This $20 pop-up greenhouse from ALDI is perfect for small yards – it will turbocharge your tomato harvests this summer

If you live in an apartment or have a small, stamp-sized yard, pop-up greenhouses are a clever, space-saving solution that anyone, regardless of gardening know-how, can use. Compact, lightweight and easy to store, these handy structures allow you to grow fruits and vegetables in even the smallest of spaces.

The good news? ALDI is currently offering a pop-up greenhouse for just $19.99. It is simple to build, folds down when not in use, and is ideal for anyone looking to get a head start on growing strawberries, tomatoes and chillies this summer.

Over several years working as a professional gardener in the UK and Italy, I have explored numerous greenhouse ideas, from makeshift cloches to Victorian glasshouse structures. While these pop-up models might not compete with traditional examples when it comes to aesthetics, they are one of the most practical and beginner-friendly ways to grow your own. So, if you want to enjoy some tasty fruit and veg this year, pop-up greenhouses are a worthwhile investment.

Why use a pop-up greenhouse in small yards?

If you have been searching for greenhouse trends for smaller yards, you will likely have stumbled upon pop-up greenhouses. These portable and handy structures work by creating a warm, sheltered environment that helps tender crops thrive.

While most gardeners will be able to grow salads and veg during summer, many of us in cooler regions and US hardiness zones can struggle to get ahead during spring, with unpredictable cold snaps and late frosts. By trapping heat and shielding plants against gusts of wind, pop-up greenhouses can help when growing tomatoes or strawberries.

To use pop-up greenhouses effectively, try to place yours somewhere sunny and sheltered, ideally near a wall or fence with at least three or four hours of direct sun each day. In smaller spaces, you might be restricted in terms of placement, but aiming for maximum sunshine is always the best approach.

If you are gardening in an apartment, with a roof terrace or balcony, for example, be sure to weigh your pop-up greenhouse down. The last thing you want is to see it drifting off in the distance - believe me, these structures are remarkably light and can take off in a strong breeze.

Depending on what you grow, you can usually adjust the shelving, meaning that you can have trays of lettuce seedlings on one side, next to containers with taller crops. For example, you might want one or two strawberry pots with cascading runners and fruits, next to some delicious red and orange tomatoes growing up bamboo canes.

For some of the best tomatoes for growing in pots, try the 'Sun Gold' variety, with seeds available from Burpee. With golden-orange fruits and a sweet but tart flavor, they are sure to elevate your summer suppers.

During spring and summer, be sure to unzip the greenhouse to let in some air. I would tend to do this first thing in the morning, before closing again late in the afternoon. This prevents overheating and keeps pests and problems at bay.

As summer rolls on, you might be able to leave the greenhouse open in the evenings, depending on the weather. And, it goes without saying, but remember to water and feed crops regularly, as they will quickly dry out in warm periods.

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If you already have a pop-up greenhouse or cold frame, just remember to give it a clean at the beginning of the season to reduce the risk of pest and disease outbreaks. Our guide on how to clean a greenhouse has all the information you need.