English greenhouse: what is it and is it applicable in Ukraine?

English greenhouses – these are elegant and durable structures that differ from traditional greenhouses in their architecture, durability and the ability to grow plants all year round. In Europe and the USA, such greenhouses have become not only a place for growing crops, but also an element of landscape design. But how suitable are they for the Ukrainian climate and agricultural needs? Let's look into the details.

What is an English greenhouse?

English greenhouse – is a solid glass structure with a metal or wooden frame, designed for growing plants under conditions of complete climate control. Unlike standard film or polycarbonate greenhouses, English models differ:

• Classic design – often have a high gable or arched ceiling, forged elements and decorative details, which makes them part of the aesthetic design of the site.
• Quality materials – traditionally built from aluminum, wrought iron and tempered glass, which ensures durability and resistance to external influences.
• Resistance to climatic influences – the structures are designed for strong winds, snow loads and temperature changes, which makes them ideal for northern regions.
• Modern engineering systems – automated heating, ventilation and irrigation systems are often installed in such greenhouses, which allows creating ideal conditions for plants at any time of the year.

The main types of English greenhouses

Type of construction	Description
Wall-mounted	Adjacent to the building, allows you to save space and use the heat of the house for heating. Optimal for small areas.
Freestanding	Classic design with independent heating and ventilation system. Suitable for large areas and commercial farms.
With a winter garden	Combines the functions of a greenhouse and a recreation area, can be used for growing ornamental plants, creating a green space in the house.

Advantages of an English greenhouse

Strength and durability

English greenhouses are highly reliable due to the use of high-quality materials. Their aluminum or steel frame is resistant to corrosion, and additional coatings (such as powder coating or anodizing) protect the metal from oxidation and moisture. The tempered glass used in such structures can withstand snow loads of up to 150 kg/m², making them suitable for use in regions with strong winds and heavy precipitation.

Additionally, the structures can be equipped with reinforced connecting units and high-strength profiles, which increases their service life. Unlike greenhouses with film coating, which require replacement every 3-5 years, an English greenhouse can last more than 20 years without the need for major repairs.

Advice: When choosing an English greenhouse, pay attention to the thickness of the profiles and the type of glass - preference should be given to multi-layer or energy-saving glass with a low thermal conductivity coefficient.

Improved conditions for plants

English greenhouses create an ideal microclimate for growing plants due to a number of factors:

• Maximum natural light – glass walls and roof provide high transparency, letting in up to 95% of sunlight. This is especially important in winter when daylight hours are shorter.
• Optimal microclimate – an adjustable ventilation and heating system allows maintaining a stable temperature and humidity. In such greenhouses, automatic vents and climate controllers are often used, which react to changes in temperature and humidity.
• Resistance to temperature changes – due to well-thought-out thermal insulation, the greenhouse protects plants from frost and overheating. The use of energy-saving double-glazed windows and sealed joints helps reduce heat loss.

Additionally, you can install:

• Misting systems – increase air humidity, preventing plants from drying out.
• Ground heating – helps maintain a comfortable soil temperature during the winter.
• Touch humidity and lighting controllers – automatically regulate the level of watering and additional lighting.

Advice: When choosing a greenhouse, it is worth considering what kind of automation systems you need - the final cost of the structure and the level of care for the plants depend on this.

Aesthetics and versatility

English greenhouses are often used not only for agricultural purposes, but also for decorative purposes. They can serve:

• Greenhouse for exotic plants – creation of a tropical climate allows growing citrus fruits, orchids and other heat-loving plants.
• A winter garden for relaxation – a greenhouse can be equipped with furniture, decorative lighting and even small ponds, creating a cozy space.
• A space for floriculture and selection of rare crops – English greenhouses are popular among collectors of rare plants and professional gardeners.

Additionally, you can use various decorative elements: forged gratings, carved wooden elements, frosted or patterned glass. This option fits perfectly into the concept of landscape design and can become the central element of the garden.

