Your First Greenhouse: The Complete Starter Checklist
Congratulations—you're getting a greenhouse! Whether it's your first or you're upgrading, here's everything you need to set up for success.
The Greenhouse Itself
First things first—choose your structure:
- Cold frame: Small, passive (no heat) — $50-200
- Pop-up/tunnel: Portable, beginner-friendly — $100-400
- Walk-in greenhouse: Full-size, customizable — $300-2000+
- Permanent structure: Wood/glass/polycarbonate — $1000+
Our recommendation for beginners: Start with a walk-in portable (6-8 ft)—big enough to work in, small enough to manage.
Essential Tools
Stock your greenhouse with these must-haves:
- Thermometer — Min/max tracking is essential
- Hygrometer — Measures humidity
- Watering can or hose with spray nozzle
- Hand trowel — For potting and planting
- Pruning snips — For harvesting and trimming
- Plant labels — Track what's where
- Potting soil — Quality mix for containers
- Seed starting mix — Finer, lighter for germination
- Containers/pots — Various sizes
Organization & Workspace
- Potting bench — A dedicated work surface
- Storage shelves — For supplies and plants
- Water source — Close by, or easy-to-fill container
- Garden kneeling pad — Your knees will thank you
Climate Control Basics
- Shade cloth — Summer heat blocker (30-50%)
- Insulation — Bubble wrap for winter
- Ventilation — Roof vents or fans
- Heater — For year-round or winter growing
- Thermostat — Auto-control for heater/fan
What to Grow First
Easiest for beginners:
- Tomatoes (summer)
- Lettuce & salad greens
- Herbs (basil, parsley, mint)
- Peppers (once warmed up)
Cold-hardy (winter):
- Spinach
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Carrots
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse | $200 (portable) | $800 (quality walk-in) |
| Tools & Supplies | $100 | $250 |
| Climate Control | $50 (thermometer) | $400 (heater + thermostat) |
| Total Start | $350 | $1,450 |
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Overcrowding — It looks empty at first, but plants grow fast
- Underwatering — Greenhouse plants dry out faster than garden
- Poor ventilation — Leads to mold, pests, overheated plants
- Wrong timing — Don't plant heat-lovers too early
- No winter plan — Decide now: heat it, go cold-frame, or take a break
Your First Year Roadmap
Spring: Start seeds indoors, transplant after last frost, enjoy early harvests
Summer: Maintain and harvest, add shade cloth by midsummer, start fall seeds mid-summer
Fall: Plant cool-season crops, clean and prep for winter, add insulation
Winter: Grow cold-hardy greens, take a rest or start very early seeds, plan next year's garden
Already have your greenhouse? Learn about Winter Greenhouse Gardening to keep growing year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginner Greenhouse FAQs
Q: What size greenhouse should I buy first?
A: We recommend starting with at least 6×8 feet. This provides enough space to grow while being manageable for beginners.
Q: What can I grow in a small greenhouse?
A: You can grow tomatoes, peppers, herbs, lettuce, and flowers. Start with easy crops like herbs and lettuce before moving to more challenging plants.
Q: How much does a beginner greenhouse cost?
A: Quality hobby greenhouses range from $200-1,000. Budget models start around $100, while premium options can cost $2,000+.
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