Small Lean To Greenhouses

About Our Small Lean-To Greenhouses

Small lean-to greenhouses attach directly to an existing wall, making them perfect for patios, courtyards, and compact gardens where space is limited. These clever structures borrow warmth from your house or garage wall, creating a heat-efficient growing environment that extends your season by 6-8 weeks compared to outdoor beds. You'll find models just 4ft 3" wide that fit beautifully against any solid wall.

Our collection includes premium aluminium-framed options like the Elite Windsor 4ft Wide Lean-to Greenhouse with its 10 powder-coated colour choices, the Elite Kensington 4ft Wide Greenhouse featuring toughened safety glass, and the Vitavia Ida Lean-to Greenhouse with 3mm horticultural glass. Every model comes with free UK delivery and warranties ranging from 5 to 20 years, giving you complete confidence in your investment.

Choosing the Right Size

Size matters for lean-to greenhouses. A 4x2 model gives you enough space for 8-10 tomato plants or a productive herb garden, while a 6x4 structure accommodates staging on one side and growing beds on the other. Most small lean-tos stand around 6ft tall, providing comfortable headroom without overwhelming your garden.

Choosing Your Material & Glazing

Material choice impacts both maintenance and longevity. Our aluminium frames require virtually no upkeep and last 10+ years without rust or rot. These are paired with either 3mm polycarbonate for superior insulation and safety or 4mm toughened glass for traditional clarity. Prices start from £175 for compact polycarbonate models and reach £2,199 for premium glass-glazed structures with professional installation. Our Greenhouse Buyers Guide helps you compare features, or browse our Mini Greenhouses if you need something even more compact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Lean-To Greenhouses

• What is a small lean-to greenhouse?

  A small lean-to greenhouse is a space-saving structure that attaches to an existing wall of your house, garage, or garden building. It uses the wall as one side, reducing materials and costs while borrowing heat from the building. These models typically measure 4-8ft wide and are perfect for patios, courtyards, or narrow side passages where a freestanding greenhouse won't fit.

• How much do small lean-to greenhouses cost?

  Small lean-to greenhouses start from £175 for basic 4x2 polycarbonate models and range up to £2,199 for premium 6x4 glass-glazed structures. Aluminium-framed models with horticultural glass typically cost £800-£1,400. Prices include free UK mainland delivery, and you can add professional installation from £299 depending on size and your location.

• What wall do I need for a lean-to greenhouse?

  You need a solid, sturdy wall made of brick, stone, or block construction that can support the greenhouse frame. Your house wall, garage, or a substantial garden wall all work well. South-facing walls receive maximum sunlight (6-8 hours daily), making them ideal for tomatoes and peppers, while east or west-facing positions suit salad crops and herbs. Check our How to Build a Greenhouse Base guide for ground preparation requirements.

• Do I need a base for a small lean-to greenhouse?

  Yes, you need a solid, level base for stability and longevity. Most gardeners use 2-3 paving slabs for small models (4x2 or 4x4), while larger structures benefit from a concrete pad or gravel base with timber edging. The base should extend 2-3 inches beyond the frame on all sides and be perfectly level within 5mm. Small lean-tos are 30-40% faster to install than freestanding models but still need proper foundations.

• What can I grow in a small lean-to greenhouse?

  Small lean-to greenhouses excel at growing tomatoes (2-3 plants per square foot), cucumbers, peppers, and chillies during summer months. Year-round, you'll successfully grow herbs like basil, parsley, coriander, and mint. They're brilliant for overwintering tender plants such as fuchsias, geraniums, and citrus trees, plus hardening off seedlings in spring. The borrowed wall heat extends your growing season by 6-8 weeks at both ends of the year.

• How do I add accessories like staging or extra vents?

  We make this simple. On each greenhouse product page, we list all compatible accessories—from staging and shelving to extra vents and rainwater kits. You can select everything you need in one place, ensuring it's perfectly tailored to your chosen greenhouse model before you add it to your basket. This means you see only the accessories that actually work with the greenhouse you're buying. We've been selling greenhouses for over 15 years and know exactly what fits.