Something is fulfilling and refreshing about growing plants at home. Having flowers and produce available year-round can benefit you in many ways. However, nurturing plants can be challenging if you live in a cooler climate without a greenhouse.
You have multiple options for creating proper grow spaces, including greenhouse window units, portable styles, and free-standing structures. If you’re ready to grow year-round, do some serious greenhouse window DIY.
Read on to learn about your options, including the best greenhouse windows on the market, the top products to replace existing panels, and how to build a greenhouse from old windows.
Best-Of by Category
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Best for Energy Efficiency | Solar Innovations Garden Windows |
| Best for Poise & Style | Renaissance Conservatories Garden Windows |
| Best for Indoor Gardening | Ikea Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse |
| Best for Easy Installation | Quictent Greenhouse |
Best Greenhouse Window Units
Have you ever seen a window unit extended from the side of a house? It could be a greenhouse window, commonly listed as a garden window.
These add-ons feature greenhouse windows that allow sunlight and create ideal circumstances for plants in any weather.
1. Solar Innovations Garden Windows
Garden windows expand your space by attaching to the side of your home. Solar Innovations creates custom solutions for every homeowner to find the perfect size and fit.
As part of the custom-fit approach, they can match existing structures, add decorative elements, and adjust ventilation options to work for the space.
Solar Innovations uses sustainable products made in America. The company offers a range of glazing solutions for greenhouse windows to meet each customer’s needs.
This company does handle greenhouse replacement windows. Professionals will craft custom panels to replace damaged pieces in existing units.
See Related: Best Mini Greenhouses | Portable Options to Buy
2. Simonton Garden Windows
Simonton is a well-known window manufacturer of Cornerstone Building Brands. Though it’s better known for making replacement sliding, single-hung, and double-hung windows, Simonton also makes some bay, bow, and garden styles.
The company’s garden windows don’t offer the bells and whistles that you get with Solar Innovations, but they do offer some customization. Customers can choose the colors, hardware finishes, and grille styles. Plus, Simonton offers custom sizing to fit the dedicated space in your home.
All of Simonton’s windows are vinyl, making them durable and low-maintenance. The company uses special glass and ventilation to support temperature control for the plants.
See Related: Best Greenhouse Accessories
3. Renaissance Conservatories Garden Windows
Renaissance Conservatories made a name in the industry as an innovative company that creates unique, thoughtful conservatories.
Most of the product line focuses on add-ons that are grand, full-size, detailed conservatories. However, the company expanded its catalog to offer some of the most beautiful greenhouse window units.
This company creates custom designs that match your space, down to the interior staining. Each greenhouse window unit includes a tempered glass shelf and fully functional windows to help you manage the temperature of your plants. The company crafts each window from premium mahogany hardwood.
See Related: Best Portable Greenhouses to Buy Today
4. Ventana Greenhouse Windows
Ventana is a popular manufacturer with a collection of greenhouse windows for sale. The company started with new constructions but does significant work with renovations, including replacing or upgrading greenhouse windows.
Customers can choose between three garden windows or a 90-degree bay window. The Series 2050i is the only impact-rated vinyl garden window available, and the Series 2051 is one of the few options for stucco homes.
All greenhouse windows feature vents, locks, and durable frames. Customers can choose from a selection of exterior and interior colors. Plus, the units come with adjustable shelving to expand the space.
See Related: Best Greenhouse Lights for Plant Growth
5. Harvey Garden Windows
Harvey also makes vinyl greenhouse window units, but this design includes an adjustable glass shelf and happens to come with an AAMA Certified R-50 rating. Every glass package features Thermaguard and meets Energy Star requirements.
You can choose various vinyl and exterior paint options and add a grid for decoration. The company also offers various upgrades to create a custom look that works with your space.
See Related: Best Greenhouse Paint & Spray-On Shading
6. Atrium Garden Windows
Atrium makes one style of window greenhouse unit with energy-efficient, laminated safety glass. It’s a simple yet elegant design that can fit in existing window spaces to expand your growing capacity.
Customers can choose from various vinyl colors and customize them with grid patterns and types. Shelves can easily be fitted into the unit to create a multi-tiered arrangement to accommodate more plants.
Greenhouse Window DIY Options
Other options exist if a greenhouse window box doesn’t fit your aesthetic. Even if you aren’t especially handy or crafty, you might want to try making a greenhouse from old windows. It might take a little time to scavenge for the windows you need, but making one is not overly complicated.
To create a greenhouse with old windows, collect as many windows as you can from junkyards, vintage shops, and friends. Arrange the greenhouse windows into walls to get an idea about size and fit. Don’t forget to leave room for a door and ventilation systems! Build a frame with two-by-fours and four-by-fours, then install the greenhouse windows.
You could also build a frame and fit it with polycarbonate sheets. It’s an affordable option for DIYers, though you might want professionals to cut the sheets to size if you don’t have the necessary equipment.
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7. Be Cool Solutions Polycarbonate Panel
Be Cool Solutions offers several types of greenhouse paneling. You can replace damaged panels or construct an entirely new unit.
