Are you a gardening enthusiast looking to start growing your own plants? Or maybe you’re a professional grower who needs to upgrade your setup? Whichever one you are, having the right size greenhouse is essential for success.
Here we’ll cover the five different sizes of greenhouses available so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Introduction to Greenhouse Sizing
Greenhouse sizing is an important factor to consider when building or purchasing a greenhouse. The ideal size of a greenhouse is 30 feet wide and 96 feet long, but there are many different types and sizes of greenhouses available on the market.
There are three main types of greenhouses – lean-to, detached, and ridge and furrow or gutter connected – and each type has its own considerations for sizing.
Generally, commercial or production greenhouses are wider and range from 20 feet and up. Lean-to greenhouses tend to be smaller, while detached greenhouses can be up to 5 meters in height. The width of a greenhouse is especially important because it will determine the amount of space available for plants.
Understanding the different types and sizes of greenhouses is essential for creating the perfect greenhouse for your needs.
See Related: Best Portable Greenhouses to Buy Today
Starter vs Grower Greenhouse
When it comes to choosing a greenhouse, ClimaPod offers a wide range of options. The two main categories are starter and grower greenhouses. Starter greenhouses are generally smaller and more affordable and are perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at gardening.
They come with all the essentials for propagating seeds and starter plants, which can then be transplanted outdoors. Grower greenhouses are larger and more expensive but offer more space for larger plants and an overall better-growing environment. They usually come with more advanced features such as slatted benches, glazing options, and ventilation systems.
Average greenhouse size
The average size of greenhouses can vary depending on the purpose of the greenhouse. For commercial greenhouses, two acres of space is recommended for optimal efficiency. The width of most commercial greenhouses is usually 20 feet and up, with gutter-connected greenhouses being most efficient and economical in a size of at least 10,000 sq ft.
For smaller greenhouses, the width is usually 8 to 10 feet wide, and for larger greenhouses, the width can range from 12 to 20 feet. The length of the greenhouse should be determined by the number of plants that need to be grown, as most 6-inch pot plants require a minimum of 1 square foot of bench space.
When making a measurement for the length of the greenhouse, you should also take into consideration the amount of space required for walking and moving around in the greenhouse. Most greenhouses have an aisle space of 36 inches wide.
See Related: Best Boots for Working in a Greenhouse
Mini Greenhouse
A mini greenhouse is a perfect choice for someone with a small garden who is looking for a way to grow their favorite crops like aubergines, peppers, and tomatoes. When considering the size of a greenhouse, the most important factor is the width, as this will determine how much space is available for the plants.
Additionally, the gardener should evaluate the construction and materials of the greenhouse to ensure that it is suitable for their needs. As there is no average size for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the number of plants that will be grown in order to decide which size will be best. Mini greenhouses are ideal for those who want to raise seedlings or grow crops in a limited space.
See Related: Best Lean To Greenhouses | Side of House Options
6ft (1.8m) Wide Greenhouse
When considering which size greenhouse to choose, you’ll need to think about the greenhouse space you have available and the type of plants grown in your garden space. A 6 ft wide greenhouse is a great starting point for anyone who wants to give their plants the best possible start.
This greenhouse size is perfect for those who are just getting started with their gardening journey and don’t have a lot of space to work with. It also makes sense if you’re looking for something versatile, as it can be used for both starter seedlings and larger plants.
One of the best greenhouse options for this size is The Elite Steamline Greenhouse as it has all the features of the Elite Compact Greenhouse but is bigger, including an unrivaled range of greenhouse sizes and greenhouses up to 6ft wide.
Not only does it provide plenty of space for your plants but it also has features such as slatted benches and glazing that can help keep your greenhouse cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also has ventilation and temperature control options that can help you maintain optimal conditions for your plants.
See Related: Best Greenhouse Paint & Spray-On Shading
8-10ft Wide Greenhouse
For larger gardens and projects, an 8-10ft wide greenhouse is a great choice. This size allows for more space in order to accommodate larger plants and growing systems. They are also ideal for those who wish to have a bigger workspace inside the greenhouse. With larger greenhouses, you can also benefit from slatted benches.
These are used to provide more surface area for plants to sit on, allowing for maximum use of the space. Another key factor to consider when selecting a greenhouse size is glazing. Understanding the type of glazing used in each size will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
See Related: Greenhouse Costs Guide: Cost to Build, Own and Operate
Other Product Considerations for Sizing Your Greenhouse Dimensions
When determining the dimensions of your greenhouse, you’ll need enough room for other products and accessories such as the following.
See Related: Best Glass Greenhouses in 2023
Slatted Benches
In addition to selecting the right size greenhouse, one of the most important considerations when choosing a greenhouse is the type of benching you’ll need. Conventional greenhouse benching is usually slatted wood of 10-12cm (4-5in) and approximately 1.75-2cm (5/8-3/4in) section, set on bearers.
