FREE shipping on orders above $100

    Item has been added

    Get 20% off!arrow_drop_up

    How to Choose the Best Greenhouses for Beginners

    • person Jerry Sheets
    • calendar_today
    • comment 0 comments
    Greenhouses For Beginners

    Looking for ways to grow colorful flowers, delicious vegetables, or fresh herbs?

    The use of greenhouses has increased in popularity, particularly among novice gardeners. More and more people are looking to reconnect with nature. This desire has led to the popularity of gardening and extensive plant cultivation. Greenhouses are perfect for realizing this vision with their regulated climates and infinite customization options.

    However, choosing the correct greenhouse is crucial to greenhouse gardening success. This article will help you pick the ideal starter greenhouse. We will discuss greenhouse types, critical factors, and helpful advice to help you choose.

    Our guide will help you grow beautiful flowers, fresh veggies, or a peaceful refuge in your backyard. You'll be ready to start greenhouse gardening confidently and enthusiastically.

    Let's learn how to choose the best greenhouses for beginners and create a flourishing garden sanctuary!

    Benefits of Greenhouses for Beginners

    Benefits of Greenhouses

    A Greenhouse provides a regulated environment where plants can grow and thrive. Greenhouses are typically composed of transparent materials such as glass or plastic and harness sunlight to create a warm and insulated space to grow plants. This will protect your growing plants from severe weather, pests, and other external factors that impede their growth.

    This enclosed room provides a controlled temperature, protecting plants from adverse weather and providing optimal growing conditions for tender plants. Greenhouse gardening provides various advantages by simulating perfect conditions for plant optimal growth:

    The benefits of having your own greenhouse are numerous. Here are the key benefits of Greenhouse:

    Extended Growing Season:

    Greenhouses enable gardeners to extend the growing time beyond what is typically possible in their region. Greenhouses create a sheltered, humid environment, for your plants to thrive. They allow for continuous cultivation and harvest all year round, even in cold seasons.

    Protection from Extreme Weather:

    Greenhouse Protection from Extreme Weather

    Unpredictable weather events, such as frost, hail, heavy rain, or high winds, can wreak havoc on outdoor gardens. Greenhouses shield plants from harsh conditions and offer them a stable and favorable microclimate.

    Enhanced Plant Growth:

    Greenhouses offer optimal conditions for plant growth. The controlled environment allows gardeners to regulate humidity and ventilation. As a result, your plants receive the ideal conditions for photosynthesis, root development, and overall growth. This leads to healthier, more vigorous plants and faster growth rates.

    Pest and Disease Control:

    Greenhouses act as a physical barrier, protecting plants from pests, insects, and some plant diseases. With proper top ventilation system, and monitoring, gardeners can prevent plant diseases and the need for chemical interventions.

    Versatile Plant Selection:

    The controlled environment of a greenhouse enables the cultivation of a wide variety of plants, including those that may not be suitable for the local climate. The possibilities are endless, from delicate plants to exotic or tropical flowers or rare herbs. Greenhouses also provide a space for seed starting, propagation, and nurturing young plants before transplanting them outside.

    Increased Crop Yields:

    Greenhouse for Increase Crop Yields

    With the optimal growing conditions provided by greenhouses, heat loving vegetables, flowers or herbs can reach their full potential. Greenhouse gardening allows for precise nutrient delivery, water management, and the prevention of common pest infestation. This leads to healthier, more productive greenhouse plants and fresh produce.

    Efficient Use of Space:

    Greenhouses offer a compact yet efficient use of space. Greenhouse growing is an excellent option for small gardens or urban areas with limited space for traditional gardening. Greenhouse gardening can maximize a small space by using shelves which will transform into more space for your favorite plants to grow.

    Creativity:

    With a greenhouse, gardeners have the freedom to design and personalize their growing environment. From customizing the layout to selecting the ideal equipment and accessories, greenhouse gardening offers endless opportunities for creativity and experimentation.

    By harnessing the benefits of greenhouses, gardeners can create an oasis of greenery. Gardeners can also personalize by adding LED grow lights to beautify the greenhouse while at the same time guaranteeing healthy blooms.

