The Backyard Discovery Zalie 11×7 Cedar Greenhouse is the best greenhouse for winter for most cold-climate gardeners: the maker rates it for 30 inches of snow and 100 mph winds when anchored, and its 4-wall roof panels hold heat longer than standard twin-wall sheets.
A winter greenhouse has two jobs: keep heat in through long nights and stay standing under wet snow. Most budget kits do neither well, which is why we focused on snow and wind ratings, panel insulation and ventilation instead of looks.
We picked 6 greenhouses for winter, from a large cedar garden room to a twin-wall aluminum kit that fits a smaller budget. Each pick lists the USDA zones where it fits and what to watch for.
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The Short List
Best Overall for WinterBackyard Discovery Zalie 11×7 Cedar GreenhouseMaker rating of 30 inches of snow and 100 mph winds when anchored, with 4-wall roof panels and an automatic exhaust fan.Jump to review
Best Large Winter GreenhouseBackyard Discovery Bellerose XL 13×11 Cedar GreenhouseA 143 square foot cedar walk-in with the same snow and wind rating, 33 feet of lower shelving and an attached pergola.Jump to review
Best Compact CedarBackyard Discovery Bellerose 9×6 Cedar GreenhouseThe same 30 inch snow rating and 4-wall panels in a 54 square foot footprint for smaller yards.Jump to review
Best Aluminum Greenhouse for SnowAMERLIFE 12×10 Hybrid Polycarbonate GreenhouseA 12 x 10 ft aluminum kit rated for 18 psf of snow and 56 mph winds, with two roof vents and quick-connect joints.Jump to review
Best with Built-In Fans and FaucetModern Shade 6.5×8 Cedar GreenhouseA cedar greenhouse with a 6 mm polycarbonate roof, four fans, a brass faucet kit and two outlets with USB ports.Jump to review
Best Budget Twin-Wall GreenhousePalram Canopia Mythos 6×8 GreenhouseTwin-wall 4 mm panels on every side insulate better than clear panels.Jump to reviewBy Region: What to Buy
Check your zone on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones describe average winter lows, but snow depth and wind matter just as much for a greenhouse.
| Your climate | USDA zones | Our pick | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep snow, long winters | 3 to 4 | Backyard Discovery Bellerose XL 13×11 Cedar Greenhouse | The largest kit with a 30 inch snow rating, and enough room to run a heater and benches. |
| Regular snow, cold nights | 4 to 6 | Backyard Discovery Zalie 11×7 Cedar Greenhouse | 30 inch snow and 100 mph wind rating, with 4-wall roof panels and a fan for sunny winter days. |
| Moderate snow, small yard | 5 to 7 | Backyard Discovery Bellerose 9×6 Cedar Greenhouse | Same rating and panels as the larger cedar kits in a 9 x 6 ft footprint. |
| Light snow, mild winters | 6 to 7 | Palram Canopia Mythos 6×8 Greenhouse | Twin-wall panels hold heat on cold nights without the cost of a cedar kit. |
Snow ratings assume the greenhouse is anchored as the manual describes. Brush snow off the roof after every storm, especially wet, heavy snow.
Winter Growing by Zone
Winter greenhouses need different setups depending on how cold it gets.
| Zone | Winter lows | Setup |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 | 10 to 40°F | Unheated with frost cloth |
| 6 to 7 | -10 to 10°F | Twin-wall panels plus a small heater |
| 4 to 5 | -30 to -10°F | Insulated greenhouse plus a heater |
| 3 and colder | Below -30°F | Heated, insulated structure |
Each Pick, Up Close
Best Overall for Winter
1. Backyard Discovery Zalie 11×7 Cedar Greenhouse
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What We Like
- Maker rating of 30 inches of snow and 100 mph winds when anchored
- 4-wall roof and window panels hold heat about 30 percent better than double-wall, per the maker
- Temperature-activated exhaust fan for sunny winter days
- Three outlets and three USB ports for a heater or grow lights
What We Don’t Like
- High cost, and very heavy to move into place
- You need to run power to it, which is not included
The Zalie is the greenhouse we would choose for a real winter. Backyard Discovery rates it for up to 30 inches of snow and 100 mph winds once anchored, and its commercial-grade 4-wall roof panels are designed to hold heat longer than common double-wall sheets.
Built-in outlets make it easy to run a thermostat-controlled heater or grow lights through short days. The kit includes a workstation and 23 linear feet of shelving.
Skip it if: either of these is a deal-breaker for you: high cost, and very heavy to move into place; you need to run power to it, which is not included.
