Plastic Greenhouses

How We Help You Find the Ideal Plastic Greenhouse

Our goal is to help you discover the perfect Plastic Greenhouse that fits your gardening needs, whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or starting a hobby greenhouse. However, we also want to help people who may be looking for more niche products, like a plastic greenhouse with shelves, a walk in PVC greenhouse, or some other kind of small plastic greenhouse from a UK brand. We provide detailed reviews and comparisons to make your decision easier, ensuring that you choose the best option for your garden.

What Defines a Plastic Greenhouse

A Plastic Greenhouse is an outdoor structure used to create a controlled growing environment for plants, primarily made using plastic materials for the frame, glazing, or covering. Traditionally, plastic greenhouses refer to models with plastic frames and polycarbonate or polyethylene panels. However, the term can also include polytunnels, which are covered with plastic sheeting. These greenhouses offer an affordable and lightweight alternative to glass and metal greenhouses, providing a practical solution for many gardeners.

Key Factors You Should Consider When Choosing a Plastic Greenhouse

1. Frame Material

Plastic greenhouses typically use PVC or polypropylene for the frame, with some models incorporating metal frames for added strength:

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Common in budget greenhouses, PVC frames are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to assemble, providing structural support for small to medium greenhouses.
Polypropylene: A stronger material than PVC, polypropylene frames offer better durability and weather resistance for mid-range greenhouses.

Benefits: Plastic frames are lightweight, making them easy to move and set up, and they resist rust and corrosion, which is common with metal frames.

Some greenhouses also feature steel frames but are still classified as plastic greenhouses due to their polycarbonate or plastic glazing panels, offering more strength while keeping costs lower than metal alternatives.

2. Glazing or Covering

The choice of glazing or covering material is key to how well the greenhouse insulates and protects your plants:

Polycarbonate Panels: A durable, shatter-resistant plastic used for glazing. It comes in single-wall or multi-wall options, with multi-wall polycarbonate providing better insulation.
Single-Wall Polycarbonate: More affordable, but less insulated. Best for mild climates.
Multi-Wall Polycarbonate: Superior thermal insulation and light diffusion, making it suitable for year-round use.

Benefits: Polycarbonate panels are lightweight, UV-resistant, and shatterproof, making them ideal for a low-maintenance greenhouse.

Polyethylene Film (Plastic Sheeting): Commonly used in polytunnels, this material is UV-treated and provides a temporary, flexible covering for larger structures.

Polytunnels are tunnel-shaped structures made from plastic frames covered with polyethylene, offering an affordable option for gardeners needing temporary protection for plants.

3. Types of Plastic Used in Plastic Greenhouses

PVC: Used for frames and joints in smaller or budget greenhouses. Lightweight and resistant to weathering, though it can become brittle over time with prolonged UV exposure.
Polypropylene: More durable than PVC, used in mid-range greenhouses. It resists impact and weather, offering a balance between strength and affordability.
Polycarbonate: Used for glazing panels, polycarbonate is shatterproof and UV-resistant, offering better insulation in both single-wall and multi-wall forms.
Polyethylene Film (Polytunnels): Flexible and affordable, polyethylene sheeting is used in polytunnels, though it is less durable and needs periodic replacement.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Greenhouses

Advantages:
Cost-Effective: Plastic greenhouses are more affordable than glass or metal alternatives.
Lightweight: Materials like PVC and polycarbonate are much lighter, making them easy to install and relocate.
Weather-Resistant: Plastic frames and panels resist rust, corrosion, and UV damage.
Shatterproof: Polycarbonate glazing is shatterproof, making it safer for homes with children or pets.

Disadvantages:
Durability: Plastic greenhouses may not be as durable as metal or wood structures, especially in harsh climates.
UV Degradation: Some plastics, especially PVC, can degrade and become brittle with constant UV exposure.
Temperature Regulation: Polyethylene-covered polytunnels offer less temperature regulation and insulation compared to polycarbonate panels, making them less efficient for year-round use.

A Smart Choice for Affordable Growing Solutions

A Plastic Greenhouse is defined by its use of plastic materials for either the frame, glazing, or covering. These greenhouses range from PVC or polypropylene-framed structures with polycarbonate glazing to polytunnels covered in polyethylene film. Plastic greenhouses are an affordable, lightweight, and low-maintenance solution for gardeners. However, the choice of material—polycarbonate for glazing or plastic sheeting for polytunnels—will affect durability, insulation, and overall performance. By selecting the right materials for your needs, you can ensure that your greenhouse serves you well, whether you’re a hobbyist or a serious grower.