The land of 10,000 lakes is a beautiful place, especially for gardening. If you’re looking for a state that blends the outdoor and urban lifestyles well, it’s a fantastic location.
But it’s also prone to drastic changes in weather. With winters that drop to well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and hot, muggy summers that climb into the 90’s, Minnesota can seem hostile to gardeners at various times.
Believe it or not, it is possible to garden all year in Minnesota. Yes, that means even in the dead of a brutally cold winter.
You’ll need a suitable greenhouse, and fortunately, we’ve found the best greenhouses for Minnesota.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
Best Greenhouses for Minnesota
Exaco Royal Victorian Greenhouse
Grand and regal are the first words that come to mind when looking at the Exaco Royal Victorian Greenhouse. It looks right at home next to a gothic or Victorian-styled home.
Aside from its appearance, this greenhouse is extremely well insulated. That’s due to the seals around its windows, which prevent cool or hot air from coming in.
Perhaps best of all, it has a misting system built right into it. By connecting it with a hose to a faucet, you’ll have a greenhouse that will moisturize your plants for you.
Pros
- Has automatic vents on top
- Includes an integrated misting system for watering your garden.
- Seals around the windows help promote thermal stability.
- Interesting Victorian construction.
Cons
- None reported yet.
NW Green Panels Large Walk-In Greenhouse
In the event you’re searching for a greenhouse that could go hand in hand with a lakeside log cabin, this greenhouse is perfect. That doesn’t mean you need to have a log cabin to appreciate its beauty, though – you could easily use it to bring the beauty of a cabin to any yard.
It is made from incense-cedar; this greenhouse was built to tough out any environment. Its polycarbonate panels are an impressive 8mm thick, making them resistant to shattering and making them excellent insulation.
On the roof, there are heat-activated vents. These will open on their own to release hot air without any effort on your part.
Pros
- Attractive rustic aesthetic.
- The panels on the top are heat-activated and work automatically.
- Thick panels insulate the inside against harsh external conditions.
- Includes shelving on the inside to hold your planters.
Cons
- None was reported at this point.
Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse
While the Gardman 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse may not be the best choice for enduring an entire Minnesotan winter, it’s fantastic for starting your growing season a little early. Pull this little greenhouse out in the early spring to protect your plants from potential late frosts or even early frosts in the autumn.
Because it’s small in size, it doesn’t take nearly as long to set up as some others on this list. Once you put the compact frame together, all you need to do is slip on the cover.
You don’t even need any tools to assemble it.
Pros
- The easy assembly that can be completed in minutes
- You can roll up the zippered door quickly to reach your plants.
- Has shelves to hold as many plants as possible.
Cons
- Some customers reported that this isn’t the kind of greenhouse you’d leave out all winter long.
MCombo Wooden Garden Cold Frame Greenhouse
You can use something like the MCombo Wooden Garden Cold Frame Greenhouse if you have absolutely no space. It takes up as little room as possible, making it an apartment-friendly option. You can use this planter as long as you have a balcony or a porch.
It’s tough enough to endure outdoor conditions, as well. The fir wood used to make it is waterproof, and the panels are protected from UV rays.
When you need to vent the inside, the top comes open. You can also swing open the doors if you’d like, but they’re held shut with strong magnets if you need them closed.
Pros
- The small size is perfect for balconies.
- It is made with heavy-duty and waterproof fir.
- The panels are resistant to UV rays.
- You can open the top for ventilation.
Cons
- Some customers felt it would be better to have wheels on the bottom.
Mt. Hood Greenhouse
We’re starting with one of the toughest greenhouses on the list. The Mt. Hood greenhouse, which is made from quality redwood and organic plastic, is perfect for the rigors of the Minnesotan environment.
Its long-lived frame allows it to stand through winds up to 100 mph. The glazed polycarbonate panels on its exterior are practically indestructible.
The angled panels on the roof matter the 45-degree angle they rest at, making it possible to catch the sunlight, even when the sun is low in the sky.
With the Mt. Hood Greenhouse, you can expect your plants to be sheltered all year.
Pros
- The frame is sturdy redwood that can stand up underneath 100-mph winds.
- Its panels are virtually unbreakable.
- Slanted roof panels allow the sunlight to soak in all day.
- Has vents built into the roof and the back wall.
- Its organic plastic base is resistant to fungus and bugs.
Cons
- The assembly instructions can be hard to understand.
Related Article: Do Greenhouses Have Floors?
Little Cottage Company Greenhouse
This Little Cottage Company Greenhouse is proof that a greenhouse can be both functional and beautiful at the same time. It is uniquely suited to the Minnesota climate.
During the winter, the steep slant of its roof panels will not only catch the sunlight, but snow will slip right off them—no need to worry about heavy snowfall piling up and collapsing the integrity of the greenhouse.
In hot and humid summers, you can slide open the windows all around it for some much-needed air circulation. You won’t even need to deal with annoying bugs like mosquitos getting in because there are screens on the windows, which is a must-have in Minnesota.
Pros
- There’s a shelf and rod you can use to hold planters and baskets.
- The slant of the panels on top will prevent snow from piling up.
- For ventilation, all the windows can be opened.
- Screens lining the windows prevent insects from entering.
- The instruction manual is beautifully illustrated to simplify assembly.
- Can endure winds up to 90 mph.
Cons
- It does not come with the white paint you see in the pictures.
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Riga Greenhouse
The simple and humble Riga Greenhouse might not look as imposing as some of the other options on this list, but it’s a quality option. There are many reasons it’s been so well-loved by owners.
Let’s start by taking a look at its shape. The arched frame of the Riga Greenhouse is perfect for windy and harsh winters. Because snow can’t accumulate on top, you won’t need to worry about it collapsing the roof.
