Garden greenhouse: tunnel, glass or polycarbonate — which one is actually right for you?

You’re standing in the garden. It’s chilly, a bit damp, that classic British half-sun half-grey mood. You’re dreaming of tomatoes in April, basil that actually smells like basil, not sad supermarket stuff. And then comes the big question : what kind of garden greenhouse should you buy ? Tunnel, glass, polycarbonate… sounds simple. In reality ? It’s a small headache. Let’s clear it up, calmly, without sales fluff.

Second thing first : before I bought my own greenhouse, I spent evenings hopping between forums, neighbour advice, and practical guides like https://commentjardiner.com, just to understand what actually works in real gardens, not just on glossy photos. And honestly, that’s where the truth usually hides.

Tunnel greenhouse : cheap, efficient… but not for everyone

Let’s start with the tunnel greenhouse. You’ve seen them everywhere. White plastic, curved structure, often flapping a bit when the wind picks up. They’re popular for a reason.

Pros ?
They’re affordable. Like, really affordable. You can get a decent-sized tunnel for the price of a tiny glass greenhouse. Assembly is quick, no engineering degree needed. And for growing vegetables ? It works. Tomatoes, courgettes, salads, even early strawberries – no problem.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you straight : wind is your enemy. If your garden is exposed, forget it unless you anchor it like your life depends on it. I’ve seen tunnels bent after one storm in Cornwall. Not funny.

Also, insulation is… average. Plastic ages, turns opaque, and after 3–5 years, you’re often replacing the cover. So yes, it’s cheap upfront, but not eternal.

Best for : big gardens, tight budgets, seasonal growers, people who don’t care too much about looks.

Glass greenhouse : beautiful, classic… and a bit demanding

Ah, the glass greenhouse. The dream. Victorian vibes. Sunlight flooding in. If you like your garden to look sharp, this one’s tempting.

And to be fair, glass is unbeatable for light transmission. Plants love it. It warms up fast in spring, which is gold if you’re impatient like me. And with proper ventilation, it’s a joy to work inside. You feel like a proper gardener, not just someone hiding from the rain.

But. There’s always a but.

Glass is fragile. One football from the neighbour’s kid, one strong hailstorm… crack. Replacement panels cost money, and you’ll swear a bit. Also, temperature control can be tricky in summer. It gets hot. Very hot. Like sauna hot.

And price-wise ? It’s clearly an investment.

Best for : gardeners who care about aesthetics, have a sheltered garden, and plan long-term use.

Polycarbonate greenhouse : the quiet all-rounder

Polycarbonate greenhouses don’t always get the love they deserve. They’re not as cheap as tunnels, not as pretty as glass. But honestly ? they’re often the smartest compromise.

Polycarbonate panels diffuse light instead of blasting it straight through. That surprised me at first, but plants actually seem happier – less leaf burn, more stable growth. Insulation is solid too, especially with twin-wall panels. You’ll notice it in early spring and late autumn.

They’re also tough. Wind, hail, temperature swings – polycarbonate shrugs it off. No shattered panels, no drama.

Downside ? Over time, cheaper models can yellow slightly. And if you love that crystal-clear look, you might find it a bit “meh”.

Best for : most home gardeners, unpredictable weather areas, people who want durability without babysitting the structure.

So… which greenhouse should you actually choose ?

Let’s be honest. There is no “best greenhouse”, only the best one for your situation.

Ask yourself, really :

* Do I care more about price or longevity ?
* Is my garden windy ?
* Am I growing year-round or just spring/summer ?
* Do I want something practical, or something I’m proud to look at every day ?

Quick take :
Tunnel = budget & space
Glass = beauty & light
Polycarbonate = balance & peace of mind

If I had to recommend one blindly ? For most UK gardens, polycarbonate wins. It’s forgiving. And gardening should be forgiving, not stressful.

Still hesitating ? That’s normal. Take a walk in your garden, feel the wind, imagine February mornings in there. Your answer’s probably already waiting.