How our greenhouse recommendations work

Our recommendations help you choose a greenhouse for a particular garden and growing routine. There is no single winner for every site: a compact walk-in, wall greenhouse and shallow growhouse solve different problems. A smaller footprint can mean less working room; clear glazing does not remove the need for safe retention; an included perimeter base is not the same thing as a finished foundation.

What we compare

For a named model, we use its retailer or manufacturer information to compare external dimensions, door access, frame and glazing, ventilation, included components and foundation requirements. Nominal sizes such as “6 × 4” are a format label, not a construction drawing. The exact model's assembly instructions take priority when preparing its site.

We also explain what those specifications mean in use: whether staging leaves an aisle, a wall needs suitable fixings, a vent can open behind nearby foliage, and a larger structure still leaves outside maintenance access. For the measurements to take at home, use greenhouse dimensions explained.

What a recommendation does—and does not—mean

The shortlists combine published model information with practical comparisons of space, access, included components and compatibility. We explain the reason for each selection and the constraints that matter for the garden or job.

“Best” means a recommended fit for the stated job and the options covered on that page. It does not mean we have assessed every greenhouse sold in the UK. Read the reason for each selection and its limitations, then compare them with your own priorities.

Why we do not rank by price alone

The whole project includes a foundation, access arrangements and any equipment the chosen crop needs. An apparently cheaper structure may need a separate base or additional ventilation. Our greenhouse cost guide helps organise those items without treating a temporary offer as a permanent budget.

An accessory must also fit the job. A roof opener is not automatically suitable for a louvre, a gravity-fed dripper is not interchangeable with a pressurised tap system, and clips or glazing seals must match the frame. A useful buying guide makes these restrictions visible before the purchase.

Where to begin

Use the greenhouse buying hub for the main decision routes, the small-garden comparison for compact formats, or the UK greenhouse shortlist for a broader starting point. The RHS guide to choosing a greenhouse provides a useful independent overview of formats and materials.

Our editorial policy explains sourcing and imagery. If you find a model detail that appears wrong or has changed, contact us with the page address and the manufacturer's supporting information.