Garden Greenhouses

Garden Greenhouses: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

A garden greenhouse has the power to completely transform the outdoor space on your property. It’s not just about the space it occupies, but the potential it holds to create a lush, thriving garden all year round.

More than just a structure, a greenhouse is a gateway to year-round gardening. It liberates you from the constraints of weather, allowing you to cultivate plants, flowers, and vegetables regardless of the season.

Of course, deciding what kind of greenhouse you want isn’t straightforward. Choosing the right wooden greenhouse for your outdoor space and gardening needs requires careful thought and planning.

With so many options available, where do you begin making this choice? Well, it all comes down to understanding the key factors that should influence your final decision so that you consider each one and move further.

At Leisure Buildings, we understand the importance of blending practicality with aesthetic appeal, so we’ve created this guide to help you make a properly informed and well-thought-out experience.

What Are You Aiming to Achieve with Your Garden?

The first step in choosing the right garden greenhouse is identifying your goals and what you’re hoping to achieve with your garden.

Are you looking to cultivate exotic plants that require specific climates, grow organic vegetables for your kitchen or just create a haven for your favourite flowers?

Your objectives will determine the type of greenhouse that suits your needs. A small, compact greenhouse might benefit somebody keen on hobby gardening. On the other hand, a more spacious structure with advanced features will be better suited for ambitious projects or year-round cultivation. It’s all about how serious you are with gardening and your interest in growing.

Consider the types of plants you wish to grow and the conditions they need to thrive. For instance, delicate tropical plants may need a greenhouse with excellent insulation and heating, whereas hardy vegetables might thrive in a more basic structure.

Understanding your ambitions will guide you towards the right design and features.

Consider Size and Placement

The size of the greenhouse you go for will have a big influence on its functionality, but never mind your budget and the overall look of your outdoor space. While opting for a smaller model to save space (and money) is tempting, plenty of gardeners quickly outgrow their greenhouses.

That’s why a slightly bigger greenhouse can allow you to expand your gardening activities without having to invest in a whole new structure later on.

Equally important is where you choose to position your greenhouse. Choosing a location that maximises sunlight exposure is essential because light is (obviously) a key component for plant growth.

A south-facing position is ideal for most gardens in the UK—it tends to ensure consistent sunlight throughout the day. The site should also be level and have good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the structure.

Another thing to bear in mind is that it’s a good idea to avoid placing the greenhouse near large trees or buildings—it’s not something that everyone thinks of, but doing this can result in shadows being cast on the greenhouse and onto the roof, neither of which is ideal.

Make Sure You Choose the Right Materials

The materials you use to construct a greenhouse play a significant role in how durable the structure is, its appearance, and the level of insulation.

Generally speaking, most greenhouses feature frames made from either aluminium or wood. Aluminium is a popular choice because it’s lightweight, rust-resistant, and has a modern appearance.

The other advantage is that it’s also low-maintenance, so it’s a really great practical solution if you don’t want to deal with a lot of maintenance.

Wooden frames offer a traditional look and pretty good insulation. But as beautiful as wood is, it also requires regular and proper maintenance to protect against rot unless you opt for one with pressure-treated timber and weathering.

Glass, polycarbonate, and acrylic are the most common glazing materials used in greenhouses. Your choice will mostly depend on your budget and aesthetic preferences. Always ensure the glass is toughened.

Glass provides excellent clarity and allows maximum light transmission, giving it a timeless appeal.

Polycensureate, on the other hand, is a shatterproof alternative that is better in terms of insulation. It diffuses light evenly, protecting plants from intense sunlight. It’s also lighter than glass, which can make the whole installation process easier, especially if you’re doing the whole thing yourself.

Prioritise Ventilation and Climate Control

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is vital for healthy plant growth. It’s not only important, but it’ll end up being the difference between whether or not you’re successful in your gardening endeavours.

Proper ventilation helps you regulate the climate inside your greenhouse, preventing overheating during summer and reducing condensation during winter.

Some greenhouses come equipped with roof vents, louvre windows, and even automatic vent openers to ensure consistent airflow, which can be very important for the long-term health of your gardening plants.

In colder months, you can install heating systems to protect the plants from frost and maintain optimal growing conditions. For gardeners based in warmer regions or during hot weather (so, let’s be honest, probably not in the UK), shading systems and cooling fans are valuable additions to prevent plants from wilting under intense heat.

Investing in a thermometer and hygrometer can help you monitor and adjust conditions as needed, ensuring your greenhouse provides a stable environment year-round. This is especially handy if you’re based somewhere that experiences significant fluctuations in temperature and general conditions.

Foundations and Installation

A sturdy foundation is essential for the stability and longevity of your greenhouse – this definitly isn’t something you want to skimp on.

Concrete bases are a common choice because they offer a level and durable surface that anchors the structure securely. Alternatively, timber frames can provide a more natural look, while metal bases are lightweight and easy to install.

Regarding assembly, plenty of greenhouses are available as DIY kits, complete with instructions and pre-cut materials. While you don’t need to be an expert to put a greenhouse together successfully, you do need to be at least fairly handy and a little comfortable with construction.

So, if you’re less confident in your ability to build something, in your ability to use big tools, or in your ability to deal with larger, more complex designs, professional installation services can ensure the greenhouse is erected safely and efficiently. 1st Choice offers free assembly on all its wooden greenhouses.

Also, calling in a professional is one way to ensure that everything’s done properly. Of course, it’ll save you a lot of time and effort, but it’ll add to the price tag, too, so it’s all up to you.

At Leisure Buildings, we provide detailed guidance and support to help our customers with the installation process, so if that’s what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Options for Customisation and Additional Features

Modern greenhouses come with a range of features and opportunities for customisation – that way, pretty much anyone can get what they’re looking for.

From integrated shelving and staging to advanced irrigation systems, these enhancements can optimise your gardening experience, making it more successful and efficient.

Automated watering systems, for example, save time and ensure consistent hydration, while additional insulation can improve energy efficiency.

Grow lights, propagation mats, and pest control systems are other useful additions that can take your greenhouse to the next level, depending on the plants you wish to grow.

These features can be tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring your greenhouse becomes a productive and enjoyable part of your garden.

Get Started with Your Very Own Garden Greenhouse

Choosing the right garden greenhouse requires careful consideration of your goals, available space and all the features you need. By understanding the different materials, designs and placement options, you can find a greenhouse that complements your garden and supports your gardening ambitions.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, our team is here to help you select the perfect greenhouse and provide the support you need to make your vision a reality.

For more information or personalised advice, contact Leisure Buildings today.

Visit our Surrey Showroom close to Woking, Ripley and Guildford to Find Your Perfect New Wooden Greenhouse