The best greenhouses, plus tips and advice on what to grow and how

Greenhouses are great for all levels of gardener and allow plant lovers to create a microclimate within the confines of their own homes. Using a greenhouse allows you to control the temperature and humidity that your plants are exposed to and is the perfect investment if you want to grow exotic plants, tend vegetables all year long, start planting seeds early, or do all of the above.

Whether you’re searching for a classic garden greenhouse with an aluminium frame, a budget-friendly option, or a wooden centrepiece for your garden, there are hundreds to choose from. With such a large selection of greenhouses available, it can be hard to pick the right one for your needs.

Whether you’re an expert gardener or just starting out, The Recommended has compiled a list of the best greenhouses to help guide your next purchase. From miniature greenhouses suitable for indoor use to allotment-worthy and walk-in choices, there is a greenhouse for everyone.

To further assist greenhouse seekers, we've put together a helpful buyer's guide at the bottom of this page, where we've answered some important questions that current and prospective greenhouse owners often have.

The best greenhouses at-a-glance:

• Best wooden greenhouse: BillyOh Lincoln Wooden Frame Greenhouse
• Best miniature greenhouse: idooka Mini Greenhouse with Steel Frame
• Best polytunnel greenhouse: VOUNOT Polytunnel Greenhouse
• Best large greenhouse: Palram Canopia Harmony Green Greenhouse
• Best fashionable greenhouse: Selections Wooden Framed Growhouse
• Best budget-friendly greenhouse: Parkland 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse
• Best easy-to-set-up greenhouse: VonHaus Walk in Greenhouse
• Best uniquely designed greenhouse: CHRISTOW Wooden Greenhouse
• Best multi-shelf greenhouse: D4P Display4top Greenhouse
• Best glass greenhouse: Access Growhouse Mini Greenhouse

The best greenhouses

Best wooden greenhouse: BillyOh Lincoln Wooden Frame Greenhouse

Sturdy and fashionable

Materials: Polycarbonate plastic and wood. Dimensions: 176 x 92 x 197cm

This wooden greenhouse from BillyOh is perfect for gardeners wanting a large growing area that’s spacious enough to move around inside and sturdy enough to protect plants from all weather conditions.

It comes with double doors and an extra tall roof which gives gardeners loads of space to grow and tend their plants. It has a stylish wooden frame with a ten-year anti-rot warranty and strong polycarbonate plastic windows.

Best miniature greenhouse: idooka Mini Greenhouse With Steel Frame

Perfect for balconies and patios

Material: PVC covering with steel frame. Dimensions: ‎50 x 45 x 80cm

This lightweight greenhouse is great for those wanting to grow smaller plants, and its compact design means it can be fitted into most garden areas and even indoors.

It is both portable and easily assembled so provides a good choice for novice gardeners or those with limited space. Deceivingly strong, this greenhouse’s shelves are all able to hold up to 8kg of equipment or plants.

Best polytunnel greenhouse: VOUNUT Polytunnel Greenhouse

Spacious walk-in greenhouse

Materials: Steel and Polyethylene. Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 2m

This roomy greenhouse provides gardeners with a tunneled structure that optimises airflow to plants and is easily accessible.

VOUNUT’s polytunnel structure is supported by galvanized steel bars to help protect plants through stormy conditions. It has eight windows, and its tarpaulin cover is resistant to both rain and UV. There are three available sizes, starting from 6 meters squared and moving up to 18.

Best large greenhouse: Palram Canopia Harmony 6x8 Green Greenhouse

Very durable and easy to customise

Materials: Aluminium frame with polycarbonate glazing. Dimensions: 247 x 185 x 208cm.

This big greenhouse comes complete with gutters, vents, solid windows, and a five-year guarantee. It also collects rainwater which can then be used to water your plants.

Palram’s Harmony greenhouse is made to maximise the light that plants receive whilst still protecting them from the elements. The greenhouse’s vents mean that humidity and temperatures can easily be controlled. The open-plan design means gardeners can customise their greenhouses themselves with their own shelves and tables.

