Which Greenhouse?

Buying a new house can be very stressful, as is buying a new car and other expensive items, but over the years we do gain some experience with these major life purchases.

We deposit these experiences into our own knowledge bank, ready to withdraw when we buy again. But this is not always the case with buying a greenhouse, as some of us may only end up buying one in a lifetime, being as they're crafted to last and one is all we need unless we move house and don't take it with us, of course. But generally, our prior experience of which is the most fitting type for our growing needs will be pretty non-existent, and so that's where researching plays its part. But don't worry, as we've done all the hard work for you and put everything that you'd ever need to know about buying a greenhouse into one super-handy guide.

Greenhouses need a keeper, and the time you put into it is directly proportional to what you take out. However, spending more time outdoors with nature is one thing that we all secretly would love to be able to take part in, and a greenhouse allows exactly that with a growing space for your favourite plants, flowers, fruit and veg.

Should I Choose an Aluminium or Wooden Greenhouse?

Wooden greenhouses used to be the primary choice, in fact, the only real choice in the middle of the last century. Most commonly crafted from red cedar due to its natural properties of being hardy enough to create a safe structure and less likely to crack and warp, just what you need for a structure that you'd potentially want to last for a lifetime.

Timber has great insulation properties so aids in keeping the greenhouse warmer for longer in the winter, and also cooler in summer. Wood is very tactile and has a distinctive smell, with many people preferring its appearance and characteristics to any other building material, it makes the perfect traditional choice.

So what's not to like? The cost initially, as timber greenhouses, due to them requiring a more hands-on, human approach during the crafting process, there's the addition of skilled labour involved. But that's what makes a wooden greenhouse full of character compared to the likes of a fully machine-made metal greenhouse.

Secondly, the upkeep of timber greenhouses is slightly more involving, as some models, depending on the wood that they're made from may need yearly retreating with a good quality wood preservative, paint, or stain - although, at least this lets you update the frame colour every year if you did wish to freshen it up with a different shade.
However, saying that, pressure-treated and thermowood timber is becoming a more popular choice, both of which carry lengthy guarantees against weathering and decay, without the paramount means of annual re-treatment.

Overall, wooden greenhouses, as you'd expect are slightly more costly. But offer that favourable, traditional look and finish that just can't be beaten when sited in the garden.

A selection of features on wooden greenhouses.
  A selection of features on wooden greenhouses.

Metal is the obvious alternative, in particular, aluminium. Although quite a lightweight metal - which is super practical for the DIY installation at home, when designed correctly the bulk of the load-bearing goes down the length of the central aluminium bars where its strength lies, offering a strong and durable, long-lasting structure.

Aluminium does not rust either, which is useful as it will stand out in the rain for many years without ever needing any maintenance. Dirt and soil may naturally build-up at the bottom of the frame over a long period of time, of course, but this is easily washed off with some warm soapy water, and then rinsed away. Many growers like to do this at the start of the growing season, just after winter when they start preparing their greenhouse and grounds for the next years worth of seedlings.

Although, if the standard silver aluminium frame isn't for you, then there's normally always a different colour frame option thanks to powder coating, which adds an extra layer over the frame in order to protect it from weathering even further, and can be chosen in a choice of colours ranging from; green, the most popular as it helps the greenhouse effortlessly blend into its surroundings in the garden, modern variations such as black, grey and anthracite, or even a range of softer colours including white, brown, stone, berry and olive.

Another advantage over wood is that aluminium greenhouses can be taken down and moved relatively easily should the need occur, whether it's to a different spot in the garden or to a new house altogether.

The biggest factor, however, is still probably pricing, as aluminium greenhouses are cheaper to buy, they also tend to have more available accessories. These are all great properties to pack in a box which can then be relatively easily transported and delivered in kit form to the majority of the UK. Aluminium gave birth to the modern greenhouse kit, or 'hobby greenhouse' as our American cousins like to term it.

  A selection of features on metal greenhouses.
  A selection of features on metal greenhouses.

Once you have made your material choice you need to consider style.

What's The Best Greenhouse Design?

