Classic Lean To Mini Greenhouses

FAQs

• What’s the difference between lean to greenhouses and normal greenhouses?

  As opposed to free-standing greenhouses, small lean to greenhouses have no glass at the back as they are designed to be placed against an outside wall. So they only have three sides and not four. But there is no difference to what can be grown in either.

• What are the benefits of a Lean to Greenhouse?

  One of the main benefits of a lean-to greenhouse as opposed to a freestanding greenhouse is the warmth provided by the wall.

  Glass traps heat, so in the daytime the greenhouse will warm up once the sun is on it. The bricks or concrete will absorb this heat during the day and then give it off in the evening – extending the growing day and also reducing the drop in temperatures over night.

  With a south facing wall, this effect is especially marked, particularly early in the season.

  If you do not have a wall, if the greenhouse is screwed to something solid, then this will generally still be warmer than a glass back.

• How do you attach a lean to greenhouse to a wall?

  Our small lean to greenhouses can be easily fixed to a wall using the stainless steel screws provided.

  However, if the wall you have in mind is far from level, do take a look at our guide to fixing a lean to greenhouse to an uneven wall.

• Do you need to anchor a lean to greenhouse?

  As they are fixed to a wall using stainless steel screws, our classic small lean to greenhouses are extremely stable, even in high winds. However, in windy conditions, do remember to ensure all of the glass panels are slid shut.

• Can you put a lean to greenhouse against a fence?

  For reasons of both safety and practicality, we would not recommend putting a small lean to greenhouse against a fence, unless that fence is extremely sturdy.

  Plus, if fitted to a fence your lean to greenhouse will not benefit from the additional warmth generated by brick or stonework.

  If no suitable wall is available, there’s always the option to add one of our glass backs and transform your small lean into a free-standing greenhouse.

• How do you build a lean to greenhouse?

  Like a lot of lean to greenhouses kits, ours are self-assembly. We’ll provide everything you need to easily construct your small lean to greenhouse, plus clear and comprehensive step-by-step instructions.

  If you’re unsure about any aspect of assembly, all you have to do is give us a call and we’ll be only too happy to help.

• Do I need planning permission for a lean to greenhouse?

  Due to their small size, and the fact that they can be classed as a temporary structure, it is highly unlikely that your mini lean to greenhouse will require planning permission.

  However, as regulations differ from council to council, you may want to contact your local authority for full clarification.

• How do I heat a small lean to greenhouse?

  Although there will be plenty of heat radiated from the rear wall, you may want to consider adding additional warmth in the coldest of months, or if you are growing a crop which is particularly susceptible to low temperatures.

  Our guide to insulating a small lean to greenhouse covers all you need to know.

• What direction should a lean to greenhouse face?

  The simple answer to this question is where it will receive plenty of sun, allowing you to obtain the maximum amount of heat radiating from the rear wall.

  However, in whatever direction your small lean to greenhouse is facing, there’ll be plenty of crops and plants that will thrive. For example, a north-facing lean to will be ideal for shade loving plants and decorative foliage.

• What should I grow in a lean to greenhouse?

  The versatility of a small lean to greenhouse means that there is very little which can’t be grown in one. The only limit is the size and height of your intended crop, obviously.

  As well as the ideal environment to start off seedlings and harden off young plants, you could choose any number of flowers, herbs and vegetables, from tomatoes and chillies to courgettes and winter lettuce.

• What’s the difference between our classic and value mini lean to greenhouses?

  While constructed to the same high standards, our competitively-priced value range of lean to greenhouses are something of a ‘no frills option’ without many of the extras included in our classic range.

  Although these extras, such as watering systems and centre staging, can be purchased for an additional cost.

  And while the classic mini lean to greenhouses have 4mm glass, value ones use 3mm, although both use toughened safety glass.

  Likewise, value lean-tos do not have handles which run the full length of the glass, and their shelves have round bars instead of the strong square ones used for classic shelving.

  For more information, take a look at our Infographic