• Greenhouses
• Aluminium Greenhouses

A Guide to Growing Success with Aluminium Greenhouses

Over my 15 years of growing plants, I've learned that choosing the right greenhouse makes all the difference. Once I switched from my old wooden structure to an aluminium model, my gardening completely changed. No more endless maintenance - just pure growing pleasure.

Picking Your Perfect Growing Space

Space planning is essential. Our range of 6ft x 4ft aluminium greenhouses excel in smaller spaces. In my own 6x4, I've managed three cucumber vines climbing the walls, 40 tomato plants thriving below, and still found room for my pepper seedlings. The vertical growing potential is remarkable.

Need more growing room? The 6ft x 6ft aluminium green houses give you that extra breathing space. You can create distinct growing zones - keeping tomatoes away from peppers makes such a difference to pollination success. I've seen gardeners grow everything from early strawberries to winter lettuce in these versatile spaces.

For ambitious growers, our best collection of 8ft x 6ft greenhouses opens up new possibilities. My neighbor runs grape vines along her roof bars, creating natural shade for summer salads below - such clever use of space.

The Real Benefits of Aluminium

After years of fighting wood rot and replacing broken plastic panels, aluminium has been a revelation. These frames stand firm through everything British weather throws at them. The toughened glass adds extra resilience - my greenhouse stayed intact through last winter's storms while nearby plastic structures suffered.

Growing Made Simple

Temperature management just works better in aluminium structures. My early sowings now thrive - last February's tomatoes gave me ripe fruit by May. Best of all? No more painting or treating frames. A quick wash of the glass panels keeps everything pristine and productive.

Your Questions Answered

These answers come from real experience setting up and using aluminium greenhouses. They cover the key points that made the biggest difference to my growing success.

• What is the best base for an aluminium greenhouse?

  A concrete base gives you the best long-term stability for an aluminium greenhouse. I've installed these on both concrete and paving slabs - concrete wins every time. That said, if your budget is tight, properly laid and leveled paving slabs work well too. The crucial part is getting the base completely level. Even a slight tilt can cause door problems and glass strain over time. Make your base slightly larger than the greenhouse footprint - you'll thank yourself later when installing guttering or adding external shelving.

• How long does an aluminium greenhouse last?

  With basic care, an aluminium greenhouse typically lasts 25-40 years or more. Unlike wooden greenhouses that need annual maintenance, aluminium frames just keep going with minimal attention. I regularly see 30-year-old aluminium greenhouses still standing strong - usually just needing new door seals or maybe a replacement pane of glass. The key to this longevity is the material's natural resistance to rust, rot, and UV damage. Regular cleaning and occasional checks of seals and fixings will keep your greenhouse in top condition for decades.

• How do you insulate an aluminium greenhouse?

  Insulating an aluminium greenhouse effectively combines several practical methods. Start with specialist horticultural bubble wrap - it's UV-stabilized and designed specifically for greenhouses. Adding thermal mass helps regulate temperature - I use black water barrels along the north wall and stone paths that absorb heat during the day. Good air sealing makes a big difference - check and replace door seals regularly and seal any gaps around vents. For winter growing, invest in proper thermal screens. On really cold nights, I use horticultural fleece directly over plants for extra protection. Remember to ventilate on sunny winter days to prevent humidity buildup.