
If anyone in my family is looking for me in the summer, the first place they’ll look is my greenhouse (picture above).
A greenhouse is a must have for the enthusiastic gardener.
Yes, it is a place to sow seeds, pot on plants and grow tender vegetables. But it is also a haven, a place that a gardener can go to find peace.
I find peace in the greenhouse when I’m doing the gardening jobs I mentioned, but sometimes I’ll also go there to sit, read, drink coffee or, after a hard day in the garden, maybe even have a beer.
In this article we’ll take a look at the different types of greenhouses you can buy to give you some greenhouse ideas if you are looking to find your own horticultural haven.
You should also read this article on choosing, positioning and maintaining your backyard greenhouse.
1) Cedar Greenhouse

A cedar greenhouse is a joy. I had one years ago in this garden when I had more money and no kids.
Cedar wood is known for its natural resistance to rot and pests, making it an ideal material for enduring the moisture-rich environment of a greenhouse. The wood’s warm, reddish hue integrates beautifully with natural garden landscapes, providing charm along with functionality.

One of the advantages of cedar is its insulation properties, which help regulate the internal temperature of the greenhouse, keeping it warmer in colder months and cooler during the summer. The crafting of a cedar greenhouse can be tailored to one’s backyard size and can incorporate features such as shelving and potting benches for better organisation and ease of use.

Given its durability, a DIY greenhouse made of cedar not only offers a long-lasting structure but also enhances the gardening experience. It creates an enjoyable space for growing a variety of plants, from vegetables and herbs to exotic flowers, regardless of external weather conditions.

2) Lean-To Wall Greenhouse

A lean-to wall greenhouse is an excellent option for garden enthusiasts who have limited space. They attach directly to a house or garage wall, which offers the benefit of easy accessibility and the convenience of using an existing structure. This type of greenhouse is typically more affordable to construct than a freestanding one because it requires fewer materials.
Building a lean-to greenhouse can increase your property value and extend the gardening season. It allows plants to thrive throughout the year, protected from harsh weather conditions.

The design is particularly suited for urban gardens where space is at a premium. Moreover, the wall of the house can serve as a source of thermal mass, potentially conserving heat during cooler nights.
Planning is essential to ensure adequate sunlight reaches the plants, typically by situating the greenhouse facing south. One must consider the pathway inside, leaving enough space to move comfortably while tending to the plants. Additionally, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to regulate temperature and humidity within the greenhouse.
3) Glass to Ground Greenhouse

A glass to ground greenhouse is ideal for gardeners looking to maximise sunlight exposure for their plants. These structures feature walls made entirely of glass, extending from the roof to the ground, offering a warm and bright environment that promotes healthy plant growth throughout the year. They are particularly valuable in regions with less sunshine, allowing for an extended growing season.

Glass to ground greenhouses come in varied sizes and can be bought to fit any garden size. They are available in powder coated or plain aluminium for added durability against the elements.
Maintenance is important to keep the transparency of the glass for optimal light penetration. A simple regimen of regular cleaning will help prevent any obstruction to sunlight.
Moreover, you need appropriate ventilation system (roof vents) to regulate temperature and humidity within the greenhouse, ensuring plants thrive in a balanced atmosphere.
Greenhouse Buyers – Latest Offers
Offers for US buyers









Offers for UK buyers






4) Geodesic Dome Greenhouse

Geodesic dome greenhouses are forging a path in garden innovation, providing an energy-efficient and robust structure for backyard horticulture.
They are architecturally strong, distributing weight evenly across the structure, making them capable of withstanding high winds and heavy snowfall—a paramount choice for those in varied climates.
With their unique spherical design, these greenhouses ensure ample sunlight reaches plants from all angles throughout the day. This design maximises plant growth whilst minimising shadows and cold spots that traditional rectangular greenhouses can suffer from.
5) Victorian-Style Greenhouse

A Victorian-style greenhouse brings classical elegance to a garden, reflecting a period where botanical exploration was at its peak. They often feature steep, pitched roofs and intricate decorative trims, with wrought iron and wood commonly used materials, evoking a sense of the historical grandeur.
These greenhouses are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are designed to be functional spaces for plants to thrive.

Their traditional structure, with ample glazing and meticulous ventilation design, ensures that a wide variety of plants can be grown, from exotic specimens to heritage vegetable varieties.
A well-constructed Victorian-style greenhouse can become a focal point in the garden, providing a lush oasis all year round. With customisation options available, they can be tailored to suit the needs of any gardener, whether it be for delicate orchids or robust produce.
6) Polytunnel Greenhouse

A polytunnel greenhouse is an astute choice for gardeners looking to extend their growing season. Its construction from a steel frame draped in polythene makes it a cost-effective option, especially when compared to traditional glass greenhouses. By creating a controlled environment, one can cultivate a diverse range of plants throughout the year, making it incredibly beneficial for those with a passion for horticulture.
The simplicity of design allows for a DIY approach to building a polytunnel greenhouse. Polytunnels are it proves to versatile, good for starting seeds early, protecting frost-sensitive plants, or even growing heat-loving varieties that would otherwise struggle in cooler climates.

Maintenance of a polytunnel is straightforward. Ensuring the polythene cover remains intact and secure is crucial, as is managing the internal environment. Through the use of vents and doors, you can regulate temperature and humidity, thus creating an optimum growing atmosphere.
Additionally, adapting the interior layout with raised beds or shelving can maximise the growing space.
7) Miniature Pop-Up Greenhouse

Miniature pop-up greenhouses offer a compact and flexible solution for gardeners with limited space. Thanks to their lightweight and portable design, they can be set up quickly in virtually any outdoor space, no matter how small. This convenience makes pop-up greenhouses particularly appealing for urban gardeners.
These greenhouses are typically made from a clear, durable PVC material, which allows maximum sunlight penetration while protecting plants from adverse weather conditions. The enclosure helps to maintain a consistently warm environment, fostering seed germination and plant growth during colder months.
8) Recycled Window Greenhouse

Creating a greenhouse from recycled windows is a fantastic approach to sustainable gardening. Using old windows benefits the environment by reducing waste and also adds character and charm to a garden. These greenhouses can be a showcase of individuality and resourcefulness.
Start by sourcing various sizes of windows. It will be a bit of jigsaw puzzle to piece together but various windows from different periods can provide a historical story to the structure.
For the roof, strategically placing old storm window panes will ensure the interior remains weatherproof. You can achieve additional functionality with a little creativity, such as adding ventilation windows or implementing a rainwater collection system.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.