    Climate Control:

    One of the key advantages of greenhouses is the ability to control the internal climate. Gardeners can regulate temperature, humidity, ventilation, and even light levels to suit the specific needs of different plants. This control enables the cultivation of more plant species including those that may not be suited to the local climate.

    Versatility and Diversity:

    Greenhouses offer flexibility in plant selection, enabling gardeners to cultivate diverse plants. The possibilities are endless, from flowers and herbs to vegetables and fruits. This versatility allows greenhouse gardening beginners to experiment. Gardeners can try different crops, new varieties, and explore niche or exotic plants they can plant all year round.

    Learning:

    Greenhouses provide an excellent educational platform for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. They offer an opportunity to learn about plant biology, horticulture, and environmental science. By observing and studying your greenhouse growing efforts you can gain a deeper understanding of plant life and enhance your gardening knowledge.

    Aesthetics:

    Greenhouse for Aesthetics and Relaxation:

    Beyond the practical benefits, greenhouses also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of any garden. These glass or plastic greenhouses create a visually pleasing space, especially if you keep your greenhouse neat. A greenhouse garden allows individuals to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Greenhouses can serve as peaceful retreats or tranquil havens for meditation and relaxation.

    In summary, greenhouse gardening provides an array of benefits. Gardeners can cultivate plants all year round, increase yields, explore diverse plant species, and gain knowledge and enjoyment from their gardening efforts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, a greenhouse opens a world of possibilities for nurturing your green thumb.

    Different Types of Greenhouses

    Greenhouses come in a variety of styles, each with its own set of advantages. Let's explore some of the most common types:

    Lean-to Greenhouse:

    A lean-to greenhouse is a type of greenhouse that is built against an existing structure like a house or garage. It has one side attached to the existing building, while the other sides are made of transparent materials such as glass or polycarbonate panels.

    Pros: These are a cost-effective, easy access to utilities, space-saving solution for those with limited space and the desire to leverage an existing structure for their gardening needs. Additionally, they protect plants from the elements due to the shared wall with the roof vent of the existing structure.

    Cons: Potential limitations in direct sunlight exposure and space constraints based on the size of the attached wall.

    Freestanding Greenhouse:

    Freestanding Greenhouse

    As the name suggests, freestanding greenhouses are independent structures that are not attached to any existing building. They are versatile and can be placed anywhere in the garden. These greenhouses come in various shapes and sizes, from small size greenhouse to large commercial structures.

    Pros: They provide versatile placement options, ample space for a variety of plants, optimal light exposure, efficient ventilation, and easy access from all sides.

    Cons: They can be more expensive than smaller greenhouse types, require additional maintenance, may have limited space compared to larger ambitions, and may present heating and cooling challenges.

    A-Frame Greenhouse:

    An A-Frame greenhouse is characterized by its triangular or A-shaped roof design. It is typically constructed using materials such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or wood for the frame, with transparent panels like glass or polycarbonate for the roof and sidewalls.

    Pros: A-Frame greenhouse benefits include their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, efficient use of space, enhanced sunlight penetration, and good air circulation.

    Cons: They have a narrower width and limited floor space, can be challenging for roof maintenance, and may have slightly lower insulation properties.

    Gothic Arch Greenhouse:

    Gothic Arch Greenhouses are structures characterized by their curved or rounded roof in the shape of a gothic arch. They can be constructed using materials such as metal frames, polycarbonate panels, or glass.

    Pros: Gothic Arch Greenhouses include optimal space utilization, even light distribution, improved hot air or cold air and circulation, snow-shedding capability, and overall strength and durability. They combine functionality and aesthetics, making them an attractive option for gardening enthusiasts in various climates.

    Cons: They can be relatively expensive, have limited customization options, and may require professional assistance for assembly.

    Gothic Arch Greenhouse:

    Quonset Greenhouse:

    A Quonset greenhouse is a greenhouse structure with an arched or semi-circular shape. It is typically made of galvanized steel or PVC pipe.

    Pros: Quonset greenhouses benefits include their affordability, easy assembly, strength and durability, versatility, and energy efficiency.

    Cons: They have limitations such as limited vertical space, less customization options, potential condensation issues, and reduced headroom near the sides.

    Glass Greenhouse:

    A glass greenhouse is a structure made primarily of glass panels, used for cultivating and protecting the plants inside. It has a frame made of materials like aluminum or wood.

