Mini and Small Greenhouse Ideas: Top Tips for Winter Gardening and Growing Vegetables in Greenhouses [UPDATED]

6' x 4' Palram Canopia Hybrid Grey Polycarbonate Greenhouse (1.85m x 1.26m) - Click HERE to View

Small greenhouses and cold frames are essential for keen gardeners, especially those who have limited outdoor space. They are also a great way to dip your toe in the water if you’re new to greenhouse gardening. They are just as suited for a gardening expert looking to undertake a DIY greenhouse project.

Incorporating our small greenhouse ideas will add functionality and charm to compact garden spaces, making it easier to cultivate a variety of plants. To keep your plants thriving through the colder months, follow our essential tips for winter gardening to protect them from frost and maintain healthy growth.

Editor’s Note [19.03.25]:
Our guide, “Mini and Small Greenhouse Ideas – Top Tips for Winter Gardening and Growing Vegetables in Greenhouses” was first published on May 25, 2021. Today we have made amendments to much of the article. New sections have also been added – including 7 extra tips for small greenhouse ideas, as well as additional FAQs.

A cold frame is a small, transparent structure, built low to the ground, which performs a similar job to a mini greenhouse by protecting young, vulnerable plants from harsh weather.

Like with a greenhouse, the glazing transmits natural light and helps the interior retain heat, allowing you to plant earlier and extend the growing season.

What’s more, all cold frames and most mini greenhouses can be moved around the garden to a spot suitable for growing a particular plant or crop. Using old windows in constructing cold frames and mini greenhouses not only provides a practical solution for building a durable structure but also allows for creative decoration with glass paints.

Let’s take a look at how to get the most from a mini greenhouse and cold frame throughout the year before viewing 5 fantastic cold frames/small greenhouses for sale.

Mini greenhouses and cold frames are a great way to extend the season and protect your plants from the extremes. This seasonal guide shows you how to use them throughout the year to protect seedlings and young plants to grow healthily in any climate.

At this time of year, both can be used to overwinter young annuals and protect alpine plants.

You can put bubble wrap inside to provide additional insulation but bear in mind this will reduce both light and ventilation.

Here, cold frames and mini greenhouses are good for protecting young vegetable and fruit plants and half-hardy annuals. They make a useful halfway house between a regular greenhouse and the unprotected outdoors.

Use your mini greenhouse to provide additional warmth for tender and exotic plants. This encourages them to ripen quicker and will help you achieve a bumper crop.

Autumn is a time when they are particularly useful for protecting cuttings and younger plants from the increasingly cooler weather.

(For a seasonal guide to greenhouse gardening, click here)

To get the most out of your mini greenhouse or cold frame you need to follow some basic plant care. These simple steps will keep your plants happy and healthy all year round whatever the season.

Regular cleaning of your greenhouse or cold frame with soapy water will help maintain the structure.

Remember, cleaner glazing transmits more natural light, which is essential for healthy plants.

Do not use garden soil for your newly potted plants as it is too heavy and far too dirty. It contains weed seeds, bugs and their eggs, bacteria – all the stuff you don't want in with tender plants. Make sure you use potting soil instead.

If you are planning to replant using last year’s potting soil, stop right there. The soil’s nutrition will be depleted, and it might contain fungal spores and insects. Treat your plants to new potting soil.

Use your old potting soil in the bottom third of your pots and containers, with new soil on top. Then, distribute the remaining old soil to other areas of your garden.

Pruning early is key to healthy growth in your small greenhouse or cold frame. Remove dead or damaged growth before the temperatures drop and the plants will focus their energy on producing new growth. This will also mean your plants are better prepared for winter and protected from frost damage.

Frost protection is essential to keep your plants safe and protected during the colder months. You can use frost protection covers, and fleece or even create a DIY solution with plastic sheeting to cover your plants. These will keep the temperature stable in your greenhouse or cold frame and stop your vegetables and flowers from getting damaged.

Pests like aphids, snails and whiteflies can destroy your plants if not controlled. Check your plants often and use organic pest control and your plants will be protected and will grow healthy.

