Greenhouses

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you grow in a greenhouse?

Greenhouses can extend the growing season and create controlled environments for you to grow a variety of produce year-round. Commonly grown plants include tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, which benefit from the stable temperature and protection from adverse weather conditions. Additionally, salad greens, herbs and strawberries are popular choices.

Flowers, both for personal enjoyment and commercial purposes, are also commonly grown in greenhouses. Some gardeners opt for cultivating exotic plants and orchids in these controlled environments, while others use greenhouses to start seeds and nurture young plants before transplanting them outdoors. The diversity of crops grown in greenhouses is the main reason people invest in one.

If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with simple fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, onions, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries and kale.

Need to stock up on produce? You can find a range of grow-your-own plants to purchase online at Homebase.

How do you build a greenhouse?

Follow these steps on how to build a greenhouse or save yourself the time and effort by choosing a ready-made or easy-to-install greenhouse from Homebase:

1. Select a location with good sunlight, level ground and proper drainage. Even better if it has protection from the wind.

2. Clear your chosen area of any debris, rocks or vegetation. Level the ground if necessary.

3. Build your greenhouse's frame depending on which design you want. You can use materials like PVC, wood, glass and metal to bring your greenhouse to life. Anchor your frame securely to the ground.

4. Cover the frame with a suitable material to create a greenhouse effect, such as polyethylene film, polycarbonate panels or greenhouse fabric. Using double-walled materials will provide better temperature control.

5. Incorporate roof vents, side vents or exhaust fans to regulate temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse, which is crucial for plant health.

6. Establish a proper irrigation system to ensure consistent watering, such as drip irrigation, soaker hoses or a simple watering system.

7. Plan the interior layout by installing benches or shelves for efficient use of space.

How does a greenhouse work?

Greenhouses work by capturing sunlight through transparent materials, creating a controlled environment that uses the greenhouse effect to trap and retain heat. This controlled climate regulates temperature and humidity and provides protection from adverse weather. This extends the growing season and provides optimal conditions for plant growth. As a result, greenhouses provide increased yields, accelerated development and the ability to cultivate a diverse range of plants year-round.

How do you clean a greenhouse?

To clean a greenhouse, start by removing plants and debris, then clear away cobwebs and dust from walls and structural elements. Clean both the interior and exterior of the glazing or covering material using a mild detergent, and disinfect surfaces to control pests and diseases. Additionally, check and repair the structure and clean gutters and downspouts.

How do you heat a greenhouse?

If you need to heat a greenhouse because your external environment is too cold, we recommend using one of the following methods:

1. Install a greenhouse heater to provide warmth within the greenhouse.

2. Install a radiant floor heating system, which warms the plants and the soil directly, creating a more uniform temperature distribution. This method is energy efficient and minimises heat loss.

3. Implement hot water or steam heating systems by circulating warm water or steam through pipes in the greenhouse.

Do you need planning permission for a greenhouse?

Typically, you won't need planning permission for a greenhouse. However, there are some circumstances where you might need it. Such as:

- You live somewhere that's been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty or a National Park.

- Your house has a historical listing.

- Your greenhouse is taller than 2.5m or closer than 2m to the edge of your property.

- Garden buildings are taking up more than 50% of your garden already.

- The greenhouse is going in your front garden, where it's highly visible.