With the sun beginning to shine, our green fingers are itching to get out in the garden to plant new seasonal plants and give our gardens some much needed TLC.
If you're a keen gardener, a greenhouse is an absolute must. You can grow fresh organic vegetables, take cuttings, protect your plants from harsh British weathers or pests and give them and seedlings the optimal environment to grow - perfect for all-season gardening.
The best greenhouses, at a glance:
• Best overall greenhouse: Palram Canopia Harmony Silver 6x4 Greenhouse - View now on B&Q
• Best budget greenhouse: Kingfisher GHPRO Premium 4 Tier Greenhouse - View now on Amazon
• Best customisable greenhouse: Halls Popular Freestanding Greenhouse - View now on Halls Greenhouses
Buying a greenhouse can be a huge investment, so we've shared our buying guide below to make sure you're getting the best greenhouse for your garden, with more affordable options available too for smaller garden spaces.
The Yours greenhouse buying guide
Size
The greenhouse size you choose will depend on the space you have available in your garden, but its worth noting that for a good range of general greenhouse gardening, you should choose one that is at least 6ft wide. Sizing goes up in 2ft increments so make sure to measure your available space first before buying to find the best fit for you.
In terms of height, the average greenhouse is 7ft tall and you should choose one that is at least 5ft tall - taller greenhouses will transmit light more efficiently to help your plants grow.
What if I have a small garden space?
If you're limited on space and would be unable to build a standard size greenhouse, buy a cold frame or mini-greenhouse instead.
A cold frame is a box with a sloping glazed lid and while it can't replace a greenhouse, it can be used to protect plants or provide seeds with cool conditions to grow.
Mini-greenhouses are the most useful choice for small gardens as compact but tall, shelved boxes or frames that come with open door fronts for access, much like a glazed cupboard. Measuring 2-3ft, they'll work well as a substitute to a standard greenhouse but will require more care as the tight air space can result in rapidly growing temperatures.
Mini-greenhouses are great for raising seedlings and growing taller plants than those that can fit in the cold frame, helping you grow thriving plants all year round.
Style
The traditional style of greenhouse is the freestanding greenhouse that looks like a mini glass house in your garden. These can be placed anywhere and let in light from all four sides. However, there are other freestanding styles available including circular, octagonal or lantern shaped glasshouses.
Another option is to choose a lean-to greenhouse that makes use of a back or side wall. These greenhouses take up less space and are more energy efficient as the brick wall support will help retain heat compared to the exposed sides of a freestanding greenhouse. The supporting wall will also help provide wind resistance, great for helping your greenhouse glazing last longer.
Aluminium or wooden frames?
Aluminium frames are the most popular choice as the most strong and durable option that'll stand the test of time. Aluminium frames are budget friendly, can come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours and are light and easy to assemble.
Wooden frames are less common but tend to be more in-keeping with a garden if you prefer a more rustic, natural appearance. They also provide better insulation in comparison to aluminium frames but can be more expensive and vulnerable to rot. To help prevent this you can treat your wood and choose a wood that's better suited (cedarwood is more durable than treated softwood) but all woods will require more maintenance in the long-run.
Choices for glazing
There are three main types of greenhouse glazing available - polycarbonate plastic, horticultural glass and toughened glass.
Polycarbonate plastic glazing is durable and holds in heat well, however it's less efficient at letting in optimal light over time. Horticultural glass transmits and holds more light than plastic glazing and is an inexpensive option that is easy to replace with any breakages.
However, if you'd prefer a more durable glazing that has the same light efficiency as horticultural glass, toughened glass would be a more suitable option. This might be best if you have lively pets or children running about and are worried about potential breakages, but it's worth bearing in mind that toughened glass comes with a much higher price tag.
Ventilation
It's important to ensure your greenhouse has sufficient ventilation so make sure to choose a greenhouse with roof vents. The larger your greenhouse of choice, the more vents you'll need for adequate air flow.
The best greenhouses for your garden
As we're all making the most of our gardens, greenhouses are extremely popular right now! We've listed the best greenhouses that are available to buy today.
Best overall greenhouse
B&Qwww.diy.com
Description
Seeking excellent value? The B&Q Palram greenhouse is a standout choice, offering both affordability and durability. It's perfect for both novice gardeners and those with a green thumb, providing an easy-to-assemble, polycarbonate structure that serves as an ideal greenhouse for growing your own produce.
Customer review: "We wanted a small first greenhouse to go on our patio. The Palram Canopia had good reviews and seemed good value for money. Three of us worked to assemble it and it took about four hours. The instructions were easy to follow and the parts were well labelled. It all fit together well. It looks good on our patio and I'm looking forward to using it."
Pros
- Easy-to-follow instructions for assembly
- Fairly sturdy
- Lockable door handle
Cons
- Difficult to put together for one person
Best budget greenhouse
AmazonDescription
This cheap and cheerful 4 tier mini-greenhouse is ideal for propagating seeds and protecting young plants. Easy to self-assemble at home, it has a roll-up front door with zip fasteners to help with ventilation.
