Whether you want to grow crops earlier, extend your season, or protect plants from the unpredictable UK weather, greenhouses and polytunnels can transform your garden. These structures provide shelter from frost, wind, and heavy rain, helping you maintain stable temperatures and create the ideal growing environment for fruit, vegetables, and flowers all year round.
Both options have their strengths — greenhouses offer long-term durability and a more permanent, traditional look, while polytunnels provide an affordable, flexible way to scale up your growing space quickly. Together, they make protected growing accessible for every type of gardener, from beginners to self-sufficiency enthusiasts.
This resource hub brings together our best articles on greenhouses, polytunnels, and protected growing — including setup advice, material comparisons, and detailed product round-ups for every garden size and budget. It continues to be updated regularly with new articles, so check back often for the latest buying guides, maintenance tips, and growing ideas.
Explore the sections below to find everything you need to plan, build, and choose the right structure for your space — whether it’s a compact patio greenhouse or a full-size polytunnel for serious home production.
Information & How-To Guides
Learn the key differences between greenhouse types and how to get the best results from each.
- Greenhouse vs Polytunnel: Which Is Right for Your UK Garden?
- What Is the Best Type of Greenhouse: Glass, Plastic, Polycarbonate, Wood or Metal?
Buying Guides & Product Comparisons
Compare the best greenhouses and polytunnels for UK gardeners — from compact patios to full allotment setups.
- Best Mini Greenhouses UK (2025) – Compact Growing for Patios, Balconies & Small Gardens
- Best Small Greenhouses UK 2025 – Compact Walk-In Models for Every Garden
- Best Polytunnels UK (2025 Guide) – Top Small, Medium and Large Models
- Best Lean To Greenhouses UK (2025 Guide) – Top Glass, Polycarbonate, Plastic and Wooden Models
Keep Exploring
This page is your central hub for greenhouses and polytunnels on HomeGrower.co.uk.
Bookmark it and check back often — new guides and comparisons are added regularly to help you plan and expand your growing setup.
For more gardening and self-sufficiency inspiration, visit the HomeGrower.co.uk homepage.
For further advice on greenhouse and polytunnel selection, see the RHS guide on choosing greenhouses at rhs.org.uk — it’s a great complement to this article if you’re looking for long-term durability and design inspiration.
More Resource Hubs
HomeGrower is expanding into a full network of specialist gardening and self-sufficiency resource hubs, each focused on a key area — from indoor growing to outdoor tools and off-grid living.
You can already explore our first major hub:
More topic hubs are being developed, including:
- Grow Tents & Indoor Setups – tent kits, ventilation, and compact grow spaces
- Indoor Growing – complete guides to growing herbs, salads, and vegetables indoors year-round
- Outdoor Growing – raised beds, soil prep, and seasonal planting tips
- Greenhouses & Polytunnels – protected growing for every garden size
- Garden Sheds – storage, potting sheds, and workspace ideas
- Garden Tools & Equipment – cordless systems, mowers, and essential tools
- Water & Soil Systems – irrigation, composting, and water collection
- Food Preservation – dehydrating, canning, and long-term storage
- Self-Sufficiency & Home Power – solar setups, off-grid living, and home energy solutions
Bookmark this page or follow our latest updates — new hubs are launched regularly, each bringing together all related guides, comparisons, and how-to articles in one place.
What’s the difference between a greenhouse and a polytunnel?
A greenhouse is made from glass or polycarbonate panels, while a polytunnel uses a flexible plastic cover over a metal frame. Both are part of the wider category of greenhouses and polytunnels, offering protected growing environments that extend the UK growing season.
Can greenhouses and polytunnels be used all year round in the UK?
Yes. Most greenhouses and polytunnels can be used through all seasons when properly ventilated and anchored. They’re perfect for early seedlings, winter greens, and keeping tender plants safe from frost.
Which is cheaper to buy: a greenhouse or a polytunnel?
Polytunnels are usually the more affordable option, while greenhouses offer more durability and aesthetic appeal. Both greenhouses and polytunnels provide long-term value by extending your growing season.