For the green-fingered gardener, greenhouses are a great addition to your outdoor space that make it possible for you to successfully grow a range of plants and flowers that simply wouldn’t survive outdoors. Whilst many of them may be able to be moved into your garden eventually, the optimal and controlled conditions greenhouses provide make it easier to cultivate young seedlings and take care of them whilst they gain strength so that they can flourish. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to grow fruits, vegetables and other plants that favour warm and humid conditions, which are not naturally provided by the British weather – but if you’re keen to invest in one then with a myriad of options available it can be difficult to know where to start.
The type of greenhouse you choose can significantly impact the growth conditions you get, the kind of maintenance required, and the overall gardening experience. We asked the experts at Juliana Greenhouses to shed some light on some of the most popular greenhouse types in the UK to help you find your ideal match. You can learn more about Juliana Greenhouses here.
The traditional glass greenhouse
The most obvious choice to come to mind when searching for a greenhouse is the traditional freestanding glass greenhouse, which offers a classic aesthetic and meets the needs of hobbyists and commercial growers alike. Made from tempered or toughened glass, they offer great light transmission and an environment that is favourable because it allows for precise humidity and temperature control.
Although they can be costly to erect and maintain, they are highly durable and built to last, making them a great investment for the serious gardener.
The lean-to greenhouse
If space is limited then a lean-to greenhouse can be an excellent way of making the most of what you do have. Attached to the side of a building as opposed to being a free-standing structure, they are small and compact, making them an ideal choice for casual hobbyists, and their reliance on the wall of your house or garage actually comes with the benefit of greater stability and insulation, with additional warmth seeping through if the adjacent building is heated.
The polycarbonate greenhouse
Polycarbonate greenhouses are enjoying a surge in popularity at present, and made from either twin- or multi-wall sheets of polycarbonate, they are a robust and lightweight option that is less likely to shatter than traditional glass should an accident occur. Many gardeners favour them because of this, along with the fact that they offer insulation and come in a wide array of different designs. terminator especially as one could be better than the other but just see what happens throughout the day and
Polytunnel greenhouses
The tunnel, or polytunnel greenhouse, is an elongated structure that offers maximum space for commercial growers, but they are also loved by casual gardeners because they allow room for plenty of experimentation and simply to potter about for the day. Made from a framework that is covered by a flexible plastic material, as the name would suggest, they are tunnel-like in shape and are particularly excellent if you’re looking to grow fruits and vegetables, providing ample customisable space to meet their needs and increased airflow compared to many other models.
The bottom line
Whilst owning a greenhouse is not essential to be a successful gardener, doing so opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to what you can grow, when you can grow it, and the end results. With many different types of greenhouses available, making the right choice depends on your individual needs and requirements – but if you can work those out then you can expect to enjoy an enhanced gardening experience and optimised plant growth for a garden that thrives all year-round.
