About Our Urban Greenhouses
Our urban greenhouse range features 20 models designed for city gardens, courtyards, balconies, and narrow side passages. Prices start from £380 for the Elite Easygrow 2x4 Lean To. Every model in this collection fits spaces where a standard greenhouse would not. We stock compact freestanding units, wall-mounted lean-to greenhouses, and slim apex designs that squeeze into gaps as narrow as 2ft.
If you think your garden is too small for a greenhouse, this range proves otherwise. The Access Westminster 1x3 Lean To occupies just 1ft x 3ft of wall space. For slightly more room, the Elite Compact 4x4 provides 16 sq ft of growing area without dominating a small plot. All models come with free UK delivery, and our professional installation service is available if you would rather we handle the build.
Why We Chose This Range
"We have fitted hundreds of greenhouses in tight urban spaces over the past 14 years. The biggest mistake people make is buying a standard greenhouse and hoping it fits. It never does. That is why we hand-picked this collection. The Elite Easygrow 2x4 is our most popular urban model. It bolts flat against a wall and gives you proper growing depth. We recommend the High Eave Apex Lean To when customers need headroom for tomatoes and climbing crops. Every model here uses the same high-grade aluminium profiles and integral guttering as our full-sized structures. You are not sacrificing quality for size."
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse StoresTypes of Urban Greenhouses We Offer
Lean-To Greenhouses
Wall-mounted designs from £380 that share heat with your house wall. The Elite Easygrow 2x4 and Access Westminster 1x3 fit against any south or west-facing wall. Lean-to models reduce winter heating costs by 30-40% compared to freestanding units. We fit these regularly in terraced house passages and courtyard gardens across the UK.
Compact Freestanding
The Elite Compact and Elite Streamline ranges provide freestanding growing space from just 4x4ft. Starting from £589, these models suit small greenhouses buyers who want 360-degree light access. The Streamline 5x4 is only 4ft wide. It fits narrow gardens where a standard 6ft-wide model would block the path.
Apex Lean-To
The Elite Apex Lean To range combines wall-mounting with a traditional peaked roof. Available in 4x2, 4x4, and 5x4 sizes from £
High Eave Lean-To
The Elite High Eave 6x2 and 6x4 Apex Lean To models start from £549. The raised eave height gives an extra 300mm of headroom at the sides compared to standard lean-to designs. When we install these, customers are always surprised by how much usable vertical space they gain. Perfect for tall crops like cordon tomatoes, cucumbers, and climbing beans.
Quick Guide: Measuring for an Urban Greenhouse
Measure your available space and subtract 150mm on each side for wall clearance and gutter overhang. For lean-to models, check the wall height at the fixing point. The Elite Easygrow 2x4 needs a minimum wall height of 1.8m. If you have balcony garden ideas, the Access Westminster 1x3 is compact enough for a large balcony with structural support.
Matt's Installation Tip
Urban installations are our trickiest jobs. Access is the number one problem. We regularly carry greenhouse panels through houses, over fences, and down narrow alleyways. Before ordering, measure your narrowest access point. The largest panel on an Elite Compact 4x4 is 1,250mm x 600mm. If your side gate is narrower than 650mm, we assemble panels on-site instead. Contact us before ordering if access is tight. We will do a free site assessment. Read our greenhouse base guide for foundation preparation in confined spaces.
Urban Greenhouse Comparison
| Model | Size | Glazing | Price From | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Easygrow 2x4 Lean To — Matt's Pick | 2x4ft | Horticultural | £380 | Tightest spaces |
| Access Westminster 1x3 Lean To | 1x3ft | Toughened | £485 | Window-side growing |
| Elite Compact 4x4 | 4x4ft | Horticultural | £589 | Small freestanding |
| Elite High Eave 6x2 Apex Lean To | 6x2ft | Horticultural | £549 | Tall plant growing |
| Elite Streamline 5x4 | 5x4ft | Toughened | £759 | Narrow gardens |
Budget guide: lean-to models for urban spaces range from £380 to £899 depending on size and glazing type. Freestanding compact models start from £589. All prices include free UK mainland delivery. Upgrade to toughened safety glass for an additional £100-£150 on most models. Add greenhouse staging to maximise vertical growing space in compact footprints.
Key features to look for: integrated guttering, sliding doors that do not swing outward, and automatic roof vents. These are essential in enclosed urban spaces where temperatures climb fast. Read our urban gardening guide for growing tips specific to city environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the smallest greenhouse you sell for urban gardens?
The Access Westminster 1x3 Lean To is our smallest at just 1ft x 3ft. It mounts flat against a wall and occupies only 3 sq ft of ground space. Despite its compact size, it provides enough room for 6-8 small pots or a dedicated herb station. The toughened glass panels make it safe for busy garden paths and children's play areas.
-
How much do urban greenhouses cost?
Our urban greenhouses range from £380 to £899. The Elite Easygrow 2x4 Lean To starts from £380 with horticultural glass. The Elite Compact 4x4 freestanding model starts from £589. Upgrading to toughened safety glass adds £100-£150 on most models. All prices include free UK mainland delivery.
-
Can I fit a greenhouse against a house wall?
Yes, lean-to greenhouses bolt directly to any solid wall. We fit lean-to models against brick, stone, rendered, and block walls. The wall provides structural support and shares stored heat, reducing winter heating costs by 30-40%. Your wall needs to be at least 1.8m high at the fixing point. We supply all wall fixings and flashing strips to prevent water ingress at the junction.
-
Do I need planning permission for an urban greenhouse?
Most urban greenhouses fall under permitted development rights. Structures under 2.5m in height within 2m of a boundary do not require planning permission in England and Wales. All models in this range meet that threshold. If you live in a conservation area or your property is listed, check with your local planning authority before ordering. We can provide technical drawings for planning applications if needed.
-
What can I grow in a 2x4ft greenhouse?
A 2x4ft greenhouse supports herbs, salad leaves, and seed starting. We recommend mini greenhouses for dedicated propagation. With staging, a 2x4ft space holds 12–15 pots of herbs or 200+ seedlings in spring trays. You can also overwinter tender plants like fuchsias and geraniums. Add a small electric heater (60W) to maintain 5°C minimum through winter.
-
Is a lean-to or freestanding greenhouse better for a small garden?
Lean-to models save the most space and benefit from wall heat. When we install in urban gardens, we recommend lean-to designs for spaces under 3m wide. They use the existing wall as one side, so you gain growing space without sacrificing path width. Freestanding models like the Elite Compact 4x4 greenhouses suit gardens where you have a central plot but limited width. Freestanding units receive light from all sides, which produces more even plant growth.
-
How do I ventilate a greenhouse in an enclosed urban space?
Automatic roof vents are essential for urban greenhouses. Enclosed city gardens trap heat, and temperatures inside a small greenhouse can exceed 40°C on a sunny day. All Elite models include at least one roof vent as standard. We strongly recommend fitting an automatic vent opener (around £25) that activates at 15°C. For lean-to models against south-facing walls, consider adding a louvre vent in the side panel for cross-ventilation.