Which is Better: DIY Greenhouse or Greenhouse Kit?

So you decided to try your hand at greenhouse gardening, but you aren’t sure which type to start with.

For the most part, you have two basic choices: a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit.

But, which is better for you and your gardening needs? Further, which one better suits your skill set?

Read on below and find out whether a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit is better for you!

DIY Greenhouse or Greenhouse Kit: Which Is Better?

When you make the decision to set up a greenhouse, you have to decide whether you’ll do it yourself, or buy a kit.

There are pros and cons to both DIY greenhouses and greenhouse kits, but depending on various factors like what you want to grow, how much sun your property gets, and more, one or the other is clearly better for you and your needs.

So, let’s have a look at all of the most significant considerations for choosing between a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit:

Do You Have the Time and Skill to Build a DIY Greenhouse?

The first question you need to ask yourself, before choosing between a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit, is whether or not you have the time and kill to build a greenhouse.

If you don’t have the time, setting up a greenhouse kit is likely your best bet.

If you have the time to build a greenhouse from scratch, but don’t have construction skills, there is still hope.

Building a DIY greenhouse is as simple or as complicated as you make it, and there are tons of tutorials to choose from online.

Do You Have the Patience to Set Up a Greenhouse Kit?

If you’re thinking about setting up a greenhouse kit, before you order one, ask yourself whether or not you have the patience to read the instructions, separate all the components, and set it all up yourself.

If you aren’t good at putting stuff together, perhaps you can ask someone for a hand, or even hire someone to set up your greenhouse kit.

That said, if you’re going to pay someone, you might consider having them build a DIY greenhouse from scratch rather than buying a kit (as DIY greenhouses tend to be sturdier).

How Much Space Do You Have Available For a Greenhouse?

Once you’ve decided whether or not you have the time, skill, and patience to build or set up a greenhouse, the next major consideration to think about is how much space you have available.

Look at your DIY greenhouse plans, or read the measurements of the greenhouse from the kit you want to erect.

Does your property have proper space for the greenhouse you wish to build or set up?

Remember, you need plenty of extra space on the outside of the greenhouse as well (unless it is a lean-to-style greenhouse).

Do You Have Enough Sun for a Full Size Greenhouse?

One of the main considerations to make before choosing a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit is whether or not you have enough sun for a full-size greenhouse.

Take note of where the sun rises on your property, where it is at midday, and how long the light lasts before setting.

If you have a place in your yard that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of light, you have enough sun for a full-size greenhouse.

Property that gets less than 6 hours of light isn’t quite optimal for a large greenhouse but may work well enough for a lean-to or mini greenhouse.

What is Your Budget For Setting Up a Greenhouse?

Setting up or building a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit costs money, any way you cut and dry it.

The amount of money you have freed up for the project makes a big difference, so consider your budget before choosing one over the other.

For example, greenhouse kits range from as little as twenty dollars to several thousand depending on the size and style.

DIY greenhouses, while typically made with recycled materials and stuff you have lying around, also have hidden costs.

All the little nuts and bolts aren’t free, neither are the shelving, soil, pots and other supplies you’ll need.

What Size Greenhouse Can You Afford to Operate?

Greenhouses aren’t always cheap to operate. In fact, sometimes they are downright expensive depending on how you are using them.

Before choosing a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit, ask yourself what you’ll do with it and how much of a budget you have to keep it operational.

When figuring out the operational costs of your future greenhouse, consider the prices of everything from seeds and containers to shelving, irrigation, and possible repairs or expansions that may need doing at some point in the future.

DIY Greenhouse or Greenhouse Kit: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve discussed the major considerations that you need to think about while choosing between a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit, you should be closer to forming a well-thought decision.

But, first, before you make your final decision, let’s have a quick look at some of the most significant pros and cons of DIY greenhouses and greenhouse kits.

The Pros

Take a careful look at the advantages of both DIY greenhouses and greenhouse kits:

DIY Greenhouses

• May be built for free (costing only time)
• Can be any size, shape, and design (you’re building it from scratch)
• Old garden sheds or outbuildings can be quickly converted into DIY greenhouses
• Make great projects for families (including for your kids)

Greenhouse Kits

• Quick and easy to set up (most of the time)
• Come in all shapes and sizes (may cost more or less)
• Can be ordered online (and delivered to your home)
• Comes with instructions (and possibly a warranty)
• Easy to break down (and move somewhere new in the future)

The Cons

There are also major disadvantages to both DIY greenhouses and greenhouse kits that make a difference:

DIY Greenhouses

• Not always as pretty to look at as professionally built greenhouses (or a greenhouse kit)
• Tend to have more hidden costs (which you’ll find out as you build it)
• May not be exactly what you wanted (especially if made from recycled materials)
• Takes a higher skill level to complete (and more time)
• Doesn’t always last very long (depending on how well it is made)

Greenhouse Kits

• Harder to expand or repair than DIY greenhouses
• Ordering a greenhouse kit online can be tricky to tell what quality it is
• May not be as heavy-duty as a DIY greenhouse
• Warranty may be voided if you don’t follow the instructions perfectly

Now that you’re aware of the considerations you should think about, as well as the most important advantages and disadvantages to both DIY and kit greenhouses, it’s time to make your final decision!

Which is Right For You: DIY Greenhouse or Greenhouse Kit?

Hopefully, choosing whether a DIY greenhouse or greenhouse kit is right for you is now much easier.

If you’re still not sure, do yourself a favor and go back over the main considerations, as well as the pros and cons, and take your time carefully weighing your options.

At any rate, we’d love to know which type of greenhouse is better for you and your gardening needs.

Once you make the decision, drop us a line in the comments and let us know what you decided and why!

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your new greenhouse!

Suggested Reading: How Many Types of Greenhouses Are There?