Thinking about adding a greenhouse to your garden?
Smart move! A greenhouse can extend your growing season, protect your plants from pests and unpredictable weather, help you grow more food year-round, and even increase your home’s value. But before you jump in, it’s worth doing a little planning. A greenhouse is a big step—and getting it right makes all the difference.
Whether you’re daydreaming about fresh tomatoes in February or just looking to keep your seedlings safe from spring chills, we’ve rounded up some of the key things to consider before you buy.
💡 P.S. Want to make sure you’re on the right track? Try our free Greenhouse Buyer’s Checklist—it’s a simple tool that walks you through figuring out what will work best for you.
1. Know Your Growing Goals
Before you choose a greenhouse, ask yourself: What do I want to grow?
Your plant list will shape everything—from how big your structure needs to be, to how much sun, airflow, and headroom it should have.
A few questions to guide you:
- Are you starting seeds early in spring?
- Want fresh greens in winter?
- Planning to overwinter fuchsias or citrus?
- Hoping to grow vining veggies or vertical strawberries?
For example:
- If you’re focused on cool-weather crops like spinach and lettuce, you won’t need as much heat or height.
- Growing tall indeterminate tomatoes or young fruit trees? You’ll want space to stretch and breathe.
Knowing your goals upfront helps you choose a setup that supports your garden, not one you’ll outgrow in a season.
2. Pick the Right Spot
Where you put your greenhouse can make or break its performance. You’ll want a spot with good sun, easy access, and protection from the worst weather.
Here’s what to look for:
- Sunlight: A south-facing location with at least 6 hours of direct light (especially in winter) is ideal.
- Drainage: Avoid low spots that puddle. Your foundation will thank you.
- Access to water and power: Being close to a hose or outlet makes your life a whole lot easier.
- Convenience: If it’s a hassle to get there, you’re less likely to use it. Plus, it makes installation a bit harder.
Tip: Use a sun tracking app or sketch your yard’s light patterns, especially during shoulder seasons when the sun sits lower in the sky.
3. Go Bigger (If You Can)
This one’s simple: most gardeners wish they’d gone bigger.
It’s amazing how fast a greenhouse fills up. Between trays, benches, tools, and all the lovely plants you just couldn’t resist, space disappears quickly. Give yourself room to grow—literally.
Think about:
- Headroom for tall plants or hanging baskets
- Enough floor space to walk comfortably
- Room for future projects, extra shelving, or maybe even a comfy chair
Rule of thumb: Get the largest size your space and budget allow. You’ll thank yourself later. If you think you might want to start small and go bigger later, consider our Cross Country frames which can be extended in length if you find you need more space down the road.
4. Choose the Right Glazing
The walls and roof of your greenhouse do more than just keep out the weather—they affect light, warmth, and durability too. Different materials work better in different climates and for different goals.
Here are your best options:
- Multiwall polycarbonate: Durable, energy-efficient, and built for year-round growing. Multiwall panels are made with internal air pockets (called “cells”) that help insulate your greenhouse while diffusing sunlight to reduce plant stress. These panels come in different thicknesses—like 6mm, 8mm, or even 16mm—and various cell structures to match your climate and growing needs. Thicker panels offer better insulation, which can reduce heating costs in colder regions. In warmer climates, a polycarbonate roof can help to protect your plants from getting scorched by the sun.
- Glass: Classic and beautiful, glass gives a clear view and lasting durability. Single-pane glass works well in mild climates and with ornamental plants that don’t need a lot of heat retention.
- Double glass: For serious insulation, double glass offers high clarity and excellent heat retention. It’s a premium option that’s great for colder regions or for gardeners looking to minimize heating costs.
Not sure which is right? Think about your winter temps, how often you plan to grow, and how much maintenance you’re up for.
5. Plan for Ventilation and Climate Control
Here’s something new greenhouse owners don’t always expect: greenhouses overheat fast!
Even in spring or fall, the sun can crank temperatures way up. Without good airflow, your plants will cook.
Must-haves:
- Roof or side vents (ideally both)—all our aluminum greenhouses come with roof vents!
- Exhaust fan system for bigger structures or those without roof vents
- Shade cloth for summer cooling
- Circulation fans to keep air moving
If you’re gardening through winter, you may need a heat source too, especially for warm-weather crops. Some folks rely on passive solar heat, while others add electric or propane heaters.
Bonus tools:
These little upgrades go a long way in keeping your greenhouse a plant paradise.
6. Check Local Rules Before You Build
It’s not the fun part, but it is important. Before you buy or build, check on any local rules that could affect your greenhouse project.
Things to look into:
- Zoning regulations
- HOA restrictions
- Permits or size limits
- Setback requirements (how far your greenhouse must be from fences, property lines, etc.)
In many areas, greenhouses under 120 square feet (around 10×12 feet or smaller) often don’t need a permit, especially when they’re classified as non-permanent. Because wood foundations are frequently viewed as temporary, this can make the permitting process simpler or even unnecessary. For more information, check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Greenhouse.
Tip: Even if you think you’re under the limit, it’s worth a quick call or website check with your local building department to be sure.
7. Choose Materials That Last
A greenhouse isn’t just a seasonal tool—it’s a long-term investment in your garden. So you’ll want one built to last through wind, rain, snow, and sun.
Look for:
- Powder-coated Aluminum frames (rust-resistant and low-maintenance). High-quality aluminum frames will last decades and are commonly inherited by the next homeowner.
- Glazing with polycarbonate? Make sure it has a UV-resistant coating to keep it from yellowing and cracking. All Charley’s greenhouse polycarbonate (and that sold by our sister brand, Polycarbonate Store) is UV resistant and warrantied.
- Quality hardware and sealing
- A warranty you can trust
Watch out for super-cheap kits online—they may be tempting, but they often skip the durability and support that matter most.
💬 Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help you compare your options and figure out what’s worth the investment. Contact us and get connected with a greenhouse expert today.
Don’t Forget the Inside!
Once your greenhouse is up, the fun really starts—it’s time to set up your space and get growing.
Add-ons that make a difference:
- Potting benches or cedar tables (we love cedar for its durability)
- Shelving for seed trays or tools
- Raised beds or containers
- Hooks for hanging baskets
- Thermometers, fans, timers—little gadgets that help big time
A little planning inside goes a long way toward keeping your greenhouse tidy, productive, and enjoyable.
Ready to Get Growing?
Buying a greenhouse is an exciting step, and with a little planning, it can be one of the best garden decisions you ever make.
By thinking through your goals, space, and setup ahead of time, you’ll set yourself up for success from the very first seed.
Want help figuring it all out?
Try our Free Greenhouse Buyer’s Checklist
This handy quiz walks you through the key questions, so you can shop smarter and avoid the guesswork.
🌱 Whether you’re building your dream setup or just getting started, we’re here to help you grow what you love.
