An outdoor grow tent, or a walk-in grow tent, is a specialized structure designed to provide an ideal growing environment for plants in outdoor settings. Its purpose is to create a controlled space for cultivating marijuana, cannabis, vegetables, herbs, and other plants.
The advantages of using an outdoor grow tent include protection from harsh weather conditions and pests and flexibility in terms of space and ventilation options. However, there are some disadvantages to consider, such as the need for ample outdoor space, limited control over lighting compared to indoor grow tents, and the potential requirement for additional measures to maintain temperature and humidity levels.
An outdoor grow tent differs from a regular indoor grow tent in that it resembles a greenhouse more closely, offering a larger space with greater access to natural light, making it suitable for plants that thrive in outdoor environments. It is suitable for cultivation methods such as soil-based or hydroponic systems and a wide range of plants, including marijuana, cannabis, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Outdoor grow tents are well-suited for gardens, patios, or private backyard setups but may not be appropriate for areas with limited outdoor space or legal restrictions on certain plant cultivation. When choosing the best outdoor grow tent, consider size, material quality, ventilation, light transmission, and ease of assembly.
Table of Contents
- 1. EAGLE PEAK Outdoor Grow Tent – Best pick
- 2. Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse – Best mini outdoor grow tent
- 3. Nova Microdermabrasion Mini Greenhouse Indoor Outdoor – Best 4-tier outdoor grow tent
- 4. ENSTVER Walk-in Greenhouse – Best walk-in outdoor grow tent
- 5. ShelterLogic 4-Tier Mini Grow House – Best for cannabis trees
- 6. Gardzen Mini Greenhouse – Best for cold weather
- 7. Ethereal Lomoer Upgraded Pop-Up Plant Greenhouse – Best air-circulation design
- 8. RESTCLOUD Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure – Best for tall weed plants
- 9. Home-Complete Walk-in Greenhouse – Best grow tent with 8 shelves
- 10. BBBuy Outdoor Portable Walk-in Greenhouse – Best large walk-in grow tent
- How Do You Choose the Best Outdoor Grow Tent?
- Do you need to use grow lights in an outdoor grow tent?
- Can outdoor grow tents be used even in rainy or stormy weather?
- Does an outdoor grow tent prevent insects and pests?
- Is an outdoor grow tent more cost-effective than an indoor grow tent?
- What types of plants are suitable for growing in an outdoor grow tent?
- Are outdoor grow tents and greenhouses the same thing?
1. EAGLE PEAK Outdoor Grow Tent – Best pick
The EAGLE PEAK outdoor grow tent stands out with its easy setup technology, allowing one person to set it up in seconds. With a pre-assembled frame, there’s no need for tools.
The heavy-duty steel frame provides superior stability, being up to 23% heavier (35 pounds in total) than competitors such as the Home Complete tent. This ensures it can handle year-round gardening and withstand weather fluctuations without wobbling or collapsing.
The spacious 8×6 ft greenhouse offers ample space to work and includes zippered roll-up doors and mesh windows. The premium 150g PE cover provides better plant protection and is more environmentally friendly than cheaper PVC covers.
EAGLE PEAK stands behind its product with a 1-year limited after-sale protection for both frames and tops. We rated it at 4.5/5 stars.
Pros: Sturdy construction.
Cons: /
2. Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse – Best mini outdoor grow tent
The Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse is the best mini portable grow tent. It is incredibly easy to set up and store, made with eco-friendly materials such as Oxford fabric for durability.
The tent has 6 stakes for added strength and cloth buckles for easy attachment of extra ropes and stakes in bad weather. It features 4 large zipper doors that roll from the upper part, with a unique buckle design for protection.
Additionally, it has two zipper-screen windows to adjust sunlight and temperature. The overlong cover design effectively protects plant growth, making the greenhouse more airtight when buried in the soil. This greenhouse is specially designed for garden box kits or flower beds.
We rated this Quictent at 4.5/5 stars.
Pros: Foldable when not in use.
Cons: Not suitable for heavy weather conditions.
3. Nova Microdermabrasion Mini Greenhouse Indoor Outdoor – Best 4-tier outdoor grow tent
The Nova 4 Tier Portable Greenhouse protects plants and seedlings from harsh weather conditions. It’s ideal for starting seedlings, providing protection, and extending the plant growing season.