Best fashionable greenhouse: Selections Wooden Framed Polycarbonate Growhouse

Trendy greenhouse with stained frame

Materials: Wood and polycarbonate. Dimensions: ‎76 x 57 x 110cm.

This greenhouse is great for those wanting to do more gardening and add a stylish accessory to their outdoor space. It is made of three shelves and has a hinged opening at the top.

Selection’s stained wooden frame greenhouse also has double-strength polycarbonate windows. The hinged opening at the top means there are three access points into the triple-shelved grow house, and air circulation is easy to control. It arrives flat-packed, but its clear instructions mean that building this fashionable greenhouse isn’t difficult.

Best budget-friendly greenhouse: Parkland 4 Tier Mini Greenhouse

An economical and tall greenhouse

Materials: ‎PVC and steel. Dimensions: ‎50 x 40 x 130cm.

This taller greenhouse takes up less space than most and has four tiers that gardeners can use to grow, protect, and seed their plants.

The Parkland mini-greenhouse has a zipped PVC cover that protects your plants from adverse weather, and its steel frame is specially made to withstand rust. Its slim and tall design means the greenhouse doesn't cover a huge ground area but still has substantial space for your flowers or vegetables.

Best easy-to-set-up greenhouse: Vonhaus Walk-in Greenhouse

Long-lasting and tough greenhouse

Materials: PVC and Steel. Dimensions: 143 x 73 x 193cm.

This large greenhouse has eight shelves and is made to withstand harsh weather conditions with its steel frame coated in special paint to protect it from rust.

The Vonhaus greenhouse can be walked into and has six shelves that can easily be removed to fit any size of plant or garden equipment. It requires no tools to set up and is covered with PVC sheeting, meaning it can be taken down and transported with ease.

Best uniquely designed greenhouse: CHRISTOW Wooden Greenhouse

A quirky garden accessory

Materials: Wood and polycarbonate plastic. Dimensions: ‎40 x 70 x 130cm

This greenhouse has a distinctive grey wood design which is complimented by an easy-open roof and double doors, both can be hinged open and locked.

CHRISTOW’s apex roof allows for the growth of taller plants and the polycarbonate windows are UV stabilised to help protect plants from strong sun rays. The wood frame supporting the greenhouse is both sturdy and sustainably sourced.

Best multi-shelf greenhouse: D4P Display 4 Top Greenhouse

Large capacity for plants and tools

Material: PVC and steel. Dimensions: 143 x 216 x 195cm.

This greenhouse has storage areas on three sides, including eight shelves and several customisable areas. The greenhouse has a central walkway from which gardeners can manage their plants.

D4P’s green-coloured greenhouse is easily assembled and offers ample storage options as well as easy assembly. Its eight shelves are removable, and its height is enough that standing inside the greenhouse is an option. It has a zipped entrance and a no questions asked money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.

Best glass greenhouse: Access Growhouse Mini-Greenhouse

Made with toughened safety glass

Material: Glass and aluminium. Dimensions: 121x 65 x 149cm

This greenhouse is made to withstand strong winds and snow, it has front and top sliding panels to aid ventilation as well as adjustable shelves.

The greenhouse, from Access, is made of four shelves that can be folded away if you prefer to grow a bigger crop. The toughened safety glass exterior helps insulate plants, and sliding panels allow temperature, humidity, and growing conditions to be regulated easily.

Greenhouse buyers’ guide

If you have never tried your hand at gardening or count yourself as an expert, buying a greenhouse can revolutionise the growth of your plants and vegetables. Through our handy guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of greenhouses and assist you in choosing the best greenhouse for your needs.

If you’re wondering what to grow, where to position your greenhouse, what material to use, or even the temperature to keep your greenhouse, then read on. Following our advice, you will be well on your way to creating a thriving greenhouse environment and a home for your gardening exploits.

What should you look for when buying a greenhouse?

When buying a greenhouse, there are several features to consider to ensure that you choose the right one for your needs.

