We've sold over 2,000 greenhouses in the last three years. We've also answered thousands of emails from people who bought cheap greenhouses elsewhere and regretted it.
This guide is everything we wish someone told us before we got into this business — and everything we tell friends when they ask what greenhouse to buy.
No fluff. No "it depends on your needs" nonsense. Just straight answers.
The Only 3 Things That Actually Matter
People overthink this. They compare 47 features, read 200 reviews, and end up paralyzed.
Here's the truth: three things determine whether you'll love your greenhouse or curse it every time you walk outside.
- Frame material — This is 80% of the decision. Get this wrong and nothing else matters.
- Size — Everyone buys too small. Everyone.
- Your climate — A greenhouse that works in San Diego won't survive a Minnesota winter.
That's it. Everything else — door styles, vent placement, color options — is noise.
Let's break each one down.
Frame Materials: The Decision That Makes or Breaks Everything
Aluminum (Most Common, Most Regretted)
Go to Home Depot right now and you'll see rows of aluminum-frame greenhouses for $400-800. They look fine in the store.
Here's what happens in real life:
- Year 1: Works okay, feels a bit flimsy
- Year 2: Frame starts bending, door doesn't close right
- Year 3: First big storm destroys it completely
We hear this story weekly. "I bought a cheap one first to see if I'd use it. Used it constantly. Loved growing my own food. Then it collapsed under 8 inches of snow and I lost everything inside."
Aluminum frames flex. They're designed for mild climates with no wind and no snow. Most of America doesn't have that climate.
Wood (Beautiful, High Maintenance)
Wooden greenhouses look amazing. That classic English garden aesthetic. Very Instagram-worthy.
The reality:
- Needs repainting/staining every 2-3 years
- Wood rots, especially at the base where moisture collects
- Insects love it
- Costs 2-3x more than equivalent steel
- Still won't handle heavy snow loads
If you have money, time, and live somewhere dry — wood can work. For everyone else, it's a beautiful headache.
Galvanized Steel (What Commercial Growers Use)
There's a reason every commercial nursery, every serious farm operation, uses galvanized steel frames. Same reason warehouses and bridges use it.
It doesn't rust. It doesn't bend. It doesn't care about your weather.
Our frames are the same gauge steel used in commercial construction. They handle 65 mph winds and 3 feet of snow. Not because we over-engineered them — because that's just the minimum spec for something that's supposed to last 20 years.
→ See our polycarbonate greenhouses built with galvanized steel frames: https://gardeningculture.com/collections/polycarbonate-greenhouses
The cost difference? A steel greenhouse costs maybe 40% more than aluminum upfront. But you buy it once. The aluminum one you'll buy three times over 15 years — and lose plants each time it fails.
Size: Why Everyone Buys Too Small
Here's the conversation we have constantly:
Customer: "I'm thinking 8x6, just to start small and see if I like it."
Us: "What do you want to grow?"
Customer: "Tomatoes, peppers, some lettuce, herbs, maybe cucumbers, and I'd love to start my seedlings early..."
Us: "That's not fitting in an 8x6."
The problem is that people think about floor space, not growing space. They forget:
- You need walkways (can't step on plants)
- Tomatoes grow UP and OUT
- You'll want shelving for seedlings
- Pots and tools need to live somewhere
- You WILL expand what you grow once you start
Our Actual Size Recommendations
8x10 or 8x12 — Good for casual gardening, herbs, small salad garden, 1-2 people. Reality check: You'll fill it in one season and wish you went bigger.
10x12 or 10x16 — Good for serious vegetable production, family of 4, year-round growing. Reality check: This is what most people actually need. 90% of our customers land here.
12x20 or larger — Good for feeding a large family, selling at farmers markets, serious homesteading. Reality check: Only if you have the space and commitment. This is a part-time job's worth of gardening.
The "One Size Up" Rule
Whatever size you think you need, go one size up. You won't regret having extra space. You will absolutely regret being cramped.
We've never — not once — had a customer say "I wish I bought smaller."
We hear "I wish I bought bigger" almost daily.
Climate: What Your Weather Actually Demands
A greenhouse isn't just a box with walls. It's a climate management system. What it needs to do depends entirely on where you live.
Cold Climates (Zones 3-5): Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, etc.
Your enemies: Heavy snow, extreme cold, short growing season
What you need:
- Strong frame — Snow loads will destroy weak structures
- Twin-wall polycarbonate — Single-wall won't insulate enough
- Steep roof pitch — Snow needs to slide off, not accumulate
- Heating plan — Below freezing, you'll need supplemental heat
The good news? A proper greenhouse in zone 4 can grow food 8-10 months instead of 4. That's the whole point.
Hot Climates (Zones 9-10): Arizona, South Texas, Florida
Your enemies: Excessive heat, intense sun, humidity (Florida)
What you need:
- Ventilation — Roof vents and door vents are non-negotiable
- Shade options — Ability to add shade cloth in summer
- Good airflow design — Hot air rises, needs somewhere to go
Summer in Phoenix, a greenhouse can hit 140°F without ventilation. Your plants will cook. Literally.
