Greenhouse Buying Tips
Before Buying a Greenhouse
Whether you’re just starting to dream about your first greenhouse or you’re ready to take the next step, this guide is here to help. We’ve gathered all the essential information to make setting up your Eden Greenhouse smooth from planning to planting.
From choosing the right model to preparing your site and adding the right accessories, you’ll find everything you need to make confident, informed decisions.
What to Consider
CHOOSING YOUR GREENHOUSE
Finding the perfect greenhouse model starts with understanding your space, your goals, and your environment. Here are a few key things to consider when selecting the best Eden model for your garden:
Budget
From compact starter options to larger, premium models, there’s something for every price range.
Space
Measure your site carefully and think about future growth — it’s often worth going slightly larger than you think you’ll need.
Weather Conditions
Live in a windy or coastal area? Choose a model designed to handle New Zealand’s toughest conditions.
What You Want To Grow
Tall crops like tomatoes need extra headroom, while seedling trays and herbs thrive with good airflow and shelving.
PLANNING FOR YOUR GREENHOUSE SETUP
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to getting the most from your greenhouse. From airflow to layout and even colour choice, there’s a lot to consider but the right setup will help you grow more successfully and enjoy the process.
Smart Accessories
Consider upgrading your space with thoughtful add-ons like automatic louvre windows, roof vents, aluminium benches, and shelving. These extras aren’t just nice to have; they transform your glasshouse into a fine-tuned, efficient growing environment that’s easier to manage and more productive.
Heating & Cooling
Good airflow is essential. For hot summer months, options like roof vents, louvre windows, or exhaust fans can help prevent overheating. In winter, a well-sealed structure helps retain warmth once shutters are closed. Automated vents are ideal for beginners; they respond to temperature changes automatically, protecting your plants year-round.
Choose Your Colour
Your glasshouse should look as good as it grows. Choose from classic white, black, grey, dark green, or talk to us about custom colours to suit your space and style.
SITE PREPARATION FOR YOUR GREENHOUSE
01. CONFIRM THE CORRECT DIMENSIONS
Every greenhouse needs a level, square foundation built to the outside dimensions of your specific model. Always double-check your measurements with our team before starting any foundation work.
02. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
Select a site that receives full sun for most of the day, especially in winter. Avoid shade from buildings, trees, and fences, and steer clear of south-facing slopes. A sunny position boosts plant growth and helps keep your greenhouse dry and leaf-free.
03. ENSURE GOOD DRAINAGE
Avoid placing your greenhouse in low-lying areas where water may pool. Your foundation should be level but not in a spot where water collects. If needed, improve drainage with gravel or raised beds before installation.
04. MAKE ROOM TO MOVE
Leave at least 1 metre of space around all sides of your greenhouse. This ensures easy access for cleaning, maintenance, and using vents or accessories. You’ll also appreciate the space when it’s time to assemble!
05. CONSIDER WATER ACCESS
Locate your greenhouse close to a hose or tap, even if you’re using irrigation. Our gutter systems are compatible with standard 19mm irrigation pipes, so it’s easy to connect to a rainwater tank for sustainable watering.
06. PLAN FOR POWER (OPTIONAL)
If you’re thinking of heating, lighting, or automation, check whether power is accessible from your site. You may want to install solar panels or run underground weatherproof cables.
07. PREPARE FOR WIND
If your site is exposed to strong winds, utilise a windbreak like a fence, hedge, or consider purchasing extra bracing to strengthen your Eden Greenhouse.
09. CHECK CONSENT REQUIREMENTS
In New Zealand, generally you need to apply for building consent if your greenhouse is over 10m2 or using permanent/heavy materials such as concrete walls. You will also need to ensure your greenhouse is setback at least its height and distance from the boundaries. It is your responsibility to check with the council or apply for exemptions but the Eden Greenhouse team are here to chat through any questions you have.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GREENHOUSE FOUNDATION
Preparing your greenhouse foundation is one of the most important steps in setting up your glasshouse. Whether you choose wood, concrete, or one of our Eden Greenhouses Base Kits, the key is creating a level, secure base to support your structure and help it last for years.
Eden Greenhouse Base Kit
Our Base Kit adds 125mm of extra growing height and comes with four alloy anchors designed to be concreted into the ground, giving your glasshouse greater stability in all weather conditions.
Concrete Foundations for your Greenhouse
Concrete foundations offer long-term strength and durability. You can opt for a full concrete pad, or use in-ground concrete piles approximately 300mm wide and deep. These should be placed in each corner, on both sides of the double doors, and every 1.5 metres along any side longer than 3 metres.
Wooden Foundations for your Greenhouse
Wooden piles are another great option and can be either concreted in or driven into the ground. Like with concrete, place piles in each corner, on both sides of the doors, and every 1.5 metres along longer sides for proper support.
