Gardening is among the earliest and greatest human pursuits, yet the finest portable greenhouse is a relatively new creation. It may provide us with fresh meals and a sense of quiet. Agricultural purposes, above all, identify us more than any other technical or cultural achievement.
As the demand for real estate has increased, the scope of Gardening has been limited. There aren't many vacant spots in cities to cultivate plants. As a result, we get the impression that something is missing when we see empty balconies or backyards. Fortunately, there is a workable option.
Portable Greenhouses Types
Portable mini-greenhouse
As the name implies, a portable mini-greenhouse is a minor type of portable greenhouse.
Because it is lightweight, it is simple to transport. It usually has three or four shelves where you may place your potted plants. Some tiny greenhouses include movable shelves that may be moved up and down to accommodate taller plants.
Mini portable greenhouses are typically 2 to 6 feet tall, with an entrance that can be rolled up and down and sealed with a zipper.
They are simple to set up. In most circumstances, no tools are required. In addition, because they are comprised of transparent polyethylene and iron tubing, they will not rust or corrode if left outside.
Portable small greenhouses may be used for a variety of purposes, including:
Vertical — ideal for a patio or balcony, with shelves
Horizontal — refers to plants planted directly in the soil or low raised beds.
Tabletop — can be used indoors or outdoors on a table.
Portable little walk-in greenhouses
Another type of portable greenhouse is one that can be walked inside. These are referred to as mini-greenhouses, miniature greenhouses, or portable little walk-in greenhouses by companies.
They are still on the small side, but you can see they are far larger than the micro greenhouse design mentioned above because you can walk inside.
Inside, you may cultivate a wide range of seedlings, starts, and plants. You could even have enough space on a shelf to store gardening gloves, seeds, and other items.
These are often intended to be used either indoors or outdoors.
These portable greenhouses have an unfinished bottom, so they don't have one. You will walk on grass if you place it on the grass. This will make it easier to stake down, which is critical.
If you place it on concrete, you will be standing on concrete while in your greenhouse. Therefore, you'll need a technique to protect it from flying away in high winds.
You may be able to put this up depending on the size of your balcony, deck, or patio.
These compact portable greenhouses are extremely simple to put together. Many can be put up without the need for tools. The majority of them are made up of plastic components that snap together.
Portable large greenhouse
A large portable greenhouse is your best choice if you need a big, portable greenhouse. As the name implies, it's fashioned like a tunnel - there are no wheels or a floor, but you can walk inside.
It may also be used to shield your plant from frost in the winter months by placing it over the plants.
A large portable greenhouse can have one or two entrances. My recommendation is to go with two doors since they provide greater airflow.
Because it is heavier, it will be more difficult to transport than compact and portable walk-in greenhouses. It is also bigger. It measures between 12 and 20 feet long, 7 and 12 feet broad, and 6 and 7 feet tall.
It's also simple to assemble. However, you may need the assistance of another person to put on the cover. It is heavier since the frame is composed of heavy-duty dust steel. However, it comes with pegs, so you can simply weigh it down.
Compact greenhouse
A compact greenhouse is substantially more durable than the versions mentioned above. They can be moved, but they aren't necessarily made to be moved frequently.
These may weigh between 45 and 75 pounds. This means you may move them around your land to take full advantage of the weather, but it won't be as easy as relocating the other greenhouses, which are built to be more portable.
These greenhouses have the benefit of being strong and compact. These may include vents, a door latch, a locking mechanism, and gutters.
They are often built with UV-resistant polycarbonate sheets rather than plastic sheeting to protect your plants. In addition, the frame is frequently composed of lightweight aluminum.
For adequate ventilation, this greenhouse-style may feature a rooftop vent. It might also feature rain gutters. Wind speeds of up to 12 miles per hour are usual for little greenhouses like this one.
If you live in a location prone to natural disasters, you should still stake it down, but they are often heavier and require less care.
The overall benefit of this portable greenhouse is that it is considerably more durable than the others. Furthermore, you could be able to regulate the conditions better within.
They are intended to be more stable and long-lasting while portable a few times a year.
Portable greenhouse with wheels
You might be able to find a wheeled portable greenhouse easily. This is excellent since all you have to do is roll it along.
Because you won't have to lift it, it may be fashioned using tougher, heavier materials. You will most likely want extra space for this style. It will be bigger, and you will have to rely on the wheels to move it.