Freestanding

Freestanding greenhouses, as the term suggests are able to be sited pretty much anywhere in the garden where there's a firm, hard-standing area. They are designed to be standalone structures, most popularly featuring an apex-style roof.

Capable of letting light in from all sides, they make ideal growing spaces for any flower or edible plant. This style offers the most growing area inside, with plenty of room for staging, shelving, grow bags, and more.

Lean-To or Conservatory

Lean-to greenhouses are designed to be installed up against a wall, usually the external wall of your home that's connected to your garden. They have no back on the greenhouse structure itself, as the external wall is used to support the greenhouse, as well as tall-growing plants. They are useful if you don't have the space for a freestanding greenhouse further down in the garden, as lean-to's can be provided in compact sizes, and installed up against your home.

Traditionally, the connected wall section inside the greenhouse would be painted white, this helps to reflect the sun's rays back off the wall and back into your plants. Additionally, the bricks in the wall naturally heat up during the day from the sun, which then disperses back out into the greenhouse after dusk, allowing for a longer period of warmth for your growing plants and seeds.

Lean-to greenhouses can also double as a conservatory if they are to be sited where a back door from the home leads out into the garden. So instead, when using the back door to go the garden, you would lead out into the lean-to first. And then exit through the lean-to's door in order to access the garden. Where space permits, you could potentially use one side of the lean-to for a seating area, and the other half for growing - offering both a place to grow and a place to relax in one.

Wall Garden

Wall gardens are almost like small lean-to's, fixed against an external wall and often featuring a series of internal shelves. They are highly compact and practical for those with smaller gardens, without the space for a full-size greenhouse, as well as for those looking for additional growing space for starting off their seedlings.

They are attractively styled and are perfect when space is at a premium. You cannot enter most wall gardens so you simply have to lean inside and stretch your arms in. A great way to grow when space and budget are both limited.

The differing styles of a freestanding, lean-to, and wall garden greenhouse.
The differing styles of a freestanding, lean-to, and wall garden greenhouse.

What's The Best Position For My Greenhouse?

There are a few best practices for where to position your greenhouse, in order to maximise your growing capacity and your greenhouses' durability.

Do Position The Greenhouse:

  • On a firm, hard-standing, and well-drained area.
  • In a spot that gets a lot of sun during the day, ideally with the longest side facing south.
  • In an area away from high winds, such as where a fence and/or hedges are close by to naturally provide a windbreak around the greenhouse.
  • For lean-to styles, always locate it on a south-facing wall, if possible for maximum sun exposure.
  • Close to sources of water and electricity as well as near other growing areas (if applicable) such as raised beds, planters, and the compost bin.

Do Not Position The Greenhouse:

  • Underneath trees that can shadow the greenhouse, or potentially damage the greenhouse from falling branches.
  • In areas prone to flooding or soft ground.
  • In an open area without any wind protection.
  • Where it will fall into the deep shadow of a building.
Examples of where not to position or site a greenhouse.
Examples of where not to position or site a greenhouse.

Does A Greenhouse Need A Base Plinth?

A base plinth, also described as a pre-formed base is a pre-made support designed to fit the bottom perimeter of your greenhouses' frame.

Why is it useful? There are two main benefits of a base plinth, and they are highly recommended. Firstly, they create a ready-made, cut-to-size, strong base area for which the rest of the greenhouse is installed on top. This is essential if the greenhouse is to be positioned on compacted soil, grass, or gravel, as it gives the required support for such ground types.

Some base plinths, such as those supplied optionally with Halls branded greenhouses additionally come with ground spikes pre-attached. These spikes are forced into the ground to anchor the plinth, which then anchors the greenhouse structure. All in all, creating a very sturdy starting point.

The second main benefit of a base plinth is that it lifts the height of the greenhouse. This in turn gives you more internal height inside, which is absolutely valuable for those tall-growing plants such as tomatoes and green beans.

A metal pre-formed base is not completely essential, you could alternatively, after obtaining the base dimensions for your greenhouse construct your own. Popular choices are a brick perimeter base (known as a dwarf wall), or simply joining timber battens and post spikes to create a wooden plinth instead.

