How to Pick the Perfect Greenhouse

Whatever your level of gardening expertise, a greenhouse is an ideal way to bring some life to your outdoor space. With their primary function to keep your plants safe and secure, a greenhouse allows you to extend your green thumb to growing everything from a wide variety of flowers, fruits and veggies that otherwise wouldn't be able to stand the great British weather. Read on for our expert tips and advice before investing in your next greenhouse.

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Greenhouse Designs

Did you know that there are five different greenhouse styles available? From hobby to lean-to, cold frame and growing rack to mini greenhouses, each of these designs suits a very different set of needs. So whether you're looking to use up a lot of space or just a little, have a greenhouse that sits up against a wall or something that is easily transportable, you're sure to find a greenhouse set up to suit you and your gardening needs.

Hobby Greenhouses

Hobby greenhouses are often the most typical styles you see in everyday gardens and are built with the homeowner in mind. With aluminium frame and wooden greenhouses the top choices for hobby greenhouses, these models are usually smaller in size and a lot more affordable than their commercial counterparts.

Their structures are perfect for adding plant pots and planter boxes so you can easily grow your own flowers, veggies, fruits and herbs, as well as other plants that require a stable environment. And while most hobby greenhouses are on the smaller side, some larger models are available - the largest scaling around 20' long and 12' wide. Hobby greenhouses are the most popular type of greenhouse for homeowners, so if you're looking to dedicate some time to your green thumb, this may be the best option for you.

Growing Racks

If your outdoor space isn't able to hold a large greenhouse, or you're simply looking to grow only a few potted plants, a growing rack might just be your best option. These portable greenhouses are typically used to start off young seedlings in a sheltered and easily monitored environment. Growing racks take up very little space and can be placed anywhere from your patio, next to your garden shed, on your balcony or against a wall. Their thick and durable polyethylene casing helps to keep them protected through elements like wind and rain, but you should make sure to move them indoors during colder weather.

Cold Frame Greenhouses

Cold frame greenhouses are a fantastic option for anyone with a small size garden or balcony space. They're miniature frame and low height means that they can be used all year-round. Cold frames are made to protect young plants and new seedlings from excess moisture as well as dropping temperatures during the night, making them the best option for seedlings as they provide full light exposure. Be aware, that cold frames aren't meant for tropical plants, as these will need a heat source during the winter.

Mini Greenhouses

Mini greenhouses are small, freestanding structures that usually take up less than 10 sq. ft. These greenhouse types tend to be short and made of polyethylene and metal beams, with their structures used to protect a small section of your garden or a small collection of sensitive plants from wind and rain. Mini greenhouses are also great for starting seedlings or cuttings as they easily maintain a humid environment. We recommend making sure to closely monitor the humidity levels when growing mature plants in a mini greenhouse, as constant humidity can lead to root rot. If your mini greenhouse has shelves, ensure seedlings are located on the top shelf so they can gather the most exposure to sunlight. It's also good to note that mini greenhouses are a better option than cold frames for growing slightly taller plants.

Lean-To Greenhouse

A lean-to greenhouse is made to stand up against the side of another structure, such as your house. These greenhouse styles are superb for smaller gardens and outdoor spaces as they tend to be large enough to host a plethora of plants but don't take up as much floor space as a typical hobby greenhouse. In colder environments, lean-to greenhouses usually face east or southwards in order to capture as much sunlight as possible. In more tropical climates, you may want to face your lean-to greenhouse away from direct sunlight since this can become too heat intense for some plants.

Greenhouse Features

Built-In Vents

Built-in vents aid ventilation and help keep your plants healthy. Ventilation helps to regulate indoor greenhouse temperatures and feeds fresh air for your plants to use during photosynthesis. Ventilation also discourages pest infestations, as pests prefer stiller air.

Foundations

If you're looking to add a permanent greenhouse to your garden or you live in a region that is prone to high winds, you may want to consider installing a foundation for your greenhouse. These models include all the materials required for a foundation with your greenhouse purchase.

No Foundation Required

If you want to avoid disrupting your outdoor space permanently with a foundation, there are greenhouses that require no foundation at all. These greenhouses are portable and therefore easier to move from one location to another, however if you live in an area with high winds, this model may not be the best for you. Use greenhouse anchors or small pins that drive into the ground through a greenhouse cover to help keep your greenhouse in place.

Light-Diffusing Panels

The strength of direct sunlight can prove too much for some plants. Light-diffusing panels interrupt and scatter any direct light that could be harming your plants, ensuring that the light hits them more evenly. This is a healthier way for your plants to absorb light.

UV-Resistant

UV-resistant greenhouses stop UV light from entering the greenhouse structure. This helps to preserve the integrity of irrigation and any electrical equipment, which can be negatively affected by UV light. However, some greenhouse owners prefer to let some UV light into their greenhouses as this preserves the light spectrum that plants would typically get outside of the greenhouse.

Weather-Resistant

Weather-resistant greenhouses are meant to withstand a range of weather conditions including high winds, cold and snow. Make sure you check the details of a weather-resistant greenhouse before you buy to ensure it suits your area's specific weather conditions.

Greenhouse Ideas

Transform Your Conservatory into a Green Haven

Transform your conservatory into an indoor-outdoor greenhouse hybrid and set up a table and chairs so you can really enjoy the sun with your plants. This structure allows for you to check up on your plants on those colder days without leaving the comfort of your home. And if you don’t have a conservatory, you can easily place a lean-to greenhouse in front of a side door to create a makeshift room for you and your plants.

Switch Up Your Greenhouse Style

Why not try a shed-like greenhouse in your garden? These greenhouse models feature one wall that resembles the front of a cute garden shed whilst the remaining three walls act as traditional windowpane walls. Together they make a greenhouse-shed hybrid that is both functional and stylish.

Tip: Don’t forget to stock up on greenhouse supplies. Typical supplies include shelving, heating systems, shade covers, propagation mats and more.

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