10 Best Small Greenhouses UK 2024 | (Palram, Outsunny and More
Growing plants and vegetables in your own greenhouse can be an incredibly rewarding pursuit, and maybe you've even thought about how nice it would be to wander out into your garden and eat a tomato you've grown yourself, but you aren't sure you have the space. We're here to tell you that there are a number of small greenhouses on the market that are perfect for almost any garden – even in our cold winter climate!
Whether you're looking for a little extra space to plant some flowers in a courtyard or you'd like to put up something on the lawn you can walk into and spend a little time tending to your plants, we're here to help you sort through the best quality greenhouses for the money on Amazon, Argos and eBay.
Quick List - Top Small Greenhouses
Argos
The Greenhouse That Combines All the Best Features of Its Competition
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How to Choose a Small Greenhouse in the UK - Buying Guide
There are a number of things to consider when investing in a greenhouse, from the plants or vegetables you're thinking of planting to the layout of your garden and even your region's weather. It's important to make sure all bases are covered before you dive in with your purchase, so read on to find the right greenhouse for you and your space.
Determine What Size and Type of Greenhouse Is Suitable for Your Garden and Property
Across the UK, there is a huge range or garden sizes and types; from the small city patio to the countryside field and everything in between. Whatever type of garden you own, it is important to check its suitability before making a purchase.
Plan Out the Space Before Buying to Avoid Disappointment
The most important and crucial step before buying a greenhouse is to plot out the space beforehand. The average size of a small greenhouse is 6 ft x 8 ft, so it is worth taking a tape measure and some string and measuring out the area to make sure it is going to fit.
For those with less outside space, even smaller greenhouses are available that are comparable to the size of a wardrobe or chest of drawers. It may not seem possible, but even the tiniest gardens probably have some space to grow something.
A Solid Foundation Is Crucial
Whether you have a grass lawn, wooden decking or a stone patio, you must ensure that any greenhouse you are able to walk into is secure. There are a number of ways to do this depending on what the greenhouse will be standing on.
It is easy to dig a foundation in grass and bury the bottom of the greenhouse to secure it; for wooden decks, you’ll want to make sure there is a way of screwing or nailing the greenhouse down; for stone, you can consider using concrete as a foundation. Do not try to drill or hammer into stone slabs!
It Could Be Worth Checking Your Local Building Regulations to Avoid Possible Headaches
While this shouldn’t be too big of an issue for most people, there are some situations where you may have to check with your local council when putting up a greenhouse.
There could be an issue if you want to place it in a front garden or if you own a listed building, for example. For the most part, though, putting a small greenhouse in your back garden shouldn’t be a problem.
Consider the Material of Your Greenhouse's Frame and Panels
There are many different greenhouses on the market at the moment, made of many different materials. The average greenhouse constitutes of two parts: the frame and the panels. Instead of panels, some greenhouses have a flexible plastic cover which hangs over the frame.
Metal Frames Are Easy to Maintain, but Wooden Frames Regulate Temperature Better
When picturing a greenhouse, most people imagine a metal frame with clear panels between. It’s a popular design because a metal frame is easy to transport and construct while offering the required level of stability necessary. As they’re often made of either aluminium or galvanized steel, a metal frame will resist the elements without any real upkeep needed.
Wooden frames are great at maintaining the desired temperature, being much less conductive than their metal counterparts. If you’re planning on keeping plants that are sensitive to extreme conditions, it may be worth looking at a wooden frame.
Although they look great and blend in well with any garden, the downside with wooden greenhouses is that they require much more weatherproofing and are often more expensive.
Plastic Polycarbonate Panels and Covers Are Inexpensive and Sturdy, Whereas Glass Can Break Easily
Most greenhouses available online contain plastic panels or covering as they're much cheaper and a lot less fragile than glass; modern greenhouses in general nearly always use a type of polycarbonate or polyethylene. A frame with a cover is much cheaper than one with solid panels, but it will obviously be a lot less sturdy.
There are still some glass options out there as they do let in more light, but any toughened glass panels will come with a premium price tag that we’re not sure justifies the extra cost fo rthe average home gardener.
