Install A Greenhouse

Handyman DIY guru Adam Woodhams assembles the greenhouse in this how-to video.

One of the main uses of a greenhouse is for propagation.

The warm, humid environment they create is ideal for striking plants from cuttings and growing from seed.

This allows you to grow more of your own plants instead of buying them, and when you grow your vegie garden from seed rather than punnets, you will save money.

Across the cooler months, the warm environment is especially useful, as you can grow frost-and-cold sensitive plants, such as tomatoes, to an advanced stage, ready to plant when the last frost has passed in spring.

It is also the ideal place for growing exotic plant varieties, as sub-tropical, and even certain tropical plants, will thrive in the greenhouse environment.

There are a few things to consider when installing a greenhouse.

AVOID putting it where it gets full summer sun, unless you plan to add shadecloth over the top.

POSITION it away from windy spots.

ENSURE the floor has good drainage.

MANAGE the ventilation. You need to find a balance between gentle warmth, humidity and fresh airflow.

CONTROL any pests or diseases promptly, as they can spread rapidly in the closed environment.

Measuring 2m wide and 2m long, this NaturalLife Walk-in Greenhouse, $157 (tuscanpath.com.au), is easy to install and the ideal size for smaller backyards.

Choose a location which is protected from intense sun and prevailing winds and on reasonably level ground.

Lay down weedmat to cover an area a little larger than the greenhouse footprint, then secure with weedmat pins.

Position a straightedge along each edge of the weedmat, then spread mulch to evenly cover the surface before removing the straightedge.

TIP We used a fine grade pine bark, but you can also use gravel.

Unpack the greenhouse kit, then separate the parts and check they are all there.

Lay down all of the parts for the base around the edge of the site, then assemble them, pushing all the joiners firmly together.

Assemble the side frames and the shelf frames.

As you reach the top of each frame or section, push firmly on each joiner to make sure the tubes are securely seated.

Position the shelf racks over the frames.

Assemble the roof frame sections, fitting them into the top side joiners before adding the centre ridge rods to stabilise the frame.

TIP You may find it is easier to stand on a small stepladder for this process.

Unfold the plastic cover carefully, then unzip the front door.

At this stage, you may need help.

Working from the front, feed the rear of the cover over the roof frame first, then work the cover towards the rear.