Additionally, if you are planning on sitting your greenhouse onto a concreted, slabbed, or patio bricked area, then the greenhouse can be installed straight onto this without the need for a base plinth, being as these types of areas are solid enough.

With some greenhouse brands, metal base plinths come as standard, included in the package. Either way, whether included as standard or purchased separately, they can save you a lot of time and trouble when thinking about securely attaching your new greenhouse to a suitable foundation.

An example of greenhouse base plinths.
An example of greenhouse base plinths.

What Are The Different Types Of Glazing?

Greenhouses normally come with two or three glazing options:

Horticultural Glass

What is horticultural glass?
Horticultural glass is real glass, usually 3mm thick and clear to see through. It is the most common glass to be included as standard with the majority of greenhouse brands. It is the most cost-effective, cheapest option, although not always the most effective choice.

  • Pros: Usually the standard, cheapest glazing option.
  • Pros: Real, clear glass with maximum light transmission.
  • Cons: Breaks into large glass shards that can be dangerous.
  • Cons: Breaks easily under slight pressure eg when cleaning or fitting.
  • Neutral: Commonly supplied in 3mm thick, 2ft square panes.
  • Neutral: Uses glazing clips to be held into the greenhouse frame.

Toughened Glass

What is toughened glass?
Toughened glass is real glass, usually between 3-4mm thick, and is clear to see through. It is much stronger than horticultural glass as it has been tempered to British safety standards in order to increase its strength and durability. It is much less prone to breaking, although commonly costs a little more.

  • Pros: Much stronger than standard horticultural glass.
  • Pros: Real, clear glass with maximum light transmission.
  • Pros: If ever broken, disintegrates into tiny pieces rather than large dangerous shards.
  • Pros: Full-length panes for a cleaner, streamlined look.
  • Pros: Compatible with the use of bar capping.
  • Cons: Usually a more expensive option.
  • Neutral: Commonly supplied in 3-4mm thick panes. 

Polycarbonate Glazing

What is polycarbonate glazing?
Polycarbonate glazing isn't glass, but plastic that's classed as being virtually unbreakable. It's usually 4mm thick, twin-walled so opaque in colour, and is the safest glazing type for where children and pets may be playing close by, whilst offering great insulation properties due to the twin-walled design.

  • Pros: Ultimately the safest glazing over horticultural and toughened glass.
  • Pros: Twin-wall design offers great insulating properties.
  • Pros: Virtually unbreakable material.
  • Pros: Full-length panes for a cleaner, streamlined look.
  • Pros: Compatible with the use of bar capping.
  • Cons: Usually the most expensive glazing option.
  • Cons: Opaque in colour, so not as traditional as clear glazing.
  • Cons: Let's in slightly less light with 85% light transmission.
  • Cons: May require longer installation for added tasks such as sealing into the frame with silicone sealant due to it being lighter than glass, so being more vulnerable to wind.

Hopefully, you will never need them, but if your greenhouse ever needs a replacement glazing pane or two due to bad weather or to replace a damaged pane, it's good to know that we sell every size glazing pane and greenhouse replacement glass.

  Types of glazing available for a greenhouse.
  Types of glazing available for a greenhouse.

Does A Greenhouse Need Staging?

Buying staging, as well as shelving, is completely optional when buying a greenhouse and will all depend on your budget at the time. It's good to know however that you can always add accessories, including staging to your greenhouse at any time after, it doesn't necessarily have to be installed at the same time as your greenhouse when assembling it yourself.

Is staging useful? Yes - it's really useful and highly practical to have staging along at least one side of the greenhouse, on which to use as a working area to perform a number of tasks such as sowing seeds, repotting, as well as storing active seed trays and filled pots, keeping them up off the floor.

Is shelving useful? Also yes! Shelving is usually not as wide as staging so that it doesn't get in the way at head height. Yet adds valuable storage space for empty pots, empty trays, gardening gloves, and any other essentials.