Advice: If the greenhouse is to be used as a recreation area, it is worth providing a high-quality heating, lighting and ventilation system to create comfortable conditions at any time of the year.

Applicability of the English greenhouse in Ukraine

Climate conditions

Ukraine has a moderate continental climate, which is characterized by sharp temperature changes between seasons. The English greenhouse is adapted to such conditions due to the following features:

• Protection from winter frosts – if there is a heating system, it is possible to maintain a comfortable temperature even at -20°C outside. In such greenhouses, infrared heaters, water heating systems or heated floors are often used.
• Optimization of heat loss – double or energy-saving glass reduces heat loss by 30-40% compared to regular glass. Additional installation of sealed joints prevents drafts.
• Ventilation in summer – automated vents and forced ventilation systems prevent plants from overheating. In hot periods, a fogging system or heat screens can be used.
• Resistance to wind loads – the metal frame and weighted glass can withstand loads of up to 150 kg/m², which makes the structure more durable compared to polycarbonate greenhouses.

Advice: In regions with frequent frosts, it is recommended to install thermal curtains at the entrance to minimize heat loss when opening doors.

Cost and feasibility

Building an English greenhouse is a serious investment, the cost of which is higher than that of standard models. The main costs include:

• Metal frame - made from aluminum or steel requires significant investment, especially if galvanized or anodized.
• Tempered glass is highly durable and long-lasting, but its price is 2-3 times higher than that of ordinary glass.
• Foundation – unlike lightweight greenhouses, the English design requires a full concrete or strip foundation, which increases the cost by 20-30%.
• Climate control systems:
  • Heating (infrared, water or gas) – from 300 to 1000 USD depending on the area.
  • Automated ventilation – from 150 USD.
  • Drip irrigation systems – from 50 USD.
  • Lighting and supplementary lighting lamps (LED, sodium) – from 200 USD for a complete set.

Who is an English greenhouse suitable for?

• For owners of private houses who want to create a durable and aesthetically attractive structure.
• For farmers growing rare or expensive crops that require a stable microclimate.
• Landscape designers who create greenhouses, winter gardens and botanical areas.

Advice: If the greenhouse is being built for year-round use, it is worth immediately considering the possibility of connecting alternative energy sources (solar panels, heat pumps) to reduce operating costs.

Alternative solutions

If an English greenhouse seems too expensive, there are some affordable alternatives to consider:

1. Reinforced polycarbonate greenhouses have good thermal insulation, are cheaper than glass structures at 30-50%, but are less durable.
2. Wall-mounted greenhouses allow you to save on heating by using the heat of the building, suitable for small areas.
3. Combined greenhouses (glass + polycarbonate) – combines the transparency of glass and the lightness of polycarbonate, reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency.

Conclusion: The English greenhouse is an ideal option for long-term cultivation of plants with maximum comfort, but due to the high cost it is not suitable for everyone. If the budget is limited, it is worth considering alternative options with enhanced thermal insulation and an automated microclimate.

English greenhouse in Ukraine

The English greenhouse is a stylish, reliable and functional structure that is ideal for growing plants under full climate control. It is resistant to external loads, durable and aesthetically attractive. However, the high cost makes such greenhouses more suitable for private homeowners, farmers and botanical gardens.

Final comparison:

Parameter	English greenhouse	Standard greenhouse
Materials	Glass, aluminum, steel	Polycarbonate, film
Strength	Tall, snow and wind resistant	Average, can be damaged by hail and strong gusts of wind
Service life	20+ years	5-10 years
Microclimate	Fully controlled	Partially adjustable
Price	Tall	Medium or low
Design	Classic, aesthetic	Utilitarian, practical

If you need a quality greenhouse for growing vegetables, berries and greens, pay attention to greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa. We offer durable and functional designs adapted to the Ukrainian climate. Check out the models on our website and choose the best option for your farm!