Climate fit: Zones 3 to 6. Add a heater for tender crops below zone 6.
| Size | 137.8 x 86.2 x 94.1 in |
|---|---|
| Snow and wind | 30 in snow, 100 mph wind (maker, anchored) |
| Panels | 4-wall polycarbonate roof and windows |
| Frame | Cedar |
| Power | 3 outlets, 3 USB (power source not included) |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Best Large Winter Greenhouse
2. Backyard Discovery Bellerose XL 13×11 Cedar Greenhouse
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What We Like
- 143 square feet of growing space
- Same 30 inch snow and 100 mph wind rating as the Zalie
- 33 feet of lower shelving, 15 feet of upper shelving and 8 plant hooks
- Interior hose included
What We Don’t Like
- The heaviest kit here, so plan the foundation and delivery
- A large space takes more heat to keep warm
If you want to grow through winter at scale, the Bellerose XL gives you a true garden room. It carries the same maker snow and wind rating and 4-wall roof panels as the Zalie, with far more room for benches, raised planters and a wheelbarrow.
More space also means more air to heat. Budget for a properly sized heater and insulate the base if you plan to keep tender plants alive in zones 3 to 5.
Skip it if: either of these is a deal-breaker for you: the heaviest kit here, so plan the foundation and delivery; a large space takes more heat to keep warm.
Climate fit: Zones 3 to 6 for serious winter growing.
| Size | 13 x 11 ft footprint |
|---|---|
| Snow and wind | 30 in snow, 100 mph wind (maker, anchored) |
| Panels | 4-wall polycarbonate roof and windows |
| Interior | 143 sq ft |
| Power | 3 outlets, 3 USB (power source not included) |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Best Compact Cedar
3. Backyard Discovery Bellerose 9×6 Cedar Greenhouse
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What We Like
- 30 inch snow and 100 mph wind rating in a smaller kit
- 4-wall roof panels for heat retention
- Exhaust fan plus an opening window
- Attached pergola for climbing plants
What We Don’t Like
- Only one opening window
- 54 square feet fills up quickly
The Bellerose 9 x 6 ft brings the cold-climate features of the larger cedar kits to yards that cannot fit an 11 foot building. The maker rating, panels and power port match its bigger siblings.
With one opening window, rely on the exhaust fan to vent on sunny days. It is a good fit for seed starting, overwintering potted plants and a few rows of greens.
Skip it if: either of these is a deal-breaker for you: only one opening window; 54 square feet fills up quickly.
Climate fit: Zones 4 to 7 in smaller yards.
| Size | 159 x 82.3 x 112.3 in |
|---|---|
| Snow and wind | 30 in snow, 100 mph wind (maker, anchored) |
| Panels | 4-wall polycarbonate roof and window |
| Interior | 54 sq ft |
| Ventilation | Exhaust fan, 1 window |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Best Aluminum Greenhouse for Snow
4. AMERLIFE 12×10 Hybrid Polycarbonate Greenhouse
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What We Like
- Maker rating of 18 psf snow and 56 mph wind
- 12 x 10 ft footprint
- Two adjustable roof vents and gutters
- Quick-connect assembly, about 6 hours with three people per AMERLIFE
What We Don’t Like
- Lower snow and wind rating than the cedar kits
The AMERLIFE Hybrid lists 18 pounds per square foot of snow and 56 mph winds. It pairs clear and translucent panels, so you get bright light with some diffusion.
It costs far less than a cedar greenhouse of similar size. In heavy-snow zones, clear the roof after every storm and add ridge bracing.
Skip it if: lower snow and wind rating than the cedar kits.
Climate fit: Zones 5 to 7 with moderate snow.
| Size | 12 x 10 x 8 ft |
|---|---|
| Snow and wind | 18 psf snow, 56 mph wind (maker) |
| Panels | Clear and translucent polycarbonate |
| Frame | Reinforced aluminum |
| Ventilation | 2 roof vents |
| Weight | 245 lb |
Best with Built-In Fans and Faucet
5. Modern Shade 6.5×8 Cedar Greenhouse
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What We Like
- 6 mm polycarbonate roof panels
- Four fans for air circulation
- Integrated faucet kit with brass faucet
- Two outlets plus USB and USB-C ports
What We Don’t Like
- No snow or wind rating is listed
The Modern Shade greenhouse stands out for its built-in utilities. A brass faucet kit, four fans and outlets with USB ports mean you can water and power a heater without running extra lines inside.
