Are you dreaming of a garden that thrives all year round? A ‘greenhouse attached to house’ can be that dream come true, linking your cozy home with a greenhouse that helps your plants thrive all-year-around.

This blog gives you the fast track to adding this green haven to your house, transforming your gardening and living space.

Get ready for greener days ahead!

What is a Building-Attached Greenhouse?

A building-attached greenhouse is a structure that is directly connected to the exterior of a house and serves as an extension of the living space for gardening and plant cultivation.

💡 A greenhouse attached to a building is often called a “Lean To Greenhouse”

It differs from standalone greenhouses in that it utilizes the existing structure of the home for support and insulation.

Definition and purpose

A building-attached greenhouse is a structure that merges seamlessly with your home, creating an indoor haven for plants that’s easily accessible. Its main purpose is to offer a climate-controlled environment attached to your living space where you can grow a variety of plants year-round.

These greenhouses share at least one wall with the main house, capitalizing on shared heat and easy access.

With this kind of setup, garden enthusiasts can enjoy sustainable living by integrating organic gardening into their daily lives without stepping outside. Solar greenhouses take it up a notch by harnessing natural energy, forming an eco-friendly hub right next to your home.

Whether you opt for DIY greenhouse kits or embark on custom construction, the goal remains clear – fostering lush greenery while blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.

Benefits of a Building-Attached Greenhouse

Increased Warmth and Energy Efficiency:	Harnesses natural heat from the home, reducing the need for extra heating, which makes it more energy efficient than a standard greenhouse
Convenient Access to Home and Garden:	Easy entry from inside the house, enabling gardening in all weather conditions. This makes it easy to care for your plants as part of your daily home activities
Effective Utilization of Vertical Space:	You can easily incorporates shelves, trellises, and hanging planters to have a diverse range of plants in a limited space.
Improved Plant Health and Growth Conditions:	The stable and controlled environment of a building-attached greenhouse promotes healthier plant growth. Consistent temperatures and protection from extreme weather conditions ensure that plants thrive throughout the year.
Enhanced Property Value:	The functionality and beauty of a well-designed greenhouse make the property more attractive to potential buyers, potentially leading to a higher resale value.

Now that you understand the benefits – It’s time to figure out how to get one.

You have two options:

1. Buy a lean to greenhouse kit
2. Build one yourself

I’ll cover them both, starting with…

3 Amazing Lean To Greenhouses On The Market Right Now

Here are some of my favorite lean-to greenhouse kits that will give you a beautiful garden greenhouse attached to your home.

Category	Brand
Best All-Around Kit	Palram Hybrid Kit
Best Portable Kit	Eagle Peak Lean to Greenhouse
Best Budget Kit	Vivosun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse

Let’s jump into each of them individually so that you have the information you need to make a buying decision.

Greenhouse 1: Palram Hybrid Kit (Best All-Around Kit)

PROS	CONS
– Exceptionally durable and long-lasting product. – Comprehensive kit containing all necessary components in a single package. – Excellent resilience to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds.	– The instructions are sometimes vague which makes it a bit harder to put together.

The Palram – Canopia Hybrid Lean-to Greenhouse is a robust and effective option for those passionate about gardening. Its standout features are the 4 mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels that are nearly indestructible and protect up to 99.9% against UV rays, safeguarding plants from burning and providing shaded areas. The sides of the greenhouse are made of crystal-clear polycarbonate, allowing for 90% light transmission.

Its aluminum frame is resistant to rust and extends to a height of 7 feet 5 inches from the ground to the peak, adding to its sturdiness. The greenhouse package comes with several vital elements including an adjustable roof vent, rain gutters, a lockable door with a magnetic catch, aluminum frame, polycarbonate panels, and a galvanized steel base.

This structure is engineered to endure wind speeds up to 47 mph and can bear snow loads of approximately 15.4 pounds per square foot.

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

Greenhouse 2: Eagle Peak Lean to Greenhouse (Best Portable Kit)

PROS	CONS
– Assembly is tool-free and straightforward. – Conveniently portable for relocation within your garden. – Durable, resistant to fraying, and built for longevity.	– Sensitive to strong wind so you want to choose a more sheltered place.

The Eagle Peak Lean to Greenhouse is an exceptional choice for gardeners, boasting a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and a cover that is both UV-protected and water-resistant. It features two expansive roll-up zipper doors, ensuring easy access and optimal air flow. Additionally, it includes a handy flower rack for plant organization.

