Outdoor ⁄  Outdoor Structures

Install A Greenhouse

Provide the ideal winter growing solution for cuttings and seedlings.
By Handyman Magazine

Would you like to have your seedlings ready to plant as soon as the cold weather passes or be able to strike cuttings and grow them with ease?

All of this and more is possible if you install a greenhouse. While many gardeners dream of having one, they’re often put off by the perceived difficulty, lack of space and the potential expense.

But a greenhouse doesn’t have to be hard, huge or a budget crusher.

We show you how to install one using a kit and look at some of the uses.

Secure the cover

Secure the cover

Firmly knot the small ties located in the internal corners of the greenhouse cover around the joiners or frame tubes.

This prevents the cover from moving around on the frame or blowing off in windy conditions.

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Peg the frame

Peg the frame

Use the guy ropes and pegs supplied to hold down the greenhouse securely, positioning the guy ropes at each external corner of the cover.

TIP We decided to use heavy-duty tent pegs to secure the greenhouse.

Add the plants

Add the plants

Position the larger, heavier plants on the floor of the greenhouse and use the shelves for smaller, lighter pots.

The top shelves are ideal for seed trays.

TIP Water the plants well when the weather is particularly hot.

Would you like to have your seedlings ready to plant as soon as the cold weather passes or be able to strike cuttings and grow them with ease?

All of this and more is possible if you install a greenhouse. While many gardeners dream of having one, they’re often put off by the perceived difficulty, lack of space and the potential expense.

But a greenhouse doesn’t have to be hard, huge or a budget crusher.

We show you how to install one using a kit and look at some of the uses.

Grow rose cuttings

Grow rose cuttings

At rose pruning time, don’t waste those rose canes, use your greenhouse to grow a few new bushes.

DIY tip for striking roses

DIY tip for striking roses

Test if a rose stem is suitable for striking by snapping off a thorn.

If it leaves a woody rather than a green spot, it’s ideal to use.

Prepare the cuttings

Prepare the cuttings

Dip the cuttings in a root-promoting or striking gel, then push into the holes, firming down the mix.

Put in the greenhouse and water well. Label with the date and variety, if known.

TIP Use honey as a DIY striking gel.

Would you like to have your seedlings ready to plant as soon as the cold weather passes or be able to strike cuttings and grow them with ease?

All of this and more is possible if you install a greenhouse. While many gardeners dream of having one, they’re often put off by the perceived difficulty, lack of space and the potential expense.

But a greenhouse doesn’t have to be hard, huge or a budget crusher.

We show you how to install one using a kit and look at some of the uses.

Take the cuttings

Take the cuttings

Take 100-150mm long semi-hardwood cuttings, then use secateurs to trim the leaves by two-thirds to prevent dehydration.

Fill a pot with propagating mix, then use a small stick or pencil to make holes to half the depth of the mix.

Plant the cuttings

Plant the cuttings

Dip the cuttings in honey, then push into the holes, firming down the mix.

Water well.

Position the base half of the bottle over the cuttings, then put in a warm spot out of direct sunlight.

Keep the mix moist but not wet.

Grow tip

Grow tip

Lift the plastic bottle cover off the cuttings every few days to refresh the air and decrease the humidity a little.

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