These 10” slatted shelves can hold pots and seed trays and come in two lengths- 4ft and 6ft. Staging and workbenches for the greenhouse are also available, ranging from 2ft to 8ft long and 1ft to 3ft wide in materials such as cedar, tanalised timber, or aluminum.
See Related: How to Utilize Greenhouse Bees for Pollination
Understanding Glazing
When it comes to glazing, there are various materials and options to choose from. Single glass glazing provides a classic aesthetic with maximum light transmission and heat available in 3mm overlaps, 6mm full sheets, and various tints.
For hobby greenhouses or commercial production greenhouses, there are also wider options available. Now let’s take a look at the different greenhouse sizes available.
See Related: How to Heat a Greenhouse Without Electricity
Ventilation & Temperature Control
When it comes to controlling the environment of a greenhouse, ventilation and temperature control are essential. There are two basic types of ventilation systems: natural and mechanical. Natural ventilation is usually achieved by using side and ridge vents that run the full length of the house, allowing air to flow in and out as needed.
For mechanical ventilation, GrowAir® and Double Ducts offer five different nozzle sizes (Ø12, Ø18, Ø24, Ø30, Ø36) that ensure the temperature in the duct is equal. This helps to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse, making it easier to maintain an optimal environment for plant growth.
See Related: Best Solar Panels for Greenhouse
Advantages of a Larger Greenhouse
When it comes to larger greenhouses, there are a number of advantages to consider. Firstly, a bigger greenhouse can provide more growing space for plants to grow and thrive. This means that you can grow a diverse range of plants at once, something that is not possible with smaller greenhouses.
Moreover, larger greenhouses are more insulated and protected from the weather, which in turn helps to keep the temperature and humidity levels at optimal levels for your plants. Additionally, large greenhouses can also be equipped with sophisticated ventilation and temperature control systems, helping to ensure that your plants get the best possible growing environment.
The downside is that most of these types of greenhouses require more energy consumption and a higher initial cost to install.
Final Considerations
Before finalizing your choice of greenhouse size, it’s important to keep in mind that there are legal considerations that must be taken into account. You will need to make sure you have all the necessary permits, licenses, and zoning regulations in order to build your greenhouse.
Additionally, larger emissions of greenhouse gases can lead to higher concentrations in the air, so it is important to consider the environmental impact of your greenhouse before moving forward with building.
Many governments are introducing policies and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so it is worth looking into these before making a final decision.
It is important to consider the cost of glazing, ventilation, and temperature control when deciding on the size of your greenhouse. With all these factors in mind, you will be able to make an informed decision on which size of greenhouse is right for you.
FAQs
What is the standard size of a greenhouse?
The standard size of a greenhouse depends on the type of greenhouse and its intended purpose. For hobby greenhouses, the most common size is 8 to 10 feet wide. For commercial or production greenhouses, the most common width is usually wider, ranging from 12 to 20 feet.
For growers, the ideal size is 30 feet wide and 96 feet long. However, greenhouse sizes may range from 2 to 6.5 feet in width and 2ft (60cm) in increments. It’s best to go for one that is at least 6ft (1.8m) wide so you can have ample space for setup and plants.
How big should a greenhouse be for a family of 4?
A family of four should plan for a greenhouse of at least 800 square feet in order to have enough space for growing the plants they need. A typical setup in a 10-foot wide greenhouse is to have 3-foot benches on either side of a 3-foot wide aisle. This means that 20 feet by 40 feet plot would be enough for growing.
When it comes to the exact size of the greenhouse, it depends on what type of plants the family is looking to grow. For example, winter-harvested greens require about 0.5 lb/sqft, so a greenhouse with 360 square feet of growing space would be needed to meet the needs of a family of four. Ultimately, the size of the greenhouse will depend on the types of plants you want to grow and how much space they will require.
How many pounds of produce can be grown per square foot of a greenhouse?
On average, with average gardening skills and productivity, it is possible to produce around 2.5 pounds of fresh food per square foot of a Greenhouse every year. This is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which cites a figure of 420.1 pounds for U.S. per capita, based on efficient and satisfactory growth results.
Depending on the type of produce grown, yields can vary greatly. For example, if you grow tomatoes in your greenhouse, you can expect to yield around 50 pounds for every 100 square feet.
Additionally, cucumbers can yield around 60 pounds per 100 square feet, and peppers can yield bushels per 100 square feet. To meet the needs of a family of four, it is recommended to space rows between 4-6 feet apart in order to achieve the best yields.
What is the standard size of a greenhouse?
The standard size of a greenhouse is typically determined by the length and width of the structure, which can vary depending on its intended use. Greenhouses can range in size from small hobby structures to large commercial operations, with standard sizes typically falling between 6 feet by 8 feet to 30 feet by 100 feet. However, the size of a greenhouse can be customized to fit the specific needs and preferences of the grower.
Related Resources