What You Are Planning to Grow? Choose Features That Protect Against the Elements
The primary purpose of a greenhouse is to grow plants, so it would be wise to think about what plants you’d like to grow and what features your greenhouse might need to support this. Are you thinking that it'd be nice to have a nursery full of flowers to walk into or do you want to try your hand at growing a few tomatoes, peppers, and peas?
Insulation Is Important if You’re Planning on Growing Through Cold British Winters
It may feel like winter takes up most of the year here in the UK, but in gardening terms, it is just another season where a number of plants and vegetables can grow. Lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, and sprouts can all be grown during the winter months, as can a number of herbs, but doing so will require good insulation and, in some cases, a source of heat.
The best greenhouses to insulate are ones with polycarbonate or polyethylene, and those that are twin walled already provide good insulation.
The most popular way of adding some extra insulation is by attaching bubble wrap to the inside of the panels and taping up any gaps where a cold draft may come in. Obviously, the bigger the greenhouse the more material you’ll need to insulate it.
Windows Provide Much Needed Ventilation for the Summer
Everyone knows that the cold can be bad for plants, but not many people consider that high temperatures can also be bad for certain plants. A lot of flowers enjoy the sunlight, but for some fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers, too much heat can cause them to wilt and die.
Windows are important to help keep a healthy airflow circulating in the summer months, regulating the temperature so whatever you’re growing is able to flourish.
Top 10 Best Small Greenhouses in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Argos Silver Aluminium 6 x 4 ft Hybrid Greenhouse | | The Greenhouse That Combines All the Best Features of Its Competition | |
2 | Outsunny Walk-In 6 x 4 ft Lean-to Greenhouse | | Perfect for the Side of a House | |
3 | McGregor Walk In Greenhouse | | The Best Budget Option | |
4 | Argos Silver 6 x 8 ft Twin-Walled Greenhouse | | One for the All-Year-Round Gardener | |
5 | Palram Harmony Silver 6 x 6 ft Greenhouse | | A Jack-of-All-Trades to Grow a Large Range of Plants | |
6 | Kingfisher Wooden Greenhouse | | A Good Choice for Smaller Patios and Courtyards | |
7 | Outsunny Polycarbonate Walk-In Garden Greenhouse | | A Great Starter Walk-In Greenhouse | |
8 | Palram Essence Silver Greenhouse | | A Premium Option That's Well Worth It if You Have the Space | |
9 | Outsunny Cold Frame Greenhouse | | A Solid Frame for Smaller Plots | |
10 | Outsunny PVC Tunnel Greenhouse | | Get the Most From Your Flowerbed |
The Greenhouse That Combines All the Best Features of Its Competition
You may have noticed some similarities with greenhouses 4 and 5 on our list and you'd be right. This is a hybrid of those two models, taking the best parts of each and packaging them into a cheaper, smaller, option – all while retaining the same 5-year guarantee.
Its clear wall panels provide much needed light, while the roof panels are twin-walled to provide some insulation in the winter and slightly occluded to provide shade in the summer. This greenhouse is excellent value and at 6 x 4 ft, it should fit into almost any garden.
OutsunnyWalk-In 6 x 4 ft Lean-to Greenhouse
Perfect for the Side of a House
The main appeal of this greenhouse is its sloped design, making it a great addition to the side of your house or border wall. You can even place this over an outside door to create a small conservatory!
While this isn't a stand-alone greenhouse, we think that if you have a property that allows for this to fit against a back door it's something well worth considering. The convenience of being able to step out of your house straight into your greenhouse is just too good to pass up!
The Best Budget Option
As far a budget greenhouses, this item from McGregor is hard to beat for such a low price. While it won't withstand a hurricane, it's surprisingly stable with fixing pegs included, and the water-resistant polyethylene cover does protect from rain.
The small size means it will fit in almost any garden, and it even allows you to step inside for those of you who want that warm feeling and a bit of cover when you're surrounded by the sweet smell of flowers!
ArgosSilver 6 x 8 ft Twin-Walled Greenhouse
One for the All-Year-Round Gardener
If you're planning on using your greenhouse throughout the seasons, this is the one for you. It's slightly larger than other greenhouses on our list, but it is still average-sized and contains a separate base so you can ensure that it's installed correctly.
