Planta Greenhouses vs. Palram Greenhouses: Which Greenhouse Is Better for Your Climate & Garden Goals?

Planta Greenhouses is a European‑engineered brand known for building heavy‑duty, climate‑resistant structures that let gardeners grow crops year‑round. Unlike lightweight hobby kits, Planta Greenhouses feature galvanized steel and thick polycarbonate panels that withstand severe weather conditions.

Two flagship models highlight this ethos:

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Built for harsh winters, heavy snow, reliable wind resistance, and all-season production.
• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: A more compact and budget-friendly but still robust option for smaller gardens and moderate climates.

Together, these models demonstrate why Planta Greenhouses positions itself as both premium and affordable: featuring heavy-duty materials, high snow-load ratings, and generous warranties at prices accessible to serious gardeners.

What This Article is About

You’ll get a side-by-side comparison of Planta Greenhouses and Palram Greenhouses in similar sizes, with real specs, pros and cons, and clear guidance on which greenhouse best fits your needs. If you’re wondering how Planta compares to Palram, this guide breaks it all down so you can make an informed purchase with confidence.

Comparing Sungrow 20 vs. Aria 10 × 20

Comparing Planta Greenhouses’ Sungrow 20 vs. Palram’s Aria Greenhouse 10 × 20

Among Palram’s lineup, the Aria 10 × 20 greenhouse most closely matches the Sungrow 20, both in terms of size and its purpose as a year-round solution for hobby and professional growers. The following review highlights where these two greenhouses align and where they differ.

Design & Aesthetics

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: A bell-shaped tunnel that sheds snow/wind naturally; doors at both ends with roof ventilation for cross-flow.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: Rectangular greenhouse with steep roof, crystal-clear walls for conservatory-like views, large double doors, and a roof vent.

Build Materials

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Galvanized-steel frame + 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate (optional 10 mm).
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: Aluminum frame with galvanized steel base; multi-wall polycarbonate roof + crystal-clear wall panels.

Climate Resistance

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Built for harsh climates with a snow load capacity of 75 psf (≈ six feet of light snow or three feet of packed snow) and rated to withstand winds up to 65 mph.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: Designed for moderate conditions with a snow load rating of 16 psf (≈ 16.4 lbs/ft²), making it better suited to milder winters. Wind resistant up to 75 mph. 

👉 Learn what snow load (PSF) means for your greenhouse

DIY Friendliness & Installation

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Intermediate build; heavier steel requires two to three people for installation; maintenance-free after installation.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: A DIY-oriented sliding panel system featuring pre-drilled profiles, with lighter aluminum for easier handling.

Price-to-Performance Value

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Priced around US $3,600–$3,900. The combination of heavy steel construction, a high snow-load rating, and a 10-year warranty offers substantial value.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: MSRP is typically USD 4,500–5,000, varying by retailer and region. The Aria emphasizes aesthetics and light transmission with crystal-clear walls, but delivers lower snow-load capacity.

Year-Round Growing Capabilities

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Double-wall insulation enhances heat retention, benefiting winter crops.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: Clear walls maximize light, but may require supplemental winter heat due to reduced insulation.

Growing Space & Versatility

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: 10′×20′×8′ with tall arc for trellising; extendable beyond 100′.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: ~10′4″ W × 19′11″ L × 9′4″ H; tall ridge suits ornamentals & tall crops.

Post-Purchase Support

• Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Backed by a 10-year warranty and supported by responsive customer service. Planta owners also benefit from the Planta Greenhouses Community, a private group of thousands of growers who share practical advice, seasonal tips, and installation guidance.
• Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20: Covered by a 10-year limited warranty with broad availability through major retailers. While support is widely accessible, resources are primarily retailer-driven rather than community-based.

Key Differences:  Sungrow 20 vs. Aria 10 × 20

Key Differences: Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 vs. Palram’s Aria Greenhouse 10 × 20

Table Text: Side-by-side comparison of Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 and Palram Aria Greenhouse 10×20.

Why Choose Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20?

• Heavy-duty build: Galvanized steel frame with thicker polycarbonate panels.
• High climate resistance: Handles ~75 psf snow load and 65 mph winds.
• Year-round performance: Retains warmth and supports winter gardening.
• Low-maintenance: The durable construction requires minimal upkeep.
• Community support: Backed by a 10-year warranty and an active Planta user community.

