Best Greenhouse Kits for Year-Round Growing
Top 4 Best Selling Easy DIY Greenhouse Kits for Growing in Canada
Looking for the perfect greenhouse kit to extend your growing season in Canada? Whether you're a hobby gardener wanting to grow fresh tomatoes and herbs year-round, or a serious grower seeking a premium structure that can handle heavy snow loads, we've curated the best greenhouse kits available for Canadian climates.
From beautiful cedar-framed models to high-tech greenhouses with automatic ventilation, this guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right greenhouse for your needs.
Quick Comparison: Best Greenhouse Kits for Canada
| Greenhouse Model | Size | Frame Material | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natura Cedar Frame | 8x12 ft | Cedar wood | Beautiful natural wood, UV-resistant panels | Aesthetic appeal, hobby gardening |
| Glory Premium | 8x12 ft | Aluminum | Automatic roof vent, heavy-duty frame | Serious growers, year-round use |
| Aria Compact | 4x4 ft | Aluminum | Space-saving, automatic vent | Small yards, beginners |
| Grand Gardener | 8x16 ft | Aluminum | Extra height, automatic vents, snow load rated | Professional growing, heavy snow areas |
1. Natura Cedar Frame Greenhouse - Best for Natural Beauty
The Natura greenhouse combines functionality with stunning natural aesthetics. Its cedar wood frame not only looks beautiful but is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it perfect for the Canadian climate.
Key Features:
- Premium cedar wood frame
- 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels
- Rust-resistant hardware
- Sliding door for easy access
- Available in 8x8 and 8x12 sizes
What Grows Best:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach
- Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme
- Flowers: Geraniums, petunias, impatiens
The Natura is ideal for gardeners who want their greenhouse to be a beautiful focal point in their yard while providing excellent growing conditions.
2. Glory Premium Greenhouse - Best All-Around Performance
The Glory greenhouse is our top pick for serious Canadian gardeners. With its automatic roof vent and heavy-duty aluminum frame, it's built to handle everything from scorching summer days to heavy winter snow.
Key Features:
- Automatic roof vent opener (no electricity needed)
- Heavy-duty aluminum frame
- 6mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels
- Galvanized steel base
- Snow load rated for Canadian winters
- Available in multiple sizes (8x8, 8x12, 8x16)
What Grows Best:
- Vegetables: All varieties including heat-loving tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, plus cool-season crops
- Herbs: Full herb garden including Mediterranean varieties
- Flowers: Orchids, African violets, tropical plants
The automatic ventilation system is a game-changer for temperature control, making this greenhouse perfect for year-round growing without constant monitoring.
3. Aria Compact Greenhouse - Best for Small Spaces
Don't let limited space stop you from greenhouse gardening! The Aria compact greenhouse packs premium features into a small footprint, perfect for urban gardens or balconies.
Key Features:
- Space-efficient 4x4 ft design
- Automatic roof vent
- 4mm polycarbonate panels
- Rust-resistant aluminum frame
- Hinged door for easy access
What Grows Best:
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, green onions
- Herbs: Complete kitchen herb garden
- Flowers: Seedling starts, small flowering plants
Perfect for beginners or as a dedicated seedling starter before transplanting to outdoor gardens.
4. Grand Gardener Greenhouse - Best for Professional Growing
The Grand Gardener is our premium choice for serious growers who need maximum space and professional-grade features. Its extra height accommodates tall plants and provides excellent air circulation.
Key Features:
- Extra-tall design (7+ ft peak height)
- Dual automatic roof vents
- Heavy-duty snow load rating
- 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels
- Reinforced aluminum frame
- Available in 8x12, 8x16, and 8x20 sizes
What Grows Best:
- Vegetables: Indeterminate tomatoes, pole beans, tall peppers, full-season crops
- Herbs: Large-scale herb production
- Flowers: Cut flower production, tall varieties, tropical plants
Ideal for market gardeners, serious hobbyists, or anyone wanting to maximize their growing potential.
Understanding Greenhouse Features for Canadian Climate
Automatic Ventilation
Automatic roof vents are essential for Canadian greenhouses. They open and close based on temperature using a heat-sensitive piston - no electricity required. This prevents overheating on sunny days (even in winter!) and maintains optimal growing conditions.