Its 6 mm roof panels insulate well, but the maker does not publish a snow rating, so treat it as a moderate-snow greenhouse and clear the roof after storms.
Skip it if: no snow or wind rating is listed.
Climate fit: Zones 5 to 8.
| Size | 95 x 78 x 88 in |
|---|---|
| Panels | 6 mm polycarbonate roof |
| Frame | FSC-certified cedar |
| Ventilation | 4 fans, roof vents |
| Utilities | Faucet kit, 2 outlets, USB ports |
| Peak height | 8 ft |
Best Budget Twin-Wall Greenhouse
6. Palram Canopia Mythos 6×8 Greenhouse
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What We Like
- Twin-wall 4 mm panels on every side
- Galvanized steel base for anchoring
- 5-year limited warranty
What We Don’t Like
- No snow rating listed, so clear the roof often
- Less light than clear panels in short winter days
If a cedar greenhouse is out of budget, twin-wall panels are the next best way to hold heat. The Mythos uses them on every side, which also softens light in summer.
Plan to add a small heater and brush snow off the roof in snowy zones. Owners report mixed experiences with assembly, so set aside a full weekend.
Skip it if: either of these is a deal-breaker for you: no snow rating listed, so clear the roof often; less light than clear panels in short winter days.
Climate fit: Zones 6 to 7, or colder zones with a heater and careful snow removal.
| Size | 97 x 73 x 82 in |
|---|---|
| Panels | Twin-wall 4 mm polycarbonate |
| Frame | Galvanized steel and aluminum |
| Light | Over 70 percent (maker) |
| Weight | 31 lb (listing) |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Turning Snow Depth Into Pounds per Square Foot
Backyard Discovery rates the Zalie and both Bellerose kits by depth (30 inches of snow), while AMERLIFE rates the 12×10 Hybrid by weight (18 psf). The two only compare once you know how much water is in the snow.
One inch of water on one square foot weighs 5.2 lb (62.4 lb per cubic foot divided by 12), so load equals depth times water share times 5.2. The water shares below are examples, not maker figures.
| Snow water share (example) | 30 in of snow weighs | Depth of snow that weighs 18 psf |
|---|---|---|
| 10% (drier snow) | 15.6 psf | 34.6 in |
| 15% | 23.4 psf | 23.1 in |
| 20% | 31.2 psf | 17.3 in |
| 30% (wetter snow) | 46.8 psf | 11.5 in |
At a 10% water share, 30 inches of snow works out to 15.6 psf, which is below the 18 psf AMERLIFE lists. At 20% it is 31.2 psf, well above it.
The two ratings cannot be ranked from the labels alone, so ask the maker which snow density the 30 inch rating assumes, and clear the roof whenever the snow turns wet.
Comparison Table
| Model | Size | Snow and wind rating | Panels | Frame | Built-in power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard Discovery Zalie 11×7Best Overall for Winter | 11 x 7 ft | 30 in, 100 mph | 4-wall polycarbonate | Cedar | Outlets and USB ports |
| Backyard Discovery Bellerose XLBest Large Winter Greenhouse | 13 x 11 ft | 30 in, 100 mph | 4-wall polycarbonate | Cedar | Outlets and USB ports |
| Backyard Discovery Bellerose 9×6Best Compact Cedar | 9 x 6 ft | 30 in, 100 mph | 4-wall polycarbonate | Cedar | Outlets and USB ports |
| AMERLIFE 12×10 HybridBest Aluminum Greenhouse for Snow | 12 x 10 ft | 18 psf, 56 mph | Clear and translucent polycarbonate | Aluminum | None |
| Modern Shade 6.5×8Best with Built-In Fans and Faucet | 6.5 x 8 ft | Not listed | 6 mm roof panels | Cedar | Outlets, USB, 4 fans |
| Palram Canopia Mythos 6×8Best Budget Twin-Wall Greenhouse | 6 x 8 ft | Not listed | Twin-wall 4 mm | Steel and aluminum | None |
Our Recommendation by Need
If you get heavy snow every year
Choose the Backyard Discovery Zalie or, for more space, the Bellerose XL. Both carry a 30 inch snow rating.
If your yard is small
The Bellerose 9×6 keeps the same rating in a 9 x 6 ft footprint.
If you prefer aluminum over wood
The AMERLIFE 12×10 Hybrid lists an 18 psf snow rating and costs far less than cedar.
If you want water and power inside
The Modern Shade 6.5×8 includes a faucet kit, fans and outlets.
If you are on a budget
The Palram Canopia Mythos 6×8 uses twin-wall panels to hold heat.
