Your garden may be the best place to grow veggies, herbs, fruits, and flowers. But what if you can bring the ambiance of your garden indoors and that too in a more controlled way?
We say it is possible. Growing your preferred crops inside your home all year long in a regulated environment is no longer just a pipe dream. You are ready to begin your indoor growing endeavor once you have indoor greenhouse kits in your possession.
We are all aware of greenhouses’ primary function: to provide the ideal climate for plants and promote their growth even when the season is not favorable. For a very long time, gardeners have benefited from the remarkable science behind the greenhouse concept. That being said, a greenhouse is typically constructed outside, in the backyard. But in this article, we’ll emphasize indoor greenhouses. These kits are a long-term fix for dedicated gardeners who want to increase their interest in greenhouse gardening.
So, with no delay, let’s start our discussion.
Indoor Greenhouse: What and Why?
Those homeowners who do not have the necessary space to set up an outdoor greenhouse know they still benefit from this science. How? By installing an indoor greenhouse.
But what is an indoor greenhouse?
The greenhouse concept is well known to everyone active in gardening. You should not worry, though, if you are not aware of the concept. We will give you a brief explanation right here.
A greenhouse is a compact construction made of materials like wood, polyurethane, glass, etc., to offer a controlled atmosphere for plants to prosper and grow. A greenhouse is a science that helps grow food out of season and keeps plants warm even during the winter. So, basically, the temperature is regulated in a greenhouse.
During summer, if the temperature becomes too warm inside the structure, then greenhouse coolers are used to maintain the right amount of temperature. Similarly, during winters, if the temperature isn’t quite warm, then a greenhouse heater is used to increase the temperature so that the plants get enough heat for survival in the extreme winters.
An indoor greenhouse is small and compact and is meant to be installed inside your home. Much like outdoor greenhouses, the indoor ones are also fully capable of growing all out-of-season plants.
The Benefits of an Indoor Greenhouse
Even while we like having our favorite crops available all year long, we continue to worry that we won’t be able to grow them indoors. So in an effort to highlight the concept of indoor gardening, here are some of its top benefits.
1. Good for Compacts Spaces
One of its main advantages is that an indoor greenhouse requires less room. In fact, they are ideal for those who rent an apartment or have a small home. Furthermore, people who stay near the ocean and have gardens with poor soil might also install an inside greenhouse.
These greenhouses are portable, which further contributes to their small size. You can install them in any compact place and move them anytime if necessary.
2. Provide an Optimal Environment for Plants
Like full-fledged outside greenhouses, indoor greenhouses offer the ideal conditions for plants to thrive. Within the boundaries of your home, you can easily regulate the interior temperature of these greenhouses to meet the needs of the plants and provide them with the ideal environment. Your plants will stay warm inside indoor greenhouses even in the dead of winter.
3. Enhances the Indoor Air Quality
We all know that indoor plants improve the air quality inside your home. Plants produce oxygen with air-purifying properties. So, with a greenhouse inside your home, you will enjoy this benefit without hassle.
4. Protect Plants from Elements
Plants need to be shielded from the effects of the elements for optimum growth. When you grow them in a greenhouse, it is feasible.
Smaller plants, herbs, etc., can be simply housed in indoor greenhouses, giving them a secure and ideal environment. Make sure it’s placed where plants can still receive adequate sunshine. When your greenhouse doesn’t get enough sunlight, consider investing in some quality grow lights for the plants.
Which is the Best Spot to Place an Indoor Greenhouse?
Indoor greenhouses can be readily installed anywhere because of their small size. However, should you just put them “anywhere”? Definitely NOT. Be careful to consider a few factors before deciding where to install your greenhouse indoors.
One of the most important things to consider is whether your chosen location receives enough sunshine.
The sun’s natural rays will always be the ideal light for growing plants. As a result, locate these greenhouses where they will have direct access to sunshine. However, you can use grow lights or bulbs if you don’t have access to direct sunlight.
Next comes the humidity level. The majority of houseplants will need a significant amount of consistent humidity. First, however, check the actual level of humidity your plants need depending on their types.
Get a hygrometer to keep track of the humidity levels in your home. Utilizing a decent humidifier during the winter can keep the humidity level inside your home constant.
The temperature and air circulation are two other important considerations. The average temp of 65 to 75 degrees F is ideal for the majority of indoor plants.
It is advised to keep the greenhouse away from heaters and air conditioners as much as possible. Keep a modest fan close to the greenhouse for optimal air circulation.
Plants that are Suitable for Indoor Greenhouse
By installing an indoor greenhouse, you can expand the possibilities of growing a range of plants inside your home. The size of your indoor greenhouse will determine the plants you can cultivate there.
However, we advised against picking plants that became quite huge. After all, you’ll be cultivating them indoors. Also, remember that not all plants, even those grown in a greenhouse, will thrive indoors.
