Buying your first greenhouse can be stressful as there are many things to consider. If only there was a guide to help make that decision… Well, today is your lucky day as I will be constructing a first greenhouse buyer’s guide answering all the important questions to get you started in your new hobby.
Where to put your greenhouse?
Sunlight and Shelter
First thing to consider when choosing where to put your greenhouse is will your greenhouse be exposed to enough sunlight? The sun may be lower during the colder months so I would suggest to base your position where it will get as much sunlight all year round. In addition to this, you will also need to place it in a position where it will be sheltered from strong winds to minimise the chances of any damage to your greenhouse. You could use fencing and hedges to add that bit more protection.
Maintenance
You may decide to give your greenhouse some maintenance during the year. This in mind, it is essential to consider how convenient it will be to gain access to all areas of the greenhouse. If your greenhouse is close up to a wall but needs cleaning or repair work, you may have a great deal of struggle! So remember to leave a big enough gap between the greenhouse and wall to make your life easier.
Measure out the space you’ll be using
Now that you have find the area you’d like to feature your greenhouse, it’s time to grab the measuring tape! Once you’ve measured all the dimensions (remember to consider maintenance space!), you’ll have a rough idea on what size to get. There’s no worst feeling buying a greenhouse too big so make sure to take your measurements first.
Choosing the right greenhouse
Time for the moment you’ve been waiting for… choosing your very first greenhouse! You may feel a little intimidated by a huge greenhouse range so here’s a breakdown on what style is best for you:
Type
Greenhouses come in different shapes and sizes so it is key to identify what type is best for you. A traditional freestanding greenhouse is the popular choice as there are more size options and it’s easier to find a suitable space for it. Next option you have is lean-to greenhouses. Lean-to are ideal if you’re planning to place it up against a wall. A big advantage that a lean to has is it will benefit from extra protection and warmth from the existing wall.
Polytunnels are a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for something easier to erect. Polytunnels are made from steel bars and reinforced polyethylene and works exactly like a greenhouse!
Material
Greenhouses tend to be made from either aluminium or wooden frames. The element is silver but can be painted into colours such as green. Aluminium frames are sturdy and tend to be cheaper than wooden frames.
Wooden frames tend to suit most types of gardens due to the natural look. It will need treatment every few years to keep it looking fresh and in good order. They are also easier to insulate due to the advantage to staple materials such as bubble wrap directly onto the frame.
Glazing
There are two options to choose from: glass and polycarbonate. Horticultural glass transmits over 90% of sunlight so this would be a huge advantage to grow your plants effectively. However, a major disadvantage is it can break into large fragments. Toughened glass is available for a higher price and will be a lot harder to break. If it does, it tends to break into smaller pieces that won’t cause any harm to your safety.
Twin walled polycarbonate transmits less sunlight than glass with 83% but isn’t easy to break compared to glass. Also, for a more insulated greenhouse polycarbonate wins points on that as heat is retained better. Polycarbonate is vulnerable to wind damage so please make sure your greenhouse is protected from wind!
Foundations
Establishing a leveled foundation is the most important step when erecting a greenhouse. You will need to make sure that the space you place your greenhouse onto needs to be level. Fear not as to make life a little easier, most greenhouses are supplied with a metal base. A base allows the greenhouse to sit nicely on leveled flooring, giving your greenhouse extra support.
Accessories
A range of accessories are always good to consider. Staging and shelving are the most common accessory as it gives your greenhouse more room and levels to plant more. Greenhouse Heaters are useful when heating a greenhouses during colder months when you start to move your plants inside to protect from frost and colder temperatures.
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Tyler works in the Primrose Marketing team, mainly working on Social Media and Online Marketing.
Tyler is a big fan on everything sports and supports Arsenal Football Club. When not writing Primrose blogs and tweets, you can find Tyler playing for his local Sunday football team or in the gym.