How to Build a Small Greenhouse Kit for Home Gardening

To build a small greenhouse kit for home gardening, you must consider the climate where you live. This ensures your plants have optimal natural lighting, temperature, and water resources. You can build a large greenhouse outdoors or a smaller one indoors as intended. Outdoor greenhouse kits are usually made of polycarbonate, tough glass, and wood. For an indoor greenhouse, you can consider glass as a cover-up material with plastic or metal framing.

You will need essential devices for watering, pumping, lighting, and ventilation in your greenhouse. Jackery Solar Generators are solar power systems that come in various capacities and sizes to provide a reliable power source. These solar generators can power essential appliances such as heat pumps, pressure washers, lights, electric heaters, and ventilation fans. They are easy to set up and maintain in your greenhouse kits and use clean, green energy as a power source. 

Key Takeaways

• Greenhouse kits come in various sizes and materials, including small, large, glass, wooden, backyard, indoor, and heavy-duty.
• Essential greenhouse accessories like self-watering systems, potting trays, and ventilation fans are necessary for plant growth.
• The average cost of building a greenhouse kit is around $3,000 - $16,000, depending on size, materials, and electricity.
• Jackery Solar Generators provide reliable, eco-friendly power for greenhouse operations for heating, lighting, and ventilation.

What is a Greenhouse Kit?

A greenhouse kit includes all the parts needed to build a greenhouse, including frames, panels, and hardware for easy assembly. These kits come in different sizes and styles. Some are small enough for hobbies, while others are big enough for commercial use. They are made from materials like polycarbonate, glass, or plastic.

Choosing the Right Greenhouse Kit for Your Needs

Choosing the right greenhouse kit depends on whether you want it indoors or outdoors. Other factors, such as material, size, purpose, etc., are also included. Here is a detailed analysis of greenhouse kits based on size, material, and usability:

Small Greenhouse Kit vs. Large Greenhouse Kit

A small greenhouse kit is compact and great for home gardens. The aluminum frame has a classic apex shape. It has a sliding door, a single roof vent, and UV-resistant polycarbonate panes. A large greenhouse kit offers more space for growing plants. Some models start at 10’5” and go up to 20 ft long. It has multiple roof vents, a louver vent, and built-in gutters.

Glass Greenhouse Kit vs. Wooden Greenhouse Kit

A glass greenhouse kit uses traditional horticultural glass, which is thin and affordable. A safer option is toughened glass, which is stronger and shatters into smaller, safer pieces. Though more expensive, tempered glass is a good investment for durability and safety. 

A wooden greenhouse kit offers a classic and stylish look. It blends beautifully into the garden, making it a feature rather than an eyesore. Hardwood frames, like those made from western red cedar, are durable and age into a silver tone. 

Backyard Greenhouse Kit vs. Indoor Greenhouse Kit

A backyard greenhouse kit is excellent for expanding your gardening. It provides fresh produce year-round, saving money and ensuring nutritious food. Growing your food also supports a sustainable lifestyle.

An indoor greenhouse kit creates a controlled plant environment, allowing year-round growth. Plants are safe from common garden pests like aphids and beetles.

Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Kit

A heavy-duty greenhouse kit includes all essential components, so you don’t need to buy extra parts separately. It includes UV-resistant, 4-year clear plastic, side support brackets, corner braces, and a spring lock wire with a channel. For easy setup, ensure the ground is level, organize all parts before starting, and secure the plastic film with snap clamps.

Note: The table is only for reference, simplifying the differences between greenhouse kits to help choose the best one for your needs.

Key Features of a High-Quality Greenhouse Kit

A high-quality greenhouse is key for serious gardeners and commercial growers. It creates a stable environment for plants to thrive all year, no matter the weather. Knowing the key features helps in choosing a durable and efficient greenhouse.

