Freestanding greenhouses and attached greenhouses are the two main types of greenhouses that you can construct in your backyard or garden. Freestanding greenhouses are independent structures that are usually built in a lawn or garden, and are kept away from the main house. They, therefore present no need to alter or disturb the existing home landscaping. They require separate heating systems, electricity and water, which increases the operational expenses.
Freestanding greenhouses can come in virtually any shape or size, but are generally square or rectangle shaped apex style structures. The square shape allows for maximum use of space inside as benches and shelves can be easily fitted. Also, the fact that they can be of variable dimension means that you can find one that will fit into the ideal spot in your garden where they can receive the maximum amount of sunlight and are sheltered from harsh winds.
You also need to provide such freestanding greenhouses considerable shelter by constructing them at a suitable site or providing additional shading like shade-cloths during the warmer months. A shade helps avoid overheating a greenhouse in the warmer months. This risk is usually present in freestanding greenhouses, since they are not as shaded as lean-to attached greenhouses, which share a wall with an existing building and thus receive adequate shade. This same feature works in the favour of freestanding greenhouses during the cooler months as then, they get maximum all-round exposure to the sun. Freestanding greenhouses are usually constructed on the south or southeast side of the house where they will benefit from the shelter from the property and still receive the best of the days sunlight.