2021 Review – Backyard Greenhouse Kits from Greenhouse Emporium

What is a Greenhouse Kit?

It’s a ready-to-assemble backyard greenhouse kit. The kit comes with all the necessary parts in order for the owner to assemble the greenhouse. There are lots of different sizes, styles and prices ranges.

The backyard greenhouse kit or some people call them hobby greenhouse kits, are well-built, warm atmosphere for the plant to be grown all year. In the cold climates a greenhouse heater or solar heater would be needed to use this garden all year around. Having a greenhouse is a valuable investment. It’s a great way to produce crops and fresh plants in the garden no matter the season or weather. Having a greenhouse can be enjoyed for many years.  I will review why you should or shouldn’t purchase a greenhouse from Greenhouse Emporium.

Now that greenhouses are made with modern materials, it has become more affordable and increase the lifespan of a state-of-the-art greenhouse. Having a hobby greenhouse are becoming a thing.

Benefits of using a Greenhouse

Longer Growing Season – ease of climate control for increased growing season

Plant Isolation – keep plants protected from pests

Protection from the Elements – Unpredictable weather

Control Over Produce – Know how your produce is grown

Benefits of Buying a greenhouse kit versus DIY your own greenhouse

• Start into greenhouse gardening, homesteading or self-sufficiency
• The assembly is easier due to all the parts are included, with instructions and videos
• Not much planning needed, the greenhouse kit contains everything
• Ships right to your door.
• Manufacturers have years of experience in building products to grow plants
• Warranty from Greenhouse Emporium. Build your own no warranty
• Accessories are often included
• Variety of Greenhouse structures for every style
• Customer support is always available if you have questions
• Some kits are expandable, if you need more space later on. That’s a nice feature

Important things to think about before buying a hobby greenhouse

Before purchasing a greenhouse kit, you need to make sure which greenhouses will work in your region, like if you get heavy snow. It is recommended to buy a kit that is strong and heavy-duty. If you plan on using the greenhouse all year around, with the winter months, it will be essential to get an insulated framing and insulated greenhouse covering material to help keep the warmth.

In the desert type areas, the greenhouse will need shade, water and plenty of ventilation. Consider the quality of the frame and accessories that come with it.

Types of Greenhouses

Cold Greenhouses or Cold frames – these types are limited by the weather, These are used for starting seeds early and extending the growing season.

Cool Greenhouses – are greenhouses that stay above freezing between 40 and 50 degrees. This works for plant that are not winter-proof, like geraniums or hyacinth.

Warm Greenhouses – stay at a warm temperature of 50 to 55 degrees. These will help protect flowers that are sensitive to cold temperatures. The flowers that will benefit in this greenhouse are roses, chrysanthemums and orchids.

Hot Greenhouses or Hothouses – these greenhouses or sometimes called hothouses have temperatures of 60 degrees and above. Perfect for tropical plants.

Freestanding Greenhouses

This is a stand-alone greenhouse that allows you to set them up where you want as long as the spot has plenty of daylight and the greenhouse will be level on the ground. Greenhouse Emporium offers a wide variety of frame structures that are freestanding, for example; conventional greenhouses, arch-shaped, geodesic domes and others.  I have reviewed a few freestanding greenhouses.  I put them in order of less expensive to expensive.  There are many options of greenhouses at the Greenhouse Emporium.  I encourage you to look at all them to see what is the best one for you.

