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Whether you are a hobby gardener, homesteader, or market gardener, the ability of a greenhouse to extend your growing season gives you an advantage in terms of self-sufficiency, production, and seed starting.
With the right eco-friendly greenhouse kit, you can start seeds earlier, grow heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, and even continue growing through the winter months.
No matter which greenhouse kit you choose, there are some things you can look for to make sure it's as eco-friendly as possible.
For example, can you build it from reclaimed materials? Can you buy it second-hand?
If you're building a kit, can you make sure it's made from long-lasting materials?
Eco-friendly greenhouse kits can be more efficient in terms of insulation, and they may be easier to set up and maintain. Additionally, purchasing a kit from a reputable company can ensure that the materials used in construction are non-toxic, and that the kit is designed to last for many years.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a kit or build a greenhouse from reclaimed materials will depend on your individual needs, skill set, time, and priorities.
By asking these questions, you can make sure you're investing in a greenhouse that's good for the planet as well as for your garden.
However, if you're concerned about the environment and want to minimize your impact, you might be wondering what the most eco-friendly options are. Here, we'll take a look at some of the best greenhouses for gardeners who want to grow sustainably.
If you're looking to build your own eco-friendly greenhouse, making it from reclaimed materials is a great option.
In this video, Huw Richards shows us the ingenuity of Jack First, a Welsh gardener who has put a lot of research into the idea of hot beds. He also has a fondness for working with affordable materials, as you can see from his greenhouse, which is mostly made from recycled materials.
Next, in this tutorial, we see plans for a 100% recycled greenhouse, made from reclaimed windows and doors.
Lastly, this greenhouse is beautifully made from reclaimed materials, including tall french windows and even has a stained glass decorative piece towards the top of the structure.
If building a greenhouse from reclaimed materials is not an option for you, purchasing a greenhouse made with high-quality, sustainable materials is the next best choice.
In this section, we'll take a look at some of the best DIY greenhouse kits on the market that are as sustainable as possible and built to last.
A great option for a sunny location that uses less plastic overall. Western Red Cedar can last for at least 25 years, so it doesn't need to be replaced as often as lower quality materials. We like that this kit is easy to put together and comes delivered to your door.
Buy NowThis 8x12 Western Red Cedar Greenhouse Kit is a one of the best choices for backyard gardeners who want to use less plastic in their greenhouse. It's a lot more affordable than an all glass option.
The bottom 1/3 of the wall is made from western red cedar, and the rest of the structure is made with sturdy 6mm thick twin wall polycarbonate. The cedar is unstained, but you can treat it with an eco-friendly and non-toxic weather-resistant stain if you wish. Western red cedar lasts up to 25 years untreated + up to 40 years treated, so the structure has a long lifespan.
The greenhouse is also designed with various forms of ventilation, from the dutch door to the roof and wall vents.
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This cedar greenhouse kit:
If you're looking for raised beds, why not extend your growing season with this self-contained complete garden system? With a few different sizing options available, it is an accessible option that also can keep pests at bay.
Buy NowThis combination of a raised bed with a season-extending covering is full of benefits! It's a great option for gardeners looking for their first small greenhouse kit, as it’s easy to grow in the built-in raised beds.
For some people, growing in raised beds might be the best option, since it allows for you to have full control over the soil content, and also the height of these raised beds makes them more accessible. With the elevated height plus gate, certain pests like slugs and deer will not be able to eat your precious vegetables as easily.
While the r-value of the greenhouse top may not be as high as polycarbonate panels or glass, this kit will still extend your growing season.
This affordable kit is made from untreated cedar lumber, which is long-lasting, non-toxic, and durable, and includes 65 square feet of planting space.
The deep raised beds allow for placing your greenhouse on any surface. With this complete kit, you can work towards self-sufficiency as you extend your growing season.
This cedar raised bed greenhouse includes:
An excellent choice for seasoned gardeners who want a simple yet long-lasting season extension option. With 8mm UV stable twin-wall polycarbonate panels and the included base, rainwater gutter system, and solar-powered roof vent opener, all you need to do is add your plants.
Buy NowThe Riverstone MONT greenhouse is the best option for gardeners who want a durable, long-lasting greenhouse that can withstand tough weather conditions.
Made in the USA with commercial-grade materials, this top-rated greenhouse has an 8mm UV-stable twin-wall polycarbonate panel design that allows for growing year-round with minimal heating inputs.
It also includes a base, rainwater gutter system, and a solar-powered roof vent opener, making it a great option for those who want to catch rainwater and save on energy costs.
The greenhouse comes with a 10-year warranty, and its sturdy construction and lead-free aluminium frame ensure that it will last for many years to come. With a range of sizes available, you can choose the perfect greenhouse to suit your needs.
The MONT greenhouse boasts:
An easy-to-assemble greenhouse boasts an R-value of 3, thanks to the extra thick 16mm polycarbonate walls. With accessories like shelving and LED lighting, you can even use this area to get a head start on seed starting!
Buy NowWhile the Riga greenhouse is not made in the United States, it is rated one of the top greenhouses across various platforms.
If you're looking for a greenhouse that can hold up against strong winds and heavy snow, the RIGA Greenhouse or RIGA XL Greenhouse might be your best option.
These premium models come with a 10-year warranty and are built to last. The panels are made from UV treated polycarbonate, and the heavy-duty frame is made from smooth-finished, long-lasting anodized aluminium. The regular size has side panels with 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate and the front & back panels are 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate; the XL size is 16mm triple-wall polycarbonate all around.
The Dutch door has the capability to lock, and the XL size comes with a front and back door while the regular size comes with a front door and a large back window.
This is also a flexible option with room for in-ground gardening or container gardening with added shelving.
The RIGA greenhouse:
The 19.9 ft x 12.5 ft Janssens Royal Victorian greenhouse is a high-quality greenhouse option that is absolutely gorgeous and built to last.
The aluminium framing is sturdy, and the greenhouse is made with 4mm tempered glass, which is thicker and stronger than other glass greenhouses at comparable price points.
The glass windows are sealed with rubber to add to the insulation value, and the roof comes with built-in ventilation.
The greenhouse also includes 2 full length gutters and downspouts, perfect for adding a rainwater catchment system.
The greenhouse can sit on flat ground for in-ground planting, or can be put on a wood or concrete platform for container gardening. Additionally, free delivery or pick-up is included.
This glass greenhouse has many features:
The Sunshine Greenhouse is a top-quality option if you're looking for a wood frame construction greenhouse with more surface area for light to come through.
It is made with a redwood frame, and double-walled polycarbonate panels. For ventilation, it comes equiped with a solar-powered vent opener. Additionally, it is topped with a roof that has a 45-degree slope which allows for more light to come through your greenhouse in the winter.
This greenhouse has the bonus of being complete with an included foundation system.
This sturdy greenhouse is:
We hope that the future of greenhouse design will involve more sustainable materials and construction methods, especially since so many are made with plastics.
We are inspired by Eliza Hague, a student at the University of Westminister, who designed a greenhouse covered with a bamboo shellac material instead of plastic. Bamboo is a sustainable material and the shellac is made from tree resins.
Bamboo-Shellac Greenhouse by Eliza Hague
By continuing to innovate and prioritize sustainability, we can create greenhouses that are even more eco-friendly and efficient.
For now though, investing in a reclaimed or long-lasting greenhouse is a great way to extend your growing season and become more self-sufficient.