• Strong Frame Construction: A sturdy frame ensures durability. Common materials include galvanized steel, aluminum, and treated timber. These resist rust, rot, and harsh weather. Secure joints and fastenings help withstand strong winds and heavy snow.
• Best Glazing Options: Glazing affects light and insulation. Polycarbonate panels offer light transmission and thermal efficiency, while glass provides clarity and longevity but needs careful handling.
• Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents overheating and pests. Roof vents and side vents keep the greenhouse cool and fresh. For best results, ventilation should match the greenhouse size.
• Shading & Insulation: Built-in shading systems, such as blinds or shade cloths, help regulate sunlight. In colder months, bubble wrap or insulation materials maintain stable temperatures.
• Drainage & Watering: Good drainage prevents water buildup. A sloped base or drainage channels keep the interior dry. Automated watering systems improve efficiency and ensure plants get consistent moisture.

How to Build Your Own Greenhouse Kit

You must know the right size and style to build your greenhouse kit. Based on where you live, choosing the material of the greenhouse kit and what plants will thrive in that climate is essential. Here is a step-by-step process to build your greenhouse kit:

Step 1: Selecting the Right Greenhouse Size and Style for Your Climate

Greenhouses come in various shapes and sizes. You can buy a DIY kit, design your own, or convert an old structure. You can choose between attached or standalone greenhouses. Cold-frame greenhouses are small, unheated, and usually attached to a house. The attached greenhouses share a wall and may have a heat source. Standalone greenhouses need separate power and heating.

Step 2: Preparing the Foundation

A solid foundation keeps your greenhouse stable. Level the ground before building. In cold climates, place foundations below the frost line and insulate if necessary. The base can be wood, concrete, bricks, or gravel.

Step 3: Assembling the Frame

The frame must be strong enough to handle wind and weight. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant but expensive. PVC pipes are cheap but weak. The wood looks nice but must be treated for durability.

Step 4: Installing the Greenhouse Covering 

The covering affects light, insulation, and durability. Plastic sheeting is cheap but wears out fast. Polycarbonate panels are strong but may contain BPA. Fiberglass is durable but turns yellow over time. Tempered glass is a safer option in areas with hail.

Step 5: Adding Doors, Ventilation Systems, and Shelving for Plants

Good ventilation prevents mold and keeps plants healthy. Install roof vents, fans, and adjustable openings for airflow. A heater is helpful in cold weather, and the cleanest electric options are available.

Step 6: Setting up Irrigation, Heating, and Lighting for an Optimal Growing Environment

Watering can be manual or automated with misters, sprinklers, or drip systems. Grow lights help plants thrive, especially in low-light seasons. They affect growth, flowering, and propagation and usually need 12-16 hours daily. Heating ensures a stable temperature for year-round growth.

Plants need specific lumens to thrive so you can install bulbs in your greenhouse. A solar power supply, such as a Jackery Solar Generator, can power lighting in your greenhouse, ensuring the plants get artificial light when needed in a solar-powered greenhouse.

Jackery Solar Generator for Greenhouse Kit

Jackery is a sustainable brand that manufactures the Jackery Solar Generator, Jackery Portable Power Station, and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panel. These solar-powered systems provide solar power for your greenhouse kits. When the solar panels are placed outside on a bright sunny day, they capture the solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. This electrical energy is transferred to a portable power station and converted to AC, which powers the appliances. You can power essential appliances for your greenhouse, such as heat pumps, LED bulbs, and electric heaters.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a power solution suitable for greenhouses and off-grid gardening. It features expandable capacity with additional battery packs and solar panels that provide reliable energy for heaters, grow lights, ventilation systems, and heat pumps. This ensures an optimal growing environment even during extended blackouts or off-grid conditions. This solar generator runs your greenhouse efficiently with clean, renewable energy.

Appliances Working Hours

• Electric Heater (1500W): 1.1H
• Heat Pump (1000W): 1.6H
• Large Ventilation Exhaust Fan (300W): 5.4H
• Water Pump (900W): 1.1H
• Electric Weed Trimmer (500W): 3.3H

Customer Review

“It works great—no problems getting it charged and up and running. I have not installed the transfer switch yet. I would recommend the Jackery systems that you have.”