This twin-layer sheet paneling handles cold weather by minimizing heat loss. It also offers 99.5% UV protection, so your plant’s leaves don’t burn.
See Related: Best Glass Greenhouses in 2023
8. Macrolux Polycarbonate Greenhouse Cover
Macrolux offers clear polycarbonate sheets with double-wall construction. It’s lightweight, UV-protected, and impact-resistant to withstand normal wear and tear.
The sheets can handle extreme temperatures and still provide exceptional light transmission. The company sells 24-inch by 48-inch sheets in packs of five and offers a 10-year warranty.
9. XCEL Polycarbonate Sheets
XCEL offers shatter-resistant sheets that you can mold to fit nearly any shape. It comes in 12-inch by 12-inch squares with protective film on both sides that you can leave in place or peel off.
Plus, you could decorate these panels with ink or markers to add a little flair to your greenhouse.
10. Spectra Glass Polycarbonate Sheeting
Spectra Glass created one of the most versatile lines for greenhouse owners. In addition to choosing the panel size, you can choose between six different thicknesses. The material is clear polycarbonate, which is easy to cut, drill, or bend to fit your greenhouse. It doesn’t yellow due to special UV treatment.
The company notes that its polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses are significantly stronger than glass and plexiglass. These sheets are also impact-resistant and weather-resistant.
11. KastLite Polycarbonate Sheeting
KastLite allows you to choose multiple sizes and quantities to meet your needs. You can create an arrangement with various sizes, like larger windows on the bottom and smaller ones on the top.
The sheets are versatile, lightweight, and durable. They have UV stability and a smooth surface. The protective film is easy to peel off or leave in place.
12. Suntuf Sea Green Panels
Suntuf’s panels, with their translucent blue-green hue, can add a little flair to any greenhouse. The pack includes ten 72-inch by 26-inch panels that would function well for a greenhouse roof since they are durable and offer UV protection. The corrugated panels are stronger than fiberglass and retain their color.
13. Robosource Polycarbonate Sheet
Robosource is another company in the polycarbonate sheeting industry. These sheets are shatter-resistant but easy to cut or drill to size. Applying heat to mold the rectangles into alternate shapes if necessary is possible. This product gives you 88% to 90% light transmission, but you might want to add a UV-protective film.
14. Lexan Polycarbonate Sheet
Lexan also offers an impact-resistant product that can mold to different shapes by applying heat. It’s clear and lightweight, with UV stability to prevent yellowing. However, it might require additional treatment or film covering to offer enough plant protection.
Films and Covers
Taking the DIY route might require some minor compromises. For example, choosing a cheaper sheeting or glass and applying a film or cover to protect your plants might be easier and more cost-effective. Here are some films and covers that could enhance your DIY greenhouse windows.
15. Happybuy Greenhouse Film
Adding this polyethylene film to your existing greenhouse can enhance protection against harmful UV rays and help regulate the temperature in your greenhouse.
It’s an excellent option for extending the life of your existing greenhouse windows or upgrading a DIY structure. Happybuy offers rolls in multiple sizes so that you can find the right size.
16. ECOgardener Greenhouse Clear Film
ECOgardener makes a popular polyethylene cover specifically designed for greenhouses. It comes in rolls to trim off the amount you need to cover your greenhouse windows and store the rest later. This anti-condensation film adds UV protection for up to four years without impeding light transmission.
17. 303 Protectant
Instead of playing around with a film that can bunch or leave air bubbles, you might want to try a spray. This product dries with a smooth, matte finish but offers UV protection while repelling dust and other debris to maintain a like-new appearance.
It’s not greasy or oily, and it’s made for marine surfaces, so it can endure rain and snow. This spray is a versatile choice that allows you to upgrade the inside and outside of your greenhouse.
However, for optimal protection, it would be best to reapply it every three to five weeks. The company notes that the shelf life is up to two years, and multiple bottle sizes are available.
18. A&A Green Store Greenhouse Polyethylene Cover
Whether filling holes or temporarily covering a damaged window, this polyethylene cover can protect your plants without interfering with sunlight.
It offers four years of UV resistance and is weather—and tear-resistant. This covering comes in 25-foot-long rolls of 8-foot-wide material.
19. Arc Direct Polyethylene Fiber Greenhouse Cover
Arc Direct offers up a heavy-duty tarp that you can cut to size. It provides 100% UV protection and is waterproof, rot-proof, and tear-resistant.
This tarp could offer another layer of protection for your greenhouse in extreme weather, and cutting out holes to accommodate windows is possible.
Portable and Freestanding Greenhouses with Windows
Window-insert greenhouses and DIY options don’t work for everyone, but plenty of freestanding and portable greenhouses feature windows and expand your growing space.
Assess your space to determine what type of greenhouse works best for you and your space. Remember that many greenhouses have windows that need extra room to open them.
20. Ikea Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse
Ikea makes several glass window greenhouses and terrariums in varying sizes and shapes. This glass window greenhouse is a medium-sized box with windows on top.
