If you aren’t quite ready for the expense and commitment of a four season greenhouse, you might still want to consider any of the new array of lightweight mini greenhouses that have recently come to market. Not only are they practical for those with limited space, they have the itty-bitty price tag to match.

Any gardener serious about his or her soil has surely dreamt of walking past the windows of their own greenhouse; a cozy, protected garden where they can tend to their tiny buds and delicate blooms, regardless of the weather on the opposite side of the greenhouse.

Until they check the price tag. Ouch!

Price is no longer an issue, so long as you’re willing to consider a mini greenhouse. Mini greenhouses range from the smaller, cold-frame structures all the way up to the much larger (though still mini) walk-in, freestanding styles.

Either way, these inexpensive greenhouses are designed to be a semi permanent fixture to your outdoor space, many lasting several years.

This new variety of mini greenhouse may not have the needed space and insulation to make it a place you’d want to curl up with a book for a lazy afternoon, but they will more than facilitate the early growth of seeds and cuttings.

Benefits of Mini Greenhouses

Most mini greenhouses are portable and simple enough to store during those summer months when their services go unneeded. If you put careful consideration into your selection, you can find mini greenhouses that require less than a half hour total for both set-up and tear down.

Further, mini greenhouses afford you the flexibility to relocate them whenever necessary. Installing a larger, glass greenhouse means you must carefully consider placement, not only for the moment, but for the next several years as the patterns of the trees will change.

Drawbacks of Mini Greenhouses

Many gardeners want their greenhouses to harbor their most prized plants. Mini greenhouses, unfortunately, are not as well suited for this need. The mini greenhouses designed from flexible plastic are not especially strong. They are also harder to heat and more difficult to ventilate in extreme climates.

Still, something as simple as a few juice jugs brimmed with water can help anchor the mini greenhouses and help to keep them steady.

The bottom line is, a mini greenhouse is a fantastic solution for the regular gardener who would love some of the simple advantages of a greenhouse, but without having to commit to the grand investment (emotional or financial) of a large 4 season greenhouse.

If you find yourself in the middle of the decision, mini greenhouses are good alternative to enjoy the benefits of greenhouse gardening.