Choosing the right plants for your greenhouse or cold frame is vital for their success. Consider the growing season, light requirements and temperature tolerance of your plants when making your choices. Herbs, vegetables and some flowers will thrive in these conditions, so there are plenty of options for small greenhouse gardeners. With planning, you can grow your own vegetables all year round and your gardens will always be blooming.

Watering your plants correctly is essential for promoting strong, healthy growth in your greenhouse or cold frame. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can stress your plants and hinder growth. Always check the moisture levels of the soil, using a raised bed or similar setup to maintain proper drainage and airflow around your plants. Make sure to water early in the morning to avoid evaporation during the heat of the day.

Mulching is an effective way to help insulate your garden in the cooler months. A layer of mulch retains soil moisture and stabilises temperature fluctuations, creating a more consistent environment for your plants. It also helps prevent weed growth, which can compete with your vegetables for nutrients.

Good ventilation is key to good air movement in your greenhouse or cold frame. Stale air can cause mould and mildew which can damage your plants. By having adjustable windows or ventilation panels in your structure you can promote good air movement and create the perfect growing conditions.

Monitoring the temperature in your small greenhouse or cold frame is crucial to prevent stress on your plants. Extreme temperatures whether too hot or too cold can slow growth or damage. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the ventilation or insulation as needed to protect your plants.

Whether you want to increase your outdoor space or add to your gardening possibilities these greenhouses have got you covered. Functional and stylish they have everything you need to keep your plants safe and healthy whatever the season.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding small greenhouses and growing vegetables in greenhouses, providing insight into their advantages and benefits. These FAQs will help you make informed decisions about your gardening needs, whether you are planning a mini greenhouse or looking to grow your own vegetables.

Small greenhouses for patios offer a perfect solution for gardeners with limited space. They provide an ideal environment for growing vegetables and flowers while protecting plants from heavy weather and pests. The easy access and compact design make them perfect for a few plants or starting seeds. These mini greenhouses can also extend the growing season, allowing you to enjoy plants year-round.

Growing vegetables in greenhouses offers numerous advantages, including better protection from wind, pests, and extreme temperatures:

1. Improved air circulation – preventing moisture build-up through improved air circulation reduces the risk of certain plant diseases
2. Consistent temperatures - greenhouses offer a controlled environment, which prevents peaks and troughs in temperature, which aids plant growth
3. Improved quality - plants grown in greenhouses frequently have improved taste and texture
4. Increased yield – improve crop yields when growing vegetables and fruits in greenhouses. These plants thrive in the optimal greenhouse growing conditions
5. Longer season - greenhouses protect plants from the weather outside and extend the growing season (e.g., strawberries in January!)
6. Protection from pests - a greenhouse acts as a protection barrier from outside pests
7. Year-round gardening – related to longer seasons, buying a greenhouse means you can garden all year round

Small greenhouses can make a big difference to your gardening by maximising plant protection and extending the growing season, especially in small spaces. In winter one of the best tips for winter gardening is to insulate your greenhouse or cold frame to protect plants from frost. This means you can grow vegetables in greenhouses all year round and have a constant supply of fresh produce even when the outside temperature drops. It is a great way to garden all year without needing a big garden.

Using our mini greenhouse ideas will help you create set-ups with minimal equipment and maximum results without taking up too much space. For those with small greenhouses for patios, clever design and seasonal adjustments will make plants happy. With a bit of planning these small gardening solutions will make a big difference and add beauty and functionality to your greenhouse environment.

Shedstore are here to help with any questions you may have, from selecting the best small greenhouses to finding the right cold frame for your garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting with your first mini greenhouse, our team is available to assist you.

Discover small greenhouse ideas to enhance your patio garden and learn about helpful tips for winter gardening to protect your plants through the colder months.

• Telephone - 0333 003 0518 - call us directly for any enquiries regarding small greenhouses, cold frames, and the best mini greenhouse options
• e-Mails - using the contact form – this is available on our Contact Us page
• Live Chat - message real time – connect with us using the green chat icon at the bottom left of the screen