Winter Greenhouse Tips
- Add a max-min thermometer.
- Use row cover inside on cold nights.
- Grow cold-hardy crops like spinach, kale and lettuce.
- Brush snow off the roof.
- Vent on sunny days; a closed greenhouse can get much warmer than the air outside, even in winter.
How to Choose Greenhouses for Winter
A published snow and wind rating
Wet snow is heavy. UConn Extension notes that a few inches of wet snow can weigh as much as an inch of rain, so look for a kit that lists its snow load in inches or pounds per square foot, and anchor it as the maker specifies.
Insulated panels
Multi-wall polycarbonate traps air between layers and holds heat longer. University of Nebraska-Lincoln extension describes polycarbonate as durable with good insulation. Clear single-wall panels let in more light but lose heat faster.
A way to add heat
In zones 3 to 6, tender crops usually need a heater on the coldest nights. Built-in outlets or a planned power line make that much easier and safer than extension cords.
Ventilation for sunny days
Even in January, a closed greenhouse can overheat by midday. An automatic exhaust fan or vent opener protects plants when you are not home.
A solid, level foundation
Oregon State University extension recommends a sunny, southern exposure away from trees. A level base of pavers, lumber or concrete keeps doors aligned and helps the frame carry snow.
How We Chose
We do not run a test garden. We compared maker snow and wind ratings, panel construction, ventilation, warranty terms and owner feedback for greenhouses sold in the United States, and gave extra weight to kits that publish real snow and wind numbers.
We picked 6 greenhouses for winter that cover large and small yards, cedar and aluminum frames, and different budgets.
Why Trust Garden Guide US
We compare garden gear for American yards using manufacturer specifications, product manuals, warranty terms, cooperative extension guidance and patterns in owner feedback. We do not run a test garden, and every claim comes from a maker, a manual, an extension service or owner feedback. Every guide notes which USDA zones and conditions each pick suits. Read how we review.
Final Verdict
The Backyard Discovery Zalie 11×7 Cedar Greenhouse is the one to buy for winter growing in most cold-climate yards. Its 30 inch snow and 100 mph wind rating, 4-wall roof panels and built-in outlets cover what matters most when temperatures drop.
Shopping for more than one piece of gear? Our Greenhouses, Raised Beds and Garden Structures buying guides page groups every guide in this category, and readers who land here often compare the best lean to greenhouses and the best greenhouses next.
Go bigger with the Bellerose XL if you want a full garden room, or choose the Palram Canopia Mythos if you need twin-wall insulation on a smaller budget.
FAQs
Can you grow vegetables in a greenhouse in winter?
Yes, especially cold-hardy crops like spinach, kale and lettuce. In zones 8 to 10 an unheated greenhouse with frost cloth can work, but colder zones need added heat. Built-in outlets, like those on the Backyard Discovery Zalie 11×7, make running a heater or grow lights easier and safer than extension cords.
Do I need to heat a greenhouse in winter?
In zones 3 to 6, usually yes. Tender crops usually need a heater on the coldest nights there, and built-in outlets or a planned power line are safer than extension cords. A large space like the Backyard Discovery Bellerose XL 13×11 holds more air, so size the heater properly. In zones 8 to 10, frost cloth may be enough.
How much snow can a greenhouse hold?
It depends on the kit. The Backyard Discovery cedar kits, the Zalie and both Bellerose models, carry a maker rating of 30 inches of snow and 100 mph winds when anchored, while the AMERLIFE 12×10 lists 18 psf of snow and 56 mph winds (maker). Kits with no listed rating need the roof brushed off after every storm.
Is polycarbonate or glass better for winter?
Multi-wall polycarbonate. It traps air between layers and holds heat longer, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension describes polycarbonate as durable with good insulation. Clear single-wall panels let in more light but lose heat faster. The Palram Canopia Mythos 6×8 uses twin-wall 4 mm panels on every side.
Should I ventilate a greenhouse in winter?
Yes, even in January. A closed greenhouse can overheat by midday, and it can run well above the outdoor temperature even in winter. An automatic exhaust fan or vent opener protects plants when you are not home. The Backyard Discovery Zalie has a temperature-activated exhaust fan, and the Modern Shade 6.5×8 adds four fans.
Sources and Further Reading
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Reducing Storm Damage to Your Greenhouses, UConn Extension
- Hobby Greenhouses, Oregon State University Extension
- Greenhouses and Controlled Environments, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
- Greenhouse Production, Penn State Extension
- Gardening, Oregon State University Extension
