Greenhouses

Greenhouses: Create the Perfect Environment for Your Plants

Greenhouses are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a controlled environment for growing a wide range of plants. These structures help to regulate temperature, humidity, and light, providing optimal conditions for plants to thrive. At WhatShed, we’ve reviewed a variety of greenhouses to help you find the best one for your gardening needs.

Why Choose a Greenhouse?

Greenhouses offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for gardeners:

• Controlled Environment: Greenhouses provide a stable environment where you can control temperature, humidity, and ventilation, which is essential for healthy plant growth.
• Extended Growing Season: A greenhouse allows you to extend the growing season, giving your plants more time to grow and produce.
• Protection from Pests and Diseases: Greenhouses offer protection from common garden pests and diseases that can damage plants, helping to ensure a healthy harvest.

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a greenhouse, keep these key features in mind:

• Size: Consider the amount of space you have available in your garden and the number of plants you want to grow. Choose a greenhouse that provides enough space for your plants to grow comfortably. Whether you opt for small greenhouses or large greenhouses, ensuring adequate room is vital.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for preventing humidity buildup and ensuring healthy plant growth. Look for greenhouses with adjustable vents or windows.
• Material Quality: Greenhouses come in various materials, including glass, polycarbonate, and polyethylene. Choose a material that suits your needs in terms of durability, insulation, and light transmission. For instance, plastic greenhouses offer a budget-friendly option while remaining functional.

Types of Greenhouses

There are several types of greenhouses to choose from, each designed to meet specific gardening needs. Understanding the differences can help you select the right one for your space.

Lean-To Greenhouses

Lean-to greenhouses are attached to an existing wall or structure, making them ideal for smaller gardens. They benefit from the heat of the adjoining wall, providing a more stable temperature for your plants.

Walk-in Greenhouses

For those who desire ease of access and ample space, walk-in greenhouses offer comfortable movement and can accommodate larger plants and pots, making them perfect for serious gardeners.

Wooden Greenhouses

Built from timber, wooden greenhouses provide both aesthetic appeal and durability. However, they may require more maintenance compared to metal options due to potential rot or pests.

Victorian Greenhouses

These greenhouses are not just functional; they also add historical charm to your garden. Victorian greenhouses are typically made of glass and metal and are designed to maximise light, making them perfect for various plants.

Modern Greenhouses

In contrast to traditional designs, modern greenhouses focus on sleek aesthetics and high functionality, often using advanced materials to provide excellent insulation and light control.

Pop-up Greenhouses

If you’re seeking a temporary or movable solution, pop-up greenhouses are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for seasonal gardening or for those with limited outdoor space.

Cold Frame Greenhouses

For those on a budget or looking for something minimalistic, cold frame greenhouses are smaller structures that can help protect seedlings from the cold without the need for extensive materials.

Choosing the Right Greenhouse

1. Size

Measure the space available in your garden and choose a greenhouse that fits comfortably. Consider how many plants you want to grow; ensure plenty of room for proper spacing and air circulation.

2. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing humidity buildup and ensuring healthy plant growth. Look for greenhouses with adjustable vents or windows to regulate airflow effectively.

3. Material Quality

Choose a greenhouse made from high-quality materials to ensure durability and effective insulation. Polycarbonate and glass greenhouses offer excellent light transmission, while polyethylene options provide a budget-friendly alternative.

Cost of Greenhouses

When budgeting for a greenhouse, consider the initial cost, maintenance, and any additional features you’d like to include, such as heating systems or automatic ventilation. Prices can range from around ¬£100 for small, basic models to several thousand pounds for larger, high-end structures.

FAQs About Greenhouses

Do greenhouses require special maintenance?

Yes, regular maintenance is important for keeping your greenhouse clean and ensuring optimal growing conditions, which includes cleaning the panels, checking for pests, and adjusting ventilation as needed.

Can I grow different types of plants in a greenhouse?

Yes, greenhouses can be used to grow various plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Just ensure you provide enough space and proper care for each plant.

What temperature is ideal for growing plants in a greenhouse?

The ideal temperature for growing plants in a greenhouse varies depending on the type of plant. However, maintaining a consistent temperature between 18-24degC (65-75degF) during the day and 12-18degC (55-65degF) at night typically ensures healthy growth.

Final Thoughts

Greenhouses are a fantastic solution for gardeners looking to grow a wide variety of plants in a controlled environment. Whether you’re seeking a compact greenhouse for a small garden or a larger structure for year-round growth, the extensive reviews at WhatShed will help you find the perfect greenhouse for your needs. Explore our full range of greenhouse reviews and start growing your best plants yet.

Ready to add a greenhouse to your garden? Browse our reviews and compare the best options from leading UK retailers today!