What Is Freestanding Greenhouse Staging?
Freestanding staging for a greenhouse is a staging unit that is independent of the greenhouse structure. It is self-standing and doesn't need to be fastened to the greenhouse frame, so can be moved around freely inside to wherever you require it.
Freestanding staging can generally be purchased from any brand/manufacturer and will usually be compatible to fit inside the majority of greenhouses.

What Is Integral Greenhouse Staging?
Integral staging for a greenhouse is staging that is dependent on the greenhouse structure, whereby it is connected and bolted to the internal greenhouse frame. This gives a more streamlined workspace and the staging will sit flush, made to fit the exact dimensions of the inside of your greenhouse, although once installed can't be moved around unless you decide on unbolting it and refixing it on the opposite side.
When buying integral greenhouse staging, you will need to purchase the same brand and type as your greenhouse to ensure that it fits correctly.

Different types of greenhouse staging.
Different types of greenhouse staging.

Greenhouse Ventilation Ideas

Controlling the temperature in a greenhouse is essential, especially during the hot summer months as the heat can have an adverse effect on your plant's growth and overall condition. Too hot and they will wilt, dry up, and fruit and veg bare fewer crops.

During the summer, you should try to keep your greenhouse below 27ºC (80ºF). This is achieved mainly through ventilation, and there are two primary options; roof vents and louvre windows.

What Is A Greenhouse Roof Vent?
Roof vents are found in the roof section of the greenhouse, and can be opened like a hatch, in order to let hot air escape and allow air to flow. As standard, they are manually opening/closing, although you can purchase optional automatic vent openers, which will automatically open and close the roof vent as the weather changes.

What Is A Greenhouse Louvre Window?
A louvre window is a window with horizontal slats of glazing, that can be turned open to allow air circulation. Louvre windows are placed in one of the side walls of the greenhouse, most commonly on the back wall, opposite the door. As standard, they are manually opening/closing, although you can purchase optional automatic louvre openers, which will automatically open and close the roof vent as the weather changes.

Opting for a greenhouse that has one, two, or more roof vents, depending on how big it is will aid you during the warmer days ahead. Whilst a louvre window is not essential, it is extremely handy to have as an added extra, as it allows cool air to enter through the louvre window, pushing hot air out through the roof vent(s), creating effective throughput of air.

Greenhouse Shading Ideas
You'd think that plenty of sunlight is just what growing plants need in the greenhouse, but as with everything in life, keeping things in moderation is key. Too much hot sun for long periods of time isn't good, so along with ventilation, shading can be added to your greenhouse in order to keep it cooler during those couple of weeks during the British summertime when the sun really shines.

A greenhouse shading kit is a netting-like material designed to cover one side of the greenhouse, normally on the side that's directly facing the sun. Easily clipping to the inside of the greenhouse frame, it can be fully open or folded closed pretty much like a net curtain, as and when needed as the weather changes.

Alternatively, if you only need to partially shade a smaller section of the greenhouse, and leave the other section in full sun, greenhouse roller blinds are an even easier solution to install. These simply stick to the inside of your greenhouse, onto horticultural or toughened glass panes with the use of suction cups. They can be left up pretty much for the entire season, as the blinds can be rolled up to let more light in, or rolled down to provide shade.

A selection of greenhouse ventilation and shading ideas.
A selection of greenhouse ventilation and shading ideas.

Greenhouse Heating Ideas

On the opposite side of ventilation, during autumn and winter heating will be a deciding factor on the variety of plants you are able to grow and the number of plants that can be kept over winter.

For optimal conditions, over the winter months, the temperature shouldn't dip below 7ºC in the greenhouse, this can be controlled by a combination of heating and insulation. The main types of heating used in a domestic greenhouse are:

Electric Greenhouse Heaters

  • Pros: Easy to use and reliable, with no odour or fumes.
  • Pros: Accurate control of temperature.
  • Pros: Electric fan heaters provide evenly circulated heat.
  • Cons: Professional installation of outdoor electrical sockets may be required.
  • Cons: May be costly to run for long periods depending on electricity tariff.