Customer review: "I use this Kingfisher greenhouse to store outside tools that aren't too large. it does the job of keeping them dry and therefore rust free! I would absolutely buy this product again if I needed to."
Pros
- Can roll up the door with zip fasteners
- Four tiers
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cover is a little flimsy
Best customisable greenhouse
Halls Greenhousesshop.hallsgreenhouses.com
Description
The Halls Popular Greenhouse is an more affordable structure, which is ideal for beginner and expert gardeners. With a smooth sliding door, large roof vent and a choice of glazing options between horticultural glass, toughened glass and polycarbonate glazing, this greenhouse is the whole package for a range of uses. Size 4ft x 6ft although other sizes are available.
Pros
- Some elements are customisable, like the glass and base
- Has the option for someone to assemble it for you
- Excellent build quality with smooth sliding door
Cons
- Assembly is quite difficult if you choose to put it up yourself
Best 6x8 greenhouse
B&Qwww.diy.com
Description
This fun-sized greenhouse is big enough for your gardening dreams yet small enough to fit a tight space in your garden or terrace. With clear polycarbonate glazing panels and an aluminium frame, this greenhouse is designed to be durable and robust against the seasons and rust. This greenhouse includes a perimeter and galvanised steel base adding structural support and stability, large adjustable vent window and built-in gutters to channel rain water.
Customer review: "The Palram Canopia 6x8 greenhouse took a while to build but overall good product once built."
Pros
- Fits on a terrace, small courtyard for balcony
- Comes with a rust-resistant galvanised steel base
- Step-by-step instructions for easy assembly
Cons
- Can be difficult to put together if you're on your own
Best hexagonal cover greenhouse
Aosomwww.aosom.co.uk
Description
The Outsunny Hexagonal greenhouse offers a bigger space for you to look after your plants and produce. It features a zippered roll-up entrance for convenient access and improved air circulation. The covering is designed to block UV rays while still letting some sunlight filter through. This ensures your plants get the best light and warmth.
Customer review: “The Outsunny Hexagonal greenhouse is a great shape giving a real feeling of space inside. The structure seems sturdier than others I’ve had, again, I think, because of the shape. You still must take precautions to weigh down the cover as it blows completely off in a high wind, but the frame stood fast. I love it!”
Pros
- Portable
- Large capacity with great storage
- Shape gives you easier access to your plants
Cons
- Take care where you position it so the wind doesn't catch it
Best high-end greenhouse
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Description
If you're in the market for a durable, fashionable greenhouse built to endure the test of time, the Crane Garden Buildings greenhouse stands out as an ideal investment choice. While it comes with a higher price tag, we think it's justified by the glazed glass panels and construction from Scandinavian Redwood. It's also available in white, should that better suit your garden.
Pros
- Made from high-quality materials
- Assembled for you
- Beautiful style fit for any modern garden
Cons
- Requires a solid, level concrete base to be laid before installation - separate cost
Best wooden greenhouse
Homebasewww.homebase.co.uk
Description
This quaint Mercia Wooden greenhouse could be nestled in the heart of your back garden oasis. Made from sturdy wood, featuring details like UV resistant styrene glazing, premium interlocking tongue and groove boards and an opening roof vent, this greenhouse invites you to cultivate your own corner of paradise. Whether that be delicate seedlings or ripening tomatoes.
Pros
- Features UV resistant styrene glazing
- Opening roof vent
- Offers a rich, long-lasting structure
Cons
- It's recommended by the manufacturer that two people assemble this greenhouse
The best garden greenhouses: FAQs
Where should I position my greenhouse?
Just like when choosing a garden shed, you need to take into consideration a range of factors when placing your greenhouse to make sure it's in the optimal place for plant growth and for you.
You might have an ideal space in mind but it's worth considering the below:
• Position your greenhouse in the sunniest part of your garden. This is paramount for getting the most out of your greenhouse. The best position for this would be to have your greenhouse south-facing where possible or failing that, east side to maximise light during the winter for your allotment.
• Putting your greenhouse in a space that will be sheltered from high winds or storms. This is great for the long-term maintenance and structural integrity of your greenhouse.
• Position your greenhouse near a source of water or electricity. This is ideal for easy watering and providing additional heat in the cooler seasons if your sun exposure is limited.
• Make sure to build on level ground with good foundations. Building on a slope will create complications with pots potentially rolling off the inside staging!
• Leave space around your greenhouse. This will make for an easier installation and make it easier to replace any broken panes later down the line.
Should I get a clear or green plastic greenhouse?
A clear plastic greenhouse will of course offer you transparency, allowing the maximum amount of sunlight to penetrate through. This is ideal for colder climates and during winter months. Alternatively, the green tint in some plastic greenhouses provides some protection against harmful UV rays - while still allowing ample light transmission. In particularly hot climates, this is a massive benefit as green plastic helps with providing a little shade in sunny areas. After all, you don't want your plants and produce to scorch in any intense sunlight. When choosing the best greenhouse for you, think about the needs of your plants and the weather where you live.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.