Potting shed vs. greenhouse: what's the difference

So, you’ve heard of a potting shed, and you’ve heard of a greenhouse. But how exactly do they differ from one another?

Both house plants. Both can be placed in the garden. Both aid gardeners.

But there are a few key differences between each one that make them distinguishable. Today, Atlas Sheds will dive into these unique elements, so you can make an informed decision for your home.

What is a potting shed?

A potting shed is built specifically to store potting plants. Sounds simple, right?

Usually made of timber, these sheds provide plenty of space for shelves to house plants, numerous windows for natural lighting to aid growth, and a sturdy workbench for sowing seeds, repotting plants, and preparing your borders.

Potting sheds are enclosed with solid walls, adding more privacy and shelter for home gardeners. They typically have large front-facing windows or sloped roofs to maximise sunlight, allowing plants to flourish with the right conditions.

What is a greenhouse?

If you think that a potting shed is handy, then you’ll be amazed by a greenhouse; this garden structure is made entirely out of glass.

With an abundance of natural lighting, greenhouses are the ultimate home for all of your plants. Whether you want to create a thriving vegetable patch, perfect your collection of flowers, or grow an abundance of flourishing plants, it’s the ultimate solution.

Usually made with glass or clear polycarbonate panels, this option is aimed more toward professional or avid gardeners who want to take their craft to the next level. With more customisation opportunities, you can control airflow, temperature, and humidity to hone every aspect of the planting process.

Key differences between greenhouses and potting sheds

Now that we’ve addressed what a potting shed and greenhouse are, what are the main differences between them, besides how they look?

To make it easy, we’ve created a comparison table:

Feature	Potting shed	Greenhouse
Structure	Modern shed with solid walls and additional windows.	Fully glazed with glass or clear polycarbonate panels.
Primary use	Potting and prepping plants and storing tools.	Plant growing and propagation throughout the year.
Weather protection	Excellent protection from harsh weather, as it’s fully enclosed and insulated.	Very good protection from harsh weather. However, it can get chilly in the winter.
Light levels	Efficient natural lighting with a few windows with opening mechanisms.	Unmatched natural lighting, as it’s designed from a complete glass structure.
Ventilation	Manual ventilation options with windows that open and a simple wooden door.	Designed for use with built-in vents or auto systems, providing constant ventilation.
Storage space	Plenty of space for potting and planting with a workbench, shelving and hooks for tools.	No additional storage space for tools or gear; it’s designed primarily for plants and vegetation.
Durability	Strong timber frame and felt roof to prevent leaks and falls. Doors and windows are reinforced for protection.	Glass is more likely to break or shatter, making it less durable than a timber shed.

The pros and cons of potting sheds vs. greenhouses

When it comes to potting sheds and greenhouses, both have their benefits and a few compromises, too.

It just comes down to what you’re willing to sacrifice in order to enjoy the bigger picture, and how much you’re willing to invest in your garden.

Potting sheds

The best choice for homeowners, potting sheds are classy, spacious, and fit perfectly in any average-sized garden.

At Atlas Sheds, we offer a stunning selection of potting sheds tailored to every customer, featuring a diverse range of styles and layouts to suit your needs. So, let’s break down the pros and cons before you settle on a choice.

Pros

Built-in storage: Unlike greenhouses, potting sheds come with ample space for garden tools, gear, and potting materials, featuring a workbench and room for shelves and hooks.
Privacy: Unlike a greenhouse that has no visibility barrier, potting sheds are enclosed. This provides you with a quiet space to work, away from the prying eyes of family or neighbours.
Better insulation: Timber potting sheds have better insulation, keeping heat in during winter and your shed cool in the summer. Therefore, it creates the perfect environment for growing plants and working in your shed all day.
Personalisation: With potting sheds, you can customise the outdoor appearance by adding colourful paint, staining the wood, or hanging up decorative items. This way, you can make it fit perfectly with the rest of your garden for a beautiful feature.

Cons

Less natural light: Compared to a greenhouse, potting sheds have a limited amount of natural lighting, which limits exposure for plants.
Not ideal for long-term plant growth: They’re perfect for potting and sowing, but they don’t sustain plant growth throughout the whole year.

Greenhouse

Light and airy, greenhouses uplift any garden, both in appearance and in function.

However, greenhouses are ideal for larger gardens or professionals who want to improve their planting conditions. Here are more of the pros and cons to help you decide which choice is better for you:

Pros

Maximum sunlight: One of the most obvious advantages of a greenhouse is the maximum amount of natural sunlight all year round. This exposure is ideal for seedlings, veg, and heat-loving plants like chillies and courgettes.
Ideal for tender or exotic plants: Unlike potting sheds, greenhouses can house tropical species and Mediterranean crops, helping them thrive in controlled conditions.
Customisable environment: When you invest in a greenhouse, you can add certain features to improve the experience. From roof vents to shading blinds and electric heaters, you can tailor it to your needs.

Cons

Less practical storage: Unlike potting sheds, greenhouses typically lack dedicated areas for storing tools and supplies. Since they’re designed primarily for plants, you’ll need to invest in a separate storage shed.
Fragile construction: Since glass and polycarbonate panels can crack or scratch, greenhouses require more maintenance and care. Even harsh weather conditions can cause the glazing to crack or become damaged.
Overheat in summer: While greenhouses are good at trapping heat, they work too well in summer. If your greenhouse lacks proper ventilation or shading, you can expect wilting plants, a stuffy environment, and scorched leaves.

Discover your next potting shed at Atlas Sheds

Have you made up your mind?

If you’ve decided to go with a potting shed (great choice!), then we’ve got plenty of options to fulfil your needs at Atlas Sheds. Not only are our garden sheds modern and stylish, but they’re also designed from tanalised timber that has been harvested from sustainable rainforests.

That way, you’re helping your plants and the planet thrive with one purchase. Plus, our wooden sheds are easy on your wallet, too!