    Pros: Glass greenhouses offer maximum light transmission for healthy growth, an attractive appearance, good insulation properties, durability, and UV protection.

    Cons: They also have drawbacks such as higher cost compared to alternative materials, fragility, weight considerations, potential issues with light diffusion, and some heat loss.

    Polycarbonate Greenhouse:

    Polycarbonate Greenhouse:

    A polycarbonate greenhouse is a type of greenhouse structure made primarily from durable and transparent polycarbonate panels.

    Pros: They provide excellent light transmission, insulation properties to absorb heat well, UV protection, lightweight construction, and design flexibility. They are less prone to breakage and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Polycarbonate also provides a stable temperature inside the greenhouse, retains heat, and diffuses light evenly.

    Cons: Polycarbonate greenhouses can be more expensive than other materials, may scratch easily, can gradually turn yellow over time, and have a coefficient of thermal expansion that needs to be accounted for during installation.

    Cold Frame Greenhouse:

    A cold frame greenhouse is a simple structure made of transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic, with a sloping roof vent or lid. It extends the growing season of more plants, and protects plants from cold weather.

    Pros: A cold frame greenhouse provides an extended growing season and perfect protection of plant foliage from cold temperatures. They are energy efficient with supplemental heat through a passive solar heating system and provide versatility for various gardening purposes.

    Cons: This greenhouse has limited temperature control, and limited space for plants. It reduces light transmission compared to outdoors, and they are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

    Cold Frame Greenhouse

    These are just a few examples of the distinct types of greenhouses available.

    15 Tips in Picking the Best Greenhouses for Beginners

    Choosing the ideal greenhouse as a novice can be thrilling but overwhelming. Here are 15 steps to choosing the right greenhouse:

    1. Determine your goals:

    To get started, consider why you want a greenhouse. What kind of gardening appeals to you the most? To what extent, if at all, would you like the growing season to be prolonged? To pick the right greenhouse, you need to know what you hope to achieve.

    If you want to gow for longer years use polycarbonate covers. A plastic greenhouse could be a fantastic option if you're interested in greenhouse gardening but are hesitant to invest in a more permanent structure. Your plastic greenhouse should be replaced every year or two at the very least. 

    2. Assess available space and size:

    Evaluate the area where you plan to set up the greenhouse. Consider factors such as size, shape, and accessibility. Ensure more space to accommodate the greenhouse and allow for future expansion if desired.

    3. Select the material:

    Common greenhouse frame materials include wood, aluminum, and galvanized steel. Each has its pros and cons regarding durability, cost, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. 

    4. Decide on the greenhouse type:

    Freestanding greenhouses, lean-to greenhouses, and cold frames are just some of the options out there. Do some homework to choose one that suits your needs, budget, and requirements. Things like longevity, usefulness, and ease of assembly should all be considered.

    5. Consider the climate:

    Understand your local climate conditions. Factors like temperature range, humidity, wind, and sunlight levels will impact the type of greenhouse you need. Some greenhouses are designed for specific climates, so choose accordingly.

    6. Choose the glazing options:

    There are many different types of greenhouses and cold frames available. Select one that satisfies your expectations, budget, and demands with some research. Considerations for durability, functionality, and straightforward construction are paramount.

    7. Determine the ventilation:

    For plants to thrive in greenhouse warm-up, air circulation is essential. Check for proper ventilation, and temperature regulation options, including windows, roof vents, and fans.

    8. Consider insulation:

    Insulation can keep temperatures stable and shield plants from harsh weather. Better insulation can be found in greenhouses with double glazing or insulated walls. Analyze the insulation levels of various greenhouse choices.

    9. Evaluate structural integrity:

    Build the front greenhouse correctly so that it can survive high winds, heavy snowfall, cold climate and prolonged periods of rain. Check for anchoring systems, sturdy couplings, and corners that have been reinforced.

    10. Assess ease of assembly:

    Consider the level of difficulty involved in setting up the greenhouse. Look for user-friendly designs, clear instructions, and available customer support. If you're a beginner, opt for an easy greenhouse to assemble.

