth, 600D Oxford cloth PVC coating

The BPS Lean-to-Green House is our favorite lean-to portable greenhouse. The BPS Lean-to Green House stands at 7ft tall with a width of 6.3ft. and a length of 3.3ft. The entrance is extremely user-friendly. The door simply zippers and rolls up. It has durable, resistant tubes. The BPS Lean-to Green House comes with 4 windproof drawstrings and 4 disc ground nails to provide extra support. There is a certain defensive benefit even in strong winds. It requires minimal assembly.

This portable greenhouse will fit perfectly along the wall of your home, garage, barn, or shed. We loved the walk-in design as it still allows for ample space for plant storage. In comparison to other designs, the lean-to is much easier to set up. The ground nails make it simple. In similar models, you do not have as much plant storage space.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We chose this model as it comes with extra security measures. Many portable greenhouses do not have stakes. They require you to use rocks or soil the extra length for it to be grounded. The BPS Lean-to-Green House comes with drawstrings and ground nails.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • In comparison to similar models, this model is slightly more expensive. If you are looking for something cheaper, there are near the same models by other brands that will save you money. It also does not have a warranty listed on the website we listed. You must contact the seller and inquire about a possible warranty. We had hoped it would come with a warranty at the price listed.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6020 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.1
8.5
Features
  • Item Dimensions: 94.5 x 36 x 36 Inch
  • Cover Material: waterproof PE
  • Item Weight: 10.28 lbs

Other features: breathable window, cold protection, UV protection

The VivoSun Portable greenhouse measures 94.5 by 36 by 36 inches. It includes three large, zippered entrances that roll up for convenience. The entrances also provide excellent airflow and temperature control. The cover is polyethylene to help protect your plants from the weather elements and the UV rays. The cover also has a double-stranded edge. The frame is made from heavy-duty steel which helps stability and durability. It is a small greenhouse making it easy to transport and store.

In comparison to other similar models, they do not have the double-edged banding of the cover, and they have only one or two entrances. Other models do not allow for adequate airflow, ventilation, and temperature control. We chose this model as it is favored among consumers for its size and portability.

    Why is it special?
  • The double-stranded edge band is one of our favorite features and why the VivoSun Portable greenhouse is on the list. With smaller greenhouses, it is imperative the edges are strong. If a tear occurs, it can easily destroy your entire greenhouse cover. With larger greenhouses, there is more protection as the edges are being staked down or less used.
    What are the flaws?
  • We had hoped this portable greenhouse came with a base layer. If you are using this greenhouse indoors, it will make a mess. You will need to be prepared to clean up the soil and constantly sweep while your plants are growing.

Things to Consider

When you are considering purchasing a portable greenhouse, you should first determine how much space you have available and how much space you need. For example, if you are living in a small apartment, it would not be beneficial to purchase a large 20-foot-long outdoor portable greenhouse.
The Washington Post Trusted Source The Next Frontier: Greenhouses at Home - The Washington Post It’s about this time of year, when container plants are still lush but ever-shorter days signal that killing frosts can’t be too far off, that gardeners are apt to sigh and mutter, “I wish I had a greenhouse.” www.washingtonpost.com calls greenhouses at home the “next frontier.” They are not wrong. Portable greenhouses are growing in popularity in all areas from the city to the suburbs and out in the county. The best portable greenhouses are convenient, affordable, and create the perfect growing environment for your plants.
Once you have determined the available space, you also must consider if you would like to use all the available space. Do you only want a few plants? Are you starting a new hobby? Just because you have a large area, maybe you only want a small garden. A lean-to greenhouse is an awesome option to have a walk-in portable greenhouse without taking up a large part of your yard.

Why Use Portable Greenhouse

A portable greenhouse is a great option and provides many benefits. CNN Trusted Source Is the biggest greenhouse in the US the future of farming? - CNN In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the small town of Morehead is home to the biggest greenhouse in the US. www.cnn.com refers to the largest greenhouse as the “future of farming.” A portable greenhouse can be your future of farming.

Most importantly, a greenhouse extends your growing season. If you want to build a permanent structured greenhouse, it is extremely expensive. In 2021, inflation has caused the price of all building materials, especially wood, to greatly increase. You will also not have the ability to move the greenhouse or take it down. It will take a permanent space in your yard, patio, or home. A portable greenhouse is a cheap and readily available option to extend your growing season.

A portable greenhouse often is composed of materials that help protect your plants from harmful UV rays. UV rays will burn and destroy your plants. Greenhouses have special elements in the covers to block out the UV rays. The cover will also protect against unwanted pests and animals. The physical barrier keeps bugs like beetles from eating your hard work.