Gas Greenhouse Heaters

  • Pros: Easy to use and can achieve high temperatures.
  • Pros: Portable so can be moved around where required.
  • Pros: Accurate automated control of temperature.
  • Cons: Replenishment of portable gas tanks required.

Paraffin Greenhouse Heaters

  • Pros: Cheapest heater option available to buy.
  • Pros: Small and portable so can be placed where required.
  • Cons: Temperature control is difficult - no automated control
  • Cons: May give off harmful fumes and/or odours.
  • Cons: Replenishment of paraffin required

Alternate Ways To Keep Heat In

Using Bubble Wrap In The Greenhouse
Bubble wrap can be a really cost-effective way of keeping the greenhouse above freezing temperatures over the winter period. You can find it for free in old packaging and boxes from having other items delivered - although, the bubble wrap with the large bubbles is a better choice if you're able to get hold of it. The larger bubbles allow for more light to pass through, compared to bubble wrap with denser amounts of smaller bubbles, but any bubble wrap is better than no bubble wrap!

To install bubble wrap in a greenhouse, simply layer it over the glazing panes inside the greenhouse, and use greenhouse clips or bolts on the frame to hold it in place. If using bubble wrap with the small bubbles, it's best to leave some gaps that aren't bubble wrap coated, to ensure that your plants still get enough light.

Using Hay or Fleece In The Greenhouse
You may have some hay leftover from summer that was used at the base of strawberry plants, in order to protect the fruits from touching the soil ground. This can be repurposed if you have any leftover that's still dry and in good condition, to line the tops of pots stored in the greenhouse. Alternatively, horticultural fleece is just as good, with the same effect. You could even use it to wrap around the pots themselves if required, keeping your plants toasty warm!

A selection of greenhouse heating ideas.
A selection of greenhouse heating ideas.

What Size Greenhouse Should I Choose?

For many of us, this decision is already partly made by the space available in our gardens. But in general, buy the biggest greenhouse that your space and budget allow.

Now, we're not saying that because we sell greenhouses, there is some insight to it. In general, once you get a greenhouse and get the grow your own bug, you'll soon fill the space that a 6ft x 4ft or 6ft by 6ft greenhouse has to offer. We have heard feedback from customers many a time who review their greenhouse purchase with us saying that they wish that they'd had gone for the next size up, as they were already well on their way to making use of the available space in their original chosen size.

If your garden doesn't allow for anything bigger, then of course, a small or modestly-sized greenhouse is so much better than no greenhouse at all and a great place to start a hobby, as your investment in time, space and money is proportionately small. Growing tomatoes, salad crops, and flowers can be achieved quite easily providing your expectations are realistic. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a larger garden with plenty of room to spare, then eight and ten feet wide greenhouses combined with extra length allow you plenty of room to develop. 12 feet wide is a semi-professional width, above this and you would pretty much be able to grow produce on a commercial scale.

If we're talking about cost, which is the second-joint major factor in choosing what size greenhouse to buy, then you'll be glad to read that unlike many other products - the larger the greenhouse size, the much better value and cost-effective per foot length it becomes.

Let's take our Halls 6ft x 4ft greenhouse for example, and compare the price to the larger Halls 6ft x 8ft greenhouse, which at double the length provides double the growing space. At the time of writing, the 6x8 size is only 22% more in price than the 6x4 size... So only 22% extra, for double the internal growing space - now that's cost-effective!

Popular Greenhouse Sizes

The most common greenhouse sizes are ones with a 6ft width, in varying depths/lengths of 4ft, 6ft, 8ft, and 10ft. A 6-foot wide greenhouse is spacious enough to offer a good internal growing area and to comfortably walk inside but isn't overly large as to take up an excessive amount of space in most British gardens.

8-foot wide greenhouses are highly practical for growing a large selection of plants, fruit, and veg, and are the next popular choice for those with a bigger garden and more free space to site such a structure, with common lengths/depths of 10ft, 12ft, and 14ft.
If you'd like to browse certain size, popular greenhouses, simply follow our recommendations:

Now that you have some idea of the material and size for your greenhouse, you need to choose a manufacturer or brand.

An example of popular greenhouse sizes.
An example of popular greenhouse sizes.

