Greenhouses

Greenhouses and Growhouses for Extending the Growing Season

A British growing season is short enough without losing weeks at either end to unpredictable frost, and a proper greenhouse gives seedlings, tomatoes and tender plants the head start they need. Whether you're after a compact growhouse for a small patio, a full-sized glass greenhouse for serious growing, or a polytunnel-style structure for maximum space at a lower cost, FastDaddyshop stocks greenhouses and growing structures to suit gardens of every size. On our site you can order mini growhouses under 1 x 1 metre for balconies and patios, aluminium-framed glass greenhouses from 6 x 8 feet upwards, and polycarbonate-panelled models that offer better insulation than glass alone.

Choosing a greenhouse: what our customers ask most

• Glass or polycarbonate panels — which is better? Our consultants often advise polycarbonate for better insulation and shatter-resistance, which suits families with children or exposed, windy plots, while glass offers superior light transmission for serious growers prioritising plant health over durability. From the experience of FastDaddyshop's managers, polycarbonate is usually the better choice for a first-time greenhouse owner specifically.
• What size greenhouse suits an average garden? In practice, a 6 x 8 feet greenhouse comfortably fits most standard UK gardens and gives enough growing space for a genuine variety of plants, while smaller 4 x 6 feet models suit tighter plots without overwhelming the space. Our managers have found oversized greenhouses in small gardens are a common regret once positioned.
• How much can a greenhouse extend the growing season? From experience, a well-sited greenhouse can add 4–6 weeks at either end of the growing season by protecting plants from frost down to around -2°C, though we'd flag an expert caution: unheated greenhouses still need ventilation on warmer days to prevent plants overheating and scorching.

Once your greenhouse is in place, it's worth thinking about the rest of the growing space around it. Many of our customers add garden planters for additional growing space outside the greenhouse, bring in fencing for boundary and wind protection, or use tool storage to keep everything needed for the greenhouse close to hand. Browse the full FastDaddyshop garden range to complete the growing space.