👉  Explore the Sungrow Greenhouses Collection

Why Choose Palram’s Aria Greenhouse 10×20?

• Sleek design: Crystal‑clear walls and a steep roof give the Aria the look of a garden conservatory.
• Light-filled interior: The clear panels transmit over 90% of sunlight—ideal for gardeners who prioritize light over insulation.
• Easy assembly: The lightweight aluminum frame and sliding‑panel system make installation DIY‑friendly.
• Ample ventilation: An automated roof vent and large double doors allow for good airflow.
• Moderate‑climate choice: Rated for winds up to 75 mph but only 16.4 psf snow load, it suits regions with mild winters.

👉 See current offers for the Palram Aria 10×20 Greenhouse on Amazon

Comparing Sigma 20 vs Balance 10 × 20

Comparing Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 vs Palram’s Balance Greenhouse 10 × 20

The Palram Balance 10 × 20 greenhouse is Palram’s closest aluminum-framed 10×20-class peer to the Sigma 20, offering a comparable footprint and a shared focus on year-round hobby and professional growing.

Design & Aesthetics

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Continuous tunnel arc for airflow and even sun; doors/vents at both ends.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: Angular frame with flat sidewalls; double doors + manual roof windows.

Build Materials

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Galvanized pipe-steel frame + 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: Aluminum frame with galvanized base; 4 mm twin-wall roof + crystal-clear wall panels.

👉 Discover why polycarbonate is the best greenhouse material

Climate Resistance

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Rated for 32 psf snow load and engineered to withstand winds up to 65 mph, making it suitable for challenging winter conditions.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: Designed for moderate climates with a snow load rating of about 15 psf. Wind resistance is listed by retailers in the range of 56–62 mph.

DIY Friendliness & Installation

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Intermediate; extendable modules; maintenance-free after install.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: DIY sliding-panel design; low-threshold ramp; wide doors.

Price-to-Performance Value

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Currently retails around USD 3,050. With a galvanized pipe frame, 32 psf snow rating, and 5-year warranty, Sigma provides excellent durability at an accessible price.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10 × 20: Typically sold for USD 4,000–4,500, depending on the vendor. It prioritizes clarity and DIY assembly, but with lower structural ratings compared to Sigma.

Year-Round Growing Capabilities

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Double-wall insulation supports reliable winter cultivation.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: Bright interior from clear walls; may need shade in summer or heat in deep winter.

Growing Space & Versatility

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: 10′ W × 19.5′ L × 7′ H; tunnel eliminates rafters for maximum headroom; extendable beyond 100′.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: Similar footprint (~10′×20′) with ~8′+ peak; easy access via wide double doors & low threshold.

Post-Purchase Support

• Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: A 5‑year warranty and responsive customer service give owners confidence.
• Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20: 5-year limited warranty; broad retailer support network.

Key Differences: Sigma 20 vs Balance 10 × 20

Key Differences: Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 vs Palram’s Balance Greenhouse 10 × 20

Table Text: Side-by-side comparison of Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 and Palram Balance Greenhouse 10×20.

Why Choose Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20?

• Compact strength: Galvanized steel frame with 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate.
• Versatile design: Tunnel shape maximizes airflow and light distribution.
• Extendable: Modular structure allows lengthening beyond 19.5 ft.
• Budget-friendly: Priced around USD 3,050, making it a sturdy yet affordable option.

👉  Explore the Sigma Greenhouses Collection

Why Choose Palram’s Balance Greenhouse 10×20?

• Spacious footprint: Provides nearly 200 sq ft of growing space—plenty of room for raised beds and potting benches.
• Hybrid glazing: 4 mm twin‑wall roof diffuses light to protect delicate plants, while crystal‑clear walls let in over 90 % of sunlight.
• DIY‑friendly: Sliding panels, pre‑drilled profiles and a low‑threshold ramp make assembly straightforward.
• Built‑in features: Manual roof windows, wide double doors and a built‑in gutter system enhance ventilation and water collection.
• Moderate‑climate choice: Suitable for regions with milder winters thanks to its ≈ 15 psf snow rating. 

👉 See current offers for the Palram Balance Greenhouse Series on Amazon