Planta Greenhouses vs Yoderbilt Greenhouses: Which Greenhouse Is Better for Your Climate & Garden Goals?
Planta Greenhouses are crafted with European engineering, designed for strength and durability. Instead of flimsy DIY frames, its structures use galvanized-steel hoops and thick double-wall polycarbonate panels so you can grow crops even when the weather isn’t friendly. Two flagship models illustrate the brand’s premium yet affordable approach:
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: A heavy-duty greenhouse designed for harsh winters. Its galvanized steel frame and 6 mm/10 mm double-wall polycarbonate panels shrug off deep snow and high winds, making it ideal for growers who want to garden year-round in northern climates.
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: A slightly more compact and budget-friendly option. It still uses galvanized pipe-steel hoops and 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate, but its smaller footprint makes it perfect for backyard or moderate-climate gardeners.
These models highlight why Planta Greenhouses is seen as premium yet accessible, offering industrial-grade materials, strong snow-load ratings, and long warranties at a price within reach for dedicated home growers.
What This Article Is About
This guide provides an honest comparison between two of Planta Greenhouses’ most popular models (Sungrow 20 and Sigma 20) and comparable models from Yoderbilt. You’ll see side-by-side specifications, key pros and cons, and clear guidance on which structure suits your climate and gardening style. If you’re wondering how Planta Greenhouses compare to Yoderbilt Greenhouses, this guide breaks it all down, so you can buy with confidence.
Sungrow 20 vs. Legacy 12×20
Comparing Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 vs. Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20
Yoderbilt’s Legacy 12×20 greenhouse is the closest size and price match to the Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20. The Legacy series is handcrafted and arrives fully assembled; it features a pressure-treated wood frame, a cedar and pressure-treated floor, and 8 mm twin-wall polycarbonate glazing. Below is how these two structures stack up.
Design & Aesthetics
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: A modern, curved-tunnel silhouette that naturally sheds snow. Doors at both ends, plus optional roof vents, provide good cross-flow. Its galvanized steel frame gives a sleek industrial look.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: A traditional gable-roof greenhouse delivered fully assembled. Customers can choose a brown or gray stain and select trim colours such as silver, brown, or black. Front and rear gable vents are included for passive ventilation.
Build Materials
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Galvanized-steel frame with 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate panels standard; a 10 mm roof upgrade is available.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: Pressure-treated wood frame, cedar/treated floor, and 8 mm twin-wall polycarbonate. Wood requires periodic maintenance.
Climate Resistance
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Engineered for extreme winters with a snow-load of about 75 psf and winds up to 65 mph.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: No published psf ratings; gable design sheds snow, but wood is vulnerable to moisture.
What do snow-load ratings (PSF) mean for your greenhouse?
DIY Friendliness & Installation
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Shipped as a kit; two to three people can assemble in a weekend; no concrete foundation required.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: Delivered fully assembled on a trailer; requires site access and a prepared pad.
Check out 5 essential tips to simplify your greenhouse build
Price-to-Performance Value
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: About US $3,600–$3,900 with a 10-year warranty.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: About US $10,495; higher cost reflects assembly and cedar finish, not extra climate durability.
Year-Round Growing Capabilities
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Double-wall polycarbonate with excellent insulation.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: 8 mm polycarbonate offers moderate insulation; wood can lose heat.
Growing Space & Versatility
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: 7 ft interior height; modular, extendable.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: A pitched roof offers ample headroom, and the fixed size is available with no extension option.
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 real-world tips, seasonal advice, and installation guidance.
-
Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20: Support available; warranty terms not clearly published.
Key Differences: Sungrow 20 vs. Legacy 12×20
Key Differences: Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 vs. Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20
| Feature | Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 | Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Galvanized steel | Pressure-treated wood |
| Panel System | 6 mm double-wall (10 mm roof upgrade) | 8 mm twin-wall |
| Snow-Load Capacity | ~75 psf | Not specified |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 65 mph | Not specified |
| DIY Difficulty | Intermediate kit | Fully assembled |
| Warranty | 10 years | Not specified |
| Price | US$3,600–$3,900 | US$10,495 |
| Extendability | Modular | Fixed siz |
Why Choose Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20?
