This greenhouse has an integral base, so all it requires is a flat, level area. But everyone’s garden is different, so here are some questions and answers that you may find helpful.

Q. Can this greenhouse be sited directly onto my garden? 

A. The integral base is designed to fit straight onto soil, however you will need a hard support under the door sill as it will naturally follow the contour of the ground. You must secure the greenhouse by concreting in the ground anchors. 
If you are siting it on a lawn then be sure to take the top level of turf off. Cut the lawn back at least a spade width all round so that you don’t have grass growing right up to the edge of the greenhouse. You could fill this area with shingle.

Q. What about laying slabs round the perimeter for the base to sit on?
A. This is becoming increasingly popular. Ideally this would include a path down the centre.

Q. Can I erect the greenhouse on a paved patio or concrete area?
A. Certainly, but you must make sure that it is completely level and flat. Exact greenhouse base dimensions can be provided.

Q. What about a brick surround?
A. A brick plinth is a good idea if the base needs to be built up because the ground is not level. Give thought to the height of the doorway as you want to try and avoid having a raised step if at all possible. Do not build brick surrounds before you have the dimensions from ourselves or Elite.

Q. How do I fix the greenhouse down?
A. Your greenhouse will be supplied with soil fixings as well as hardstanding brackets.
Soil - dig a hole at each point and concrete the ground anchors into position.
Slabs, concrete or brick plinths - drill and secure the anchor brackets supplied with your kit. Note that the drill bit is not included.

Q. Is drainage a problem?
A. You’ll be sloshing a lot of water about inside the greenhouse all year round so it is a very good plan to allow this to drain away rather than sit in puddles inside the greenhouse. For further information, please contact service@greenhousesdirect.co.uk

As standard, Elite greenhouses are supplied with 3mm horticultural glass. However, whilst low in cost, there is a sacrifice of safety and today the trend is towards safer and stronger glazing alternatives. Two glazing upgrade options are offered.

Twin wall polycarbonate has the advantage that it offers increased insulation, which may be useful in the winter months. It does, however, suffer from two major disadvantages. Polycarbonate is so light that it makes the greenhouse vulnerable to wind damage and it also reduces light levels, which can be a problem for your plants.

CV-19 UPDATE 16/07/20: NOTE ON POLYCARBONATE

Due to high demand, the supplier are currently unable to fit metal tape to the cut edges of the polycarbonate sheets.

Toughened 3mm glass is the best option as it offers a good degree of safety, should an accident occur. The large panes have no overlaps, which means fewer draughts and they are easier to keep clean as the overlaps can tend to attract dirt and algae over time.

Bar capping is a cosmetic addition to the glazing method. The plastic cap covers the stainless steel ‘W’ shaped retaining clips in order to enhance the appearance of your greenhouse. So if you are ordering an Elite with one of the attractive coloured finishes, bar capping would be the perfect addition as it comes in colours to match your frame choice.

Bar capping is not compatible with 3mm horticultural glass.

Good ventilation is vital in a greenhouse, not just to reduce heat in summer but also for good circulation. A good flow of air around the greenhouse protects against diseases caused by humid and stagnant air.

The right combination of roof vents and side louvres allows you to take complete control of your ventilation. Air can enter from the side, circulate up through the greenhouse and hot air escapes out the top. Ideally fit more than one louvre to all but the smallest greenhouse and fit as many roof vents as you can.

Roof vents also work best in conjunction with automatic roof vent openers which are solar powered, very reliable and absolutely brilliant at regulating the temperature. Fit one per roof vent.

It really is worthwhile ordering extra ventilation along with your greenhouse, as it is much cheaper and easier to fit before your greenhouse is up.

Elite Greenhouse shelving provides a versatile and practical solution.

Elite also offer a seedrack made in the UK to the same standards as all Elite products. These aluminium frames come in two sizes, either three or five tiers, to hold 9 or 15 seed trays. Seed trays are included to get you germinating and growing straight away.

Every Elite greenhouse comes with integral gutters, so why not add downpipes to collect and use the rainwater that your plants love?

Choose from either a standard rainwater kit, which has all the fixings for both sides of the greenhouse, or a two-in-one kit which joins two pipes at the rear of the greenhouse and allows both gutters to feed into one water butt.

Add that finishing touch to your greenhouse.

The cresting is made from cast aluminium and adds a traditional Victorian touch.

Useful accessories to make gardening in your greenhouse even simpler.