Portable Greenhouse Cost

• Many portable greenhouses are similar to modern camping tents with poles that easily snap together to form the greenhouse framework, plus a cover (usually plastic, polyethylene or vinyl) that stretches over the frame. Many have the cover attached to the poles, and are designed to simply pop-up or unfold into place, with tie-downs and/or stakes to secure the greenhouse in a wind. Expect to pay $30 -$100 for a low structure that can protect a small patch of plants, and $100 -$500 or more for a walk-in pop-up greenhouse, depending on size and materials. For example, the FlowerHouse Planthouse 3 Model FHPH155 is 3'x3' square and 3.5' high, comes with fiber poles, ground stakes and a carrying pack (it weighs 8 pounds), and sells for $45 -$70; while the FlowerHouse SpringHouse Model FHSH300 sells for $200 -$260 and is 6'x6' square and 6.5' high, weighs 25 pounds, and comes with four portholes for hoses or power cords, fiber poles, a carrying pack, a shade cover, ground stakes and high-wind tie-downs.
• Slightly more permanent portable greenhouses have a metal or fiber frame that is assembled in place (instead of snapped together), then a vinyl or plastic fitted cover is stretched over the frame. These can start at $50 -$60 but more often cost $100 -$600 or more depending on size, materials (fiber, steel or aluminum frames; quality and thickness of cover material) and features such as zippered and screened doors and vents, or shelves. For example, the ACF Portable Greenhouse covers 85 square feet (10'x11'8" and 7' high), has a steel frame, four screened roof vents, a tote bag and a one-year warranty. It sells for $199 -$299. And the FlowerHouse FarmHouse FHFH700 is 9'x8' and 9' high, weighs 43 pounds, has 12 zippered and screened vent windows, two zippered doors and comes with a carrying pack, shade cover, ground stakes and high-wind tie-downs, and sells for $315 -$545.
• A covered growing rack designed to be used indoors can function as a portable outdoor greenhouse, especially on a patio, balcony or anywhere space is tight. Growing racks with a zippered cover start around $30 -$90 for basic models but can cost $100 -$400 or more depending on size, materials, type of covering and options such as grow lights or an automatic watering system. For more details, see How Much Does an Indoor Greenhouse Cost.

• A portable greenhouse kit should included the cover, poles, stakes, written assembly instructions and everything needed to erect, dismantle or store the portable greenhouse. Some models include a carrying case. Typically, any shelving or work areas to be used inside the greenhouse must be purchased separately. More expensive greenhouses may also have vented portholes to run power cords or hoses into the greenhouse, as well as zippered windows or vents.
• Depending on the model, erecting or dismantling a portable greenhouse can take from five to 30 minutes -- although some of the larger, more durable frame-based structures can take longer. A pool company demonstrates putting up and taking down a folding BloomHouse greenhouse; and Organic Living TV shows how to set up a FlowerHouse SpringHouse with snap-together poles and plastic shelving.

• Most portable greenhouse kits contain just the basic structure. Interior furnishings will depend on the gardener's preferences, but could include basic benches or shelving ($20 -$200 in plastic or metal) or an electric heater ($50 -$400 or more).

• The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service explains how to build a backyard greenhouse with a wood frame, PVC pipe and a sheet of 4mil plastic for just the cost of materials.

• A portable greenhouse needs to be appropriate both for the type of plants being grown and for the local climate. eBay provides guidelines for choosing a greenhouse.
• Portable greenhouses are sold at home improvement centers like Home Depot or Lowe's; big box discount stores like Target ;and through online retailers like Amazon, ACF Greenhouses and International Greenhouse Company,

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