Solexx 8 ft x 12 ft Garden Master Greenhouse

Price $3530.00 Standard – $4667.00 – Premium

Benefits and Features

• European-style, freestanding greenhouse with gabled roof has plenty of room for trellis plants and all your favorite flowers, herbs and vegetables
• Roof and sidewall material/thickness: Twin-wall 3.5mm Solexx greenhouse panels (upgrade to 5mm panels for high altitude or heavy snow areas)
• Strong, shatterproof panels diffuse light throughout greenhouse
• Diffused light prevents hot spots, allows light to reach all areas of the greenhouse evenly, and accelerates plant growth by 25-30%
• Double-walled polyethylene glazing insulates greenhouse well (less cost for heating and cooling)
• Proven to provide better insulation than 8mm triple-wall Polycarbonate
• High longevity of panels: contain UV inhibitor, which is different to a coating that could scratch or wear off (come with 10-year UV warranty)
• Frame material: Heavy-duty composite frame is rust, corrosion and mildew free
• Easy to assemble steel fittings
• No foundation required because of sturdy, built-in base
• Door: 1x single hinged door (35in wide x 75.75in height), lockable
• Vent: 1x Easy Flow Louver
• Insulation rating: 2.1 R (3.5mm Solexx), 2.3 R (5mm Solexx)
• Included in the Solexx Garden Master Greenhouse 8 x 8 Base Kit:
• Frame profiles with built-in base, glazing, and hardware
• 1x door
• 1x Easy Flow Louver
• Bench frames: 2x full-length double-tiered bench frames for both sides (29in deep), 1x full-length double-tiered bench frame along the back of the greenhouse (24in deep)
• Hanging rods: 2x full-length hanging rods, hold 200 Lbs
• Deluxe option features:
  • Solexx Garden Master Greenhouse 8 x 8 Base Kit
  • 4x base vents for optimal ground up cross ventilation
  • 1x solar opener adjusts Louver vent without electricity
  • Wire bench shelves
  • Tie down kit
• Rainwater gutter system: No
• Expandable: Yes, in 8ft sections
• Frame color: White
• Side wall height:6ft 6in
• Peak height (exterior):8ft 9in
• Aisle width:36in
• Floor space:64 sq. ft.
• Dimensions:8ft wide x 8ft long x 8ft 9in high
• Warranty:10 years limited
• Made in the USA

Hoklartherm Riga 4 Greenhouse 10ft x 14ft

Price $4899.00 Standard – $6868.00 – Premium

Features & Benefits

• Sturdy “onion”-shaped construction that withstands large amounts of snow and strong winds
• Sidewall material/thickness: 8mm UV-coated twin-wall Polycarbonate
• Gable material/thickness: 10mm UV-coated twin-wall Polycarbonate
• Frame material: Smooth finished anodized aluminum
• First-class insulation:
• Heavy-duty rubber seals and silicon caulking to seal windows
• High-quality construction with tightly fitted parts
• R-value: 3.0
• Door: 1x wide, heavy-duty Dutch barn style door (30in wide x 79in high), handle with key lock
• Roof vents: 2x roof windows (40in wide x 24in length) with an automatic opener which works without electricity
• 1x large rear wall window which allows for cross ventilation
• Wind tolerance: 120 mph with 3-second gusts
• Snow capacity: 30 PSF ground-snow load
• Included in the Riga 4 Greenhouse Kit:
• Profiles, glazing, rubber seals, and hardware
• 1x roof vent with automatic opener
• 1x barn-style door
• 1x rear wall window
• Assembly instructions included
• Optional accessories:
  • 6” high foundation frame: If you add this, you don’t need a concrete or wooden footer. This foundation frame will attach to the bottom of the greenhouse frame and goes into a trench in order to anchor the whole greenhouse.
  • Premium kit: See details below
  • Door extension kit: Set your greenhouse on a 20-inch stem wall. This kit gives you the missing pieces of Polycarbonate (+ profiles) that go above the doors. It includes 2x extensions for both doors.
• Rainwater gutter system: No (not possible because of the greenhouse shape)
• Expandable: No
• Frame color: Aluminum/silver
• Side wall height (curve): 6ft 1in high near shelves
• Peak height (interior): 7ft 6in
• Floor space: 135 sq. ft.
• Dimensions: 9ft 8in wide x 14ft long x 7ft 7in high
• Assembly time: 2 people – 1 day; 3 people – 6-8 hours
• Warranty:
  • Twin-wall Polycarbonate: 10 years (prorated after 5 years)
  • Frame: 15 years
• Made in Germany
• Shipping information: Greenhouse ships in 3 boxes, premium kit ships in 4 boxes. This product is delivered via LTL which is curbside delivery only. The driver will be using a pallet jack and liftgate to slide the crate off and will need help from the customer with the unloading of the framing cartons. We recommend having a couple of people there for the delivery.