With sturdy construction using high-quality metal and a heavy-duty bearing net, the outdoor grow tent can hold plenty of seed trays, pots, and plants. The unique design includes a zippered roll-up door for easy access and screened ventilation for optimal air circulation. It has a versatile PE cloth and non-woven fabric cover to suit different weather conditions.
The outdoor grow tent is portable and easy to assemble; no tools are required. It folds up quickly into a compact storage bag. With dimensions of 27.25″ x 19″ x 63″ and a weight of 10.16 lbs, it’s suitable for patios, balconies, decks, and gardens.
Our rating for this outdoor grow tent is 4/5 stars.
Pros: High-quality metal construction.
Cons: Poor assembly instructions.
4. ENSTVER Walk-in Greenhouse – Best walk-in outdoor grow tent
The ENSTVER Polyethylene Reinforced Walk-in Greenhouse, measuring 56.5″ L x 56.5″ W x 76.5″ H, is perfect for smaller garden spaces.
It has a sturdy powder-coated tubular steel frame with 8 staging shelves displaying plants and flowers. The reinforced PE cover is stronger and thicker than standard PVC, ensuring the frame’s stability and promoting healthy plant growth.
With 2 windows for ventilation and a roll-up double-zipped door, it provides easy access and secure fastening while watering. The greenhouse comes with pegs for enhanced wind resistance. It is easy to set up and break down, requiring no tools for assembly. It can be moved or stored when the seasons change.
Our reviewers give it a rating of 4.5/5 stars.
Pros: Walk-in design with 8 shelves.
Cons: Not suitable for windy areas.
5. ShelterLogic 4-Tier Mini Grow House – Best for cannabis trees
The ShelterLogic Mini Grow House is a portable, compact greenhouse perfect for small backyards or limited spaces like decks or balconies.
Its durable steel frame, with a 5/8 inch diameter and a powder coat finish, provides excellent resistance against rust or peeling. The 4.4 oz thick clear PVC fabric cover allows ample light to reach the plants while reducing harmful UV rays.
The greenhouse features integrated tie-downs for a secure fit. The four shelves are made of sturdy wire mesh and can be customized by removing them to accommodate taller plants and accessories. The double zipper door panel rolls up easily, allowing convenient access to plants and seeds.
Our rating for the grow tent is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pros: Convenient design for taller plants
Cons: The racks could be more sturdy
6. Gardzen Mini Greenhouse – Best for cold weather
The Gardzen grow tent is a portable mini greenhouse measuring 36.2” x36.2” x 42.5”. It is ideal for growing plants on patios, balconies, porches, and garden-raised beds.
The PVC thick cover allows plants to absorb sunlight while providing waterproof, UV, and weather resistance. The sturdy steel frame made from steel framework protects plants from extreme weather, and it is easy to set up with no tools required.
The zipper entrance and zippered windows allow easy access for tending to plants and controlling temperature and humidity.
This mini greenhouse is perfect for antifreeze, cold protection, and displaying plants, and its lightweight design makes it easy to move around the garden.
Our rating for it is 4.5/5 stars.
Pros: High-quality design for cold weather.
Cons: Not heavy-duty.
7. Ethereal Lomoer Upgraded Pop-Up Plant Greenhouse – Best air-circulation design
The Ethereal Lomoer is a newly upgraded pop-up greenhouse that is reliable, sturdy, and easy to assemble and store.
It can withstand harsh weather conditions with roll-up windows and doors for ventilation, thickened PE mesh, and a top-grade steel wire support structure. The tent material is waterproof and UV resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sun damage.
Its smart design eliminates the tedious assembly process, making storage easier by simply folding. The walk-in outdoor grow tent has a durable steel wire frame, anti-aging PE fabric, metal pegs, and pull cords for added stability.
It offers a warm and airy large space for tropical plants such as cordyline to thrive, with zippered roll-up doors and side windows for better air circulation. The zipper doors allow you to observe the plants.
Our rating for it is 4.5/5 stars.
Pros: Side windows for plant observation.
Cons: Small size for larger plants.
8. RESTCLOUD Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure – Best for tall weed plants
The RESTCLOUD Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure is a convenient ground tent for growing and protecting your plants, such as bonsai, seedlings, herbs, or strawberries.
Its 1/8″ square mesh size allows ample light to reach your plants while keeping out unwanted pests like birds and butterflies. The collapsible design makes it easy to store and reuse, and when unfolded, it measures 24 x 24 x 36 inches. This grow tent provides enough space for large plants up to 3 feet tall.
