Small Polycarbonate Greenhouses: Complete Guide to Choosing A Polycarbonate Greenhouse For A Small Garden
For gardening enthusiasts with limited space, small polycarbonate greenhouses offer the perfect solution for year-round growing. These compact structures, typically 4x6ft and under, provide an ideal environment for nurturing plants, or growing vegetables and herbs whilst fitting snugly into modest gardens.
Whether you're a beginner looking to start your growing journey or a more seasoned gardener seeking to extend your growing season, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect small polycarbonate greenhouse.
What Is A Polycarbonate Greenhouse?
You may already know what a polycarbonate greenhouse is, but, for those that have landed here and don't really know, here is a quick explanation.
A polycarbonate greenhouse is a type of greenhouse that uses polycarbonate panels instead of traditional glass. Polycarbonate greenhouses are generally cheaper, depending on quality and build type, and offer a durable, lightweight plastic that is known for excellent insulation. They come in several different build types, including being double or triple walled, making them super insulators.
Whilst also letting as much light as possible transmit through, they make great greenhouses for those looking to grow plants and vegetables year round.
Polycarbonate Greenhouses For Smaller Gardens
Small polycarbonate greenhouses come in various dimensions to suit different garden spaces. They can also be standalone, and lean to also, requiring even less space.
The most popular sizes for smaller greenhouses are 4x4ft and 4x6ft. You can also go as far to say a 6x6ft polycarbonate greenhouse could work in a smaller garden too, but it all depends on how much space you are happy for one to take up.
Most smaller greenhouses, especially within the 4x4 and 6x4ft range will feature a single door of around 2ft, and will easily accommodate 2-4 staging and growing areas.
If your garden allows for it, we would always recommend a 6x4ft polycarbonate greenhouse for small gardens, due to the enhanced growing space, which of course, is why you are looking for a greenhouse in the first place.
It's important to remember that when planning your greenhouse location, we recommend to allow an additional 2ft clearance on all sides for maintenance access and proper ventilation.
Essential Features to Consider When Shopping For Your Polycarbonate Greenhouse
Check For Adequate Ventilation
First up is a ventilation system. The more affordable options should all feature at least one vent, usually on the roof, which can be opened and closed manually. This is essential, as ventilation is needed for the best growing environment.
Some more expensive options do have automated roof vents, but a manual vent is usually really easy to operate and more than sufficient, especially when on a budget.
What Material Is The Frame Made From?
Most small polycarbonate greenhouses will be made from aluminium or steel when it comes to the frame.
Be sure to check the frame is treated, and look for rust free aluminium and steel to avoid issues with weathering. Most high quality polycarbonate greenhouses will be framed in rust free aluminium or steel.
Do You Have A Solid Base To Build On?
A solid base is essential for a greenhouse. Smaller polycarbonate greenhouses can easily sit on a patio, but it is essential that wherever you intend to assemble your greenhouse, that is as a level, strong base.
This would be patio, stone or concrete. Most polycarbonate greenhouses will come with a solid base built into them, such as galvanised steel, but the greenhouse will need to sit on a solid footing, which you need to make sure you have in place.
Recommended 6x4 Polycarbonate Greenhouses For Small Gardens
Canopia By Palram Hybrid 6x4 Silver Polycarbonate Greenhouse
This silver polycarbonate greenhouse from Canopia by Palram is a high quality greenhouse with everything you need, including roof ventilation and sliding door, in a traditional silver frame. This greenhouse has everything you need from a top quality build.
A silver rust free aluminium frame, built in manual roof vent, and built in gutter system.
Canopia By Palram Harmony Green 6 x 4 ft Greenhouse
This option which is similar to the Hyrid option above, but comes in a really nice powder coated green finish. Built with a rust free alumnium frame and high quality crystal clear polycarbonate glazing. This also comes with a steel base too. This also includes a manual air vent and gutter system for rainwater collection.
Polycarbonate Lean-To Greenhouse 4x6
This one is a really interesting 4x6 option that is slightly different from the traditional greenhouse. This lean to 4x6 polycarbonate greenhouse is perfect for those that can build a greenhouse against a wall or fence.
You will need a solid structure (wall or fence) which is ideally level and smooth to build against, but this one opens up a different shape of 4x6 greenhouse that is deeper, as opposed wider. Complete with sliding door and air vent in the rood, the Storemore lean to greenhouse is great for those looking to really maximise their garden space.
Ready To Buy Your Small Polycarbonate Greenhouse For Your Garden?
Small polycarbonate greenhouses offer an excellent solution for year-round growing in limited spaces and as shown above, there are different styles available. You can browse all of our polycarbonate greenhouses on our site, including larger options too.
View Polycarbonate Greenhouses
Just remember that when choosing your greenhouse, prioritise ventilation, build quality, and appropriate sizing for your space. You should also make sure you have a level, solid base to build your greenhouse on.
Consider future needs and opt for features that will enhance your growing experience. With proper maintenance and care, these structures provide years of reliable service for successful plant and vegetable cultivation.