The twin-walled PC panels are perfect for the colder months, and the integrated rain gutters, roof windows, and the aforementioned solid base mean that your plants will be happy no matter the weather and temperature.
PalramHarmony Silver 6 x 6 ft Greenhouse
A Jack-of-All-Trades to Grow a Large Range of Plants
There's not too much to say about this greenhouse except that it does everything you'd want from a greenhouse rather well. It is a jack-of-all-trades where a large variety of plants and vegetables will flourish.
It offers ample inside space without taking up too much room, it lets in plenty of light through its clear 100% UV-protecting windows, and it even includes a base to stand on. If you're not sure exactly what you want to grow, this covers a lot of bases!
A Good Choice for Smaller Patios and Courtyards
This neat little cabinet is perfect for smaller gardens without much green space, as it will stand on any flat surface. The multiple shelves allow for a surprising number of plants for the area it takes up, too.
Although made of wood, we wouldn't recommend this for growing during the cold months. You can insulate with bubble wrap, but as it has a wooden floor it can't make use of natural insulation from the ground below.
OutsunnyPolycarbonate Walk-In Garden Greenhouse
A Great Starter Walk-In Greenhouse
This option is a good choice for the average garden, only taking up a 6 x 4 ft space and not standing too tall. The sliding door is a nice quality-of-life improvement for more cramped gardens. We think the green frame is also a nice aesthetic choice.
Although the PC panels are UV-resistant, meaning they protect your plants against potentially harmful rays, they aren't completely transparent meaning that they don't let as much light through as completely clear panels.
A Premium Option That's Well Worth It if You Have the Space
It stretches the definition of a "small greenhouse" at 8 x 12 ft, meaning that it will take a lot of space in your garden, if it fits at all. It's also, by far, the most expensive option on our list, but if you have the space and can afford it, this is the right choice.
OutsunnyCold Frame Greenhouse
A Solid Frame for Smaller Plots
Unlike the previous cover on our list, this option is a more sturdy option for your flowerbeds. The sloped roof prevents rainwater from building up and also opens to provide some much-needed ventilation.
The small size is a benefit when you don't have much space, but it may be a more expensive option for what it covers. Plus, although the fir wood frame looks great, it will need care to avoid weathering.
Get the Most From Your Flowerbed
This may not be what you imagine when you think of a greenhouse, but if you're looking for some extra protection for plants already in your garden, or plan on putting down a few more, it is a great choice.
While it lets in a lot of light and is waterproof, this is not an option that can stand up to a heavy rainstorm or high winds, so it isn't suitable for use all year round. However, it is easy to assemble and move when the time comes to do so.
Wind Can Cause a Lot of Damage, so Place the Greenhouse Somewhere Safe!
If you live in an area where your garden is susceptible to a lot of wind, you have to be very careful when erecting a greenhouse, whether a small cold frame or larger construction. If you can, it is wise to place your greenhouse somewhere sheltered from the wind, or even to look for one that can be placed by a wall.
It is also extremely important to ensure that the frame has a secure foundation, so high winds don’t blow it over, and also that any panels have been tightly fitted; it may even be worth using some silicone filler to fix them in place.
More Recommendations for the Green-Fingered
Whether you're just discovering the joys of gardening or you've repotted more plants than you can count, getting the right tools for the job is going to make your time in and around the greenhouse much easier. Here are our recommendations for some handy add-ons to get you on your way.
Summary
There you have it, our top 10 list of small greenhouses. We hope you've been able to find something that is the right fit for your garden, patio, or courtyard. Whether it's tomatoes and turnips or tulips and tiger lilies, we wish you all the best in your botanical adventure!
Author: David Sexton
Top 5 Small Greenhouses
No. 1: Argos ｜Silver Aluminium 6 x 4 ft Hybrid Greenhouse
No. 2: Outsunny｜Walk-In 6 x 4 ft Lean-to Greenhouse
No. 3: McGregor｜Walk In Greenhouse
No. 4: Argos｜Silver 6 x 8 ft Twin-Walled Greenhouse
No. 5: Palram｜Harmony Silver 6 x 6 ft Greenhouse
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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