9 Best Small Grow Tents and Mini Tens for Indoor Gardening

A small grow tent, also known as a mini grow tent, is a compact and enclosed space used for indoor gardening. These tents are smaller than standard grow tents, typically measuring less than 2×2 feet.

A small grow tent includes advantages such as portability and space efficiency, while disadvantages include limited capacity and difficulty maintaining consistent environmental conditions. Small grow tents are suitable for various cultivation methods and plants, such as shallow-rooted plants like microgreens or herbs. Still, they are inappropriate for larger plants with extensive root systems, like tomato plants.

When choosing a small grow tent, key points include material quality, ventilation, and reflective walls.

The setup and use of a mini grow tent differ from a normal-sized grow tent, primarily in scale. The ventilation system, grow lights, and other equipment used in a small grow tent will be smaller and less powerful than those used in larger tents. It’s important to choose appropriate equipment that fits the size of the tent to ensure optimal plant growth and prevent any potential issues, such as overheating.

1. Zazzy Grow Tent – Best Pick

  • Dimensions: 24″L x 24″W x 36″H
  • Material: Metal
  • Plant Capacity: Single tall plant
  • Our rating: 4.5/5

The Zazzy Grow Tent is a compact grow tent designed for cultivating a single tall plant. Made with high-quality materials like reflective 600D mylar and a sturdy all-steel pole frame structure, this mini grow tent delivers a long-lasting design.

With its previously mentioned 95%-reflective mylar lining, the Zazzy Grow Tent maximizes lighting efficiency. The upgraded connector design, made of durable PA material, provides a secure and stable pole support system. Additionally, the PA material allows for ventilation.

The space size of the Zazzy Grow tent is 24″ x 24″ x 36″, which provides approximately 6 cubic feet of space. In a tent size like this, you can fit a small number of herbs or seedlings or a single cannabis plant, as we mentioned earlier.

Easy access through a smooth unzipping door and observation window allows for conveniently monitoring your plant’s progress. Setting up the Zazzy Grow Tent is simple and hassle-free, even for beginners, with user-friendly instructions included.

Pros: Reflective mylar material.

Cons: The zippers are not light-proof.

2. Hydro Crunch Hydroponic Grow Tent – Runner-Up

  • Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ x 48″
  • Material: Metal
  • Plant Capacity: Single tall plant
  • Our Rating: 4/5

The Hydro Crunch Mylar Grow Tent is a reliable and easy-to-use option for indoor plant growth. It boasts a durable frame construction with heavy-duty polypropylene/metal corners and strong poles capable of hanging heavy equipment. Thanks to this, the Hydro Crunch is one of the most durable tents on the market. 

Designed specifically for hydroponic gardening, this grow tent features 300D Oxford cloth lined with 100% reflective Mylar fabric, maximizing light distribution for optimal plant growth.

Strategically placed vents accommodate fans and filters, while ventilation windows and air/cable vents minimize light loss. The single-plant grow tent is fully washable, making maintenance a breeze.

The available space in a grow tent with dimensions of 16″ x 16″ x 48″ is relatively small, but you can still grow several types of plants, such as arugula, radishes, or basil. 

The only disadvantage of this mini grow tent is the light leaks that often appear through the zippers.

Pros: Heavy-duty construction

Cons: Light leaks.

3. Reetsing Small Grow Tent – Best Small Grow Tent

  • Dimensions: 18.9″x13.7″x20.8″ inches
  • Material: Mylar
  • Plant Capacity: Single small plant.
  • Our Rating: 4/5

The Reetsing Small Grow Tent is a compact and efficient option for indoor hydroponic gardening. With 18.9″ x 13.7 “x 20.8” dimensions, it fits most indoor hydroponic equipment, including aero gardens.

The size of the small grow tent is ideal for growing just one or two small plants, such as herbs, microgreens, or small ornamental plants like tulips.

This mini grow tent is designed for sky gardens and can be placed anywhere in your home. The mini grow tent blocks all light from escaping and is lined with 100% reflective mylar, boosting the output efficiency of your setup.