EDEN GREENHOUSE BASE KIT
Our Base Kit adds 125mm of extra growing height and comes with four alloy anchors designed to be concreted into the ground, giving your glasshouse greater stability in all weather conditions.
CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
Concrete foundations offer long-term strength and durability. You can opt for a full concrete pad, or use in-ground concrete piles approximately 300mm wide and deep. These should be placed in each corner, on both sides of the double doors, and every 1.5 metres along any side longer than 3 metres.
WOODEN FOUNDATIONS
Wooden piles are another great option and can be either concreted in or driven into the ground. Like with concrete, place piles in each corner, on both sides of the doors, and every 1.5 metres along longer sides for proper support.
What to consider
Choosing Your Greenhouse
Finding the perfect greenhouse model starts with understanding your space, your goals, and your environment. Here are a few key things to consider when selecting the best Eden model for your garden:
From compact starter options to larger, premium models, there’s something for every price range.
Measure your site carefully and think about future growth — it’s often worth going slightly larger than you think you’ll need.
Live in a windy or coastal area? Choose a model designed to handle New Zealand’s toughest conditions.
Tall crops like tomatoes need extra headroom, while seedling trays and herbs thrive with good airflow and shelving.
Planning for your Greenhouse Set Up
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to getting the most from your greenhouse. From airflow to layout and even colour choice, there’s a lot to consider but the right setup will help you grow more successfully and enjoy the process.
Consider upgrading your space with thoughtful add-ons like automatic louvre windows, roof vents, aluminium benches, and shelving. These extras aren’t just nice to have; they transform your glasshouse into a fine-tuned, efficient growing environment that’s easier to manage and more productive.
Good airflow is essential. For hot summer months, options like roof vents, louvre windows, or exhaust fans can help prevent overheating. In winter, a well-sealed structure helps retain warmth once shutters are closed. Automated vents are ideal for beginners; they respond to temperature changes automatically, protecting your plants year-round.
Your glasshouse should look as good as it grows. Choose from classic white, black, grey, dark green, or talk to us about custom colours to suit your space and style.
Ready to Buy Your Greenhouse?
Greenhouse Site Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide
01. Confirm the Correct Dimensions
Every greenhouse needs a level, square foundation built to the outside dimensions of your specific model. Always double-check your measurements with our team before starting any foundation work.
02. Choose the Right Location
Select a site that receives full sun for most of the day, especially in winter. Avoid shade from buildings, trees, and fences, and steer clear of south-facing slopes. A sunny position boosts plant growth and helps keep your greenhouse dry and leaf-free.
03. Ensure Good Drainage
Avoid placing your greenhouse in low-lying areas where water may pool. Your foundation should be level but not in a spot where water collects. If needed, improve drainage with gravel or raised beds before installation.
04. Make Room to Move
Leave at least 1 metre of space around all sides of your greenhouse. This ensures easy access for cleaning, maintenance, and using vents or accessories. You’ll also appreciate the space when it’s time to assemble!
05. Consider Water Access
Locate your greenhouse close to a hose or tap, even if you’re using irrigation. Our gutter systems are compatible with standard 19mm irrigation pipes, so it’s easy to connect to a rainwater tank for sustainable watering.
06. Plan for Power (Optional)
If you’re thinking of heating, lighting, or automation, check whether power is accessible from your site. You may want to install solar panels or run underground weatherproof cables.
07. Prepare for Wind
If your site is exposed to strong winds, utilise a windbreak like a fence, hedge, or consider purchasing extra bracing to strengthen your Eden Greenhouse.
09. Check Consent Requirements
In New Zealand, generally you need to apply for building consent if your greenhouse is over 10m2 or using permanent/heavy materials such as concrete walls. You will also need to ensure your greenhouse is setback at least its height and distance from the boundaries. It is your responsibility to check with the council or apply for exemptions but the Eden Greenhouse team are here to chat through any questions you have.
Choosing the Right Greenhouse Foundation
Preparing your greenhouse foundation is one of the most important steps in setting up your glasshouse. Whether you choose wood, concrete, or one of our Eden Greenhouses Base Kits, the key is creating a level, secure base to support your structure and help it last for years.
Our Base Kit adds 125mm of extra growing height and comes with four alloy anchors designed to be concreted into the ground, giving your glasshouse greater stability in all weather conditions.
Concrete foundations offer long-term strength and durability. You can opt for a full concrete pad, or use in-ground concrete piles approximately 300mm wide and deep. These should be placed in each corner, on both sides of the double doors, and every 1.5 metres along any side longer than 3 metres.
Wooden piles are another great option and can be either concreted in or driven into the ground. Like with concrete, place piles in each corner, on both sides of the doors, and every 1.5 metres along longer sides for proper support.
Read our Essential Guide to Greenhouse Foundations
The Perfect Greenhouse Companion - A Garden Shed
A garden shed is perfect for storing tools, pots, and supplies so your growing space stays tidy and efficient. Many Eden customers say accompanying their greenhouse with a shed is a total game-changer.