Which Greenhouse Suits My Garden, Lean-to or Three-Quarter Span?

Lean-to Greenhouses: Making the Most of a Garden Wall

Many gardeners considering a lean-to greenhouse against a high wall often wonder about the best design. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and considerations to help you decide.

Heat Retention and Efficiency

Building a greenhouse against a wall offers a fantastic advantage in terms of heat management. The wall acts like a heat battery, absorbing warmth during the day and releasing it slowly as the temperature drops. This means:

• Reduced heat loss in winter, leading to lower heating bills.
• Ideal conditions for starting seedlings early in the season, as the ambient temperature is more stable.

Choosing the Right Design

Selecting the correct design is crucial for optimal growing conditions. When considering your options:

• Lean-to: These are generally suitable when you can use a shallower roof pitch and when your wall is of sufficient height.
• Three-quarter span: If you prefer a steeper roof pitch, or your wall is relatively low, this design is often the better choice.
  • It’s crucial to remember that a roof pitch of less than 25° can lead to condensation problems. At 25° or steeper, condensation will naturally run down the glass.

Growing Possibilities

The unique environment created by a wall-mounted greenhouse opens up a world of growing opportunities. In particular:

• Espaliering fruit trees like vines, peaches, nectarines, and kiwi against the wall is a great way to maximise space and enjoy homegrown produce.

Three-Quarter Span Advantages

For those seeking more space and design flexibility, the three-quarter span offers distinct benefits.

• Offers more height within the structure.
• Allows for a wider building.
• Provides the option to add decorative finials and cresting to the ridge, something you can’t do with a lean-to against a high wall.

Griffin Glasshouses Expertise

With a rich history in the greenhouse industry, Griffin Glasshouses brings decades of experience to your garden. We’ve honed our expertise over 50 years, starting with large-scale commercial projects, and now focus exclusively on helping domestic gardeners. As a family-owned and managed business, you can be assured of personal service and expert advice.