If winters are harsh or you want a fortress-like greenhouse, the Sungrow 20 is unmatched. With a steel frame, double-wall panels, 75 psf snow-load rating, and 65 mph wind resistance, it’s built for four-season gardening. Modular design and a 10-year warranty add long-term value.
Explore the entire Sungrow Greenhouses Collection here!
Why Choose Yoderbilt Greenhouses Legacy 12×20?
While it’s more expensive, the Yoderbilt Legacy 12×20 appeals to gardeners who prioritize convenience and aesthetics over extreme weather performance. This model arrives fully assembled with a pressure‑treated wood frame, cedar‑floor look and a customizable stain and trim palette. Its standard package includes front and rear gable vents, five windows for cross‑breeze and a sturdy deck‑board floor.
Sigma 20 vs. Traditional 8×20
Comparing Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 vs. Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20
The Planta Sigma 20 is more compact and cost-effective. A strong competitor is the Yoderbilt Traditional 8×20, which has simpler construction than the Legacy line.
Design & Aesthetics
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Curved tunnel design with end doors and vents; promotes airflow and sunlight.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: Straightforward gable-roof; customizable trim and stain.
Build Materials
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Galvanized pipe-steel hoops with 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: Pressure-treated wood frame with 8 mm twin-wall polycarbonate.
Explore Top Greenhouse Kits rated for snow & wind
Climate Resistance
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Snow-load rated ~32 psf; wind resistance up to 65 mph.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: No published ratings; gable roof sheds snow, wood can warp in wet climates.
DIY Friendliness & Installation
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Ships as a kit; intermediate build; expandable length.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: Delivered fully assembled; requires pad and delivery access.
9 Quick Tips to Set Up Your Sungrow Greenhouse Without Stress
Price-to-Performance Value
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Around US $3,050 with a 5-year warranty.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: ≈ US $7,695; higher cost reflects assembly and floor.
Year-Round Growing Capabilities
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Double-wall panels stabilize temperatures; tunnel shape reduces wind drag.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: 8 mm panels provide moderate insulation; wood loses heat faster.
Growing Space & Versatility
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: About 6 ft 8 in interior height; modular length up to 30 ft.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: Gable roof gives headroom; fixed size.
Post-Purchase Support
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: 5-year warranty with responsive customer support.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20: Customer support available; warranty details unclear.
Key Differences: Sigma 20 vs. raditional 8×20
Key Differences: Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 vs. Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20
| Feature | Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 | Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 8×20 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Galvanized steel | Pressure-treated wood |
| Panel System | 6 mm double-wall | 8 mm twin-wall |
Snow-Load Capacity |
~32 psf | Not specified |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 65 mph | Not specified |
| DIY Difficulty | Intermediate kit | Fully assembled |
| Warranty | 5 years | Unspecified |
| Price | US$3,050 | US$7,695 |
| Extendability | Modular | Fixed size |
Why Choose Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20?
The Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 is ideal for gardeners who want durability on a budget. Its steel frame and double-wall panels provide real snow and wind ratings. The curved tunnel design spreads sunlight evenly and promotes airflow, while modular expansion means it grows with you. At about US $3,050, it offers excellent value.
Check out the full Sigma collection here!
Why Choose Yoderbilt Greenhouses Traditional 08×20?
The Yoderbilt Traditional 08×20 appeals to gardeners who want a ready‑to‑use wooden greenhouse with a compact footprint. This model is delivered fully assembled and features a pressure‑treated wood frame, a deck‑board floor and 8 mm twin‑wall polycarbonate glazing. It includes a single door at each end and allows you to choose the stain and trim colours. Priced from US $5,995, it provides the warm look of cedar without requiring any assembly. However, it lacks windows or autovents and has no published snow‑load ratings, so it is best suited to milder climates and gardeners who value aesthetics and convenience over extreme‑weather performance.
Final Thoughts
Both Planta and Yoderbilt build attractive, functional greenhouses, but they serve different goals.
- Planta Greenhouses: Steel-framed, modular, engineered for snow and wind. Affordable and expandable.
- Yoderbilt Greenhouses: Wood-framed, pre-built, attractive rustic style. More expensive, less performance data, and non-expandable.
If your priority is durability, expandability, and true four-season growing, Planta Greenhouses stand out as the better investment. If you want a pre-built wooden greenhouse and prefer aesthetics over performance, Yoderbilt is an option, at a premium.