It features a sturdy steel frame and is large enough to handle several plants. It’s plain white with clear glass sides. You can vent the top in a halfway-open position for improved ventilation.
The unit is easy to clean and portable, so you can move it with the sunlight. Additionally, you could start plants inside and shift the entire unit outside while protecting it from late frosts.
21. MCombo Greenhouse Cabinet
If you want a glass window greenhouse that’s a bit larger but not a full walk-in style unit, this cabinet might suffice. It’s a sturdy wood frame with clear polycarbonate panels to maximize light, keep heat inside, and protect from critters and unexpected frosts.
It’s a neutral color with adjustable shelving and doors at the front for easy access. This unit is easy to install anywhere in or around your house to meet your needs. While it’s not a full-sized greenhouse, it might be a bit large to move it around.
One unique feature that sets this product apart is the slightly sloped roof. You can open the top to access plants from above or vent the inside. The slight decline prevents water and debris from collecting and blocking the sun or damaging the unit.
See Related: Best Greenhouse Ideas
22. Palram Hybrid Hobby Greenhouse
This freestanding option might be a solid choice if you want a window-sized greenhouse. It comes in various sizes, so there’s an option to fit your space. The chic design is reminiscent of a conservatory or commercial greenhouse.
This greenhouse doesn’t have glass windows, but the polycarbonate sheeting is durable and protects your plants from harmful UV rays while letting them soak up the sun’s rays. It features several key pieces, including roof vents, rain gutters, and a magnetic catch on the door. Plus, it can handle winds up to 56 miles per hour.
23. Palram HG6000 Oasis Greenhouse
Palram’s Oasis Greenhouse is slightly different from the Hobby style. It’s shaped more like a traditional gazebo and comes in two sizes. This design features twin-wall roof panels that protect against harmful UV rays, and the frame is heavy-duty aluminum coated in anthracite powder.
Some key features that set this greenhouse apart include a gutter system and side Louvre windows that are suitable for regular temperature and humidity. This greenhouse is impact-resistant and can handle elements, including snow and ice.
24. Kitchen Joy Mini Greenhouse
Kitchen Joy minimized the classic greenhouse design into this cute yet functional greenhouse with vented windows. It’s easy to insert almost anywhere, and the sloped roof features two vented windows to protect plants while promoting proper ventilation.
Though it doesn’t have glass windows, this greenhouse uses clear panels to protect the plants and promote full visibility.
The kit has wall brackets to secure it inside or out and features “feet” that keep it off the ground. It’s small enough to work inside but large and sturdy enough to work outdoors.
25. Giantex Portable Greenhouse
This greenhouse is similar to the MCombo design, with a slanted rooftop that you can vent to improve circulation. It’s a wooden frame with transparent sheeting for windows. The front doors open for easy access, but it has a lockable feature, so they don’t blow open.
Unlike some other portable greenhouses, this product features sturdy wooden shelves. They aren’t adjustable, though you don’t have to use both shelves. It’s easy to assemble and transport, and three size options are available. However, if you keep this mini greenhouse outside, you might want to add a protective cover as a windblock.
26. Quictent Greenhouse
For those homeowners seeking something larger but less permanent, the Quictent Greenhouse might be a solid choice. It’s a sturdy frame with a clear polyvinyl chloride cover shaped like a traditional greenhouse. This greenhouse even has a roll-up door and three windows for ventilation.
The frame has shelving to hold several plants and a sloped roof to prevent water and debris pooling. It’s waterproof and offers UV protection so that plants don’t burn. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and disassemble in case you don’t want to use it year-round.
What is a window greenhouse called?
A window greenhouse is a small indoor greenhouse designed to fit on a windowsill. It allows gardeners to grow plants indoors, even in small spaces. This type of greenhouse is also sometimes referred to as a windowsill greenhouse or a tabletop greenhouse.
FAQs
Are greenhouse windows worth it?
Greenhouse windows are a type of window that extends outward from the house and creates a space for plants to grow indoors. They are worth it for those who enjoy gardening and want to grow plants year-round, as they provide a controlled environment to thrive in.
Additionally, greenhouse windows can help with energy efficiency by allowing more natural light into the home, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
How do you turn a window into a greenhouse?
Turning a window into a greenhouse transforms it into a small-scale greenhouse for growing plants. Simple components such as a shelving unit, plastic sheeting, and grow lights can be added to create a suitable environment for plants to thrive. Proper ventilation and temperature control are important to prevent overheating and ensure optimal plant growth conditions.
What are greenhouse windows called?
Greenhouse windows, also commonly referred to as garden windows, are typically designed with a protruding shelf or ledge that extends outward from the main frame. This provides a small, greenhouse-like space for growing plants or herbs indoors. They are often installed in kitchens or other areas where natural light is abundant.
What is the best type of window for a greenhouse?
The best window type for a greenhouse is typically a double-paned, tempered glass window. This type of window provides good insulation and allows for maximum light transmission, which is important for plant growth. Additionally, double-paned glass can help regulate temperature and humidity levels inside the greenhouse.
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