    11. Consider additional features:

    Some greenhouses offer additional features like greenhouse shelves, heating system or space heater and shade cloth. Grow lights or led grow lighst and fluorescent lamp strips and solar panels are additional features you should also consider. Assess if these features align with your needs and budget. 

    12. Check warranty and support:

    Look for greenhouses that come with a warranty to protect your investment. Ensure the manufacturer provides good after-sales support and has a reputation for addressing customer concerns.

    13. Read reviews and recommendations:

    Research different greenhouse brands and models. Read customer reviews to gauge user satisfaction, reliability, and performance. Seek recommendations from experienced gardeners or horticultural experts.

    14. Budget:

    Set a budget range for your greenhouse investment. Consider the initial cost and long-term expenses such as maintenance, replacement parts, and heating or cooling requirements. Find a balance between affordability and quality.

    15. Compare prices and make a decision:

    Finally, compare the shortlisted greenhouse options based on your requirements, budget, and preferences. Consider all the above factors and select the greenhouse that offers the best value for your needs.

    Remember, selecting a greenhouse is a personal decision, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consider the factors that enable you to nurture your greenhouse all year round.

    Our Curated Greenhouses for Beginners

    1. Greenhouse Large

    Greenhouse Large, Backyard Greenhouse

    This Greenhouse Large is a great solution for protecting your plants against the wind, rain, sun, pests, birds, insects, and harsh weather. Our Backyard Greenhouse is spacious. It can accommodate many fruits, vegetables, and plants. Our Greenhouse Large will ensure the ultimate protection of your plants.

    The large greenhouse is made of 140/m PE mesh fabric, which is 25% heavier than the standard mesh fabric of many competitors. Consequently, it prevents environmental influences even better, making it perfect for greenhouse gardening.

    2. Raised Garden Bed with Greenhouse

    Raised Garden Bed with Greenhouse

    Our Raised Garden Bed with Greenhouse makes gardening more convenient and fun. The Galvanize Planter Box Silver with a compact space-saving design is great and ample for growing your plants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a small area.

    This raised garden bed with a greenhouse is a terrific addition to your garden which offers warmth and protection to your plants. With an attractive silver finish, it'll add some style to any garden setting. 

    3. Heavy Duty Greenhouse

    Heavy Duty Greenhouse, XL Steel Greenhouse Kit

    Whatever your growing needs, our XL Steel Greenhouse Kit will accommodate them. This heavy-duty greenhouse growing kit is designed to meet the demands of experienced growers and provide beginners with a great space for their new green thumb hobby. This greenhouse can accommodate a high number of plants and flowers to grow your food, plants, and flowers.

    The robust steel framework can withstand even the harshest weather conditions and delivers superior results yearly. Because its durable and versatile design can be set up in many different configurations, it offers various advantages over other greenhouses on the market.

    The new Heavy Duty Greenhouse is super easy-to-assemble. No unique tools are required. Our high-quality greenhouse is an excellent choice for greenhouse gardening.

    4. Cold Frame Greenhouse:

    Cold Frame Greenhouse:

    This Cold Frame Greenhouse is the ultimate solution to protect your beloved plants from harsh weather conditions while adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

    Crafted with the finest materials, this garden greenhouse is made with sturdy and stable solid firewood and a high-quality PC board. It provides a reliable barrier against frost, ensuring your plants remain healthy and thriving all year round. 

    Not only is this wooden greenhouse a practical addition to your garden, it also adds a stylish touch to your outdoor area. The natural wood finish will complement any garden decor, creating a beautiful and functional space for you to enjoy.

    5. Greenhouse Kits, Greenhouse for Backyard

    Greenhouse Kits, Greenhouse for Backyard

    This greenhouse for the backyard features high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is large enough to provide ample protection from pests and other outdoor threats. The greenhouse kit is a valuable investment for greenhouse gardening beginners. This greenhouse provides many benefits resulting in healthier, more abundant, and sustainable gardens.

    You can grow most plants and crops you can plant all year round with this large greenhouse. No more seasonal growing plant limitations: enjoy the freedom to grow various plants, even sore that are not native to your region. With our greenhouse kits, the possibilities are endless your plants thrive every season.

