A greenhouse can be as small as shelves outfitted with glass and as inexpensive as one covered with a zippered tent of clear plastic, sufficient for a small-scale hobby gardener to keep flowers or houseplant.

Hobby Greenhouses

Small scale greenhouses made of glass offer the best light transmission and heating in the day time , but with low insulating value they allow the heat to escape very quickly at night. As glass does not diffuse sunlight, it can also cause hotspots within the greenhouse, causing damage to growing plants.


Larger greenhouses come in a variety of designs for ease of access. They are often about the same size as a small storage building and are typically made of fiberglass or polyethylene films. They offer good light transmission, heat retention and are lightweight with high adaptability to just about any type of framework. They are easy to install and maintain and can also be repaired or replaced easily at reasonable costs.

Greenhouses Selection

The better greenhouses are often equipped with automatic sensors that open vents, allowing for effective ventilation and interior temperature control. Some greenhouses are also installed with a built in irrigation or misting system. Polycarbonate sheeting has become one of the newest material available for covering greenhouses. It can last longer and is able to withstand greater impacts than materials such as polythene plastic.


The number of backyard greenhouses has been rising rapidly in the past decade. Popular brands such as Rion, Solexx and Juliana have introduced a comprehensive selection of backyard greenhouses for use by the hobby gardener. When deciding on a greenhouse, make thorough research and comparison on prices and important features. If quality and warranty are of concern, go for the popular brands which have a local agent and which have readily available spare parts.

Popular Greenhouses

Some popular irrigation brands are:

• Alton Greenhouse
• Arrow
• Canopy Factory
• Essex
• Finley Products
• Grand Hideaway
• Gronhaus
• Juliana
• King Canopy
• Lidget
• Lyndhurst Edwardian
• Poly-Tex
• Riga
• Rion
• Robinsons
• Solexx
• Sundog
• Sunshine
• Weatherguard