The frame structure of the Reetsing Small Grow Tent is designed to be sturdy and durable. It consists of metal or steel poles supporting the tent’s material. The frame is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient for growers. Additionally, the frame is equipped with connectors or corner pieces that hold the structure together, ensuring stability and strength for the tent. The easy-to-access door zippers open smoothly, preventing harsh glare and keeping pets away from your plants.

Pros: Smooth opening door zippers.

Cons: Limited plant capacity.

4. TopoGrow Indoor Grow Tent – Best for Single Tall Plant

  • Dimensions: 16″L x 16″W x 48″H
  • Material: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Plant Capacity: Single small tall plant or two short plants
  • Our Rating: 4.5/5

The TopoGrow Indoor Grow Tent is a high-quality tent with durable metal bars and extra-thick solid plastic corners for stability. 

The small grow tent is 99% lightproof and fully sealed, preventing light leaks. Additionally, it features a 96% reflective waterproof diamond Mylar exterior and a 600D Oxford fabric. However, if you want a grow tent with a 100% reflective Mylar, we recommend the Reetsing tent. 

The TopoGrow Indoor Grow Tent is a versatile option suitable for all growth needs, whether mushroom cultivation, vegetable gardening, or flower growing.

The TopoGrow tent is equipped with multiple ventilation options to provide flexibility and convenience for maintaining optimal airflow and controlling the environment inside the tent. It features round vents with adjustable drawstrings, allowing you to easily customize the vent openings’ size. 

Additionally, small windows with mesh use a simple and efficient magic tape system, enabling quick and hassle-free opening and closing. Adjust the inside flap around the zipper to avoid any potential sticking issues. 

Pros: Lightproof.

Cons: Low-quality zippers.

5. POTLAB Small Grow Tent – Best for Seedlings

  • Dimensions: 19.6″x19.6″x31.5″ or 19.6″x31.5″x 19.6″.
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Plant Capacity: Small plants or seedlings
  • Our Rating: 4.5/5

The POTLAB Small Grow Tent comes in two size options: 19.6″ x 19.6″ x 31.5″ or 19.6″ x 31.5″ x 19.6″. It features a sturdy 16mm steel tubing frame. The mini grow tent is made from Oxford fabric that provides lightproofing and prevents light leakage.

This hydroponic mini-grow tent is designed specifically for seedlings and cloning plants and is an ideal enclosure for resin 3D printers.

The tent has a well-thought-out ventilation system to maintain an optimal environment for the plants or equipment. The Potlab features opening ports for intake and exhaust vents and ducting ports for fans and filters.

Due to its compact size, the POTLAB Small Grow Tent has a limited plant capacity. It is best suited for accommodating 1-3 plants or starting seedlings and clones. The size allows for efficient use of space while providing a controlled environment for optimal growth.

Pros: Highly reflective inner layer

Cons: Not suitable for tall plants.

6. Cdmall Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent – Best for Optimal Ventilation

  • Dimensions: 16″x16″x48″
  • Material: reflective mylar
  • Plant Capacity: Several small plants
  • Our Rating: 4.5/5

The Cdmall Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent features a sturdy frame with a diameter of 16MM white paint-coated metal rods and 16MM sturdy plastic connectors. The inside of the tent is lined with a highly reflective waterproof diamond Mylar material.

With mesh vents and a water-resistant removable floor tray, this single-plant grow tent provides optimal air circulation, ventilation, and easy cleaning. The tent’s 16″x16″x48″ size allows for a compact yet functional space for plant growth.

The Cdmall Hydroponic Mylar Short Grow Tent is designed for easy assembly, and an instructional pamphlet is included. It is suitable for beginners or experienced growers.

Regarding plant capacity, the specific number of plants that can fit in this tent will depend on the size of the plants and their spacing requirements. However, the 16″x16″x48″ dimensions provide ample space for several small to medium-sized plants, such as strawberries or a combination of seedlings and clones.

Pros: Easy assembly.

Cons: /

7. Chuanke Small Grow Tent – Best High-quality Design

  • Dimensions: 20″x14″x22’’
  • Material: Polyester
  • Plant Capacity: Small to medium-sized plants such as herbs
  • Our Rating: 4.5/5

The Chuanke Small Grow Tent is a mini-sized tent measuring 20″x14″x22’’; its compact size allows easy placement anywhere in the home.