Snow Load Rating
Canadian greenhouses must handle significant snow weight. Look for models specifically rated for snow loads, with reinforced frames and proper roof pitch to shed snow naturally.
Polycarbonate Panels
Twin-wall polycarbonate is superior to glass for Canadian climates:
- Better insulation (keeps heat in during winter)
- Virtually unbreakable (won't shatter from hail or falling ice)
- UV-resistant (won't yellow or degrade)
- Lighter weight (easier installation, less structural stress)
Frame Materials
Aluminum: Rust-proof, lightweight, strong, maintenance-free
Cedar Wood: Beautiful, naturally rot-resistant, excellent insulation, requires occasional sealing
Year-Round Growing Tips for Canadian Greenhouses
Spring (March-May)
- Start seedlings 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Grow cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes
- Monitor ventilation as temperatures fluctuate
Summer (June-August)
- Maximize automatic vents and add shade cloth if needed
- Grow heat-loving crops: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons
- Maintain consistent watering schedule
Fall (September-November)
- Transition to cool-season crops
- Extend harvest of summer crops with frost protection
- Plant garlic and overwintering onions
Winter (December-February)
- Grow cold-hardy greens: kale, spinach, mâche, winter lettuce
- Consider supplemental heating for tender crops
- Reduce watering frequency
- Clear snow from roof after heavy storms
Choosing the Right Size Greenhouse
4x4 to 6x6 ft: Perfect for beginners, small yards, or dedicated herb/seedling production
8x8 to 8x12 ft: Ideal for hobby gardeners wanting year-round vegetables and herbs
8x16 to 8x20 ft: Best for serious growers, market gardeners, or large families
Remember: Most gardeners wish they'd bought a larger greenhouse! Consider your future growing ambitions, not just current needs.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Site Selection
- Choose a location with 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Ensure level ground or prepare a proper foundation
- Consider proximity to water source and electrical outlet
- Allow space around greenhouse for maintenance access
Foundation Options
- Gravel base: Good drainage, easy installation
- Concrete blocks: Stable, level, prevents ground contact
- Concrete slab: Most permanent, best for large greenhouses
Seasonal Maintenance
- Clean panels twice yearly for maximum light transmission
- Check and tighten hardware annually
- Lubricate door tracks and vent mechanisms
- Inspect seals and weather stripping
- Clear gutters and drainage
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a greenhouse in Canada?
Requirements vary by municipality. Most areas don't require permits for small greenhouses (under 100 sq ft) but check with your local building department before installation.
Can these greenhouses handle Canadian winters?
Yes! All our recommended models are specifically rated for Canadian snow loads and temperature extremes. The polycarbonate panels provide excellent insulation while the reinforced frames handle heavy snow.
What's the difference between 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate?
Thicker panels (6mm or 8mm) provide better insulation and are stronger, making them ideal for year-round use and areas with heavy snow. 4mm panels work well for three-season use or milder climates.
How much does it cost to heat a greenhouse in winter?
Costs vary by size, insulation, and desired temperature. A small electric heater maintaining 5-10°C in an 8x12 greenhouse typically costs $50-150/month in most Canadian regions. Passive solar heating and thermal mass can significantly reduce costs.
Can I grow vegetables year-round without supplemental heat?
Yes! Cold-hardy greens like kale, spinach, mâche, and winter lettuce can survive in an unheated greenhouse through Canadian winters. For tender crops like tomatoes, you'll need heating from October through April.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall: Glory Premium Greenhouse - Perfect balance of features, size, and price with automatic ventilation
Best Value: Aria Compact - Maximum features in a small, affordable package
Most Beautiful: Natura Cedar Frame - Stunning natural aesthetics with excellent functionality
Best for Serious Growers: Grand Gardener - Professional-grade features and maximum growing space
Ready to start your year-round growing journey? Browse our complete selection of greenhouse kits designed specifically for Canadian climates. Each model comes with detailed installation instructions and our expert support team is always here to help you succeed.
Have questions about which greenhouse is right for your needs? Contact our greenhouse specialists today!