Janssen T-Shaped Junior Victorian Orangerie 10 ft x 13 ft

Price $6499.90 Standard – $7489.90 – Premium

Features & Benefits

• Small classic orangerie puts a spotlight on your backyard and provides the features of modern technology
• Frame material: Thick, strong aluminum frame
• Frame finish is applied electrostatically for a thicker application and better coverage
• Sidewall material/thickness: 4mm tempered glass
• Great insulation: Tightly fitted design with rubber seals, 4mm tempered glass, and rubber seals around windows
• Door: 1x sliding door that can be installed on gable
• Roof vents: 2x roof vents with automatic openers that open when it gets too hot in the greenhouse
• Decorative roof ridge adds a touch of English sophistication
• Safety features: TUV & GS tested and approved (TUV & GS is German testing similar to UL Independent Testing and Certification in the United States)
• Included in the T-Shaped Junior Victorian Orangerie Greenhouse Kit:
• Aluminum frame, 4mm glass panels, rubber seals, and hardware
• 1x sliding door
• 2x roof vents, each with an automatic opener
• Integrated 4in foundation frame
• Gutters with downspouts
• Roof ridge decor
• Assembly guide included

Included in the Premium kit:

• T-Shaped Junior Victorian Orangerie Greenhouse Kit
•  1x full-width seed tray shelf (20in wide, 4in deep)
• 5-piece shade curtain
• Rainwater gutter systems: Shoulder with large gutters and downspouts
• Expandable: No
• Frame color: Elegant black
• Sidewall/shoulders height:5ft 2in
• Peak height:8ft 2in
• Floor space:84 sq.ft.
• Dimensions:10ft 3in wide x 13ft long x 8ft 2in high
• Assembly time: You should have at least one helper and plan a weekend to assemble (plan extra time for the ground preparation). The glass panels and frame pieces are heavy. Do not attempt to assemble it by yourself!
• Warranty:15-year limited
• Made in Belgium
• Shipping information: This product is delivered via LTL which is curbside delivery only. The driver will be using a pallet jack and liftgate to slide the crate off and will need help from the customer with the unloading of the framing boxes. We recommend having a couple of people there for the delivery.

Janssens Retro Royal Victorian VI34 Greenhouse 10 ft x 15 ft

Price $15,999.00 Standard – $17,398.00 – Premium

Features & Benefits

• Nicknamed “The Roman Bathhouse” or “Windsor Estate”, it is an elegant metal and glass greenhouse with decorative side walls and roof ridge
• High-quality design adds to this old-fashioned style that will become the focal point in your backyard
• Frame material: Thick, strong aluminum frame
• Frame finish is applied electrostatically for a thicker application and better coverage
• Sidewall material/thickness: 4mm tempered glass and 4mm decorative metal panels
• Great insulation: Tightly fitted design with rubber seals, 4mm tempered glass, and rubber seals around windows
• Door: 1x set of double hinged doors that can be installed on any side
• Window: 1x top-hanging side window
• Roof vents: 4x roof windows with 2x automatic openers that open when it gets too hot in the greenhouse; and 2x spindle openers for manual handling
• Decorative roof ridge adds a touch of English sophistication
• Safety features: TUV & GS tested and approved (TUV & GS is German testing similar to UL Independent Testing and Certification in the United States)
• Included in the Retro Royal Victorian VI34 Greenhouse Kit:
• Frame, glazing (glass and metal panels), seals, and hardware
• 5in high foundation frame
• 4x roof windows with 2x automatic openers and 2x spindle openers
• 1x top-hanging side window
• 1x set of double hinged door
• Gutters with downspouts
• Roof ridge decor
• Misting system, only requires a hose to connect to a faucet
• Assembly guide included
  • Included in the Premium Kit:
    • Retro Royal Victorian VI34 Greenhouse Kit
    • 1x full-length seed tray shelf (20in wide, 4in deep,15ft long)
    • 1x full-length top shelf (4in wide, 15ft long)
    • 2x full-length shade cloths with pull ribbons
• Rainwater gutter system:Gutter with downspouts on both sides
• Expandable:No
• Frame color:Dark Green or Black
• Sidewall height:6ft 7in
• Peak height (exterior):9ft
• Floor space:152 sq. ft.
• Dimensions:10ft 2in wide x 15ft long x 9ft high
• Assembly time:Plan for a full weekend and get some helpers. You may also need to plan more time to prepare the base because you will need to build a concrete footer.
• Warranty:15 years limited
• Made in Belgium

Shipping information: This product is delivered via LTL which is curbside delivery only. The driver will be using a pallet jack and liftgate to slide the crate off and will need help from the customer with the unloading of the framing boxes. We recommend having a couple of people there for the delivery.