You may buy a greenhouse and place a floor on it as a do-it-yourself alternative to purchasing a portable greenhouse with wheels. Then, to make it movable, add wheels.
Advantages Of Having A Portable Greenhouse
You may cultivate out-of-season plants and enjoy delicious produce all year. You can also shield plants, especially in an early frost.
Many gardeners are unaware that they may put up a portable greenhouse structure in their yard or property.
A portable greenhouse requires only a little room and an easy-to-assemble greenhouse kit. In addition, many models do not necessitate the use of tools to assemble.
Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Greenhouse
Material
When selecting a material, consider the structure and the siding material.
Structure
A portable greenhouse often has the following features:
- Wooden frames -These are sometimes known as cold frames. In moderate climes, they can be used all year. However, they tend to root in wet circumstances, so you'll need to sand them and apply a new stain layer from time to time.
- Metal frames – These are often composed of aluminum or powder-coated steel. These require less upkeep and are simpler to put together. They are also less challenging to maintain since they do not rust. In most situations, no tools are required because they snap into place using plastic connecting bits.
Siding materials
The two most frequent types of siding materials are:
- Plastic — Plastic siding is used on the majority of micro greenhouses. This is simple to construct and transport, but the inside might warm, causing the plants to suffer. It is critical to have adequate ventilation if you use plastic siding. Roll-up windows or doors can be used for this. A greenhouse with a plastic exterior may not be able to endure severe winds, so you'll need to place sturdy pegs as well.
- Glass — glass-paneled walls can be seen in specific high-end greenhouses. Glass is better for hard weather conditions, and sunlight can pass through it, beneficial for seedling growth. However, Glass is readily cracked or broken, especially if the greenhouse is moved frequently. Polycarbonate panels are a more robust alternative, but they don't allow as much light as Glass.
Weight
The weight of your pop-up greenhouse is related to the material it is composed of.
A greenhouse with plastic siding will be substantially lighter and easier to carry than one with glass cladding. Metal frames, particularly lightweight metal frames, will be lighter than wood. Wooden frames and glass-paneled walls are more visually appealing but also heavier.
A small greenhouse typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds. So a portable mini greenhouse will be significantly lighter. However, a greenhouse on wheels will be heavier.
Type
I've already discussed the many sorts of portable greenhouses, but here's a quick recap:
- Mini — The smallest and least expensive.
- Step-in — Slightly larger than mini, with the ability to walk inside.
- Large — A tunnel greenhouse is usually used. It's ideal for shielding plants from frost, and the two doors allow for plenty of air.
- Compact — Stronger and more wind-resistant than others.
- Wheels — This allows you to go from one end of the land to the other.
The first crucial thing to consider when buying a greenhouse is how much room you have.
You can purchase a greenhouse even if you don't have any outdoor area. Choose a pop-up or a tabletop that can be used indoors and outside.
If you're short on space, you may also acquire a greenhouse that can be placed on a balcony or patio.
Size
Size is also connected to the amount of area available for a greenhouse. You may select a greenhouse to fit your needs, whether you have a balcony, a city patio, or a backyard.
The majority of portable greenhouses are less than 6 feet tall, and a small greenhouse is around 10 square feet in size. But, of course, if you choose a tabletop version, it will be considerably smaller.
Measuring the available area is a good idea before purchasing an outdoor greenhouse or a portable indoor greenhouse.
Shelves
Shelves may be added to a portable micro greenhouse.
The greenhouse shelves are normally made to match the frame. Therefore they might be made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Some greenhouses feature fixed shelves, while others have flexible shelves, allowing you to optimize space and store plants of various sizes.
Takeaway
Keep in mind that portable greenhouses can come in a variety of sizes. Depending on your requirements, you might want to explore a little greenhouse, a small walk-in greenhouse, a tunnel greenhouse, or a greenhouse on wheels.
Most portable greenhouse alternatives are freestanding units rather than attached lean-tos or window-mounted structures.
It is helpful to evaluate how you utilize the greenhouse and whether you intend to grow in it all year.
You may relocate a portable greenhouse to protect plants from frost if you are not using it to cultivate plants during the winter season. Simply place the greenhouse on top of the plants. This is perfect for container plants, tiny trees, and shrubs.