The shape is also great for your comfort. Its pointed top will allow you more than enough room to stand up without feeling confined or bumping your head comfortably.
It’s ideal for blistering summer days, too. We love the vents on top because they automatically open when it gets hot out. You won’t need to drop everything you’re doing to vent your garden.
Pros
- The rounded and pointed shape discourages snow accumulation.
- Automatic vents on top will open by themselves to vent the inside.
- You can lock the door once you’re finished.
- Includes a mounting and anchoring kit you can use to secure the greenhouse in place.
- Roomy interior.
- Has shelving to hold your plant containers or gardening tools.
Cons
- None reported yet.
Related Article: Best Greenhouses in Michigan
Colonial Gable Hobby Greenhouse
Also made by the Little Cottage Company, you can expect quality from the Colonial Gable Hobby Greenhouse. This is the choice for you if you want something that could potentially match your house or something that doesn’t look like your average greenhouse.
It’s also designed with harsh weather conditions in mind. Its wind rating is 95 mph, which means it can tough out just about any storm that passes over it.
The materials used to make it are resistant to UV rays, rot, and mildew. These resistances essentially guarantee a long lifespan in your yard.
Ventilation is abundant in this beautiful greenhouse. The windows all over its walls can be opened for some airflow, while screens on the inside protect your plants from pests even while the windows are all open.
Pros
- Striking cottage-style design.
- Over 45 windows for ventilation.
- The roof is made from dependable and unbreakable polycarbonate panels.
- Shelving on the interior functions as storage for your planters
- Resistant to mildew, rot, and UV rays.
Cons
- It does not come with paint
Also Read: Do Greenhouses Need Bees?
Palram Plant Inn
If you’re running low on extra space, the Palram Plant Inn is one of the best options. This remarkably petite planter can be squeezed into balconies, decks, or patios.
Tons of convenient features have been packed into this mini-greenhouse. The base, designed to resemble solid wood, opens to reveal a hidden storage compartment. There’s drainage built into this compartment, too, so excess water in the planting media can easily drip out.
The top is perfectly designed to accommodate your plants. You can adjust the position of the cover to form vents for air circulation, and there are hooks to hold up vines.
Pros:
- There’s a concealed compartment in the base, where you can keep your gardening tools.
- You can adjust the lid, so the doors form vents.
- The top can support up to 15.4 pounds of snow.
- Compact size does not require a lot of room.
- Hooks on the inside of the cover support any plants with vines.
Cons:
- Some customers felt that it comes in too many pieces.
Palram Mythos Greenhouse
Beginning gardeners can find a real friend in the Palram Mythos Greenhouse. Panels that effortlessly slide into the frame and a durable metal base help ensure assembly is as painless as possible.
The roof vent on top provides ample airflow when it is open. It also releases hot and stale air to protect your plants from overheating.
Plus, the roof is made to withstand snow and wind. You can expect this greenhouse to stand through any winter when it’s secured in place.
Pros
- Panels can be easily slid into the frame during construction.
- Includes base kit that anchors the greenhouse in place.
- You can install a lock in the handle to increase security.
- There’s a vent in the roof to circulate air and cool down the greenhouse.
Cons
- Some customers reported they did not have all parts for assembly.
What to Consider When Buying a Greenhouse for Minnesota
Durability
Minnesota can seem very unwelcoming at first with its dramatically distinct seasons. There’s a hot and humid summer, an unpredictable spring, a rainy fall, and a borderline arctic winter.
But it is indeed possible to keep a garden through all these conditions. You’ll need a durable greenhouse.
The materials used to make the greenhouse will be the biggest factor in its longevity. Metal frames, for example, are perfect for humid conditions. However, wood can also be acceptable, provided it’s treated correctly beforehand.
Panels are important, too. Polycarbonate and tempered glass are solid, weatherproof materials.
Last, of all, a solid base is critical. Southern parts of Minnesota are vulnerable to tornadoes, and northern areas can experience intense, windy blizzards for several months. A secure base will help ensure your greenhouse stays in place.
Read Also: How Can I Heat My Greenhouse for Free in the Winter?
Sunlight Diffusion
Of course, your greenhouse needs to be able to absorb and hold sunlight. During the frigid winter months, this will be vital.
Consider the angle of the panels first. They can get more sunlight throughout the day when they’re slanted than if they point straight up.
The material and thickness of the panels come next. Polycarbonate is fantastic for admitting sunlight, and if they’re thicker, they also serve to insulate and hold the temperature inside.
Read Also: Best Greenhouses for Winter Growing
Size
The dimensions of your greenhouse are worth considering, too. You don’t necessarily need a large, permanent structure if you only have a handful of small plants you’d like to keep warm.
There are quite a few mini-greenhouses that fit right in on decks, balconies, or patios. These are ideal for those living in apartments.
On the other hand, you might want a large greenhouse if you have the space and a large garden. The choice is entirely yours.
We recommend thinking about where you’re going to put the greenhouse first. Once you’ve done that, measure the area so you can compare those measurements with the listed dimensions for each potential option.
Wrap Up
Out of all the states in the US, Minnesota can have some of the wildest conditions. With winters that can regularly drop as low as -20 degrees and summers that can climb into the high 90’s, there’s a lot of variation in seasons.
If you’re going to keep a garden year-round in Minnesota, you will need a stable greenhouse. Our top pick this time is the NW Green Panels Large Walk-In Greenhouse. Its cabin-like aesthetic is perfect for the land of 10,000 lakes.
However, we love its roof vents, too. They’ll automatically open, so you don’t need to rush out when it’s hot to vent your greenhouse. The shelves inside are a plus, as well.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
Do you recommend climate pod greenhouses?