Which Greenhouse Size is Right for You? A Discussion of Greenhouse Dimensions & Size Options

3'9 x 1'6 Forest Georgian Tall Wall Lean to Greenhouse with Auto Vent (1.19m x 0.5m) - Click HERE to View

Choosing the right greenhouse size for your garden is the key to striking the correct balance between a relaxing space and a productive garden. Greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes for all kinds of gardeners. The first-time producer or amateur gardener might choose a small greenhouse or even a cold frame, while a more experienced gardener (space permitting) will opt for a more expansive greenhouse with storage options. If you do not fall into either category, do not worry, we have many greenhouse styles available.

We sell various greenhouse dimensions to fit any size garden or outside space. We have mini-greenhouses, small greenhouses, medium, large and commercial-size greenhouses. Moreover, all our greenhouses are available with adaption options. Let us kick off our greenhouse sizes blog with mini greenhouses.

Our mini greenhouses are small but perfectly formed. The sizes range from 4’x2’ up to 6’x2’. Some options are taller than others, perfect for small gardens as they make the most of your vertical space. Our mini greenhouses come in traditional wooden designs and metal.

The Forest Georgian Tall Wall Lean-to-Greenhouse combines a practical greenhouse size and a pleasing aesthetic.

A small greenhouse is bigger than the mini greenhouses but smaller than our medium size. With plenty of storage space and lots of glass or Perspex panels, small greenhouses are available in a range of sizes from 4’x2’ to 6’x10’, with many greenhouse sizes in between.

Here are a few of our favourite small greenhouses:

• Coppice Ashdown Apex Painted Wooden Greenhouse
• Forest Victorian Walkaround Greenhouse
• Forest Wallscape Lean-to Greenhouse with Glazed Back – a “lean to” is a style of greenhouse, which has no back panel and attaches to a surface such as a fence or existing wall (e.g. garage wall)
• Palram Canopia Harmony Small Green Greenhouse

Our small greenhouses are compact and perfectly formed, ready for use in the smaller size outside space.

One step up from a small greenhouse is the medium greenhouse. Made for medium-sized gardens and outdoor spaces, a medium greenhouse will house many plants. Most homes find a medium-sized greenhouse big enough to hold several seed trays, at least six large tomato plants, and various herbs and flowers. With even more space for vertical gardening, you can also grow climbing producers like cucumbers, beans and peas. The greenhouse dimensions of a medium-sized unit perfectly balance space and manageability, making it an ideal choice for enthusiastic gardeners looking to expand their plant collection.

Large greenhouses are smaller than commercial greenhouses but are big enough to be considered sufficiently large for market gardeners. These gardeners grow enough food for themselves and their wider family and sell the remainder. The best greenhouse size for a market gardener is between 6'x10' and 10'x24' (such as this Palram Canopia 10’x24’ Balance Silver Large Greenhouse). Any greenhouse sizes more extensive than this are considered commercial and are listed below. These larger greenhouses offer ample space for a diverse range of produce and crops, ensuring market gardeners can maximise their yield and profitability.

Commercial greenhouses are the largest and are not usually applicable to domestic settings. If you have an extra-large garden or plot of land and want to grow commercially, you may need planning permission (see below for more details).

Our commercial greenhouse sizes are as follows:

• 10’x20’
• 10’x24’
• 10’x28’
• 10’x32’

With that expanse of a greenhouse, you need a backup building. This includes storage sheds for garden tools and machinery and storage space for potting benches, garden furniture and additional equipment. Explore all our commercial size greenhouse dimensions here.

The most popular greenhouses in meters and feet are within five brackets: 6’x4’, 6’x6’, 6’x8’, 8’x10’ and 8’x12’. Below are some great picks in those sizes to give you a taste of greenhouse life.