Lean-to Greenhouse

The benefit with an attached or lean-to greenhouse is that you don’t need to have all four walls. This greenhouse attaches to one weight-bearing wall. This type of greenhouse is less costly than other greenhouse designs and will work for planting seedlings, herbs and some vegetables in a small space.  Here is a couple of lean-to’s but they have more.

Solexx 8 ft x 12 ft Harvester Greenhouse Lean-to

Price $3038.00 Standard – $3813.00 – Premium

Features & Benefits

• Lean-to greenhouse provides stability and protection from harsh weather
• Sidewall material/thickness: Twin-wall 3.5mm Solexx greenhouse panels (upgrade to 5mm panels for high altitude or heavy snow areas)
• Strong, shatterproof panels diffuse light throughout greenhouse
• Diffused light prevents hot spots, allows light to reach all areas of the greenhouse evenly, and accelerates plant growth by 25-30%
• Double-walled polyethylene glazing insulates greenhouse well (less cost for heating and cooling)
• Proven to provide better insulation than 8mm triple-wall Polycarbonate
• High longevity of panels: contain UV inhibitor, which is different to a coating that could scratch or wear off (come with 10-year UV warranty)
• Frame material: Heavy-duty composite frame is rust, corrosion and mildew free
• Easy to assemble steel fittings
• No foundation required because of sturdy, built-in base
• Door: 1x single hinged door (35in wide x 77.25in height), lockable
• Vent: 1x Easy Flow Louver
• Insulation rating: 2.1 R (3.5mm Solexx), 2.3 R (5mm Solexx)
  • Included in the Solexx Harvester Greenhouse 8 x 12 Base Kit:
    • Frame profiles with built-in base, glazing, and hardware
    • 1x single hinged door
    • 1x Easy Flow Louver
    • Bench frames: 1x double-tiered and 1x single-tiered bench frames, full length, 29in deep, hold 500 Lbs
    • Hanging rods: 2x full-length hanging rods, hold 200 Lbs
    • Deluxe option features:
      • Solexx Harvester Greenhouse 8 x 12 Base Kit
      • 6x base vents for optimal ground up cross ventilation
      • 1x solar opener adjusts Louver vent without electricity
      • Wire bench shelves
      • Tie down kit
    • Rainwater gutter system: No (not possible because of the greenhouse shape)
    • Expandable: Yes, in 8ft sections
    • Frame color: White
    • Peak height: 8 ft
    • Aisle width:  36in
    • Floor space:96 sq. ft.
    • Dimensions: 8ft wide x 12ft long x 8ft high
    • Warranty: 10 years limited
    • Made in the USA

Juliana Veranda Lean-to Greenhouse 14ft x 10ft

Price $5998.90 Standard – $6824.90 – Premium

Features & Benefits

• Built to the highest quality standards
• Able to withstand the prevailing wind velocities and volumes of snow
• Easy access to the interior: Door can be kept open or securely closed allowing easy access for people, wheelbarrows, and other tools
• Double hinged stable door with handle and lock
• Gutter with tilt function and 2 downspouts
• Low doorstep for easy access
• Two side windows
• Glazing material: 3mm toughened glass
• Color: Anthracite/Black or Aluminum/Black
• Sidewalls are 6.3 ft high
• Base Frame (included): 4.7 inches
• Dimensions: 14ft 5in wide x 9ft 7in length 8ft 6in high
• Floor space: 138 sq. ft.
• Warranty: 12 years for replacements or repair of faulty parts & 2 years on painted parts, where fitted

Cold Frames

Cold frames are technically not greenhouses, they are referred to as mini greenhouse kits to get started with greenhouse gardening. This type is small and is only used for season starters and extenders.

