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Your greenhouse size can decide what kind of grower you can be. A smaller frame suits herbs, salad leaves, and a handful of tomatoes. A larger one, in contrast, opens the door to year-round harvest, not to mention the extra space to move around. But where does small end and large begin?
Different Greenhouse Sizes for Your Growing Plans
The good news is, there’s a greenhouse size out there for every grower, including you. Let’s take a look at the options:
Small greenhouses
Small greenhouses fall between 3×6 and 6×6 in size, depending on the model and brand. Some retailers also provide mini greenhouses and cold frames (which you can’t walk inside) in this range. Small greenhouses are worth considering if you’re a beginner or a seasoned one working with limited space. Such frames can slot into your garden’s corner or a patio—inside, you have enough space to grow a mix of potted crops.
Think herbs, salad leaves, peppers, chillies, and a few tomato plants. You can also add shelves, where you keep pots above, while leaving the floor free for taller plants.
A fitting example is the BillyOh 4000 Lincoln Wooden Greenhouse. Shelves along the sides hold potted plants at different levels, rather than crowding. This layout makes the most out of the space despite the structure’s size. A 6×6 dimension is also available if you need a bit more room.
Medium greenhouses
If your garden is medium-sized, a 6×8 to 10×12 greenhouse would fit it. It’s perfect if you want more than a starter setup but aren’t ready to commit to a large model.
With this space, you can plan more variety. For instance, tomatoes and cucumbers can take one side, while herbs or flowers can take the other. And there’s room for staging, so you can keep pots at waist height and leave the floor clear for larger crops.
But since it’ll hold more air and plants, a medium greenhouse with roof vents or louvre panels will come in handy. The BillyOh Switch fits the bill. You may be spending longer on watering than with a smaller frame, but the extra space gives you more to grow. It’s not too small to limit you and not too big to manage.
Large greenhouses
Large greenhouses typically start around 10×12 and go up to 12×20 or more. At these sizes, you get the freedom to grow almost anything you like. You can plant your layout better and enjoy the flexibility through the seasons. Young plants in spring, heat-loving crops in summer, and extend into autumn and winter.
This is the ideal choice if you have a big space to spare. But of course, a large, walk in greenhouse means more commitment. Then again, the reward is a harvest that keeps your kitchen stocked for most of the year.
How to Decide on Your Greenhouse Size
It comes down to three things: space, plants, and maintenance.
- Measure your garden and see what fits without taking over (remember the 50% planning permission rule).
- Picture your planting. Consider how many plants you’d like in one season, not just what you want to try first.
- Look at the care you can give. Bigger spaces bring more choice but also more jobs to do.
Settle on a size that makes sense for your garden and your time. Once you’ve decided, here are some Greenhouse Ideas to Get the Most From Your Garden.
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