We don’t know about you, but at Forest Garden, we ‘always’ feel like it’s time for gardening whatever the season and a small lean-to greenhouse makes this totally possible.

Not all of us have enough space in our gardens to enjoy large, free-standing greenhouses, but most of us can manage to squeeze in a small lean-to greenhouse against a house, shed or garage wall.

At Forest Garden, we have a new range of beautiful Wallscape Lean-to Greenhouses in the following sizes: 4×4, 4×6 and 4×8. They really are eye-catching and practical. Each is available with either a solid timber back or an open back, and they come with a roof window for ventilation and to let out excess heat.

But how do you choose the best lean-to greenhouse for your needs?

Let us share with you some of the questions we’re frequently asked, as this may be a useful guide.

Are lean-to greenhouses any good?

Lean-to greenhouses are very useful as they maximise the space you have. Our smallest lean-to greenhouse, measuring 4×4, covers a small area of ground but due to its clever design, it’s surprisingly spacious inside: https://www.forestgarden.co.uk/product/wallscape-4×4-lean-to-greenhouse-open-back/

Lean-to greenhouses can also be warmer than free-standing greenhouses, which is good news for your tender plants, and they’re more wind resistant as they’re not exposed to the elements on all sides.

Which small lean-to greenhouse should you choose?

That really depends on what you’re planning to grow, and how much space you’d like to dedicate to potting, sowing and tending to your plants.

If you’re just starting out or looking to grow a few herbs and salad leaves, the 4×4 size may be perfect. If you’re hoping to sow seeds early, pot on young plants, and have room to store compost and tools, the 4×6 or 4×8 models give you that extra growing and working space without taking over your garden.

And of course, it all comes down to what space you’ve got available on your patio, along a garden path, or up against a shed or garage wall. Think of your greenhouse as part of your gardening adventures. Choose the size that’ll support your plans and make everyday gardening easy.

Can you attach a lean to greenhouse to a shed?

A lean-to greenhouse is usually constructed next to a house wall, but it can also be placed next to a garage or strong shed wall, or even a freestanding wall that’s been constructed just for this purpose. It’s entirely up to you. Just make sure that there is no water gathering in the area where you want to build it.

Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse?

As the lean-to greenhouse is freestanding and movable, you shouldn’t need planning permission. To be on the safe side, though, it’s always best to check with your local building regulations department particularly if you are in an area of special interest.

What are the benefits of a lean to greenhouse?

Lean-to greenhouses are space-saving and versatile. They can take advantage of an existing structure’s heat – for example, if you have a south-facing house wall, the built-up heat from this wall will warm your greenhouse. They’re also easy to attach to energy and water sources.

They provide shelter in cold and wet weather, so you can continue to garden even when it’s not very appealing outside, and lean-to greenhouses are perfect for gardening in towns and cities or in any gardens where space is lacking.

What are the disadvantages of a lean to greenhouse?

It’s crucial that you build your new greenhouse on a solid and level base – solid concrete or concrete slabs are perfect. The level of the ground mustn’t deviate by more than 15mm, otherwise the greenhouse may twist and warp. So, if you don’t have a suitable area in your garden, a lean-to greenhouse may not be for you.

Some people worry that lean-to greenhouses will leak, but our pent roof design means that there won’t be any water accumulating on top of the structure. You also have the option to buy a lean-to greenhouse with an open back ora solid back https://www.forestgarden.co.uk/product/wallscape-lean-to-greenhouse-4-x-8-solid-back/

What is the best orientation for a lean-to greenhouse?

Always choose a south-facing wall for your greenhouse, if at all possible, as this will provide the most heat for your plants. Failing this, opt for east or west-facing walls.

At Forest Garden, we believe we’ve got all your needs covered when it comes to small greenhouses: our wooden lean-to greenhouses are aesthetically pleasing, space-saving and highly useful. The glazing is made from UV-resistant acrylic, which allows maximum light into the greenhouse while being safe and shatterproof. No floor is supplied with the greenhouse to ensure that water can drain away easily when you’ve watered your plants. Our pressure-treated wooden frames come with a 15-year guarantee against rot and fungal decay.

Why not have a look at our fabulous range of attractive wooden lean-to greenhouses here: https://www.forestgarden.co.uk/?s=wallscape