Can a Conservatory be used as a Greenhouse?

A conservatory is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm during winter. It can also be used as a greenhouse, which is ideal for homeowners that don’t have enough space in their gardens or yards.

If you’re interested in greening up your home with some greenery and flowers while keeping them close by, then you can consider using your conservatory as a greenhouse. 

Conservatories provide an excellent environment for plants and flowers because they give them more sun than other rooms in your house.

In order to make your conservatory into a greenhouse, it will require some changes such as adding grow lights and installing ventilation systems.

These changes may seem daunting at first but they are worth it because using your conservatory as a greenhouse can provide an excellent alternative for growing plants indoors without having to worry about light sources or keeping it cool.

Plants for Unheated Conservatory

As long as there are enough ventilation, heaters or water coolers inside of the room to maintain the temperature, then any homeowner with an adjoining conservatory could start using it as a greenhouse.

Here are some examples of plants that can be grown in a greenhouse: 

  • Aloe Vera
  • Orchids
  • Herbs (rosemary, thyme)
  • Tomatoes
  • Melons
  • Lettuce and other salad greens.

One thing to keep in mind is that some plants may grow more quickly than others so you will need patience if you choose them as your greenhouse plants because they take longer to mature.

If you have a conservatory, then a number of these plants can be grown easily inside of it due to the amount of sunlight they receive.

Plants for Unheated Conservatory

If your conservatory is unheated in the winter months, then you can also consider using heating lamps to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the year.

This will ensure that any type of plant grows well inside of it because they are receiving all of the sunlight and warmth that they need for optimum growths stages.

Conservatories are great for growing any type of plant indoors because they provide adequate lighting and ample temperatures year-round.

Conservatory vs Greenhouse vs Solarium

They also protect your plants from the rain, wind and snow.

Some of the plants that you can plant in an unheated conservatory include:

  • Cacti
  • Succulents
  • Ferns and other shade tolerant plants.

So if you’re looking for a way to brighten up your house with some flowers and greenery without having to commit too much time, then using your conservatory as a greenhouse is an excellent option that can help you do just that.

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Conservatory vs Greenhouse vs Solarium

A conservatory, greenhouse, and solarium are all different types of structures that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Which one you choose will often depend on how much space you have, what types of plants and flowers you want to grow inside it, and your budget.

The good thing is all three options are great for growing any type of plant indoors, which is why some people choose to use their conservatory as a greenhouse.

If you live in an area that has cold winters, then using your conservatory as a greenhouse will allow you to grow plants all year round while providing them with the amount of sunlight they need for healthy growths stages.

Conservatory

A conservatory is a roof-covered addition to your home, and it’s typically used as an entertainment space. They are usually built using doubled glazed glass and have a set of french doors leading to your garden.

They are great for growing plants because they provide a warm, humid environment that is usually kept between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

A conservatory can also be referred to as an Orangery when it’s used primarily for the production of citrus fruits.

Greenhouse

A greenhouse is also a roof-covered addition, but the primary purpose of this type of structure is to grow plants year-round. It is made using glass or plastic to help trap heat from sunlight, and it’s used for growing plants.

They provide adequate heat to keep your plants warm, which helps them grow faster than they would if you left them outdoors in the open air.

A greenhouse can also be combined with an attached or nearby conservatory by installing ventilation systems between both structures so that there is enough air circulation for both plants and humans.

Solarium

A solarium is different from a conservatory or greenhouse because it’s not used to grow flowers, fruits, vegetables, etc.

It typically have glass walls that are angled in order to maximize sunlight throughout the day. Solariums are effectively tanning units that rely on using UV radiation to tan the skin.

Solariums can look similar to greenhouses but they don’t use any type of artificial heating system inside of them because the sun provides enough natural warmth during most months.

Solariums typically offer an extension to your home during the summer months by providing additional living space with windows on three sides, but they can also act as a sunroom during other seasons.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Conservatories

Below are a few common questions that homeowners ask when they’re thinking about owning and using a conservatory.