    6. Walk in Greenhouse with Shelves

    Walk in Greenhouse with Shelves

    This Walk in Greenhouse with Shelves lets you experience the joy of cultivating your own garden oasis. Featuring versatile shelves, it's the perfect space to nurture your plants and create a flourishing sanctuary. The zippered roll-up door ensures easy access and ventilation, while the 8 sturdy wired shelves offer ample space for your plants to thrive.
    The reinforced green PVC cover protects against frost and pests, creating an ideal growing environment. Crafted with heavy-duty powder-coated steel, this versatile greenhouse can be used indoors or outdoors, making it perfect for your backyard, patio, or deck.

    7. XL Greenhouse with Mesh Cover

    XL Greenhouse with Mesh Cover

    The XL Greenhouse with Mesh Cover is the ideal habitat for keen gardeners and plant enthusiasts. This greenhouse, made with PE mesh fabric and galvanized steel, is durable and functional to fulfill your gardening aspirations.

    The PE mesh cloth cover allows for great airflow and greenhouse ventilation. The mesh's breathability regulates temperature and humidity, making it excellent for plant development. It also enables plenty of natural light into the greenhouse. This natural light stimulates plant photosynthesis and growth, reducing the need for daytime artificial illumination. The greenhouse door has a doorway making it easy to bring plants, tools, and other gardening supplies in and out.

    8. Wide Mesh Greenhouse

    Wide Mesh Greenhouse

    This Wide Mesh Greenhouse is your best defense against pests and the elements. This garden greenhouse optimizes plant development and protection with its innovative design and materials. Our wide greenhouse is large enough to cover your raised beds during the cold season enabling you to grow crops when the climate is bad.
    This plant housing has six windows letting cool air and fresh air to circulate, fostering healthy growth and reduced humidity. The greenhouse has a door for easy access while retaining the enclosed atmosphere.

    9. Mini Walk In Greenhouse 8 Shelves

    This small greenhouse has 8 shelves to accommodate your blossoming flowers, growing plants, and fresh veggies. Our Mini Walk In Greenhouse 8 Shelves is made of sturdy, rust-resistant steel tubes. These shelves securely hold seed trays, pots, and plants.

    The zippered roll-up door allows easy access and maximizes airflow. The greenhouse adds greenery to your patio, balcony, deck, or yard without effort.

    10. 6 x 6 Greenhouse - Hardy Garden

    This spacious 6 x 6 greenhouse can accommodate a considerable number of plants. I is a great solution for protecting your plants from the cold temperature. Growing your own flowers, veggies, or herbs, is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Our greenhouse provide a conducive environment for plant growth. 

    This consideration for detail extends to the roof vent and movable door that enable for airflow and temperature, humidity, and ventilation regulation. Putting together a greenhouse can seem like a daunting task, but the our greenhouse is intended to be a do-it-yourself project that requires no particular skills or heavy equipment.

    6 x 6 Greenhouse - Hardy Garden

    11. 6x8 Greenhouse

    This 6x8 greenhouse offers the gardening enthusiast a precise balance of virtually unbreakable polycarbonate panels and a strong, durable, rust-resistant aluminum frame. You can start growing earlier and continue growing all every season. The greenhouse has a stable ensuring to withstand a harsh weather conditions.

    The twin-wall roof panels block up to 100% of harmful UV rays and diffuse direct sunlight; the crystal-clear side panels offer over 90% light transmission. Strong and attractive, our 6x8 feet Greenhouse offers years of maintenance-free gardening enjoyment.

    6x8 Greenhouse

    In conclusion, choosing greenhouses for beginners is a process that requires careful consideration of a range of factors. We've discussed assessing space, location, plant types, and climate. We've also discussed the need to choose practical, sustainable greenhouse materials, various ventilation systems, and heating systems.

    Finally, keep interested and teachable. Gardening is a process. Try, fail, and learn. Your greenhouse will grow as you learn more about plants, and your hard work will pay off.

    As you begin your greenhouse gardening, we recommend Hardy Garden's inexpensive, durable greenhouses collection. We provide high-quality gardening solutions to make your journey successful.

    Remember, the key to a fruitful gardening journey lies not only in the seeds you plant, but also in the greenhouse you choose. Why wait? Visit Hardy Garden today, browse our remarkable greenhouse selection, and start a rewarding greenhouse gardening experience that fulfills your aspirations.

    Leave a comment