Despite my research into greenhouses and my dreams of actually walking into my own private indoor gardening sanctuary, I’m not quite sure if a full-sized structure will be a good fit financially and space-wise. However, being in the northeast United States, it seems like the best solution if I want to cultivate certain plants all year long. I really have my mind set on a garden where I can enjoy homegrown fresh herbs and vegetables even in the winter. This dilemma has me wondering what one can do if they don’t have the space or money for that special indoor garden?
Instead of feeling defeated, I decided to look into much smaller and cheaper options. Though some may not appear as grand because of their small scale, one of these smaller options just might get the job done!
I’ve found there are two main options if you want to go very small with your greenhouse garden. The first is a window greenhouse and the second is a small-scale, freestanding structure that mimics the look or function of a regular-sized greenhouse.
I looked into the window option to begin, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a greenhouse that fits to a window and of course I have windows, don’t we all? These can be bought as premade units that can be installed by a professional or by yourself if you feel up to the challenge. They definitely are much more inexpensive and faster to set up for use than anything full-scale.
Based on my research, a window greenhouse seems to be an option that can skew to the expensive side, more than $1000, because of the fact that you still need to alter your window in order to install the structure. I think window gardens look very neat and add that bit of charm to a home, but the option doesn’t seem to be as simple as it first appears.
The pros of a greenhouse window are:
You already have a windows around your house, which will give you placement options
Units tend to be pre-fabricated, but can be built to your unique window
They can serve as decorative feature where plants can be displayed and seen from both the outside and inside
Depending on your choice of buying or building one yourself, you may be able to install one at a relatively low cost
You won’t need an additional heating system because the heat from the room will likely be sufficient
There definitely some cons to the window greenhouse:
You will need to make sure the window is positioned in a way that makes sense when it comes to the distance from the ground
You may need to monitor ventilation and heat circulation more carefully because the small space can quickly accumulate heat
You may encounter water leaks or even lose air if it is not sealed properly against the wall or window frame
You have to carefully curate the plants you choose to grow because space is limited
You may need to invest money in having a company install the structure to make sure everything is properly aligned with your window
You may create an environment where unwanted pests and plant chemicals are inside your home
You need to think about how this could affect the value of your home in the future
Not a option if you’re in a rental property and you want your deposit back
When I searched for small, freestanding greenhouses, the options opened up considerably, with much more variety of size, style, and materials available. I am really leaning toward this option because of this discovery! You can get small greenhouses that are made with soft plastics or harder plastics. There are even options that are on wheels so you can move them around easily. I’m also very happy to find that there are even options under $100, which is perfect for a beginner like myself.
Besides being budget friendly, there are several pros to a small-scale freestanding greenhouse:
There are several retailer options where you can purchase this type of greenhouse
You can have one even if you feel like your yard space is limited
You don’t have to permanent changes to the structure of your home
You can move the greenhouse around to adjust for the best sunlight
You can take your greenhouse with you if you decide move, which is great for renters
You could have multiple greenhouses on your property at a fraction of the cost compared to one full-sized greenhouse
They are great if you only have a few plants you want to cultivate all year round
They range in size, from as small as 27 inches to 5 feet by 6 feet, creating options for everyone
Pests and any plant chemicals stay outside
Although, I don’t think there are too many, there are some cons to a small-scale freestanding greenhouse:
Depending on what material is used, the greenhouse may not be as sturdy as a traditional full-size structure
You might find that you outgrow your small greenhouse due the size restriction
They do not accommodate equipment to regulate temperature and ventilation, which may mean you need to give them more attention in order to maintain the proper balance for growing healthy plants
They don’t exactly have the same charm as a traditional, full-size greenhouse
Given the differences between a window greenhouse and smaller, freestanding structure, I find myself (and my pocketbook) leaning toward the second option. I really need to think about the window installation and whether that would be the right option to choose given the changes that need to be made to a window that probably are so easy to undo. Upon further thought, I also feel that a window greenhouse would have more limitations in the long-run. The ability to make changes to location is drawing me to the smaller, freestanding greenhouse. Another plus is that this option is more readily available and doesn’t require too much technical expertise.
I am excited to continue my greenhouse research and hopefully find a way to make my vision of a greenhouse garden a reality!
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