Delta Park Gable Roof Cold Frame

Price $184.99

Features & Benefits

• Easy to assemble
• Detailed assembly instructions
• Perfect for small spaces
• Stable, attachable framework: Line up multiple units next to each other
• Clear 4mm Polycarbonate panels that allow maximum light transmission and extension of growing season
• Absorbs sunlight and prevents the heat from escaping
• Adjustable roof panels
• Detachable roof for the summer months
• Made from high-quality materials
• Can be placed on top of Delta-Park’s GL or GU garden bed to raise it from the ground
• Weight assembled: 24 lbs
• Dimensions: 39in length x 39in width x 27in height

Riverstone Eden Mini Greenhouse 3 ft x 4 ft

Features & Benefits

• Assembly time less than 30 minutes with NO tools
• Ability to be stained or painted to match the exterior setting
• Made from rot-resistant natural cedar for years of use
• Includes self-wicking liner for additional life
• Optional UV protected enclosure enclosed organic growing environment for vegetables, herbs, and flowers
• Eliminates the need for pesticides and other chemicals
• 16 sq. ft. of high yield growing bed
• Bio-degradable – when the time comes this unit can be recycled
• Portable – easily move from inside to outside (caster wheels can easily be added for additional mobility)
• Available dimensions: 3ft x 4ft, 2ft x 3ft
• SKUs: RGT-34-LE, RGT-23-ME, RGT-34, RGT-23
• Designed and engineered in the U.S.A.

Juwel BioStar 1500 Premium Cold Frame 5 ft x 3 ft

Price $449.90

Features & Benefits

• Easy to assemble
• Three roof windows – 1 with automatic opener & 2 with each 2 height adjusters (4 window height adjusters)
• Unique “no-drip” design prevents unwanted condensation on plants
• 8mm extra strong twin-wall Polycarbonate
• Child safe design: Rounded edges
• Weight assembled: 20lbs
• Dimensions: 59in wide x 32in deep x 16-20in high
• Warranty:
• 3 years
• Polycarbonate windows have 10-year UV guarantee
• Made in Austria

Greenhouse accessories

When considering where to purchase your greenhouse, consider what accessories come with the kit and which one you will need. Most hobby greenhouse kits come with benches, a door, base frame and vent to open. Make sure you get everything you need to start with the first purchase. Usually purchasing accessories later on can become costly.  When purchasing from the Greenhouse Emporium, everything you need comes in the kit.

Add-on accessories for the Hobby Greenhouse

• Louver window
• Shelving & Potting Benches
• Watering Systems
• Shade Cloths
• Heaters
• Ventilation
• Grow Lights
• Pots, hooks and other planting supplies

Why Should You Should Buy from Greenhouse Emporium?

Unlike most corporations like Amazon and Walmart, they know that a customer is not just another number. A fellow gardener who has their own wants and needs for their greenhouse garden. Purchasing a backyard greenhouse it is an investment.

Greenhouse Emporium is customer-centered, for a pleasant shopping experience. It has been their goal and they pride themselves on their comprehensive policies that have put them in a realm above and beyond their competitors. If that isn’t enough, they also offer several more benefits:

• They have a Price Match Guarantee – you can’t go wrong here!
• No Sales Tax – outside of Wyoming
• Authorized Dealer – They are an authorized dealer of every manufacturer they carry. Unlike some retailers, full manufacturer’s warranties will be honored for all products sold at Greenhouse Emporium.
• Free Shipping in the Continental US
• They ship directly from the manufacturer. This allows them to not only keep their prices down but allows them to focus fully on their customer’s experience.
• Customer support is – Professional, Courteous and knowledgeable
• Secure Ordering – Completely secure ordering
• 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

The bottom line is, you can definitely go to a brick and mortar store to purchase a greenhouse but they have limited options.  Greenhouse Emporium has multiple sizes, looks and prices for anyone. They will walk you through any issue with any purchase greenhouse. According to the reviews this is a great place to purchase a hobby greenhouse kit no matter which size.  They work with top suppliers like Riverstone Industries, Jannsens, and Juliana.  They also have a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

In my opinion, I would recommend purchasing a greenhouse or cold frame, Click here for Greenhouse Emporium.  Look over their website, they have lots of greenhouse and gardening supplies.