Cheap Greenhouse

A cheap greenhouse is the perfect way to start your gardening journey without a big upfront investment. Whether you're growing herbs, vegetables, or simply protecting your plants from the elements, a budget-friendly greenhouse gives you the space and shelter to succeed. It's a great choice for beginners, small spaces, or seasonal gardening – and it's proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to grow your own.

Our range includes compact walk-in models and plastic-covered greenhouses that are easy to assemble and move. They give you everything you need to test your skills, start seeds earlier in the season, and enjoy more consistent results. Even with a tight budget, you can extend your growing season and enjoy the rewards of homegrown produce.

Cheap doesn’t have to mean poor quality – it means smart choices for the right use. We’ve selected products that deliver great value and functionality, so you can focus on your plants, not your wallet.

What “Cheap Greenhouse” Actually Means

The term cheap greenhouse can be a little misleading. For some, it means "lowest price possible.” For others, it means "affordable but still high quality.” In our shop, it can mean both – but it’s important to know the difference.

We offer two types of cheap greenhouses:

• Ultra-budget models, typically covered in PE or PVC plastic with a lightweight steel frame. These are best for temporary or seasonal use, like seed starting or plant protection in spring and autumn.
• Low-cost permanent models, such as aluminium-frame greenhouses with polycarbonate glazing. These are more durable and suited to year-round use but still sit in a lower price bracket compared to premium glass structures.

Both types serve important roles but are very different products. A £50 walk-in plastic greenhouse is not the same as a £400 polycarbonate structure – even if both are "cheap" relative to larger or more advanced models. So before choosing your cheap greenhouse, consider how long you want it to last, what you plan to grow, and how much you want to expand over time.

Best Uses for a Budget Greenhouse

A cheap greenhouse is perfect for a wide range of everyday garden tasks. It’s a great tool for seed starting, especially in early spring when outdoor conditions are too cold or unpredictable. Many gardeners use them to harden off plants, protecting young seedlings while they adapt to outdoor conditions.

They’re also ideal for overwintering sensitive plants, like potted herbs or flowers that can’t tolerate frost. Even a small plastic model can make a big difference in protecting your crops from wind, pests, and sudden temperature shifts.

Budget greenhouses are also useful if you're limited on space or need something temporary. For example, if you're renting or planning to move, a low-cost plastic model is a perfect no-fuss solution. They're easy to set up and pack down without permanent installation.

If you’re new to greenhouse gardening, starting with an affordable model is a smart way to learn without pressure. You can always upgrade later as your interest, skills, and harvest grow.

What to Expect from a Cheap Greenhouse

While a cheap greenhouse gives you excellent value, it’s also important to set realistic expectations. These models are designed for basic functionality – not for long-term structural use or harsh winter conditions. They work best when placed in sheltered areas, out of strong wind, and secured with pegs or weights.

Plastic-covered greenhouses (PE/PVC) will typically need replacing every few seasons. The frames are lightweight, and though convenient, they’re not built to handle snow loads or stormy weather without support.

That said, many customers find them extremely effective for short-term growing and light-to-medium use. If you use them seasonally – for example, March through October – and store them properly during winter, they can last several years and deliver great results.

For year-round use, we recommend stepping up to a polycarbonate or aluminium-frame model, still within the "cheap” category compared to high-end glass greenhouses. These offer more durability while keeping costs low. In short: cheap greenhouses are incredibly useful – as long as you know what you’re getting and use them for the right tasks.

Great for Small Gardens, Patios and Balconies

One of the major advantages of a cheap greenhouse is its suitability for small outdoor spaces. Many models are compact enough to fit on balconies, patios, or in tight corners of your garden – areas where larger glass greenhouses simply won’t work.

Walk-in plastic greenhouses with roll-up doors and shelving options offer vertical growing space in a very small footprint. This makes them perfect for urban gardeners, renters, or anyone with limited room. And since they’re so affordable, you can even use multiple small greenhouses for different crops or stages of plant growth.

They’re also light enough to move around with the seasons – so you can position them to chase the sun or store them away when not in use. If you're growing salad greens, herbs, chillies, or tomatoes in pots, a small cheap greenhouse can improve results dramatically by protecting plants from wind and allowing you to control temperature and humidity more easily.

Whether you're a first-time grower or an experienced gardener looking for a flexible solution, these greenhouses offer a compact, cost-effective way to make the most of your space.

Price Ranges by Greenhouse Type and Material