Miniature greenhouses are the smallest type of greenhouse. They can range in size from small cold frames to stand alone structures of 6x8 feet. They are the ideal way for anyone with limited space to enjoy the benefits of greenhouse gardening. They come in a wide variety of materials.
The smallest incarnation of mini greenhouse is called the cold frame. These frames are small boxes that are often home made. They usually consist of wooden sides with a glass top and are not normally much bigger than 2 feet cubed. They are open at the bottom and are used to extend the growing season for certain plants. They maintain a higher temperature through early and late freezes that allows a plant to be started earlier and have an extended harvest.
Another common form of miniature greenhouse is the lean-to. For people with limited yards or those who don’t want to sacrifice much lawn space, a lean-to greenhouse is an ideal place to garden. They are usually 6 to 8 feet tall and 2 or 3 feet deep. They come with several levels to them and have a plastic, or glass covering. Sometimes the plastic comes in the form of plates, but oftentimes it is just a pull over covering to keep the warm air inside.
In the same size range come greenhouse frames. These are perfect if you want to do small gardening out of a condo or apartment. They come anywhere from two to six feet high, and often have wheeled frames so you can easily move them from one spot to another. They are most often fitted with a plastic covering.
A big thing to watch for in plastic coverings is quality. If you get a cheap covering that does not seal well, the mini greenhouse you paid for will not work. The zippers need to be of good quality and the cover needs to fit well over the frame. If the frame has exposed sharp edges these need to be smoothed over or covered to prevent them from tearing the frame.
The largest form of mini greenhouse is the stand-alone greenhouse. It is like its bigger cousins, except that it has no foundation and can be picked up and moved. The stand alone greenhouse usually has a metal or wooden frame, and plastic plates that fit into the frame. If you have the space to put one up they are an ideal greenhouse for someone with a low budget. They can run hundreds cheaper per cubic foot than a professionally installed greenhouse. Stand alone versions start at about 6 feet cubed but are usually under 10.
The type of gardening you plan to do will play a big role in what type of greenhouse you decide to choose. If you are only looking to grow a few flowering plants, a small frame with a few shelves or even hanging hooks will meet your needs. If you want to grow vegetables or small fruit trees, you need to get a stand-alone greenhouse. Regardless of what type you choose, a greenhouse is a valuable tool to use in gardening.
