Green Houses

Green Houses

Greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular in UK gardens, providing the perfect space to nurture plants and extend the growing season.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, a greenhouse offers an ideal environment for growing everything from vegetables to delicate flowers.

At Posh, we combine functionality with style, offering a range of greenhouses in various sizes, styles, and designs to suit any garden and budget. Our greenhouse buying guide covers all the key factors to help you choose the best greenhouse for your needs.

Benefits of Having a Green House

A greenhouse offers a range of benefits, making it a valuable addition to any garden, providing practical advantages and enhancing growing opportunities for a variety of plants.

• A greenhouse allows you to extend the growing season for vegetables, flowers, and even tropical plants, ensuring a longer period to cultivate and enjoy your produce.
• Protect plants from adverse weather conditions, offering essential wind protection and shielding delicate plants from harsh elements.
• With a greenhouse, you can maintain controlled growing conditions, including regulating temperature and humidity levels, creating the ideal environment for healthy plant growth.

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Greenhouse?

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install a greenhouse in the UK, provided it meets certain conditions. If your greenhouse falls under permitted development rights, you can typically proceed without approval.

However, for listed properties, conservation areas, or if the structure exceeds specific height or size limits, planning permission may be required. It's advisable to check with your local authority to ensure everything complies with the regulations before starting your project.

Different Types of Greenhouses

Freestanding Greenhouses

Freestanding greenhouses provide full sunlight exposure from all sides and come in a range of sizes, including walk-in designs with apex roofs. They offer plenty of growing space for different plant types and improved ventilation with features like roof vents and automatic vents.

However, they are more exposed to wind and cold, which may require additional insulation, such as toughened glass.

Lean-to Greenhouses

Lean-to greenhouses are attached to an existing structure, offering better climate control and reducing heat loss.

They are space-efficient, making them ideal for smaller gardens, easier to heat, and perfect for overwintering tender plants. However, the limited sunlight exposure from fewer sides can restrict certain growing conditions.

Mini Greenhouses

Mini greenhouses are perfect for small spaces and growing small batches of tender plants or young crops. Portable and easy to maintain, they often feature roll-up doors and windows.

They are excellent for starting seedlings or young plants or using cold frames but have limited growing space, making them less suitable for larger crops or taller plants.

What to Look for When Buying a Greenhouse

Greenhouse Materials

When choosing a greenhouse, you’ll need to decide between aluminium greenhouses and wood greenhouses. Aluminium is lightweight, affordable, and low maintenance, making it a practical choice.

In contrast, wood greenhouses provide better insulation and a classic look but require regular upkeep to maintain their durability. For glazing, glass offers excellent light transmission and long-lasting durability.

However, polycarbonate greenhouses are a safer and lighter option, though they may cloud over time, reducing sunlight exposure.

Size Considerations

The size of your greenhouse is crucial. Standard options include 6x8ft or 8x10ft in freestanding or lean-to designs. Choose the largest greenhouse that fits your space, budget, and any planning requirements. Ensure there’s enough room for paths, shelving, and plants.

Greenhouse Ventilation and Heating

Good ventilation is essential for healthy plant growth. Automatic vents and louvres regulate airflow. For heating, consider electric, gas, or solar options to maintain the correct temperature and humidity for year-round growing.

Where to Position Your Greenhouse

Maximising Sunlight

Position your greenhouse facing south to maximise sunlight exposure throughout the day. Avoid placing it in shaded spots, particularly under trees or near buildings, which can block sunlight and restrict plant growth.

Protecting from Wind

Equally important is protecting your greenhouse from strong winds. Place it near buildings, fences, or hedges that can act as windbreaks, providing natural shelter and protecting your plants from harsh weather conditions.

Greenhouse Installation

Base and Foundation Options

Choosing the right foundation is key for both stability and drainage. A concrete base provides strong support, while a gravel floor offers better drainage to prevent water pooling.

Whichever option you select, make sure the foundation is level to support a solid frame and prolong the life of your greenhouse.

DIY Installation Tips

When installing the greenhouse yourself, carefully follow the instructions and ensure you have the necessary tools, particularly for aluminium frames. Ensure good ventilation and drainage by incorporating features like openable roof doors and vents to create the best growing environment.

Greenhouse Accessories and Maintenance

Essential Accessories

Automatic vent openers are ideal for maintaining consistent temperature control and preventing overheating. Shelving units improve organisation and maximise growing space. Consider installing an automatic or manual irrigation system to keep your plants hydrated for efficient watering.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is essential in most greenhouses. Clean the glass or polycarbonate panels and gutters to remove dirt and debris. Check for any leaks or damaged seals to ensure your greenhouse remains well-sealed and provides a stable environment for your plants.

Why Choose Posh for Your Greenhouses

When it comes to choosing the perfect greenhouse, Posh stands out as the trusted choice for quality, value, and customer service. Here’s why you should choose Posh for your greenhouse:

• Free Delivery on most items and all orders over £500, ensuring great value with no hidden costs.
• Best Price Guarantee—if you find it for less, we’ll beat the price, giving you the best deal.
• Next Day Delivery is available through our Express Service, so you can start your gardening project without delay.

Trusted Expertise from the UK’s number one team, offering knowledgeable sales support, expert guides, and professional aftercare.