Recommendations for small town Library greenhouse - Ask Extension
We have been growing a learning garden at our small town Library for a few years on raised beds, and recently got a small grant to help fund the build...
Knowledgebase
Recommendations for small town Library greenhouse #924759
Asked February 18, 2026, 4:42 PM EST
We have been growing a learning garden at our small town Library for a few years on raised beds, and recently got a small grant to help fund the building of a greenhouse.
I am hoping you can give me some recommendations and pointers to simplify and streamline my search for the best structure. We want a useful structure with maximum versatility and long life. Our town is small, with limited resources for a high-maintenance building. The site is exposed to wind, but good day-long light all year. We have water and power access nearby. We have flat ground for as large as a 15x20'. I'm not sure we need quite that big, but you're the experts!
Marshall County Iowa
Expert Response
There is a lot to consider when buying a hobby greenhouse. It will be important to understand your primary purpose for the greenhouse. Is it for seed starting, overwintering, hardening plants, or something else? With this question answered, you can be sure to select a greenhouse with the features you need to succeed.
A kit greenhouse is your best place to start on a project like this. They come with all the instructions on how to construct them and be successful. I highly suggest you look to buy a kit greenhouse.
I have provided a few resources that should help. Attached is a guide from the Hobby Greenhouse Association. Below are links to relevant websites. I've created a guide that will be helpful as well. I'll work with the Marshall County Extension Office to get that to you.
https://extension.umn.edu/growing-systems/deep-winter-greenhouses
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/the-hobby-greenhouse-2.html
https://byf.unl.edu/greenhouses-controlled-environments/
A kit greenhouse is your best place to start on a project like this. They come with all the instructions on how to construct them and be successful. I highly suggest you look to buy a kit greenhouse.
I have provided a few resources that should help. Attached is a guide from the Hobby Greenhouse Association. Below are links to relevant websites. I've created a guide that will be helpful as well. I'll work with the Marshall County Extension Office to get that to you.
https://extension.umn.edu/growing-systems/deep-winter-greenhouses
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/the-hobby-greenhouse-2.html
https://byf.unl.edu/greenhouses-controlled-environments/