This greenhouse is designed for tool-free assembly and offers a generous working space, measuring 6.6 feet in length, 3.3 feet in width, and 6.9 feet in height.

It’s ideally suited for placement adjacent to structures like barns, garages, or sheds. Supported by the EAGLE PEAK guarantee, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty for after-sale service.

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

Greenhouse 3: Vivosun Mini Lean-to Greenhouse (Best Budget Kit)

PROS	CONS
– Simple assembly process that doesn’t require any tools. – Lightweight design with excellent airflow. – Spacious interior for plants, also allowing ample room for gardening activities.	– Vulnerable to high winds so place it in a more protected location – Risk of plants suffering burn damage from UV rays. You can mitigate this with shade cloth.

The VIVOSUN Mini Lean-to Greenhouse is an ideal, space-efficient solution for gardeners with limited area. It boasts a sturdy metal bar construction that can be anchored easily and leaned against a wall for stability. It features a roll-up door on one side, ensuring easy entry and ventilation.

Designed with a durable PE cover that includes green reinforcing fibers, it offers excellent protection against harmful rays and harsh weather, while still allowing for effective sunlight exposure. The greenhouse includes a shelf unit, perfect for nurturing starter seedlings and cultivating a full garden from these beginnings.

It’s simple to put together, lightweight, and can be moved and adjusted by just one person. Despite its compact design, this reusable greenhouse provides ample space for shelving and comfortable movement within.

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

Benefits of a Building-Attached Greenhouse

A building-attached greenhouse provides increased warmth and energy efficiency, convenient access to both your home and garden, and makes efficient use of vertical space.

Utilization of vertical space

The strategic use of vertical gardening techniques in the attached greenhouse not only increases the overall growing capacity but also contributes to a visually appealing and organized living environment. Utilizing wall-mounted containers or tiered shelving systems further optimizes limited space within the greenhouse structure while allowing flexibility in showcasing diverse plant species.

Increased warmth and energy efficiency

Building-attached greenhouses tap into the heat that your home naturally produces, which means you won’t have to spend as much on extra heating for your plants. They’re like sunrooms with a purpose: capturing sunlight and warmth during the day and keeping your leafy friends cozy at night.

The shared wall with your home acts as an insulator, reducing heat loss and making these greenhouses more energy-efficient than their standalone counterparts.

Installing solar panels on your greenhouse not only reduces your carbon footprint but also ensures that even when temperatures drop outside, the inside of your greenhouse stays warm without cranking up the electric bill.

This setup harnesses renewable energy from the sun, giving life to your plants while preventing frost from nipping at their roots. Coupled with smart design choices like proper orientation and glazing materials, a building-attached greenhouse means year-round growth without the worry of wilting wallets or waning resources.

Convenient access to home and garden

Enjoying convenient access to your home and garden is one of the key benefits of a building-attached greenhouse. With easy entry from inside your house, you can tend to your plants and vegetables regardless of the weather outside.

This seamless connection provides effortless gardening opportunities year-round, allowing you to efficiently manage and care for your greenery while integrating it with your daily life.

Designing and Building a Building-Attached Greenhouse

Choose a location with ample sunlight and proper drainage for the greenhouse foundation. Consider durable framing materials like aluminum or wood, and opt for energy-efficient glazing options to maximize insulation.

If desired, incorporate solar panels into the design to further enhance sustainability.

Choosing the right location and foundation

Select a location with ample sunlight exposure throughout the day for optimal plant growth and solar heat retention.

1. Consider the orientation of your house and existing structures to ensure the greenhouse gets sufficient sunlight.
2. Look for a level area with well – drained soil to prevent water accumulation, which can cause damage to the foundation and plants.
3. Assess the foundation options such as concrete slabs or footings to provide stability and support for the structure.
4. Take into account any underground utilities or pipes that may be affected by excavation for the foundation.
5. Check local building codes and regulations related to greenhouse construction, ensuring compliance with any setback requirements or property line restrictions.
6. Evaluate potential wind exposure and its impact on the location, making necessary adjustments to protect against strong winds.
7. Keep in mind the proximity to water sources for easy access when watering plants and maintaining humidity levels within the greenhouse.
8. Utilize landscaping features or natural barriers to enhance protection from extreme weather conditions and maintain a favorable growing environment within the greenhouse.