Moderate Climates (Zones 6-8): Most of the country
You've got the easiest setup. Standard greenhouse works great. Just make sure you have ventilation for summer and enough insulation for winter.
Polycarbonate vs Glass: The Debate That's Already Settled
This used to be a real decision. It's not anymore.
Glass:
- Looks traditional and beautiful
- Shatters (dangerous and expensive to replace)
- Heavy (needs stronger, more expensive frame)
- Poor insulation (single pane loses heat fast)
- Hot spots (direct light burns plants)
Polycarbonate:
- 200x stronger than glass (virtually unbreakable)
- 40% better insulation (twin-wall traps air)
- Diffuses light (no hot spots, even coverage)
- Lighter (easier to install, less stress on frame)
- Blocks 99% of UV (protects plants from sunburn)
The only argument for glass is aesthetics. If you're building a Victorian conservatory for tea parties, get glass. If you're growing food, get polycarbonate.
Every commercial operation switched to polycarbonate decades ago. There's a reason.
What a Greenhouse Actually Costs (Total Honesty)
The Greenhouse Itself
- Budget (under $1,000): Aluminum frame, thin panels, 2-3 year lifespan. You'll replace it.
- Mid-range ($1,500-2,500): Decent materials, 5-10 year lifespan with care.
- Premium ($2,500-5,000+): Commercial-grade steel, thick polycarbonate, 15-20+ year lifespan. Buy once.
What Else You'll Spend
Be realistic about the total investment:
- Foundation: $0 (level ground) to $500 (concrete pad)
- Soil/raised beds inside: $100-300
- Shelving: $50-200
- Heating (cold climates): $100-500 for electric heater
- First round of plants/seeds: $50-100
Total first-year investment for a serious setup: $2,500-4,500
The Payback Math
Average greenhouse vegetable production: $2,000-4,000/year in grocery value
Payback period on premium greenhouse: 12-18 months
After that? It's pure savings for the next 15-20 years.
A $3,000 greenhouse that lasts 20 years and produces $3,000/year in food = $60,000 in value from a $3,000 investment.
That's why we sell greenhouses. The math is stupid good.
The 5 Mistakes That Cost People Thousands
Mistake 1: Buying cheap to "test it out"
The cheap one fails. You lose your plants and your confidence. You either give up entirely or buy a good one anyway — after wasting $800.
Just buy the good one first.
Mistake 2: Ignoring your climate
A California greenhouse design won't work in Colorado. Check wind ratings. Check snow load capacity. Check that it's actually built for your weather.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about ventilation
Greenhouses get HOT. Without vents, your summer greenhouse becomes an oven. Make sure any greenhouse has roof vents at minimum, ideally automatic ones.
Mistake 4: Placing it wrong
Full sun (6+ hours) is non-negotiable. Close to water source saves you daily headaches. Level ground prevents structural stress. Think about access in winter — will you actually walk out there when it's snowing?
Mistake 5: No plan for extreme weather
What happens when you get that freak storm? Heavy snow year? Heat wave? Have a plan: how will you clear snow, add ventilation, protect plants?
Our Greenhouse Recommendations
We sell two styles of greenhouse. Here's who each one is for:
Arch Style Greenhouse
Best for: Cold climates, heavy snow areas, maximizing height
The curved roof sheds snow naturally. Commercial growers use this shape for a reason — it's the strongest design per pound of material. Tall center height means you can grow tomatoes that actually reach their full potential.
→ Browse our Arch Style Greenhouse: https://gardeningculture.com/products/worlds-most-durable-greenhouse
House Style Greenhouse
Best for: Traditional look, easy access with double doors, moderate climates
Classic peaked roof design. Double doors on the ends make it easy to wheel in carts or equipment. If you want something that looks like a "proper" greenhouse, this is it.
→ Browse our House Style Greenhouse: https://gardeningculture.com/products/greenhouse-tudor-3-5m
Still Not Sure? Here's What To Do
Talk to us directly. We answer questions all day and can help you figure out exactly what you need for your space, climate, and goals.
→ Contact us for free advice: https://gardeningculture.com/pages/contact
→ Check our FAQ for quick answers: https://gardeningculture.com/pages/faq
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a quality greenhouse last? With galvanized steel frames and proper polycarbonate panels, expect 15-20 years minimum. Our frames have a 10-year warranty because we know they'll outlast it.
Do I need a permit for a backyard greenhouse? Usually no for structures under 120 sq ft. Check your local building codes — rules vary by county.
Can I install it myself? Yes. Most customers complete assembly in a weekend with one helper. No special tools or skills needed.
What's the best greenhouse for beginners? Our 8x12 or 10x12 models. Big enough to grow real food, small enough to not be overwhelming. Comes with everything you need.
How much can I actually grow? A 10x12 greenhouse can produce $3,000-4,000 worth of vegetables annually — tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, herbs, and more. Most families offset their entire produce budget.
→ Browse all our greenhouses: https://gardeningculture.com/collections/polycarbonate-greenhouses
Questions? Email us at hello@gardeningculture.com or call. Real humans answer.
