From Einhell to Outsunny, you'll find a wide selection of greenhouses, polytunnels, balcony greenhouses and walk in greenhouses from our outdoor brands. Whether you're looking for a timber or polycarbonate structure, read on for our tips to find the perfect greenhouse on a budget!
Overwhelmed by the variety of greenhouses on offer? Don't worry, ManoMano is here to help! Let's start by running through the features of a few different types of greenhouses:
Glass and polycarbonate greenhouses
The largest greenhouses on offer can look like mini houses but are made of transparent materials to allow UV rays to enter. These greenhouses are generally the most versatile models as they are very durable, provide maximum sunlight to plants and can be very large. They also tend to be the most attractive models.
Polytunnels
Polytunnels comprise a flexible cover which is stretched over a framework of metal hoops. The gardening experts at ManoMano recommend investing in a polytunnel if you want to start growing a large quantity of vegetables as these structures provide better ventilation. Polytunnels can also be used to protect your plants from frost. The main advantages of these structures are that they are easy to assemble, can be moved around and most importantly, are less expensive than traditional greenhouses.
Lean-to greenhouses
As the name suggests, these structures are designed to lean against an exterior wall and can be used to form an extension of your home. While sunlight infiltration is not optimal, these greenhouses are better at retaining heat than a greenhouse that is exposed to the wind on all sides. It is recommended to install a lean-to greenhouse on the south-facing side of a property.
Mini or walk-in greenhouses
Ideal if space is tight, these miniature structures are especially useful for housing cuttings and seedlings, or even sheltering small plants. They can be made of wood or polycarbonate but it's important to pick a model that offers easy access to your plants. Cold frames are often categorised under mini greenhouses. Alternatively, choose a walk-in greenhouse with several shelves and a transparent cover.
When it comes to installing a greenhouse, it's important to take a few precautions. Your greenhouse should be set up in a wind-free spot with as much sun exposure as possible. Exposure to wind results in heat loss and will make your structure cooler.
If you have any questions about choosing a greenhouse, just reach out to our gardening experts!
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