Type of Greenhouse

Greenhouses come in an array of styles, sizes, materials and colours so there is sure to be one to suit every garden and every gardener’s pocket. While many of these differences are largely a matter of cosmetic appeal or personal preference, a few can have a real bearing on making the all-important decision as to which one to buy.

Greenhouses give you the opportunity to control the growing seasons for your plants. You can also grow plants that would normally not survive in your climate. Glass is the most traditional material for greenhouses, but they can be made of plastic or various types of acrylic surfaces as well. Greenhouses are available in several different styles, each of which meets different spatial, economic and planting needs. 

Lean-To Greenhouse

Lean-to greenhouses are essentially half of a traditional greenhouse building attached to a house or other building at a doorway. This type of greenhouse is generally split along the ridge line and can only be as tall as the supporting wall since they are basically cut in half. These greenhouses are useful when you have limited space available for a full greenhouse. They do have more limited space, and temperature control as well as ventilation are more difficult to maintain. This style is the least expensive type of greenhouse.  The ridge of the lean-to is attached to a building using one side and an existing doorway, if available. Lean-tos are close to available electricity, water and heat. The disadvantages include some limitations on space, sunlight, ventilation, and temperature control. The height of the supporting wall limits the potential size of the lean-to. The wider the lean-to, the higher the supporting wall must be. Temperature control is more difficult because the wall that the greenhouse is built on may collect the sun's heat while the translucent cover of the greenhouse may lose heat rapidly. The lean-to should face the best direction for adequate sun exposure. Finally, consider the location of windows and doors on the supporting structure and remember that snow, ice, or heavy rain might slide off the roof or the house onto the structure.

Even span Greenhouse

An even-span is a full-size structure that has one gable end attached to another building . It is usually the largest and most costly option, but it provides more usable space and can be lengthened. The even-span has a better shape than a lean-to for air circulation to maintain uniform temperatures during the winter heating season. An even-span can accommodate two to three benches for growing crops. The even-span greenhouse gives you more usable space, and you can add on to the unattached end. The even-span greenhouse gives you more uniform temperature control for the greenhouse and allows more air circulation.