Canadian Greenhouse Kits to Try - A Practical Summary
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Canadian Greenhouse Kits to Try – A Practical Summary
If you’re looking to bring the garden indoors, keep seedlings alive over the winter or grow a bigger crop, a greenhouse kit is a convenient, often affordable way to do it. The House & Home article “Canadian greenhouse kits to try” takes a close look at a handful of the most popular kits on the Canadian market, weighing the pros and cons of each so you can pick the right one for your needs and your budget.
Why a Kit Is the Smart Choice
- Ready‑to‑assemble – All the components are shipped pre‑measured and pre‑cut, so you can set up a greenhouse in a weekend rather than ordering a bespoke frame and waiting for it to be custom‑made.
- Cost‑effective – A kit is usually cheaper than buying individual pieces and you’re guaranteed that everything fits together.
- Portability – Most kits use lightweight frames (usually aluminium or PVC) and a removable or retractable roof, making it easy to move the greenhouse or store it in the off‑season.
- Design variety – From simple shed‑style frames to greenhouse‑style frames with a glass‑covered dome, there is a product for every style and space.
The article pulls data straight from the manufacturers’ pages and a handful of independent reviews, so you get a clear picture of real‑world performance and durability.
1. Peters Greenhouse 12 × 20 ft – The Classic Choice
- Material – 4‑mm PVC frame, reinforced aluminium ribs, and a 3‑layer polycarbonate roof.
- Pros – Extremely robust, good heat retention, and a large interior volume that can accommodate a full crop or a collection of potted plants. The door is large (5 ft) and the frame can be extended up to 25 ft with an optional extension kit.
- Cons – The polycarbonate roof can be a bit flimsy in severe wind conditions; the price point is on the higher end ($1,500 CAD) but the kit comes with a 10‑year frame warranty.
- Where to Buy – The article links directly to the Peters Greenhouse page on the brand’s Canadian website, where a downloadable assembly guide is available.
2. Kraft Greenhouse 8 × 10 ft – Budget‑Friendly & Versatile
- Material – Aluminium framing with a PVC‑reinforced roof panel.
- Pros – One of the cheapest options in the 5‑$1,200 CAD range. The lightweight frame can be assembled by a single adult, and the roof is removable, making it a good choice for seasonal use.
- Cons – The PVC roof has limited UV resistance; you’ll need to replace it after 3–4 years in harsh sun. Ventilation relies on manually opening the side panels.
- Where to Buy – The article provides a direct link to Kraft’s official site, where you can compare the 8 × 10, 10 × 12, and 12 × 14 versions.
3. VIVO 8 × 10 ft – Modern Aesthetics with Functionality
- Material – Aluminium frames, 3‑layer tempered glass roof, and a built‑in ventilation system (roof vents and side louvers).
- Pros – The glass roof provides superior light transmission (up to 80 %) and is fully weather‑sealed. The built‑in ventilation system means you don’t have to remember to open panels, which is a huge plus for beginners.
- Cons – The glass can be heavy and may dent if you’re not careful during transport. The price ($850 CAD) is mid‑range but the quality is top tier.
- Where to Buy – The article links to the VIVO product page on the Canadian Amazon storefront.
4. Razorback 8 × 12 ft – The “Portable” Hot‑Spot
- Material – Aluminium frame with a clear polycarbonate roof.
- Pros – Designed for mobility – the frame is collapsible and can be taken apart for storage or moved indoors. Excellent insulation thanks to double‑walled PVC panels.
- Cons – The collapsible mechanism can be fiddly; the roof’s UV‑coating only lasts about 2 years in full sun.
- Where to Buy – A link to Razorback’s Canadian retail partner is included, complete with a PDF of assembly instructions.
5. Canopy Greenhouse 10 × 14 ft – The “DIY” Build
- Material – PVC frame, 1‑layer polycarbonate, but the kit comes with a “build‑your‑own” instruction set that lets you customize the frame width.
- Pros – The price is the lowest of the lot ($600 CAD), making it ideal for first‑timers. The modular nature lets you stretch the frame later if you need more space.
- Cons – The single‑layer roof provides less insulation; you’ll need to add a secondary panel if you plan on using the greenhouse in the colder months.
- Where to Buy – The article points to a Canadian e‑commerce site that ships directly from a Canadian warehouse.
6. Gorilla Greenhouse 12 × 20 ft – The “High‑End” Option
- Material – Heavy‑duty aluminium framing, 3‑layer glass roof, and integrated ventilation fans.
- Pros – Built for the long haul – the frame is designed to withstand severe Canadian winter winds. The integrated fans (included in the kit) help with humidity control.
- Cons – The biggest drawback is the price ($1,800 CAD) and the fact that the kit doesn’t include any insulation panels, so you’ll have to add them yourself if you want year‑round use.
- Where to Buy – The article links to the Gorilla Greenhouse page on the brand’s Canadian website, which offers a live chat for ordering questions.
7. Garden King 8 × 10 ft – “The Hybrid” Option
- Material – Aluminium frame, 3‑layer glass roof, and a “weather‑proof” vinyl cover for the roof.
- Pros – The hybrid design (glass + vinyl) offers a nice balance between light transmission and weather resistance. The kit includes a set of window panels that you can slide open or close.
- Cons – The vinyl cover can degrade over time and needs replacement every 3–5 years. The ventilation relies entirely on manual opening of the side panels.
- Where to Buy – The article provides a link to the Garden King retail page, which offers a 6‑month frame warranty.
8. Sundance Greenhouse 10 × 12 ft – “The “Solar” Version
- Material – Aluminium frame with integrated solar panels that power LED grow lights.
- Pros – This is the only kit on the list that offers a built‑in renewable‑energy option, ideal for those who want to keep electricity bills down during the peak growing season.
- Cons – The solar system is only effective for a handful of hours a day, so it’s best used as a supplement rather than a primary light source. The kit is also the most expensive ($1,300 CAD).
- Where to Buy – A link to the Sundance website is provided, with an FAQ section that explains how to mount the panels.
How to Choose the Right Kit
- Size & Space – Measure the area where you intend to place the greenhouse. The article’s sidebars remind readers that a 12 × 20 ft greenhouse will occupy about 240 ft², so you’ll need to plan for entrance and ventilation space.
- Material & Build Quality – Aluminium frames are lighter but can rust if not treated. PVC is cheaper but less durable in extreme weather. Look for double‑walled PVC or glass for better insulation.
- Ventilation – A built‑in vent or fan system is highly recommended; manual panels can be left open accidentally during storms.
- Roof Type – Polycarbonate roofs are cheaper but provide less light than glass. Glass roofs are superior for growing high‑light plants but can be expensive and heavy.
- Price vs. Longevity – Cheaper kits may need replacement panels or extra insulation sooner. Check the manufacturer’s warranty and the availability of spare parts in Canada.
Final Thoughts
The article does a commendable job of presenting a clear, side‑by‑side comparison of Canadian greenhouse kits. By offering both high‑end options (like Gorilla Greenhouse) and budget picks (like Kraft Greenhouse), it shows that anyone can find a greenhouse that fits their space, budget, and growing ambitions.
If you’re new to greenhouses, the Kraft Greenhouse 8 × 10 ft or VIVO 8 × 10 ft are solid starting points, while seasoned growers looking for durability may want to consider the Peters Greenhouse or Gorilla Greenhouse. No matter which kit you pick, the article’s links give you direct access to the manufacturer’s site for detailed specs, assembly guides, and warranty information—so you can buy with confidence.
Read the Full House & Home Article at:
[ https://houseandhome.com/gallery/canadian-greenhouse-kits-to-try/ ]