- Mario Contreras

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a powerful, compact energy solution suitable for greenhouse kits. It supports up to three add-on battery packs, providing 1-3 days of backup power for essential greenhouse operations. This makes it ideal for household use and year-round gardening. The solar generator can power LED grow lights, heat pumps, and other essential devices. Its solar-powering capability makes it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable greenhouse gardening.

Appliances Working Hours

• Heat Pump (500W): 2.0H
• Large Ventilation Exhaust Fan (300W): 3.4H
• Water Pump (900W): 1.1H
• Electric Weed Trimmer (500W): 2.0H
• Jigsaw (300W): 3.4H

Customer Review

“This is an awesome piece of technology! It's flexible and capable. It opens many doors regarding what you can accomplish and is intuitive to set up.”

- Chas B.

Essential Accessories to Improve Greenhouse Kit

A few tools and accessories can make your greenhouse organized and sorted. Watering, digging, potting, and scooping tools save time and make your life easy. Here are some essential accessories to improve your greenhouse kit:

Self-Watering Systems

Keeping plants hydrated can be challenging, especially in warm months. Self-watering trays and planters have a water reservoir that feeds plants via capillary matting.

Greenhouse Hose & Tap

A greenhouse tap makes watering easy by keeping trays and plants topped up. A hosepipe with an adjustable nozzle allows precise control, from a gentle mist for seedlings to a strong spray for mature plants.

Potting Tray

A potting tray keeps your work area neat by catching spilled compost. Some trays have built-in tool holders for essentials like dibbers and scoops, making potting up more efficient and mess-free.

Compost Scoop 

A compost scoop is a curved tool that transfers compost into pots with minimal spillage. Unlike a regular trowel, it holds and directs compost smoothly, making it an essential greenhouse tool.

Tomato Support with YoYo Spools

Tomato yoyo plant spools help train and support tall-growing tomato plants. The spool unravels as the plant grows, keeping it upright and preventing damage.

Cost of Building a Greenhouse Kit

You can choose a DIY greenhouse or invest in labor costs to build one. While the average cost to build a greenhouse is $9,000, your actual cost will depend on how many plants you want to accommodate. You could create a more miniature greenhouse from a kit, or larger greenhouses to accommodate your farm.

Note: The estimated cost breakdown is based on general data and the cost per square foot or hour. The price may vary depending on the greenhouse's size, usability, material, etc.

FAQs for Greenhouse Kit

How much does a greenhouse kit cost?

The cost of a greenhouse kit varies based on size, material, and features. On average, it ranges from $3,000 to $16,000. Smaller DIY kits can be more affordable, while larger, high-quality models may cost more.

How do I choose the right size for my greenhouse kit?

You can choose a greenhouse size based on your available space, the number of plants you plan to grow, and future expansion needs. A small greenhouse kit is ideal for hobby gardeners, while large kits are suitable for commercial or year-round growing.

Do greenhouse kits require a foundation?

Yes. A foundation in greenhouse kits offers stability, better drainage, and insulation. Permanent greenhouses benefit from concrete, brick, or wood foundations. Portable or DIY models may use gravel or landscape fabric.

What are the best greenhouse kits for small spaces?

An indoor greenhouse kit is best for small spaces. Compact models with polycarbonate panels and aluminum frames are durable. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right greenhouse kit depends on various factors, including size, material, and intended use. Whether opting for a small greenhouse kit for home gardening or a backyard greenhouse kit, selecting the best structure ensures optimal plant growth. Proper ventilation, insulation, and irrigation are crucial for maintaining a stable growing environment.

A sustainable power source is essential for maintaining temperature and lighting in a greenhouse. Eco-friendly power solutions like the Jackery Solar Generator support essential greenhouse functions such as heating, lighting, and ventilation. With reliable solar powering and the ability to power appliances like heat pumps and LED grow lights, these solar generators ensure greenhouse operations run smoothly, even in off-grid or blackout situations.