Which Make of Greenhouse Should I Choose?

You may already have a brand in mind, maybe a friend has suggested one, maybe your parents had one? Basing your choice on brand loyalty is not a bad place to start but if you have no brand loyalty or you want to review the options now is the time to take a look.

Here we list our most recommended brands for buying a greenhouse online...


Halls greenhouse banner to view range.

Halls Greenhouses are possibly the most well-known brand in the UK. They have been available in garden centres, DIY stores and multiple outlets in various guises for many years. When they joined forces with AGL (Aluminium Greenhouses Ltd.) they consolidated their position in the market, particularly in the 6ft wide greenhouse sector. The 8ft x 6ft aluminium model became the optimum size for the burgeoning UK market. They named it the Popular Greenhouse for good reason, as well as a cursory nod to Henry Ford and his production techniques from many years ago.

The Halls popular range expanded to accommodate the 6ft x 6ft version and the 4ft x 6ft version. This baby of the range would prove to be a massive seller and is still so today. The 10ft x 6ft version was the last to be introduced, representing the best value for money in my opinion. I have no hesitation in recommending any of this range.

The 'supreme' range is based on the 'popular' sizes but features a curved acrylic window at the eaves. There is no gutter on this model, it is all about style. Halls also sell the 8ft wide range marketed under the Magnum banner. Featuring double doors, extra height, strengthened joints as well as extra width these offer massive potential at real value for money prices.

The latest introduction is their new Halls Qube greenhouse range. This uses a radically different form of aluminium profiling that adds far more inherent strength to the greenhouse frame than normal.

Halls greenhouses also offer lean-to models, mini-greenhouses, cold frames and a wide range of spares and accessories.

Delivery to UK and Northern Ireland is available as well as a national dealer network to offer the type of service and backup you would expect from such a well-known name. Installation is also available from Halls on new purchases in mainland UK.


Elite greenhouse banner to view range.

Elite greenhouses are a family-run British manufacturer of many years' standing. This is enough to get them a seal of approval from many prospective clients but when you dial in the flexibility and innovation that they bring to the greenhouse market you can understand their success. The Hannant family plays a large and active role in running the company with Phil directing and his father Richard overseeing. Richard is also a great designer and is responsible for the company's innovative range of diamond staging and shelving that allow easy access underneath. This is particularly suitable for wheelchairs.

The Elite range is large and features the ever-popular Belmont range of 8ft wide greenhouses. With standard lengths of up to 20ft available and longer, if you want, the Belmont offers extra headroom, doors at either end, a low threshold base, the option to extend plus a full range of accessories. The 10ft wide Supreme and the 12ft wide Classique offer the same options in impressively sized units.

But it's not just big that is beautiful at Elite greenhouses, take a look at the Elite streamline range. Solid, compact and functional these 5ft wide greenhouses also feature double doors as standard. 

Elite has also taken the bold step of introducing some more mellow colours to their greenhouse range. Black, green and white have been offered for a while but olive, graphite, berry and stone extend that option considerably. Most of the Elite greenhouses sold are not simply sitting on a shelf waiting to be sold but are picked, painted and packed for each order. This means that you can virtually build your own greenhouse with all the options and colours available, but can lead to slightly extended lead times if you are choosing one of the less popular colours. But the choice is definitely worth the wait, but bear this in mind if you are planning on buying.

Away from the freestanding range Elite also offer a very extensive range of Lean To greenhouses. Crowned as the Kensington range they are available in 4ft, 6ft and 8ft wide models. One of the great advantages of this range is you can position the doors virtually anywhere, and you can have as many as you need. Choose from an extensive range of powder-coated colours or simply choose your own colour!

Elite Greenhouse on Display Near Me

GardenSite has one of the most central Elite greenhouse displays in the UK, based in Birmingham. We are open 7 days a week to the public with our experts on hand and ready to assist with your requirements. GardenSite is a premier Elite Greenhouse stockist and can help with the entire range of Elite greenhouses which can be delivered directly to you throughout the entire UK.


Swallow greenhouse banner to view range.