• Size: One important feature to look for is the size of the greenhouse, as this will determine how much space you have to grow your plants.
• Materials: You will also want to consider the materials used in the construction of the greenhouse and how well-ventilated the greenhouse will be, as proper airflow is crucial for healthy plant growth.
• What you’re growing: You might also want to consider what you plan on growing, what your budget is, and how often you will use the greenhouse.

What can you grow in a greenhouse?

A greenhouse provides a controlled environment that allows you to grow a wide variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. These plants may not thrive in the UK climate, so a greenhouse can be used to replicate foreign weather conditions.

Of the fruits that you can grow in a greenhouse, the most popular selections are often tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, raspberries, and melons. Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, peppers, and beans also grow well in a greenhouse.

For flowers, options include roses, chrysanthemums, and orchids. Particularly for those who opt for a miniature greenhouse, herbs are often chosen as the selected grow. Basil, parsley, and mint can all flourish in a greenhouse environment.

What is the best temperature for your greenhouse?

The ideal temperature for a greenhouse depends on the types of plants you are growing, as different plants have different temperature requirements. However, as a general rule, the ideal temperature range for most greenhouse plants is between 18-24C during the day and 13-18C at night. In higher temperatures, it is advised by experts at the Royal Horticultural Society to keep your greenhouse below 27C.

During the colder winter months, a minimum temperature of 7-10C should be maintained to prevent damage to plants. It's important to note that proper ventilation is also essential for regulating temperature and preventing heat build-up, which can be damaging.

What is the best material for your greenhouse?

When it comes to choosing the best material for a greenhouse, there are several options to consider. Some of the most common materials for a greenhouse include glass, polycarbonate, and PVC.

The windows of the greenhouse always allow light in, so are made of more transparent material. Wood, steel, and other metals are then favoured for the greenhouse’s frame.

Polycarbonate

This is a newer material that has become popular in recent years. It is lightweight, strong, and shatter-resistant, making it a great choice for areas with high wind or harsher weather conditions. Polycarbonate also provides good insulation and can help to reduce energy costs. However, it may scratch easily and can yellow over time.

PVC

PVC is another plastic, its full name is Polyvinyl Chloride, and it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to weathering. Its properties make it suitable for use in a variety of climates, but it may not be as strong and sturdy as other materials, like polycarbonate. In extreme weather conditions, this could mean it breaks more easily or blows away.

Glass

Glass is one of the most traditional materials used for centuries in greenhouse construction. It is durable, long-lasting, and provides excellent light transmission. However, it is also heavy, breakable, and expensive. Difficulty shipping glass means that, in recent times, plastic alternatives have been championed by gardeners and retailers.

Wood-framing

Wood-framed greenhouses are often aesthetically pleasing, and with wood being natural and renewable, it is an eco-friendly choice. Wood has good insulation and durability and can withstand harsh weather conditions. The main drawback of wood-framed greenhouses is their susceptibility to rot and decay. Wood can also be affected by moisture and insects.

Steel and aluminium frames

Greenhouses with metal frames are durable and strong but often less aesthetically pleasing than wood. The materials are low maintenance but relatively expensive compared to other options, such as wood or PVC frames. Rust is the main problem of both metals, and this can be especially problematic in areas with high humidity or near saltwater, where rust can occur more quickly.

Where to position your greenhouse?

The position of your greenhouse is an important consideration, as it can affect how well your plants grow. You need to consider several factors when setting up your greenhouse.

• Space: Before buying a greenhouse, you should check the dimensions and see if it can fit into your garden, patio, allotment, or even inside your home. When you have made sure of this, you can consider the below factors.
• Sunlight: Your greenhouse should receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day to help aid the growth of your plants. Position your greenhouse in a place that receives maximum sunlight, especially during the morning and early afternoon hours.
• Wind: Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds, as this can cause damage to your greenhouse and plants. Depending on the weight of your greenhouse, you should look to weigh down the sides in the event of a storm or bad weather.
• Access: You should make sure your greenhouse is easily accessible as it is important you can check on your plants, water them, and take them in and out of the structure.

If you want to read more expert-recommended round-ups and product guides, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home and garden recommendations, including best garden sheds, the best fire pits, and the best patio heaters.