Additionally, some plants will require different types of pollination, which may not be possible within your home.
So, when selecting plants for your indoor greenhouse, consider these factors. However, the plants that grow and thrive best in an indoor greenhouse are micro greens and herbs. That said, below are some good options of plants that can be grown inside an indoor greenhouse.
Herbs
When it comes to growing plants in a greenhouse, herbs are our absolute favorite. When planted in a controlled environment, they thrive.
Furthermore, you can cultivate your preferred herbs all year long in a small indoor greenhouse and pick them fresh and throw them on your food or salad anytime.
Below is a list of herbs that you can grow easily in an indoor greenhouse.
- Thyme
- Basil
- Mint
- Chives
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Sage, etc.
Just say the name, and you can grow that herb inside a greenhouse!
Vegetable
A greenhouse is a fantastic place to raise vegetables in the confines of your home. Growing vegetables will guarantee that you save money on their purchase and that you can always acquire them fresh and organic. Below is a list of some of the top vegetables.
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Chili peppers
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Onion
- Okra
- Broccoli
- Kale, etc.
Fruits
Craving for fresh fruits on your breakfast table? If yes, wait no more and plan to grow fruits in your indoor greenhouse. Below is a list of top fruits that can be grown easily inside a greenhouse.
- Orange
- Avocado
- Mulberry
- Strawberry
- Lemon
- Kumquat
- Peaches, etc.
Flowers
Who doesn’t enjoy the stimulating scents of flowers? What if the enchanting scent of flowers entices you each time you enter your home? It will undoubtedly be a wonderful experience. So, the flowering plants you can choose to grow in an indoor greenhouse.
- Orchids (one of the best choices)
- Marigolds
- Roses
- Chrysanthemums
- Pansies
- Hostas
- Pansies
- Geraniums
- Fuchsias, etc.
Things to Keep in Consideration When Considering an Indoor Greenhouse
Ready to pick up an indoor greenhouse kit? If yes, STOP and read this section on the factors you need to consider before considering an indoor greenhouse.
The Size
There is no standard greenhouse size. Your decision on size would be influenced by the amount of indoor space available and the number of plants you intend to cultivate in the greenhouse.
For example, a greenhouse with dimensions 20 × 20 inches can be kept on your coffee table and used to grow plants. On the other hand, if your room is large enough, you may even choose an indoor wall-in greenhouse.
Also, you should keep the greenhouse’s shape in mind in this situation. If you have a small indoor space, choose shapes with less surface area, such as a square.
Materials
Next comes the material.
There is an array of materials available to choose from. You can select any according to your needs, including glass, film, plastic, fiberglass, and wood. Each of these building materials has advantages and disadvantages that are exclusive to it.
The kind of plants you wish to cultivate in the greenhouse and the atmosphere of your indoor space should be considered when weighing them. Let us emphasize that, in this context, glass is considered to be the best material for greenhouses.
A glass construction allows heat and light to pass through more easily. However, a glass structure will be more expensive than a film or plastic greenhouse.
Ventilation
When considering the installation of an indoor greenhouse, pay close attention to the ventilation part.
The greenhouse you choose should have sufficient ventilation to maintain the ideal humidity, temperature, and airflow levels. Remember that greenhouses are designed to hold heat inside.
However, an overly heated environment will only cause your indoor plants to burn and perish. Therefore, ensure that the greenhouse has adequate ventilation through a sufficient number of vents, windows, and occasionally even fans.
Additionally, you can always keep a decent humidifier on hand in case the humidity level drops, especially during the winter.
Watering & Nutrients
Since your indoor greenhouse will be within your reach all the time, keep a close eye on the watering and feeding of your plants. Unlike your garden, where your plants will get abundant nutrients from the soil, indoor plants will have limited access to soil nutrition.
So, you’ll need to add some organic fertilizer or compost in accordance with the plants’ needs to overcome this situation. Care should be used during watering. To prevent root rotting, keep in mind that the soil should be moist but not drenched.
Having said that, you can also select a hydroponic system to grow plants in a greenhouse indoors.
Supplies Needed
The market offers a variety of ready-made indoor greenhouse kit options. They are simple to set up and hassle-free. But it will help if you consider the supplies you’ll need while creating a do-it-yourself indoor greenhouse.
Frames, covering materials, shelves (optional), pots, trays, soil, compost or fertilizer, and seeds or branches are the minimum necessities to set up a typical greenhouse within your home.
In addition to these, some other materials should be placed on the list of DIY greenhouse materials.
- Fans
- Humidifier (if the humidity level is low)
- Grow lights (if the access to sunlight is low)
- Thermometer
- Heater
- Watering system
- Hygrometer (optional)
Maintenance
While you are certainly not going to get sleepless nights at the thought of maintaining an indoor greenhouse, you must not ignore it. There are still some tasks to take care of to uphold the health of your greenhouse indoors.
