So you've decided, you're getting into the greenhouse game. Personally, I have been wanting to build a greenhouse for probably two years now and just keep putting it aside. But after writing this article, I have officially decided that getting a greenhouse is going to be this season's priority!
Now all I have to do is decide which type of greenhouse I'm gonna go for as well as comb through the different greenhouse sizes to find the perfect match. There are so many unique greenhouse sizes and models to choose from.
Each one serves its purpose and depending on what you're wanting to grow, how much space you have to support one, and what your budget is, will determine which greenhouse to go for. There are very simple DIY greenhouses you can whip together all on your own, or there are crazy big greenhouses on commercial scales.
Today we will be going over some of the different greenhouse sizes so you can hopefully decide which one will work best for you.
18 Different Types Of Greenhouse Sizes & Examples
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1. Gutter Connected Poly Greenhouse
2. Polycarbonate Tunnel
3. Simple Greenhouse Kit
4. Smaller In Size
5. Hoop House Greenhouse
6. Ventilation
7. Gable-Roof Greenhouse
8. A-Frame Greenhouse
9. Heat Soaking
10. Attached to the House
11. Gothic Style Greenhouse
12. Lean-To Greenhouse
13. Ornate Glasshouse
14. Greenhouse with a Pool
15. Freestanding Lean-To Greenhouse
16. Large Raised Beds
17. Geodome Greenhouse
18. Tiny House Greenhouse
1. Gutter Connected Poly Greenhouse
Commercial sized greenhouses like this are very impressive to look at. The gutter connected poly greenhouse is suitable for growing vegetables, plants, and flowers. They have exceptional air and temperature control due to their design and are perfect for growing multiple varieties of crops.
2. Polycarbonate Tunnel
Polycarbonate is a great material for a greenhouse as it allows 88 percent of light to transmit inside. It also lets in diffused light (unlike glass) which is great for plants. It is a superb weather-resistant material that is durable and functional.
3. Simple Greenhouse Kit
There are a lot of greenhouse kits for sale these days. You can find really simple and budget-friendly options at your local home and garden store, or even online. Basic structures that will be a perfect place to get some of your seedlings started or a way to keep some of the ground warmer than others.
4. Smaller In Size
You may not need a big greenhouse if you aren't starting a lot of seeds or doing a lot of growing in there. You may just need a warmer place to keep some plants who like the extra heat and that's it. You can build just a small budget-friendly greenhouse on your property as extra warm storage.
5. Hoop House Greenhouse
Perfect for keeping your little green friends growing even through the cold months. Hoop house greenhouses or more economically friendly since they are typically a simple frame structure. They are covered in one or two layers of greenhouse-grade plastic and that's about it!
6. Ventilation
Greenhouses need ventilation and proper air circulation. Without this, the plants could be prone to disease and die. Too much humidity can be a problem and greenhouses can get so hot that they actually cook your plants.
You can find automatic ventilation systems that make it so you don't have to run outside to open or close a window. Or, if you are on a budget or old-fashioned then a window will work just fine.
7. Gable-Roof Greenhouse
Don't worry about snow build-up and having to crawl on the roof to shovel it off. A steep enough angle on the roof will allow snow to just slide off. These types of greenhouses can be built with glass panels or rigid plastic ones, both work well.
Plenty of room to grow a variety of plants and ample amounts of sunlight make this a great greenhouse choice.
8. A-Frame Greenhouse
An A-Frame greenhouse can be a little more difficult to maneuver in but have some benefits as well. Their simple design makes it a cheap option due to the fewer materials used. When built with wood and plastic these greenhouses can cost next to nothing.
You can also build them with metal and glass.
9. Heat Soaking
Glass can be prone to shatter due to what's called Nickle Sulphide inclusions. These inclusions can often be found in the raw material that is used to make glass. If they are not removed during manufacturing then there could be spontaneous breakage in the glass.
By heat soaking the glass first you can be certain that your glass won't fail on you while working hard to heat your greenhouse.
10. Attached to the House
One of the benefits of having the greenhouse attached to your home is that you can actually use the heat of the greenhouse to warm your house. Who doesn't love saving on heating bills?
Just careful that the bugs that are enjoying their greenhouse paradise don't get too curious and start wandering into your kitchen.
11. Gothic Style Greenhouse
The shape of this design allows for snow and rain to just run off the sides. I think it's an absolutely beautiful look with the pointed gothic-like roof that is perfect for anyone from novice to expert grower. The structure is secure and the shape allows a lot of room for movement inside.
12. Lean-To Greenhouse
One of the biggest benefits to the lean-to greenhouse is it takes up a lot less space. This is a great design for people living in a suburban setting who may not have a big enough yard for a detached greenhouse.
They all receive some of the heating coming from the wall they are leaning against.
13. Ornate Glasshouse
One trend that I am absolutely in love with is the glasshouse for people and plants. This becomes an artistic room filled with heat-loving plants that you can enjoy as well. Set up a bistro table, maybe a sofa, your easel, and canvas, or whatever you use to relax.
14. Greenhouse with a Pool
Ever think of your greenhouse size and making it big enough to fit a pool? Well, I hadn't until I saw this picture! I mean, it makes sense, the greenhouse is so warm it would naturally heat your pool without having to pay those extra high heating bills. People continue to impress me.
15. Freestanding Lean-To Greenhouse
Take a look at this contemporary design that has the shape of a lean-to greenhouse, only it's not actually leaning to anything. It is freestanding and due to its design allows a lot of light to enter.
Lean-To greenhouse sizes can vary a lot so plan yours accordingly to your property.
16. Large Raised Beds
A large enough greenhouse to fit impressive raised beds and still have lots of room to walk around. Having easy access to your plants can be important and will make your life a lot easier. Plenty of head space and wide paths so you can carry things in and out with ease.
17. Geodome Greenhouse
So the thing about the geodesic design is that it is structurally much more strong than the typical rectangle building. The pattern formed with triangles takes on a lot more while having less surface area.
The rounded shape also allows wind to pass by easily, and rain and snow to simply runoff.
18. Tiny House Greenhouse
A tiny greenhouse to match the tiny house. So adorable! This is a great example of just how small you can get with a greenhouse while it still being functional and aesthetically beautiful.
Obviously, the costs of such a small building will be much less but so will space for plants. If you are a hobby farmer though, maybe this is all you need to get your seedlings started.