Investing in a greenhouse always pays off. That is why we are presenting the most common models and their advantages here.
Various greenhouse models are available in the garden trade, which can be perfectly adapted to the local conditions and the needs of a gardener. And building it is not difficult at all. Because the greenhouses are usually available in the form of a kit with easy-to-understand assembly instructions.
The models that you can dismantle, rebuild or expand at any time are particularly recommended for purchase. From the entry-level model to the perfectly designed greenhouse, such variable models should be included. Basically, however, these are roughly divided into three different greenhouse models.
The 3 most common models presented
A basic subdivision of the greenhouse models is mostly in:
- detached garden greenhouses
- Lean-to greenhouses
- glazed cold frames
Freestanding Greenhouses
Mostly freestanding greenhouses are set up in the garden. Therefore, these models are also offered in a variety of sizes with a wide variety of looks. The smallest basic models start with sizes of 2 x 2 meters (4 square meters) and are relatively cheap.
Within this category, so-called thermal greenhouses (usually made of plastic profiles) are also offered, which have perfect insulation and are therefore ideal for overwintering plants. The category "free-standing greenhouses" also includes the orangery and the glass pavilion, which are also suitable as outdoor seating.
Lean-to greenhouses
The specialist understands a lean-to greenhouse to be a greenhouse that is attached directly to an existing masonry (i.e. leaning against it). Of course, these models are also available in a wide variety of sizes and depths - and also as high-quality thermal greenhouses (similar to a conservatory and can also be used as such).
Tip: If possible, you should not attach a leaning greenhouse to the north side of a building. Here the sun is missing for the plants.
Overglazed cold frames
In smaller gardens, glazed cold frames are often used to grow vegetables and lettuce outdoors at an early stage and to optimally protect the plants from night frosts and possible snowfall. Such a cold frame is offered in many model variants. For example as a glass box that can be set up above a bed and/or raised bed, as a glazed plant stand with an opening module and much more.
Warning: Glazed cold frames cannot be compared with foil-protected shelving systems. After all, these cannot offer the plants any real frost protection.
Tips for building a greenhouse
» Tip 1 - the choice of material
Greenhouses should be made of a stable aluminum or plastic construction, have a comfortable entrance area and various ventilation options (windows) and be provided with glazing that is as storm-proof as possible. Alternatively, you can of course also use multi-wall sheets instead of glass.
Additional tip: In many cases, greenhouses are now even available in any RAL color you like. In this way, you can visually adapt the greenhouse to your home or garden style. The surcharge for painting is relatively low for many manufacturers.
» Tip 2 - place the greenhouse on a stable foundation
Ideally, a greenhouse is always placed on a stable foundation that has to be erected (concreted) beforehand. Some manufacturers now even offer aluminum foundations that are simply embedded in the ground, fixed with the appropriate ground anchors and can be easily removed later when not in use.
» Tip 3 - Install rain gutter and condensate drainage channel
Furthermore, a high-quality greenhouse should also have a rain gutter with a downpipe and a condensate drainage channel (to the outside) in order to optimally transport rainwater and condensate away from the greenhouse.