Imagine stepping into your backyard and being greeted by rows of fresh herbs, blooming flowers, and thriving vegetables—regardless of the season. For many home gardeners, this isn’t just a dream—it’s their daily reality, thanks to the rise of the backyard greenhouse.
As more homeowners seek to live sustainably, eat healthier, and reduce grocery bills, backyard greenhouses have become a popular and practical solution. With innovations in design and accessibility—such as complete greenhouse kits from trusted retailers like Greenhouse Megastore—building your own greenhouse is easier than ever.
Whether you’re considering a full-size structure or even a compact mini greenhouse to start with, there’s a backyard greenhouse option for every space and budget. This article will explore how a backyard greenhouse can elevate your gardening experience and guide you through choosing, setting up, and maximizing your investment.
What is a Backyard Greenhouse?
A backyard greenhouse is a structure built or placed in your yard to create a controlled environment for growing plants. By shielding plants from extreme temperatures, pests, and wind, greenhouses create optimal conditions for year-round cultivation.
While traditional greenhouses were once reserved for commercial growers or serious hobbyists, today’s options include everything from mini greenhouses to large, walk-in structures available as greenhouse kits. Whether you’re growing produce, starting seeds, or experimenting with tropical plants, there’s a backyard greenhouse model for you.
Why Homeowners Are Embracing Backyard Greenhouses
There are plenty of reasons why backyard greenhouses are becoming increasingly common:
1. Year-Round Growing
One of the biggest advantages of having a backyard greenhouse is the ability to grow fresh produce in all seasons. Extend your growing season by months—or even go fully year-round with a heated setup.
2. Protect Your Investment
Tired of watching your seedlings or vegetable beds suffer from unexpected frosts or pests? A greenhouse provides shelter and protection, making your gardening efforts more consistent and successful.
3. Self-Sufficiency
More families are turning to homegrown food to reduce reliance on grocery stores. With a backyard greenhouse, you can grow greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs just steps from your kitchen.
4. Customizable and Scalable
From walk-in units to full garden-room structures, greenhouse kits come in a variety of sizes and materials. Start small with a mini greenhouse and scale up as your garden grows.
5. Aesthetic Value
Modern greenhouse designs are not only functional but beautiful. A well-placed backyard greenhouse can add charm and character to your outdoor space.
What Can You Grow in a Backyard Greenhouse?
The real question might be: what can’t you grow? Depending on the size and environment you create, your greenhouse can support:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, spinach, peppers
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cilantro
- Fruits: Strawberries, lemons (in pots), dwarf apple or fig trees
- Flowers: Orchids, begonias, geraniums, marigolds, and seasonal blooms
- Seedlings: Start your garden early by germinating seeds before the last frost
Many gardeners also use their greenhouse to overwinter delicate plants or cultivate tropical varieties not suited to their climate.
Choosing the Right Backyard Greenhouse
When selecting your greenhouse, consider your space, climate, budget, and what you plan to grow. Here are a few types to explore:
● Hobby Greenhouse Kits
These are walk-in style greenhouses made from aluminum frames and polycarbonate panels or polyethylene sheeting. Ideal for serious gardeners who want a dedicated space for vegetables and propagation.
Recommended for: Mid- to large-size yards.
● Cold Frame Greenhouses
These are low-profile, box-like structures with transparent lids. They’re great for protecting seedlings or hardening off plants before outdoor transplanting.
Recommended for: Small backyards or patios.
● Mini Greenhouses
If you’re limited on space or want a portable solution, a mini greenhouse is an excellent entry point. These often come with tiered shelving and zippered enclosures.
Recommended for: Beginners or small-scale gardeners.
● Custom Backyard Greenhouses
You can also design a greenhouse tailored to your specific backyard layout, complete with climate control, water systems, and aesthetic enhancements.
Recommended for: Enthusiasts or semi-professional growers.
Where to Buy a Backyard Greenhouse
Buying a greenhouse is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of options available both online and locally.
● Online: Greenhouse Megastore
Greenhouse Megastore is one of the most trusted names in greenhouse gardening. Their inventory includes:
- Complete greenhouse kits
- Replacement covers and accessories
- Climate control tools like fans, heaters, and vents
- Shelving units and grow lights
Their easy-to-navigate site lets you compare sizes, styles, and prices from the comfort of your home.
● Local Search: “Green House Near Me”
Want to shop in person? Search for a green house near me to find:
- Local garden centers
- Nurseries
- Home improvement stores
Seeing greenhouses in person allows you to assess material quality, ask questions, and even schedule delivery or installation.
Backyard Greenhouse Setup: Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up your backyard greenhouse doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simplified process:
- Select Your Location Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, good drainage, and access to water and electricity (if needed).
- Prepare the Ground Level the area and lay down a foundation such as gravel, concrete, or treated wood.
- Assemble Your Greenhouse Kit Follow the instructions carefully. If using a larger kit, you may need an extra set of hands—or professional installation.
- Install Accessories Add shelves, thermometers, fans, or misters depending on the plants you plan to grow.
- Start Planting! Use containers, raised beds, or vertical shelves to organize your plants. Group by sunlight or humidity requirements.
Maintaining Your Backyard Greenhouse
To keep your greenhouse productive and healthy:
- Ventilate regularly to control humidity and temperature
- Clean seasonally to remove mold, pests, and plant debris
- Rotate crops to prevent soil exhaustion and disease
- Monitor climate with thermometers and hygrometers
- Inspect the structure after storms or snow for any damage
Backyard Greenhouse vs. Mini Greenhouse: Which One’s Right for You?
|
Feature |
Backyard Greenhouse |
Mini Greenhouse |
|
Size |
Medium to large |
Small to compact |
|
Cost |
$300 – $5,000+ |
$30 – $200 |
|
Uses |
Full garden production |
Seed starting, herbs, flowers |
|
Setup Difficulty |
Moderate to high |
Easy |
|
Ideal For |
Enthusiasts, families |
Beginners, renters |
If you're new to gardening or have limited space, a mini greenhouse is a great way to start. As your passion grows, scaling up to a backyard greenhouse will feel like a natural evolution.
Final Thoughts
A backyard greenhouse isn’t just an addition to your yard—it’s a gateway to healthier living, creative gardening, and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re growing food for your family, experimenting with rare plants, or just enjoying the peace of tending to your own garden, a greenhouse brings joy and productivity to your outdoor space.
From mini greenhouse starter kits to full-size structures available through Greenhouse Megastore, and even local vendors found via “green house near me” searches, there’s a greenhouse for every vision and every budget.
So why wait for the right season to garden? With a backyard greenhouse, every season is growing season.