(approximately 1.83m x 1.22m) - Ideal for compact gardens, offering sufficient space for small-scale planting

Here are three great options for people who want this popular size:

• Forest Wallscape Lean-to Greenhouse with a Solid Back
• Halls Aluminium Frame Polycarbonate Greenhouse
• Palram Canopia Hybrid Samm Polycarbonate Greenhouse

Compact gardens cry out for Palram, Forest and Halls compact greenhouse dimensions.

(approximately 1.83m x 1.83m) - A versatile size for hobby gardeners, allowing for more growing room

6’x6’ is a practical size for home grow enthusiasts; we sell 22 different styles, including the following greenhouses:

• Coppice Hatfield Lean to Painted Wooden Greenhouse
• Halls Green Frame Polycarbonate Greenhouse
• Palram Canopia Hybrid Small Green Polycarbonate Greenhouse
• Palram Canopia Mythos Green Polycarbonate Greenhouse

If you need a growing room, one of the above is perfect for you.

(approximately 1.83m x 2.44m) – This is a very popular size for general use, providing ample space to grow plants and store tools

A 6ft by 8ft greenhouse offers a versatile space for various plants. You can comfortably fit several seed trays on staging shelves, which are perfect for starting seedlings. Along one side, you can place around 7 to 8 large pots, ideal for growing tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Why not buy the Palram Canopia Hybrid Walk-In Silver Polycarbonate Greenhouse, a classic style that will never let your seedlings down?

(approximately 2.44m x 3.05m) - Suitable for larger gardens, 8’x10’ greenhouses accommodate a wider range of plants and activities

8’x10’ is an optimal greenhouse size for bigger gardens. 2.44m x 3.05m size greenhouse provides ample space for a wide range of produce and food producing activities. It can accommodate multiple rows of vegetables, a variety of flowers, and even a small potting bench or shelf for your gardening tasks.

(approximately 2.44m x 3.66m) - A medium-sized option ideal for semi-professional growing or for gardeners with more ambitious plans

This greenhouse size offers ample space for various plants that produce fruit or vegetables, allowing for more extensive cultivation and additional gardening equipment. If you need a medium to large-sized greenhouse, then 8’x12’ is the perfect size for edible productivity.

As you can see, the best-sized greenhouse is the one that fits your garden and meets your needs, whether it is a greenhouse, shed or cold frame.

When choosing the best greenhouse size, consider your requirements, the available garden space, and your budget. A small greenhouse might be perfect for hobbyists with limited space, while a medium-sized one suits most home gardeners. Larger greenhouses are ideal for those with lots of open space and a desire to grow a wide variety of plants. Ultimately, the best size is one that balances your gardening ambitions with practical considerations.

In the UK, most domestic greenhouses are considered permitted development and generally do not need planning permission if they meet certain criteria:

• Maximum height - the greenhouse must not exceed 4 meters in height (3 meters if the roof is flat)
• Surface area - must not cover more than 50% of the land surrounding the original house
• Positioning - it should not be positioned in front of the house
• Conservation area - if your property is listed or in a conservation area, additional restrictions may apply, and you may need to seek planning permission regardless of size

Read more about planning permission regulations here

Choosing the right size greenhouse is key for any gardener looking for the perfect balance of productivity and practicality. Whether you have a small garden with limited space or a bigger garden with room to grow lots of plants, there is a greenhouse for you. From compact lean-to greenhouses for urban gardeners to medium-sized greenhouses for keen growers, there are many greenhouse styles to choose from. With so many sizes to choose from most gardeners can find one that fits their garden and meets their needs.

When choosing a greenhouse for your garden consider direct sunlight, good ventilation and protection from extreme weather. A good greenhouse creates the perfect environment for plants and has room for tools, shelves and even a soil border for more planting options. Additionally, features like toughened glass and roof vents help keep your tender crops and seedlings in top condition.

Ultimately the right size greenhouse depends on your gardening aspirations and the space you have. By looking at your garden layout, the prevailing wind and making sure the frame and base are strong you can create a thriving year-round growing space. From keen gardeners to beginners a greenhouse is a must-have in any garden, for those who love to grow.