The large zippers on the opening door ensure easy access to your plants. Made from durable, coarser mesh material, it is built to last, and the polyester bottom makes cleaning a breeze.
Best of all, it assembles instantly without needing any tools – just slip off the elastic strap, and the cage pops open. This enclosure is perfect for potted plants, bonsais, seedlings, herbs, and small fruit bushes like strawberries and tomatoes.
Our rating for this outdoor grow tent is 4.5/5 stars.
Pros: Easy to store.
Cons: /
9. Home-Complete Walk-in Greenhouse – Best grow tent with 8 shelves
The Home-Complete outdoor grow tent features 8 durable shelves for ample growing space.
The grow tent can be used indoors or outdoors, and the clear PVC cover protects seedlings from frost and pests.
Assembly is easy with no tools required, and stability is ensured with included rope and anchors.
Each shelf comes with zip ties for added security. This versatile greenhouse extends the growing season and is suitable for plants, seeds, herbs, vegetables, or flowers.
Made with a steel frame and waterproof PVC cover, the clear cover grow tent measures 56.3”x 56.3”x 76.7”.
One of the downsides is the low-quality construction. Several customers have reported that the tent is flimsy, with a cover that is easy to tear. This is one of the reasons we rated the grow tent 3.5/5 stars.
Pros: It can be used indoors and outdoors.
Cons: Flimsy construction.
10. BBBuy Outdoor Portable Walk-in Greenhouse – Best large walk-in grow tent
The BBBuy Outdoor Portable Walk-in Greenhouse is a spacious, sturdy solution for your gardening needs.
Its large space holds plenty of plants and gardening tools, and the tie-on cover ensures stability. The greenhouse has 4 plastic stakes and ropes to prevent it from blowing away.
The solid construction of the walk-in grow tent includes a heavy-duty cover that protects plants from harsh weather conditions. The 16mm diameter metal tube with a 0.3 mm + 0.4 mm thickness adds stability. It provides UV protection, weatherproofing, and insect prevention, creating an ideal plant environment.
Installing and operating the greenhouse is easy, with the zippered door providing convenient access. Zip up the door to create a warm, protected space for your plants to grow safely. The dimensions of the greenhouse are 57″L x 57″W x 77″H, and it weighs 21 lbs.
We rate this walk-in grow tent 4/5 stars.
Pros: Solid construction.
Cons: Heavy.
How Do You Choose the Best Outdoor Grow Tent?
When choosing the best outdoor grow tent, there are several important factors to consider:
Size (Number of Plants): Determine the number of plants you plan to grow and choose a tent that can accommodate them comfortably. The ideal size will depend on your specific needs, but a general guideline is to allow ample space for each plant to grow without overcrowding.
Walk-In or Grounded: Decide whether you prefer a walk-in or a grounded tent. A walk-in tent allows easier access and maneuverability, while a grounded tent offers stability and protection against strong winds. The choice depends on your personal preferences and the environmental conditions in your area.
Material (Waterproof, Durability): Look for a grow tent made of high-quality materials that are waterproof and durable, such as the 600D Oxford fabric. This protects your plants from external elements such as rain and pests. Ideally, the tent should be constructed with thick, tear-resistant fabric and have a waterproof coating.
Ease of Assembly: Consider how easy it is to assemble and disassemble the grow tent. Look for a tent that comes with clear instructions and requires minimal tools. The ideal tent should be straightforward to set up, allowing you to start your growing process quickly and efficiently.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for the health and growth of your plants. Choose a tent that has vents and flaps for air circulation and allows for the installation of fans and filters. The ideal tent will have adjustable vents to control temperature and humidity levels.
Racks and Levels: Check if the grow tent offers sufficient space for racks and levels. This feature allows you to optimize vertical space and create multiple plant layers. The ideal tent should have removable shelves or hanging bars for flexibility in arranging your plants.
Zipper Strength: Pay attention to the strength and quality of the tent’s zippers. A strong zipper ensures easy access to your plants and prevents light leaks that could disrupt the growth cycle. Look for a tent with heavy-duty zippers that can withstand frequent use.
Cost and Warranty: Consider your budget and compare the prices of different grow tents. While cost is important, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. Look for a tent that offers good value for money and a warranty for peace of mind. The ideal tent should have a reasonable price range and a warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
Do you need to use grow lights in an outdoor grow tent?