This tent is constructed with durable 600D Oxford fabric and protects against scratches from pets like cats. The inner layer is custom-made for hydroponic equipment, and aerogarden grow systems, featuring aluminum foil reflective mylar material that provides leak-proof light and thermal insulation while also being fireproof.

The small grow tent offers attentive design features such as a zipper door on the front for convenient plant viewing, a hook and loop fastener to attach to the back of the tent, and two hook and loop fasteners on each side of the bottom.

Additionally, the tent includes a side mesh pocket for storing seed pod kits, plant nutrients, record books, and other hydroponic accessories, ensuring quick access to necessary tools when caring for your plants.

The mini grow tent is suitable for small-scale indoor gardening and can accommodate small to medium-sized plants like basil, tomatoes, or a combination of seedlings.

The only downside of this grow tent is that it does not have holes for ventilation, meaning you could deal with mold issues in the future. 

Pros: High-quality design

Cons: No ventilation holes

8. VIVOSUN Small Grow Tent – Best Affordable Grow Tent 

  • Dimensions: 19.69″L x 14.17″W x 21.26″H
  • Material: Metal
  • Plant Capacity: Medium-sized plants
  • Our Rating: 4/5

The VIVOSUN Small Grow Tent is a lightproof solution for indoor hydroponic gardening. With its sealed bottom design and 100% reflective diamond mylar lining, this tent effectively blocks all light from escaping.

Assembly of this small grow tent is quick and easy, suitable for both professionals and beginners. The SBS zippers on each side allow easy access and observation, as the doors can be rolled out without disturbing your plants.

Built with durability in mind, the VIVOSUN Small Grow Tent features thick fiberglass poles, upgraded connectors, and high-quality tear-resistant 600D Oxford fabric. The double-stitched tent cloth provides superior light control and ensures long-lasting performance. The nontoxic lining further enhances its safety.

The VIVOSUN Small Grow Tent ensures optimal airflow for your plants with mesh windows, promoting a clean and safe growing environment.

Pros: Mesh windows for optimal airflow

Cons: Not tear-resistant

9. MELONFARM Grow Tent – Best Tear-proof Tent

  • Dimensions: 24″L x 16″W x 20″H
  • Material: Metal
  • Plant Capacity: Single small plant
  • Our Rating: 5/5

The MELONFARM Grow Tent offers a highly reflective interior with a waterproof mylar lining, enhancing the efficiency of your indoor growing lights. This reflective lining helps increase the intensity of the light and retains heat.

Constructed with extra-thick 2100D canvas, this mini grow tent is tear-proof and double-stitched to provide excellent light-blocking capabilities. The frame structure features sturdy metal poles that reinforce the tent’s structure, ensuring security and stability while preventing odors from leaking.

Easy observation is made possible by the double transparent viewing door, allowing you to peek inside and monitor your plants at any time. The large zippered door provides easy access, while the included storage bag helps keep your tools and accessories organized.

Installation of the MELONFARM Grow Tent is quick and hassle-free, even for beginners, as no tools are required. 

The Melonfarm grow tent with dimensions of 24″ L x 16″ W x 20″ H offers a versatile space suitable for various small to medium-sized plants. This compact environment is well-suited for cultivating succulents, cacti, herbs like thyme and oregano, or strawberries.

Pros: Easy to install

Cons: /

How Do You Choose the Best Small Grow Tent for a Compact Space?

When choosing the best small grow tent for a compact space, consider growing space size, the frame structure of the tent, ventilation, and material.