Framing and glazing options

When constructing a building-attached greenhouse, the framing and glazing options play a crucial role in its design and functionality. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Choose durable and weather – resistant materials for the frame, such as aluminum or treated wood, to ensure longevity and stability.
2. Opt for double or triple – pane glazing to enhance insulation and energy efficiency, helping to maintain a consistent climate inside the greenhouse.
3. Consider incorporating UV – resistant polycarbonate panels for increased light diffusion and impact resistance, providing a suitable environment for plant growth.
4. Utilize adjustable vents and windows within the framing to regulate airflow and prevent overheating during warmer months.
5. Employ insulated glazing options to minimize heat loss in colder climates while maximizing solar gain for optimal plant cultivation.
6. Explore different glazing tints or coatings that can control light transmission, offering protection from harmful UV rays while promoting ideal growing conditions.

Incorporating solar panels

Incorporating solar panels on an attached greenhouse is a great way to provide extra heat and ensure plants do not freeze in winter. It also promotes energy efficiency and sustainability. Here are some key points to consider when incorporating solar panels onto your building-attached greenhouse:

1. Choose high – efficiency solar panels that can generate enough electricity to power the greenhouse’s heating system and lighting.
2. Position the solar panels at an optimal angle to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day, typically facing south for maximum solar gain.
3. Use a charge controller to regulate the power from the solar panels and prevent overcharging of batteries or electrical systems.
4. Install a backup battery system to store excess energy generated by the solar panels for use during cloudy days or nighttime.
5. Consider integrating a small wind turbine along with the solar panels for additional renewable energy generation, providing a backup power source.
6. Connect the solar panel system to a thermostat – controlled fan or vent system, allowing excess heat to be released from the greenhouse when necessary.

Here is a recommendation for a starter solar panel kit:

Recommendation: Renogy 100 Watt Solar Starter Kit

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Common Considerations and Challenges for Attached Greenhouses

Managing moisture and drainage is crucial for keeping your building-attached greenhouse thriving. Dealing with snow load, pests, and temperature control are also important factors to consider.

Ready to learn more about creating your own building-attached greenhouse? Keep reading!

Managing moisture and drainage

To manage moisture and drainage in a building-attached greenhouse, consider the following factors:

1. Use a misting system to control humidity levels and prevent excessive moisture build-up.
   
2. Install proper ventilation to allow for air circulation and reduce condensation inside the greenhouse.
   
3. Ensure that the greenhouse is equipped with a reliable drainage system to prevent water accumulation during heavy rain or watering.
   
4. Utilize gravel or pebble beds to improve drainage around plants and reduce the risk of waterlogging.
   
5. Implement raised planting beds to promote better drainage and prevent root rot in plants.

Dealing with snow load and roof angles

When dealing with snow load and roof angles for an attached greenhouse, it is essential to ensure that the structure can withstand heavy snowfall and that the roof is angled correctly to promote snow shedding. Here’s how to address these considerations:

Addressing pest and temperature control issues

When dealing with a greenhouse attached to a building, addressing pest and temperature control issues is crucial for maintaining a healthy plant environment. Ensuring proper ventilation to regulate temperature and prevent pests.

1. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and disease, implementing organic pest control methods if necessary, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural repellents.
   
2. Install a thermometer and thermostat to monitor and control the internal temperature, ensuring it stays within the optimal range for plant growth.
   
3. Utilize shading materials during hot weather to prevent overheating, and consider adding insulation during colder months to retain heat.
   
4. Implement an integrated pest management plan, combining physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage pest populations without relying solely on chemical pesticides.
   
5. Seal any gaps or cracks in the greenhouse structure to prevent unwanted pests from entering while maintaining proper airflow for ventilation.
   
6. Consider installing fans or automatic vents to regulate airflow and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the greenhouse.

Conclusion

FAQs

1. How can I attach a greenhouse to my house quickly?

You can attach a greenhouse to your house quickly by either building your new greenhouse or buying a pre-made greenhouse kit. Read above for both of them 🙂

2. Do I need special tools to attach a greenhouse to my house?

Yes, you will need basic tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, level, and a power drill for attaching the greenhouse securely to your house.

3. What are the benefits of having a greenhouse attached to my house?

Having a greenhouse attached to your house provides convenient access for tending plants and offers extended growing seasons for various vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

4. Can any type of structure be used as an attached greenhouse?

While many structures can serve as an attached greenhouse with modifications, it’s essential that it has proper ventilation, sunlight exposure, and insulation considerations for plant health.

5. Are there any specific building regulations or permits required for attaching a greenhouse to my house?

It varies by location; some areas may require permits or adherence to building codes when attaching a permanent structure like a greenhouse onto your home. Check with local authorities before proceeding with construction.