Is a portable greenhouse the best weapon in a spring garden? My friend Kate, who grew up in Wisconsin where the growing season is very short, recommends germinating seeds in a mini greenhouse on a trolley that you can move to follow the sun. “My brother has one he wheels around his garden,” she says.
Here in northern California, Kate’s last crop of sunflower seeds mysteriously failed to germinate in the ground (“I even soaked them,” she said). This spring, she has a new plan: Planting sunflower seeds in a controlled environment, in little plug pots in a portable greenhouse to make sure they stay warm, get enough water, and bask in several hours of direct sunlight even in March.
Another thing to know about portable greenhouses? They’re adorable. Here are 10 to consider this spring.
Above: A Portable Wooden Cold Frame Greenhouse by Giantex measures 35.4 by 31.3 by 23 inches and, as shown in the top photo, has hinged lids; $86.99 from Glow Home Decor. Above: An Aluminium Frame Greenhouse measures 100 by 100 centimeters (about 39 by 39 inches) and has a double-sided lid. For more information and prices, see Vertak.
Above: A mini Tabletop Greenhouse has a vented cover; $19.95 from Gardener’s Supply. Above: A portable Wooden Greenhouse measures 35.4 by 19.3 by 40.5 inches and has a foldable lid and a storage shelf; $58.99 from Amazon. Above: Slightly larger than the model shown above, a four-lidded, waterproof aluminum Cold Frame greenhouse is £40.99 from Mano Mano. Above: A Compact Convertible Garden Greenhouse & Lattice Kit designed by inventor and Shark Tank cast member Lori Greiner is 36 inches long and can be reconfigured as a trellis during warm months when you don’t need a greenhouse; it is $59.99 at Amazon. Above: A pine Latchmere Raised Cold Frame has a plexiglass lid and side panels; £140 from Garden Trading. Above: A GrowIT BackYard Raised Bed Greenhouse has a steel frame and tension ropes to hold a roll-up cover in place; $59.99 from Shelter Logic. Above: A 72-inch-long, wooden VegTrug Cold Frame Elevated Planter Bed is double-insulated with polycarbonate panels and is $229.99 from Hayneedle. Above: A waterproof square PlantHouse Portable Greenhouse is available in five sizes (24 to 60 square inches) and comes with stakes to secure it to the ground. Prices range from $34 to $240 at Greenhouse Megastore. Above: A two-tier Portable Greenhouse with wheels (and lockable brakes) has a tear-proof PVC cover and is $39.99 from Amazon. See more ways to get a jump start on spring:
