If you’ve ever wished for a greenhouse but simply don’t have the garden space, our guide to the best mini greenhouses UK will help you find exactly what you need. These compact little structures make it possible to grow herbs, salad leaves, and even tomatoes on a balcony, patio, or small courtyard — no allotment required.
Mini greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes, from tabletop cold frames to tall four-tier models that stand neatly against a wall. They’re perfect for starting seeds in early spring, hardening off young plants, or keeping delicate herbs and flowers safe from frost and wind.
In this guide, we’ve hand-picked the best mini greenhouses available in the UK for 2025, balancing affordability, durability, and real-world usability. Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to extend your growing season, or a complete beginner starting a few pots of herbs, you’ll find plenty of compact and clever ideas below to help you grow more in less space.
If you’re looking for something a little larger, then check out our guide to the Best Small Greenhouses UK.
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Mini Greenhouse Comparison Table (UK 2025)
If you’d like a quick overview before diving into the full reviews, the table below compares some of the best mini greenhouses available in the UK for 2025. You can see prices, styles, and ideal uses at a glance — from affordable tiered PVC models to attractive wooden cold frames and compact walk-in designs. Click any product name to view it directly on Amazon and check current availability.
| Mini Greenhouse | Type / Size | Approx. Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse | Vertical / 4-Tier PVC | £30 – £50 | Seedlings and small pots on patios |
| Rowlinson Hardwood Mini Greenhouse | Wood / Glazed Shelving | £240 | Stylish wooden option for patios |
| Christow Compact Walk-In Greenhouse with Shelves | Walk-In / Steel Frame | £50 – £70 | Compact walk-in growing space |
| VegTrug Small Wall Hugger Medium Greenhouse | Raised Bed / Wooden Frame | £100 | Salads & herbs on patios or balconies |
| Outsunny Tabletop Cold Frame Greenhouse | Tabletop / Twin-Lid Cold Frame | £35 – £50 | Balcony or raised-bed growing |
| Outsunny Walk-In Mini Greenhouse with 4-Tier Shelving | Compact Walk-In / 8 Shelves | £30 – £40 | Vertical space for multiple trays |
| Outsunny Wooden Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse | Wood / Ground Cold Frame | £60 – £80 | Seedlings & alpine plants on patios |
Best Mini Greenhouses UK – Full Reviews (2025)
1. Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse – Approx. £30-£50
The Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse is a classic compact option that lets you start seedlings or grow small plants even if you’re short on garden space. Its lightweight frame and clear PVC cover make it perfect for patios or sheltered balconies, offering excellent protection from cold winds and pests.
- Why we love it: Cheap and easy to build. Ideal for seedlings and small potted plants.
- Caveat: Lightweight—add weights or position in shelter to avoid blow-aways.
2. Rowlinson Hardwood Mini Greenhouse – Approx. £240
A stylish, sturdy wooden mini greenhouse from Rowlinson, made from FSC-certified hardwood with a factory stain finish. It features twin-opening lids for ventilation, two removable shelves, and twin-opening front doors for easy access. The UV-treated polycarbonate glazing provides good insulation while being safer than glass.
- Why we love it: Attractive enough for patios, durable build, adjustable shelving for taller plants.
- Caveat: Needs periodic wood treatment to keep it looking its best.
3. CHRISTOW Compact Walk-In Greenhouse with Shelves – Approx. £50-£70
A space-efficient walk-in greenhouse designed for small gardens or allotments. Includes reinforced PE cover, shelving on both sides, and zippered roll-up door.
- Why we love it: Small footprint but enough height to step inside, plenty of shelf space for seedlings.
- Caveat: Lightweight – secure with guy ropes or bricks in windy weather.
4. VegTrug Small Wall Hugger Medium Greenhouse – Approx. £100
The VegTrug Small Wall Hugger Mini Greenhouse is a stylish raised-bed model that combines a sturdy wooden planter with a fitted PE cover. It’s ideal for patios or small courtyards where bending down isn’t practical, offering easy access and good airflow. Perfect for salads, herbs, and compact vegetables.
- Why we love it: Raised height makes planting and watering easier. Excellent quality and design.
- Caveat: Premium price, but built to last many years.
5. Outsunny Tabletop Cold Frame Greenhouse – Approx. £35–£50
The Outsunny Tabletop Cold Frame Greenhouse is perfect for balconies, patios, or raised beds where floor space is limited. The twin-lid design gives you easy access to seedlings, herbs, or alpine plants while trapping warmth and protecting from frost. It’s compact, attractive, and works brilliantly on a garden table or bench.
- Why we love it: Lightweight and portable; great starter option for balconies or small courtyards.
- Caveat: Best for seedlings or herbs, not tall plants.
6. Outsunny Walk-In Mini Greenhouse with 4-Tier Shelving – Approx. £30–£40
The Outsunny Walk-In Mini Greenhouse is a compact, affordable choice for anyone who wants more vertical growing space without a full-sized structure. Standing just under 2 m tall, it offers eight shelves for seedlings, herbs, and potted plants while still being light enough to move or store seasonally. Perfect for patios or small gardens.
- Why we love it: Great value for money; plenty of shelving for trays and pots.
- Caveat: Lightweight — anchor it with pegs or sandbags in windy spots.
7. Outsunny Wooden Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse – Approx. £60–£80
The Outsunny Wooden Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse is a compact and rustic solution that looks great on patios or beside raised beds. The twin-opening roof lids give easy access and ventilation, making it ideal for starting seedlings in early spring.
- Why we love it: Attractive wooden design; perfect for small herbs or alpine plants.
- Caveat: Wood needs occasional weatherproofing to prolong life.
🌿 Conclusion – Choosing the Best Mini Greenhouse for Your Space
Whether you want to start seedlings early in spring or protect herbs through chilly autumn nights, the best mini greenhouses UK 2025 offer practical solutions for every type of grower.
From lightweight tabletop cold frames for balconies to sturdy walk-in mini greenhouses that fit snugly on patios, these compact structures make it easy to grow more in less space.
If you’re a beginner, an affordable PVC 4-tier mini greenhouse is a great first step. For something long-lasting and attractive, a wooden cold frame or VegTrug-style raised mini greenhouse looks good and performs well year-round.
Whichever design you choose, make sure it offers good ventilation, secure shelving, and a stable frame so your plants stay healthy in the changeable British weather.
Still not sure which to pick?
Scroll back to the comparison table above to see each model side-by-side — or check the latest prices on Amazon to find the right balance between budget, durability, and style.
If you are limited for space and want even more options to grow vegetables then take a look at our article on how to grow vegetables indoors in buckets.
Looking for more self-sufficiency and gardening guides? Visit HomeGrower to explore our latest advice on mini greenhouses, indoor growing, and outdoor garden tips.
For expert advice on a wide range of gardening topics why not head over to the UK’s largest gardening charity the RHS.
What are the best mini greenhouses in the UK right now?
Some of the best mini greenhouses UK 2025 include compact models from Gardman, Outsunny, and Rowlinson. They combine affordability, portability, and enough space for herbs, seedlings, and small vegetable plants.
Can a mini greenhouse be used in winter?
Yes. A mini greenhouse can extend your growing season well into winter if you insulate it with fleece or bubble wrap. Wooden and polycarbonate styles hold warmth better than thin plastic covers.
Where is the best place to put a mini greenhouse?
Place your mini greenhouse in a sunny, sheltered spot — ideally south- or west-facing. Against a house wall or fence helps retain heat and protects from wind.
Are mini greenhouses worth it?
Absolutely. Even the cheapest mini greenhouses UK models can save tender plants from frost, give seedlings a head start, and free up windowsill space indoors.
What can you grow in a mini greenhouse?
Herbs, salad leaves, strawberries, peppers, and tomato seedlings all thrive in a mini greenhouse. Just choose varieties suited to smaller pots or trays.
How long do mini greenhouses last?
A PVC-covered mini greenhouse typically lasts two to three seasons, while wooden cold frames or polycarbonate mini greenhouses can last five years or more with basic care.
Can I leave a mini greenhouse up all year?
Yes — as long as it’s anchored securely and in good condition. Many UK gardeners keep their mini greenhouses up year-round to store pots and protect overwintering plants.