  • Growing Space Size: refers to the area or dimensions where you plan to set up your grow tent. Choosing a small grow tent that fits within the designated space is important to avoid overcrowding and ensure optimal plant growth. For instance, tomatoes generally need around 2 square feet per plant, while for cannabis plants, the space required per mature plant typically ranges from 2 square feet to 4 square feet.
  • Frame Structure: The frame structure of a grow tent refers to the material used to construct its frame, which can be either plastic or metal. Metal frames, such as steel, provide better stability and durability than plastic frames. A small grow tent should be able to support equipment that weighs up to 50-100 pounds (22-45 kilograms) without any issues.
  • Ventilation: Ventilation in a grow tent refers to the airflow and air exchange within the enclosed space. Good ventilation is crucial for controlling temperature/humidity and removing stale air. Look for mini grow tents with vents, ducting ports, and mesh windows to facilitate proper air circulation and prevent issues like heat buildup and excess moisture.
  • Material: Evaluate the tent’s material, as it can affect light reflection and durability. Common materials used for grow tents include canvas-like fabrics, polyethylene, and Mylar. Canvas-like fabrics provide good light blocking, while polyethylene is lightweight and easy to clean. Mylar has excellent light-reflective properties, maximizing the efficiency of your grow lights.
4 factors to Choose the Best Small Grow Tent

What is the Smallest Grow Tent?

The smallest grow tent is the Hydro Crunch tent. This mini grow tent measures 16x16x48 inches. It can typically accommodate 1-2 mature tomato plants, a handful of herb plants, or a single cannabis plant, depending on the specific farming method and plant size.

This compact grow tent is suitable for beginners, urban gardeners, or those with limited space looking to cultivate a few plants. It’s a cost-effective option for starting seeds, growing herbs, or experimenting with small-scale hydroponic or soil-based setups.

However, it may not be appropriate for those aiming to grow larger quantities of plants or larger varieties, such as tall cannabis strains, as the limited height and space could restrict plant growth.

Hydro Crunch tent comes with essential accessories such as a sturdy metal frame, a lightproof tent cover, zippered doors for easy access, ventilation openings with ducting ports, a reflective interior for optimal light distribution, hanging straps for equipment suspension, a waterproof floor tray or mat for spill containment, and mesh vent covers to prevent pests, cable and ducting ports for the organization.

What is the Smallest Grow Tent Kit?

The smallest grow tent kit is the TopoGrow Indoor Grow Tent kit, which measures 16″ x 16″ x 48″ and has a volume of 12.3 cubic feet. This compact size is ideal for small-scale indoor gardening and can accommodate 1-2 mature tomato plants or several herb plants.

This kit is chosen as a top small grow tent kit for several reasons. While it may not be the absolute smallest, it strikes a balance between compactness and usability. It’s equipped with a range of accessories, including a robust metal frame, a lightproof tent cover, zippered doors for easy access, ventilation openings with ducting ports, a reflective interior for optimal light distribution, hanging straps for equipment suspension, a waterproof floor tray, and mesh vent covers to prevent pests. The included cable and ducting ports offer convenient organization.

What is the Biggest Grow Tent Available?

The biggest grow tent available is the Gorilla grow tent. This spacious 10×20 tent, which translates to a vast volume of 1,280 cubic feet, can house up to 64 medium-sized plants or around 50 larger plants, making it suitable for large-scale indoor gardening projects.

Other notable options include the TopoGrow Big Sized 96″x96″x80″ with its substantial volume of 614.4 cubic feet.

Also, the Secret Jardin Hydro Shoot, in its larger size, typically measures 48 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and 60 inches in height. This configuration results in a volume of approximately 69.12 cubic feet.

How Do You Heat a Small Grow Tent?

How Do You Heat a Small Grow Tent?

To heat a small grow tent effectively, consider using a specialized electric grow tent heater, improving air circulation with fans, and employing heat mats for root warmth.

Warming a small or mini grow tent differs from a standard or large tent primarily due to the smaller space. Electric heaters for tents are designed to provide consistent and controlled heat to create an optimal environment for plant growth.

Additionally, improving air circulation within the tent is important for distributing the heat generated by grow lights. You can achieve this by using oscillating or inline fans to move the air around.

Another option is using heat mats placed underneath the plant containers to provide localized warmth to the roots. This can promote healthy root development and overall plant growth. 

What is the Best Heater for a Small Grow Tent?

The best heater for a small grow tent is the VIVOSUN Portable Greenhouse Heater. Two of the key reasons why this heater is often regarded as the best option are its versatility and efficiency.