The physical barrier also protects against the harsh weather elements. Snow, rain, frost, and long heatwaves are extremely detrimental to the health of your plants. The physical barrier and quality material will create the ideal growing environment for all your plants.

How to Choose the Best Portable Greenhouse

The features are greatly similar among portable greenhouses. Typically, the materials, shapes, and sizes are similar. It is truly up to you as to which portable greenhouse is best suited for your home.

Cover Material

6 Best Portable Greenhouses: Minimal Assembly and Sturdy Design!
The most widely used materials are polycarbonate and polyethylene film.

When you are shopping for portable greenhouses, you will want to look at the material. If the frame is plastic, it will not withstand the elements as well as steel. Most portable greenhouses are structured with aluminum or steel frames. For example, the VivoSun Portable Greenhouse uses steel as its base, alloy steel for the structure, and polyethylene for the cover. If they have shelves, typically, they are hard-wired steel like the Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier. The greenhouse cover material typically consists of plastic and polycarbonate.

You will notice our top choices are made with steel, alloy steel, and polyethylene for the cover. These materials are affordable and will help retain heat. This is extremely important in cooler temperatures. They are also lightweight products, making set-up easy.

The polyethylene cover is an excellent plastic that protects your plants from the weather and the sun’s UV rays. UV rays are extremely detrimental to your plant’s health. Your plant needs sun to grow and thrive, but too many UV rays can cause the plant to die.

Item Dimensions and Weight

Portable greenhouses come in a wide range of dimensions and weights. If you choose a greenhouse on our list, you will notice they are all lightweight due to the material.

After you are done using the greenhouse, the lightweight material (alloy steel and polyethylene) makes it easy to package and store for future use.

Other Features

Because the material is lightweight, you can easily move the portable greenhouse to any area. However, this also means that the wind can easily take it. If you live in a windy area or do not have extra reinforcements, we suggest purchasing a portable greenhouse that comes with stakes. Stakes are a great way to secure the greenhouse to the ground. Stakes are one of our favorite features.

Price Tag

Portable greenhouses are relatively inexpensive. They are much more affordable than installing or building a permanent structure. Did you know you can get a portable greenhouse for as little as 70 dollars on Amazon?

As with most products, larger portable greenhouses are more expensive than smaller ones. For example, an Eagle Peak Portable Walk-In greenhouse is approximately 170 dollars, while a VivoSun Portable greenhouse is closer to 70 dollars. Some brands are also more expensive. The ones we have reviewed are reasonably priced and are trusted brands.

 

FAQ

Where should I place my portable greenhouse?

Sun, water, and rich nutrients in the soil are the three key ingredients to a successful crop. You want to place your greenhouse where it will get the most sun. In general, it is suggested that you put your greenhouse on the south or southeast side of your house. If you have an indoor greenhouse, you should place it somewhere close to the windows.

How warm do portable greenhouses stay in winter?

Portable greenhouses do not stay very warm during the winter. Many consumers report they have issues in areas like New England, where winters are extremely cold. If you live in an area with extremely harsh winter elements, you should consider getting a portable heater so your plants do not die.

What are portable greenhouses good for?

Portable greenhouses are portable! You can put them anywhere that you want! Portable greenhouses are good for apartments, houses, barns, patios, yards, and any place you can fit one.

If you live in a small apartment complex or a condo in the city, you can find a small indoor/outdoor greenhouse like the VivoSun portable Greenhouse. If you have a huge yard or large space in your home, the Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse or the Quictent upgraded will fit perfectly.

Our verdict

We have highlighted six of our top favorite portable greenhouses on the market. However, the Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse is the most notable. It is affordable, contains the best materials, and is spacious. We love this greenhouse as it can fit both inside and outside comfortably. It also is the easiest to set up. It pops up into place. As soon as you pull it out of the box, it will be ready for gardening! You do not have to fumble with tools or an instruction guide, although there is one included.

Our notable mentions include the Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier and the BPS Lean-to Green House. The Mini Greenhouse 4 Tier includes shelves. Many greenhouses require you to purchase shelves separately. This is costly and a pain to find the shelves that will fit the best and still give you space to walk. The BPS Lean-to Green House is one of the most convenient greenhouses as it fits in a myriad of places. Its amazing design allows for ample growing space. We also truly enjoyed that it comes with stakes for extra reinforcement.

References

1.
The Next Frontier: Greenhouses at Home - The Washington Post
It’s about this time of year, when container plants are still lush but ever-shorter days signal that killing frosts can’t be too far off, that gardeners are apt to sigh and mutter, “I wish I had a greenhouse."
2.
Is the biggest greenhouse in the US the future of farming? - CNN
In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the small town of Morehead is home to the biggest greenhouse in the US.
9,8
Total Score
Eagle Peak Portable Walk-in Greenhouse - Editor’s Choice
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