Swallow greenhouses have not been manufacturing for very many years but have already made quite an impact on the UK greenhouse market with their use of ThermoWood, Scandinavian timber that has most of its moisture and resing extracted by heat treatment. This means that the resultant wood does not need treating annually with preservative, as it is highly durable, weather-resistant, and will not warp or crack.

They manufacture classic-styled freestanding greenhouses, t-shaped structures, and lean-to's, together with a combination greenhouse and potting sheds. The greenhouses are all wonderfully well designed and built in the UK by craftsmen with ThermoWood used throughout. 

Market-leading specifications include at least one vent as standard sealed with machined timber capping, toughened glass fitted into a groove with silicone sealing, staging along one side, lockable door, a 20mm damp course along the base, and perhaps most importantly, delivery and installation are included in the price.

The frame can have an opaque acrylic topcoat in a standard colour or one of your choice which is bacteria, mould, and UV resistant, and there is a long list of accessories including rainwater collection systems and extra staging and shelving.

Swallow Greenhouse on Display Near Me

GardenSite has one of the most central Swallow greenhouse displays in the UK, based in Birmingham. Open 7 days a week to the public with experts on hand ready to assist with your requirements. GardenSite are premier Swallow Greenhouse stockists and can help with all the Swallow ranges available which can be delivered and installed directly to you throughout the UK.


Halls Cotswold greenhouse banner to view range.

Cotswold greenhouses, formerly known as Eden greenhouses are part of the Halls grenehouse umbrella, and have always been a perennial standard-bearer in the UK greenhouse market. The name and the brand are well known and well respected. Very little changed over the last decade until the autumn of 2014 when the whole range was swept aside. Out went the Acorn, Monarch and Sherbourne to be replaced with a new state-of-the-art range that features the trademarked zero threshold range.

Cotswold consulted with a design company that had previously worked in the Formula 1 motor industry to look at every aspect of the design and usability of the humble greenhouse. Having a separate base that ran under the door has been a stable element of aluminium greenhouse design for decades, notwithstanding the introduction of the low threshold base from Elite greenhouses several years prior. But the revolutionary new design has a zero threshold integral base which means no step over for pedestrian, wheelchair, or wheelbarrow access. This is a major selling point as it removes a trip hazard in an environment that includes glass, as well as improves ease of access for transporting goods and produce in and out of the greenhouse. The integral nature of the base also adds strength to the overall structure.

Additional height at the eaves has also been built into the new range which is a real bonus for anyone working in a greenhouse that is 6ft tall or over, as I am. The rainwater collecting system beefed this up considerably with 80mm wide gutters. A strong ridge bar and superior door locking have also been incorporated into the new designs.

Ranges are available in 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft wide models with a range of lengths available in each width. The 4ft wide Birdlip range and the 6ft wide Burford range are the most popular as they are designed for the smaller and average size available plot and the amateur gardener. The 8ft wide Blockley is for the more serious gardener that also has space and budget to spend on a high-quality hobby greenhouse.

Halls Cotswold Greenhouse on Display Near Me

GardenSite has one of the most central Halls Cotswold greenhouse displays in the UK, based in Birmingham. Open 7 days a week with experts on hand ready to assist with your enquiries. GardenSite is a premier Halls Cotswold greenhouse stockist and we can help with all the Cotswold ranges available which can be delivered directly to you throughout mainland UK and Ireland. We look forward to welcoming you.


Vitavia greenhouse banner to view range.

In ten years Vitavia has grown from a standing start to become a leading supplier to the European market by offering quality products at value for money prices.

During this period they have retained all the advantages of being a family run firm, notably an exceptionally close relationship with their customers, and this is undoubtedly a major reason for their outstanding success.

Their comprehensive range will satisfy anyone whatever the size of their budget, so whether you need a simple greenhouse for a small plot or an impressive semi-professional model, Vitavia will satisfy your requirements.

Vitavia greenhouses are feature-rich with an emphasis on spacious design and easy access. All the frames are braced for strength, they have integral gutters and vents, and will remain corrosion-free due to anodised or powder-coated aluminium.