The VIVOSUN Portable Greenhouse Heater offers adjustable temperature control with three heating modes: high-heat, low-heat, and fan-only mode, allowing you to set the desired temperature range for your plants. This level of control ensures that you can create and maintain an optimal growing environment.

The heater also incorporates important safety features, including overheat protection and dust filters.

How Do I Cool My Small Grow Tent?

How Do I Cool My Small Grow Tent?

To cool your small grow tent, you can employ three common methods: an exhaust fan and ventilation system, air conditioning, and reflective insulation.

The first method involves using an exhaust fan and a ventilation system, which are well-suited for small grow tents due to their efficient air circulation and smaller spaces generally requiring less powerful fans. 

Additionally, small portable air conditioners or mini-split systems are a suitable option for small grow tents, offering precise temperature control and effective cooling within the limited confines of the space. Reflective insulation, like Mylar, plays a crucial role in managing heat and light in smaller grow tents, bouncing heat and light back onto the plants while preventing excessive heat buildup.

How Do You Increase Humidity in a Small Grow Tent?

Use a water tray in your mini grow tent to increase humidity in a small grow tent. Place a shallow tray filled with water inside the tent. This method is particularly well-suited for small grow tents due to their limited space, which allows for a more efficient impact on the water tray. In standard-size grow tents, larger volumes of air can dilute the effects of a water tray, making it less effective for maintaining optimal humidity levels.

As the water evaporates, it will add moisture to the air, increasing humidity levels. This method is simple, low-cost, and requires no additional equipment. Remember to monitor the humidity levels regularly and refill the tray to maintain the desired humidity level.

What is the Best Humidifier for a Small Grow Tent?

The best humidifiers for small grow tents are the LEVOIT Humidifier and the LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool and Warm Mist Humidifier. The LEVOIT model measures 8.5 x 6.7 x 10.2 inches (21.6 x 17 x 25.9 cm), while the Warm Mist humidifier measures 10.5 x 7 x 11.3 inches (26.7 x 17.8 x 28.7 cm). These humidifiers provide cool and warm mist options, making them versatile for different plant needs. They also have essential oil boxes and remote controls for convenient use.

Can I Put a Grow Tent in My Basement?

Yes, you can put a grow tent in the basement. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. 

Firstly, basements often have higher humidity levels, so monitoring and regulating humidity within the grow tent is important to prevent mold and mildew. Additionally, proper airflow is crucial, so having fans and ventilation systems in place will ensure good air circulation. 

Since basements tend to be cooler, especially during colder months, you may need additional heating equipment to maintain optimal temperatures.

Lastly, it’s advisable to have a concrete floor with drains to manage water drainage, particularly if you’ll be watering your plants in the grow tent.

What Size Grow Tent for One Plant?

What Size Grow Tent for One Plant?

A commonly recommended tent size for growing a single plant is a 2’x2′ or 3’x3′ grow tent. These sizes offer adequate space for the plant and essential equipment like grow lights, ventilation systems, and other accessories. Going smaller, with non-standard sizes, can severely limit the installation of necessary devices, potentially hindering the plant’s growth. It also allows for easy access and maintenance. Ultimately, the size of the grow tent should be selected based on the specific requirements of the plant and the available space in your setup.

Will a Mini Greenhouse Protect From Frost?

Yes, a mini greenhouse can protect plants from frost. Mini greenhouses are designed to create a controlled environment that shields plants from the cold temperatures and harsh winter elements. 

The structure of the greenhouse traps heat and provides insulation, preventing frost damage to plants. Plastic greenhouses, in particular, are often used for frost protection. 

Additionally, using horticultural fleece along with a plastic greenhouse can further enhance the level of frost protection. It is important to note that while a greenhouse offers protection against frost, it may not be able to guard plants if outside temperatures drop significantly below freezing completely.

In such situations, an alternative method to protect plants is using additional insulation methods such as frost cloths or row covers. These light and breathable materials provide an extra layer of protection against severe cold and frost, helping to safeguard plants during adverse weather conditions.

Photo of author

Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

Leave a Comment