In normal situations, you do not need to use grow lights in an outdoor grow tent. Outdoor grow tents are designed to utilize natural sunlight as the primary light source for plant growth. The sun provides a full spectrum of light that is essential for healthy plant development.
However, there may be instances where supplemental lighting is beneficial. For example, if your outdoor grow tent is in a location with limited sunlight or if you want to extend the growing season, consider using grow lights to provide additional light to your plants.
It’s important to note that the type and intensity of grow lights used in an outdoor grow tent may vary from those used in indoor setups. LED grow lights are often recommended due to their energy efficiency and ability to provide a balanced light spectrum.
Can outdoor grow tents be used even in rainy or stormy weather?
Yes, outdoor grow tents can be used even in rainy or stormy weather. While a well-constructed grow tent is designed to provide insulation against heat and humidity, it can also offer protection from rain and storms. The tent’s material is typically water-resistant or waterproof, allowing it to withstand wet conditions.
Using a grow tent in stormy weather can help protect your plants from excessive rainfall and strong winds. It provides an additional layer of protection and helps maintain a controlled environment for optimal plant growth.
However, it’s important to note that extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, gales, hail, or thunderstorms can still pose risks to your outdoor grow tent. In such cases, it may be necessary to take additional precautions to secure the tent and ensure the safety of your plants. This can include properly anchoring the tent, reinforcing the structure, and preventing water leakage.
Does an outdoor grow tent prevent insects and pests?
An outdoor grow tent can help protect against insects and pests, but it does not guarantee complete prevention. While the tent’s walls and fabric can be a barrier, some determined pests may still find their way inside.
It’s important to take additional measures such as using mesh screens, sealing openings, maintaining cleanliness, and implementing natural pest control methods. Regular monitoring, identification, and crop rotation can also help prevent and address pest infestations.
Is an outdoor grow tent more cost-effective than an indoor grow tent?
An outdoor grow tent is generally more cost-effective than an indoor grow tent.
Outdoor growing tends to have lower costs as it utilizes natural sunlight and does not require as much equipment or energy consumption. The cost for an outdoor grow tent setup is estimated to be under $100, assuming similar yields, while indoor setups can involve higher startup costs.
Factors such as lighting, ventilation systems, fertilizers, and pesticides contribute to indoor growing expenses. However, it’s important to consider individual circumstances, climate, and growing goals when deciding which option is most cost-effective for you.
What types of plants are suitable for growing in an outdoor grow tent?
The most common plants suitable for growing in an outdoor grow tent include vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even some small fruiting plants.
Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens thrive in outdoor grow tents, as they benefit from controlled conditions and pest protection.
Various herbs, such as basil, cilantro, and oregano, also flourish in these environments, providing fresh ingredients for your kitchen.
When it comes to flowers, you can grow a wide range of annual and perennial blooms like marigolds, petunias, and lavender, enhancing the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
Additionally, small fruiting plants like strawberries or dwarf fruit trees can be successfully cultivated in outdoor grow tents, allowing you to enjoy homegrown fruits.
Is it better to grow weeds outdoors or indoors?
It is better to grow weeds outdoors as it offers benefits such as natural sunlight, reduced energy costs, and larger plant sizes.
However, outdoor cultivation is subject to seasonal and environmental variations, making it less predictable and potentially susceptible to pests and diseases.
On the other hand, indoor grows require more care and maintenance, as moisture and nutrients need to be manually replenished. Indoor cultivation also offers more control over environmental factors such as rain or wind.
Ultimately, the choice between growing weed outdoors or indoors depends on available space, climate, and desired level of control.
Are outdoor grow tents and greenhouses the same thing?
No, outdoor grow tents and greenhouses are not the same thing. While both provide a controlled environment for plants to grow, they differ in design and cultivation process.
An outdoor grow tent is a portable structure made of fabric or other materials that can be set up outdoors to create a controlled growing space. It typically consists of a frame and a cover that helps regulate temperature, light, and humidity. Gardeners often use outdoor grow tents to protect their plants from harsh weather conditions or pests while taking advantage of natural sunlight.
A greenhouse is a more permanent structure, usually made of glass or transparent plastic, designed to provide a controlled environment for plant cultivation. Greenhouses are often larger and offer more space than outdoor grow tents. They are equipped with ventilation, heating, cooling, and irrigation systems to maintain ideal growing conditions throughout the year. Greenhouses allow for year-round cultivation and provide greater control over temperature, humidity, and lighting.
