The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Greenhouse for Your Garden
Embarking on the journey of selecting the perfect greenhouse for your garden can be both exciting and daunting. At Lancashire Greenhouse Services, we understand the importance of finding the right fit for your gardening needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and choose the greenhouse that’s just right for you.
1. Assess Your Needs: Begin by assessing your gardening goals and requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your garden space and the types of plants you want to grow. If growing vines or other climbing plants, you may want to consider a taller greenhouse, for example.
2. Determine the Size: Once you have an understanding of your needs, determine the size of the greenhouse that will best accommodate your requirements. It is usually best to start with the width that you are able to accommodate, as this will determine the make and model choices. Also consider the height and shape to ensure ample space for your plants to grow vertically as well as horizontally.
3. Choose the Right Material: Greenhouses are typically constructed from horticultural glass, full sheet toughened safety glass or polycarbonate. Each material has its pros and cons in terms of durability, insulation, and cost, though we recommend full sheet toughened safety glass as optimal, especially if you have children and/or pets.
4. Give Careful Thought to Your Base: The foundation of a greenhouse plays a critical role in supporting the entire greenhouse structure. Unstable foundations can lead to uneven settling or shifting, putting additional pressure on other parts of the greenhouse. A strong and well-built foundation is essential for distributing the weight of the structure evenly. Uneven bases can lead to structural issues such as cracks in the glass, misalignment of doors, and even collapse in some cases. We recommend paved slabs as optimal bases, or concrete. We also like ring bases (either timber, sleepers, dwarf walls or concrete). Soil bases are possible with most greenhouses, but it is essential that the soil is fully compacted and level. It is imperative that the base you intend your greenhouse to be installed on is completely level (not just flat). Any slight fall on the base will cause problems on installation as the greenhouse will sit at a slight ‘skew’ and will cause issues with glazing and potentially break glass in high winds.
5. Consider Environmental Control: Depending on the types of plants you plan to cultivate, you may need to consider additional environmental control features such as ventilation systems, heating, and shading. Automated vents, fans, and shade cloths can help regulate temperature and humidity levels, creating an optimal growing environment for your plants.
6. Think About Location: Choose a location for your greenhouse that receives ample sunlight throughout the day and is easily accessible for maintenance and watering. If close to a fence or wall, consider how you will clean and maintain the greenhouse. Consider factors such as prevailing winds, potential obstructions, and proximity to water sources when siting your greenhouse for optimal performance.
7. Budget Considerations: Set a budget for your greenhouse project and prioritise features based on your needs and financial constraints. Remember to factor in not only the cost of the greenhouse structure itself but also any base costs, installation, accessories, and ongoing maintenance expenses.
8. Ask Us Questions: We love answering your questions and helping with projects, it’s what we do! We are only on the other side of the telephone and/or email, and can help guide and give information that is necessary to make an informed decision. We can provide bespoke quotations on request, ensuring that your requirements are accommodated. We do not use call centres, or automated telephone lines. When you call us, you will speak directly to someone.
Conclusion: Choosing the right greenhouse for your garden is a crucial step in creating a thriving and productive growing space. By following the tips outlined in this guide and working with Lancashire Greenhouse Services, you can find the perfect greenhouse to suit your needs and set the stage for years of successful gardening adventures. Happy growing!