Although functionality is high on the agenda for models such as the 6ft wide Apollo and Venus, and the 8ft wide Jupiter, Neptune and Phoenix that stretch to 14ft in length, others display undoubted elegance notably the Orion and Saturn greenhouses that feature attractively curved eaves.

Zeus is the largest model, 8ft wide and up to 20ft long and, to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary, the Cassandra, a dwarf wall greenhouse, was launched. The Sirius Orangery, Hera Garden Room and pent roofed Aphrodite complete the range.

In addition to their renowned customer service, Vitavia has adapted remarkably well to a trading environment that has changed dramatically over the last decade, and we are in no doubt that the company and their products will continue to evolve with renewed energy into the future.

If you are working on a budget then the Vitavia greenhouse range certainly has something to offer you.


Palram greenhouse banner to view range.

Offering affordable, smart-looking structures for those looking to extend their 'grow your own' potential with the aid of a greenhouse, our Palram Canopia greenhouses offer an array of styles and sizes to perfectly match you and your garden space.

Starting off with the smallest, yet popular 6ft by 4ft size, Palram Canopia greenhouses have over 75 different models to choose from, all the way up to their mammoth 8ft by 20ft sized Glory greenhouse, which as the product name suggests, would be a glory to own by any gardeners standards!

Each Palram Canopia greenhouse is constructed with a sturdy, reinforced aluminium frame. They’re easy to assemble and are provided as standard with a steel base frame kit, offering a highly durable framework to install your new greenhouse on top of.

For glazing, Palram Canopia greenhouses make use of polycarbonate, a strong plastic-like material that’s classed as being “virtually unbreakable” by the manufacturer and is also capable of blocking harmful UV rays from passing through. The polycarbonate glazing panels are easily put into place, using Palram’s innovative sliding panel system integrated into the frame. This is just one of many outstanding specifications that differentiates this range of greenhouses from others on the market.

So, who is behind Canopia by Palram? You may not have heard about the brand name Palram before, in 2021 Palram was re-branded to Palram - Canopia but rest assured that they’ve been in the field of crafting thermoplastic sheets and panels for over 50 years. Palram manufacture's their own polycarbonate panels, passing on the benefit of their superior glazing to every greenhouse within their collection.


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Access greenhouses were first established in the late 1950s, just like ourselves at GardenSite with our first physical garden centre. They started out with a range of cold frames that were designed to be used for the early starting of plants from seeds, primarily marketed for growing strawberry plants.

Over 60 years later, the Access greenhouse range has grown to over 25 different models of greenhouses, cold frames, and wall gardens. All of which are crafted in Britain and carry a 25-year manufacturer's guarantee against rusting, giving added peace of mind of their longevity.

Greenhouse models range from the smallest size at 3ft wide by 2ft deep, up to the largest at 6ft wide by 3ft deep - so they are perfectly suited for small gardens and those who are looking for additional space for starting out seedlings, keeping seed trays and growing smaller variations of plants and flowers. Additionally, you'll find a selection of cold frames, all making use of toughened glazing as standard, real glass that's much stronger than cheaper horticultural glass found on other brands.

All in all, if you're looking for a compact greenhouse, or extra space for starting off your seedlings, then an Access greenhouse or coldframe could just be the ideal choice.

Concluding Our Which Greenhouse Guide

This concludes our guide on how to choose which greenhouse will best suit you and your garden. We hope that all of your greenhouse concerns and questions have been answered and that you are now in a better position in selecting that perfect style and size.

If you have any questions regarding one of our specific greenhouse models, you'll find a questions and answers section on each of our product pages, where you can ask us anything from technical specifications to comments and advice, or simply give us a call on 0121 355 7701 and our friendly West Midlands-based customer care team will be happy to have a chat.

Or alternatively, see our shortlist of top greenhouses, where we give a rundown of our best-reviewed, most popular greenhouses for the growing season ahead. This handy list goes through our top-rated models, sizes, and brands, giving you a practical selection of what other growers are most happy with.

For more reading, check out some of our other popular greenhouse-related guides:

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