Plants for Unheated Conservatory

Can a conservatory be used as a greenhouse

Conservatories provide ample natural light and ventilation which is perfect for growing plants. This type of greenhouse also has higher insulation rates than other types such as greenhouses making them perfect for all seasons.

If you’re wondering can a conservatory be used as a greenhouse, the answer is yes. Conservatories are great for growing any type of plant inside your home.

Conservatories are aesthetically pleasing as well, providing an elegant addition to any home or garden that would otherwise not have space for one. 

The best part about using the conservatory as a greenhouse is that they don’t require much maintenance on your end – just some watering and checking in every now and then. 

Can a conservatory be used as a bedroom

A conservatory is a fantastic addition to any home, but have you ever considered using it as a bedroom? It’s not as crazy as it sounds.

In fact, a study by the National Trust found that nearly one in five homeowners use their conservatory for sleeping purposes.

Whatever your reasons are for considering it, it’s important that you know what you’re doing before starting.

For example, you’ll need insulation and windows with locks so no one can sneak inside at night when asleep.

It is important to know that if you plan on selling your home, you cannot advertise your conservatory as an additional bedroom.

Can a conservatory have a solid roof

A conservatory with a solid roof is a great way to add extra living space and give your home an elegant look. A conservatory with a solid roof can be used all year long, for more than just decorative purposes.

It provides additional usable square footage that you can enjoy any time of the year.

A conservatory with a solid roof will provide more insulation from heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. It also provides an extended living space as well as protection from rain and snow.

If you want to use this room year-round then it might be worth considering getting a solid roof installed. However, if you only need this type of space during certain seasons then having a glass roof requiring less maintenance will be sufficient.

Can a conservatory be built over a drain

A conservatory is a lovely addition to any home and can provide an extra room or family space.

A frequent question that often arises when considering a conservatory is: “Can I build it over my drain?” The short answer is no.

Building a conservatory over the existing drainage system would be problematic because of the weight and vibration that come with it. This could cause your pipes to burst or crack, which means you’ll have an expensive plumbing bill on top of your already hefty new-conservatory cost.

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There’s also the additional problem that you’ll be creating more surface area for water to pool and create mould. This could cause issues such as black fungus, which can lead to respiratory problems if inhaled by humans or pets.

If you need help planning out where best to build your new conservatory, we recommend consulting with an architect or structural engineer who specialises in this kind of construction.

When is a conservatory not a conservatory

A conservatory can be a great addition to your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know the difference between a traditional sunroom and an actual conservatory.

Conservatories are more expensive than ordinary sunrooms because they offer more space, higher ceilings, and better insulation.

The structural design of a traditional sunroom often lacks any form of insulation or heaters – making them susceptible to cold drafts in the winter months.

A conservatory on the other hand has high-quality windows that provide superior insulation as well as plenty of heating options for those cold winters ahead.  So if it’s the warmth you’re looking for, a conservatory is the better option.

Can you put a conservatory on a council house

If you are a council tenant, then you’ll need council permission to make any significant changes to your home.

This includes building a conservatory or porch on the property, as well as knocking down internal walls and creating new rooms. Indeed, any major renovation is likely to require approval from the council first – so proceed with caution.

You might be able to get permission for smaller changes such as installing a new window or an extra cupboard, but this is going to depend on your agreement with the council you live in.

If you’re not sure about what’s required of you as a tenant, it’s best to get in touch with them directly and ask for their advice.

Can I put a conservatory on the front of my house

In some cases, installing a conservatory to the rear of your house isn’t a feasible option.

If you want to make use of a conservatory, but don’t have room in the back garden installing on to the front is often considered. 

There are a few factors that determine whether or not it’s okay for your house:

  • The appearance and design of your property
  • Whether or not there is enough space at the front of your property
  • If there are any issues with the way your roof is built (such as not being able to support extra weight)
  • The layout of your neighbours property in the area

Before you start making plans for putting a conservatory on the front, make sure you investigate what is allowed in your area.

The best way to get started is by getting in touch with an architect and discussing what design will work for your needs.

You can also speak to an expert in your council’s building control office, who will be able to tell you what is allowed.