The following are some ideal ways to maintain a greenhouse within the confines of your home.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the shelves and pots/ trays
- Decluttering the greenhouse
- Grow healthy plants that do not attract pests indoors
- Choose the right container or planter size
- Check the humidity level regularly
- Keep the vents and windows open for proper air circulation
Alternatives to Indoor Greenhouses
Even though we are discussing indoor greenhouses, let’s discuss some alternatives to these items. So, here are the three alternatives to indoor greenhouses.
Cold Frames
Although they aren’t a perfect substitute for greenhouses, cold frames can be utilized to keep plants in a warmer climate. The coldest parts of winter are when cold frames function best.
They do not, however, have all the environmental controls seen in greenhouses. So, use cold frames if you only require short-term protection from cold.
Due to their height, which is normally between two and three feet, cold frames are constructed outside. But you can attempt cold frames if you have a room that you can be reserved for cultivating indoor plants.
Grow Tents
Grow tents may be thought of as specialized varieties of indoor greenhouses. These tents are comprised entirely of a canvas outer and a reflective material inside to distribute heat and light evenly.
However, grow tents work best with hydroponic methods rather than soil farming. A grow tent also needs to grow lights because it is covered in canvas.
So, you can install it even in the shadiest places like a closet or a garage. All you need to do is concentrate on the ventilation system of the entire setup to start your venture with grow tents.
Terrariums
While terrariums function similarly to indoor greenhouses, they are better suited for growing decorative plants and mosses. In addition, they are frequently more compact and smaller than the tiniest indoor greenhouses.
We say this because a terrarium can be started even in a mason jar. From this perspective, it is important to note that the inside of a terrarium tends to be more humid than a greenhouse.
Therefore, it is advised against planting cacti or succulents in this setup. Furthermore, unlike in a greenhouse, where you can start your plant from seeds, you need to put a slightly grown or fully matured plant in a terrarium.
Our Top Recommended Indoor Greenhouse Kits
Before you head out to buy an indoor greenhouse, look at our reviews of some of the top indoor greenhouses for 2022. A list is provided below for your convenience.
| Products | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Home-Complete Mini Greenhouse | • Easy to set up • Comes with rolling cart’s wheels • Weight capacity- 88 pounds • Double-tier construction | • Sturdy • Transparent covering • Locking wheels • Can carry weight | • Thin covering material |
| 2. Gardman R687 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse | • 4-tiered • Bug resistant • Small and sturdy • Waterproof material | • Ideal for small spaces • Strong push fit tubular steel frame • Clear polyethylene cover • Humidity and temperature control | • Some extra assembly may be required for full set-up |
| 3. EAGLE PEAK 6’x4′ Portable Walk-in Greenhouse | • Strong steel structure • Rust-resistant construction • Easy set up • 3-part adjustable leg system | • Sturdy • Offer better air-flow • PE cover for heat retention • Water and UV resistant • Portable | • Velcro ties are not so durable |
| 4. AMERLIFE Greenhouse 4 Tier Indoor Greenhouse | • Heavy-duty powder-coated steel frame • Four tiers net rack • Self capacity- 33 pounds • Easy setup | • Thick PVC covering Portable • Can hold minimum 12 pots • Affordable • Rain proof • Comes with windproof kit | • Not sturdy • Self racks are very thin |
| 5. Ohuhu Mini Greenhouse for Indoor Outdoor | • PE canopy • Bug resistant • Can withstand weight • Mesh door for better visibility | • Easy to set up • UV resistant • Waterproof • Roll-up screened door • Self capacity- 22 pounds | • Extra anchoring maybe required • Not enough clips provided |
FAQs
It is best to grow small plants that can thrive indoors in a greenhouse inside your home. You can grow herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers inside an indoor greenhouse. To learn more, refer to the blog above.
The cost of constructing an indoor greenhouse would depend on several variables, like its size, the components you wish to add, the materials you use, and so forth. You can choose how much your greenhouse will cost depending on how you build it.
That being said, if you choose the DIY route, the cost can get as less as $10. On the other hand, a ready-made tiny indoor greenhouse kit might cost as little as $30 or so.
The bare essentials to build a greenhouse inside your home include frames, covering, planters or pots, soil, seeds or seedlings, fertilizers, and/ or compost. If you want to grow plants in rows, you can think of adding shelves as well.
The size of an indoor greenhouse will depend on your space and the type and number of plants you plan to grow.
Yes, your indoor greenhouse must receive direct sunlight. But you can use grow lights, lamps, or bulbs in the lack of natural sunlight.
Key Takeaways
The key takeaway of this blog is that indoor greenhouses are perfect for growing plants all around the year inside your home.
It is also affordable to cultivate your preferred plants in a more regulated setting. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be easily grown and consumed directly from the indoor greenhouse.
We hope you like our post. Please share your experience of indoor greenhouses in the comments area below.