Best Cold Frame Greenhouses of 2026
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Cold frame greenhouses are an excellent option for gardeners who want to extend their growing season and protect their plants from harsh weather conditions. These simple structures are made of a sturdy frame and clear panels that allow sunlight to pass through while trapping heat inside. They can be used to start seedlings early in the spring, grow cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach, or even keep tender plants alive through the winter. Cold frame greenhouses are easy to set up and maintain, and they are a cost-effective alternative to traditional greenhouse structures. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, a cold frame greenhouse can help you get the most out of your growing season.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 3 Cold Frame Greenhouses
Gardzen Mini Greenhouse with Waterproof Base
Greengro 28 x 56 Greenhouse
The Greengro Greenhouse is designed to create the perfect environment for your plants. Its thick polyethylene cover protects against harsh weather, allowing you to grow plants year-round without worrying about cold or pests. The sturdy frame supports a significant weight, accommodating up to 12 pots, which means you can cultivate a variety of plants. Plus, with easy assembly and a portable design, you can quickly set it up or move it as needed. Enjoy the flexibility of using it indoors or outdoors, whether on a patio, deck, or in your garden.
GreenGro Greenhouse, 56 x 56 x 75''
Upgrade your gardening experience with GreenGro Outdoor Greenhouse. This greenhouse features a thicken PE cover, heavy duty base, and a customizable ventilation system that allows optimal growing environment for your plants. With a 56 x 56 x 75" internal space, you can easily fit up to 24 plant pots at once. The adult-friendly 6.4ft height and bigger roll-up door provide easy access to your plants. The hassle-free assembly process saves you time and frustration. With GreenGro Outdoor Greenhouse, you can grow any plant without weather and area limitations. Plus, it's perfect for homeowners, renters, gardeners, or any plant enthusiasts for year-round use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a cold frame as good as a greenhouse?
If you love to use tender or tropical plants in your garden but don't know what to do with them come fall, a cold frame provides a simple solution. It is not a greenhouse: You won't be able to keep your plants growing lushly through the winter months.
2. What can you grow in a cold frame greenhouse?
The system is used primarily to grow salad greens; spinach, chard, máche, claytonia, arugula, and a variety of lettuces grow well in cold frames. However, it can also be used to grow other vegetables such as scallions, radishes, carrots, and leeks.
3. Is an unheated greenhouse a cold frame?
Chances are good your unheated greenhouse is a simple cold frame or hoop type of structure. This structure is very simple to use in the winter and fairly low cost. It should be situated so it is getting the most natural sunlight possible, out of the way of winds, and as close to a water source as possible.
4. How much warmer is a cold frame greenhouse?
Cold frames will generally keep the garden 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature. So, if your plants are hardy enough to grow in 40-degree weather, you might be able to start them while there's still frost out.
During our cold frame greenhouse research, we found 24 cold frame greenhouse products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,167 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cold frame greenhouses list. We found that most customers choose cold frame greenhouses with an average price of $48.09.
The cold frame greenhouses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cold frame greenhouses, including Gardzen, Greengro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 689 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.