Choosing a Greenhouse

When buying a greenhouse for the garden consider these points.

Appearance

Do you want a greenhouse that will be an attractive feature in the garden or are you able to hide the greenhouse out of sight? If appearance is important then you may want to choose an octagonal greenhouse or a hexagonal greenhouse. Cresting and finials on the greenhouse roof helps to enhance the appearance of traditional rectangular greenhouses.

Size

A keen gardener should always choose the largest greenhouse possible as you will be amazed by how quickly you will fill it. However, if all you want to do is protect a few tender plants through the winter then you may wish to consider a mini greenhouse. Portable greenhouses are a good option if you only want to use the greenhouse for part of the year as they can easily be assembled and disassembled. Cold frames may be used for hardening off plants in the spring prior to planting out or for raising early salads or vegetables.

Ventilation

Ensure that you choose a greenhouse with sufficient windows to allow for adequate ventilation on hot days. Louvred side vents increase ventilation further. Automatic roof vents ensure that the windows open and close in accordance with temperature changes within the greenhouse. Alpine houses need to be particularly well ventilated.

Frame Construction

Wooden framed greenhouses require more maintenance than plastic or metal framed greenhouses, aluminium framed greenhouse are virtually maintenance free. Traditional red cedar wood greenhouses or pressure treated pine greenhouses are cheaper to heat than aluminium greenhouses.

Glass or Polycarbonate

Twin polycarbonate has better insulating properties than glass, however, glass is superior when it comes to light transmission. Polycarbonate is very strong, however toughened safety glass offers an alternative to ordinary horticultural glass in gardens where children play.

Location

The ideal site for a greenhouse is an open sunny location away from trees. However, if space is an issue, you may wish to choose a lean to greenhouse sited against a house or garden wall.

Security

If security is a concern then you may wish to consider buying a greenhouse with a lockable door.

Accessories

These may include greenhouse staging and greenhouse shelving, greenhouse heaters, greenhouse shading, automatic window openers and water butts.

Greenhouse Alternatives

Some garden sheds are designed with a potting bench and window so that they may also be partly used as greenhouse. Choosing one with a stable door allows better ventilation during hot weather.