Whether you are interested in cultivating prize orchids or you simply want to get a jump on or extend your growing season, you should consider one of the many greenhouse options available today. Greenhouses are available from a number manufactures and have a wide range of sizes, styles, and of course prices. Greenhouses are typically small structures that are placed directly on the ground or sometimes have a wood floor. They also have a number of waist high benches that you can use to start your plants.

Most greenhouses have frames built of wood, metal, or fiberglass. The most common exterior covering for greenhouses is a hard plastic polycarbonate sheet. The thickness of the sheeting is the major price differentiator and also will give you an idea of which greenhouses provide the best insulation. Greenhouses that utilize multiwall polycarbonates with a 10mm or greater thickness provide the very best insulation, but it is not always necessary to spend the money (as much as $4000) for this type of protection. Some greenhouses are expandable so you can start with a small $800 unit and later expand it by adding panels as your need for room expands. Some of the least expensive greenhouses are simple frames covered with a plastic sheet. These greenhouses can give years of service, but they are not intended to last much beyond 10 years or so. You can get one of these budget greenhouses for around $300 and many manufactures provide free shipping in the continental US.