Greenhouses are every gardener’s all-season companion. They’re designed to support plant life, even when the weather outside is too harsh. But another structure is gaining favour—potting sheds. They also provide sheltered space, mainly for potted plants, and doubles as storage.

This guide explains each, focusing on their construction, purpose, the plants they support, and more. Read on, and see which one suits your needs best.

Greenhouses Explained

A greenhouse is an enclosed structure designed for plant cultivation. It’s made with materials like glass and polycarbonate (PC) that help regulate temperature, covering everything from the wall panels to the roof. These transparent surfaces allow sunlight to pass through while also trapping heat.

The thoughtful design of greenhouses enables them to stay warm inside, even during the winter—which is essential for plants to thrive. Because of this, gardeners of all levels benefit from them. For one, there’s the bonus of an extended harvest season, something that’s hard to achieve in an open garden setup or ordinary garden room.

What can you grow in a greenhouse?

(Image Credit: Picyrl)

Pretty much anything edible, along with all sorts of plants, really, whether grown directly in the soil or in pots. This makes greenhouses the ultimate gardening companion. Think of it as a garden—except your growing space is enclosed for better regulation and climate control rather than being fully exposed to the elements.

For instance, you can grow tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in spring. Cucumbers and melons thrive in summer, while lettuce, spinach, and kale are best grown in autumn. Cabbage and leafy greens are a favourite to plant in winter, and the list goes on.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind for a successful harvest. Our guide, ‘5 Best Plants To Grow In Your Greenhouse,’ has you covered, plus plenty of ideas to boost your growing potential.

Greenhouse materials

Greenhouses can have frames made of wood or metal, with glass or PVC still used for the walls and roof or shade netting. Their style and layout can vary depending on the model and manufacturer, but all are designed for ‘indoor’ growing. Many also come with extra features, like roof vents or pressure-treated timber frames.

Smaller greenhouses can sometimes resemble potting sheds, especially wooden greenhouse variants. You might mistake one for the other. To avoid any confusion, here’s what you need to know about these shed-style structures.

Potting Sheds Explained

A potting shed is a type of wooden shed designed for potting, propagation, and planting. It features larger windows (more of them, unlike a standard shed) on one side to cater for plants’ need for sunlight. Built-in shelving is also common, allowing potted plants to be placed near the windows to soak up the sun throughout the day.

Inside, there’s space for repotting, seed-starting, and general plant care, usually with a potting bench and enough room to work comfortably. There’s also storage for tools, pots, and compost, often tucked beneath the shelves, in the corner, or on the opposite side of the shed.

And here’s an interesting fact: gardeners also use potting sheds to take breaks and have lunch after a hard day’s work in the garden. Then, they can carry on working inside for a bit of cover or organise fertilisers, seedlings, and other essentials.

This kind of setup clearly highlights what sets a potting shed apart from a greenhouse. And while they don’t have floor-to-ceiling glass panels, the natural insulation of timber helps with temperature regulation—similar to some greenhouse models (see photos for reference).

Perhaps the biggest difference lies in how plants are grown inside a potting shed compared to a greenhouse.

What can you grow and store in a potting shed?

A potting shed can be used to grow any kind of potted plants, including flowers, herbs, vegetables, seedlings, and houseplants. Instead of growing directly in planting beds, you use pots or seed trays. You can grow a variety as long as there are enough pots and space on the shelves to position them where they get enough sunlight.

Potting sheds are also perfect as garden storage for gardening essentials, such as:

• Pots and trays for repotting
• Compost and fertiliser for plant care
• Gardening tools like trowels, shears, and gloves
• Seeds and bulbs for future planting
• Watering cans and sprayers to keep plants hydrated

This makes them a great all-in-one space for growing and organising your gardening needs.

Are potting sheds ideal for year-round growing?

Yes, but only with the right modifications. Adding more windows can help, especially if there aren’t enough—which isn’t usually an issue with greenhouses.

Extra insulation along the walls and possibly a heater are also needed for winter use, among others. A potting shed might require more of these because it doesn’t trap warmth as efficiently as a greenhouse.

Greenhouse and Potting Shed Benefits

Here’s a breakdown of their benefits for a quick comparison before you decide:

Greenhouse

• Provides a controlled environment for growing plants year-round.
• Traps heat effectively, keeping plants warm even in colder months.
• Ideal for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers that need stable conditions.
• Protects plants from harsh weather, pests, and sudden temperature changes.
• Allows for direct planting into the ground or in raised beds inside.

Have a look at this guide for more: Why Should You Invest in a Metal Greenhouse: The Benefits

Potting shed

• Offers a sheltered space for potting, propagation, and plant care.
• Includes built-in shelving to keep potted plants organised and positioned for sunlight.
• Provides storage for tools, compost, seeds, and other gardening essentials.
• Can be used as a workspace for repotting and tending to plants in comfort.
• Adds extra insulation, making it a cosy space for breaks and shelter from bad weather.

Find out more in this guide: Why A Potting Shed Could Be Perfect For You

Round-up: Greenhouse or Potting Shed?

A greenhouse might be for you if you want a structure focused on growing plants year-round. It’s a great choice for extending your growing season and keeping a thriving vegetable garden.

On the other hand, a potting shed could be the better option if you don’t need a large, controlled growing space but want room for your potted plants and a mini workspace.

If you’ve got space, why not have both? They come in different sizes, so you might be able to fit both in your garden.

For instance, you can use the greenhouse for plants that need to grow directly in the soil. Meanwhile, a potting shed is ideal for starting seedlings or growing plants that need an indoor environment before moving them outside—or into the greenhouse. Even better, you won’t need a separate shed for storage.

Tip: An 8×6 size is a good middle ground—not too small or too big, just the right size without taking up too much space.