What Is a Greenhouse and Why Do You Need One?
A greenhouse is a structure designed to protect plants from extreme weather, pests, and seasonal changes. It traps heat and moisture inside, creating a perfect little ecosystem for your greens. Whether you're trying to extend your growing season or protect delicate plants, a greenhouse makes it possible.
In Australia, greenhouse gardening is booming—not just in rural areas, but also in suburban backyards. From compact greenhouse tents to large walk-in greenhouses, there's something for every space and skill level.
Types of Greenhouses Available in Australia
Let’s break down the most popular options you’ll find when searching for a greenhouse for sale in Australia:
1. Greenhouse Kits Australia
If you’re a DIYer, greenhouse kits are your best bet. These come with everything you need—frames, coverings, and instructions. Ideal for anyone new to greenhouse gardening, these kits are widely available online and in garden centres across Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.
2. Greenhouse Tents
Perfect for renters or gardeners with limited space, a greenhouse tent is lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. These are great for protecting seedlings or small plants. If you're in Sydney or Edgecliff, where garden space is often tight, this is a practical choice.
3. Walk-In Greenhouses
A walk-in greenhouse offers more space and better access. Ideal for passionate gardeners, these greenhouses often feature shelving, zipper doors, and reinforced plastic or polycarbonate sheets. Whether you're in Delacombe or Medowie, walk-in models offer the flexibility to grow more varieties and manage the climate more effectively.
4. Greenhouse Tunnels
Also known as hoop houses, greenhouse tunnels use a series of curved hoops covered in plastic. These are perfect for larger gardens or small farms, especially in cooler regions like Tasmania. They're economical, effective, and easy to assemble.
Choosing the Right Greenhouse Size
Size matters when choosing a greenhouse. Here are your main options:
- Small Greenhouses or Tents: Great for balconies or compact yards.
- Medium Walk-In Greenhouses: Ideal for hobby gardeners with a decent backyard.
- Large Greenhouses or Tunnels: Best for serious growers or homesteaders with space to spare.
Pro tip: If you’re in Ballarat or Kirribilli, check with your local council for any planning rules related to larger structures.
Greenhouse Materials: What to Look For
Greenhouses in Australia must withstand wind, heat, and sometimes hail. Here’s what to look for:
1. Frame Material
- Steel: Durable and rust-resistant. Great for greenhouse kits that need to survive stormy weather.
- Aluminium: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Ideal for portable greenhouse tents.
- PVC: Affordable and flexible, though not as strong as steel or aluminium.
2. Covering Material
- Greenhouse Plastic: The most common and budget-friendly option. Look for UV-resistant versions to last longer.
- Greenhouse Plastic Sheet (Polyethylene): A thick, flexible covering great for tunnels and DIY setups.
- Polycarbonate Panels: More durable and insulative. Good for walk-in greenhouses in colder areas like Tasmania or Delacombe.
Where to Buy a Greenhouse in Australia
Wondering where to start shopping? Here’s a quick breakdown by location:
- Greenhouse Sydney: Try local garden centres or online stores with delivery to inner suburbs like Edgecliff and Kirribilli.
- Greenhouse Melbourne: Check Bunnings, online garden retailers, or specialty greenhouse suppliers.
- Greenhouse Brisbane: Ideal location for tropical growers—look for high-ventilation kits that combat humidity.
- Greenhouse Perth: Choose UV-stabilised plastic to withstand the hot WA sun.
- Greenhouse Ballarat & Delacombe: Cooler regions benefit from insulated walk-in models with polycarbonate panels.
- Greenhouse Tasmania: Opt for durable plastic or tunnel models to retain heat in cooler months.
- Greenhouse Medowie: Rural properties here can handle large greenhouse tunnels for market gardening.
Online retailers like Greenhouses Galore, MyDeal, and Catch often stock greenhouse kits Australia-wide, with delivery available even to remote regions.
Features to Look for in a Greenhouse Kit
Not all greenhouse kits are created equal. When comparing options, consider these features:
- Ventilation Panels: Helps regulate heat and humidity.
- Reinforced Frames: Especially important for windy or storm-prone areas.
- Zipper Doors: Easier access, especially for walk-in greenhouses.
- Shelving: Extra space for seedlings, tools, and supplies.
Bonus tip: If you're setting up in a sunny spot like Perth or Brisbane, choose a kit with UV protection to avoid early wear on the plastic.
Greenhouse Hoops: A DIY Dream
If you enjoy DIY projects, building your own greenhouse hoops is a cost-effective option. All you need are PVC pipes or metal rods bent into arches and a good quality greenhouse plastic sheet. Lay the hoops out evenly, secure them with stakes, and cover with the plastic—voilà! You've got your own budget-friendly greenhouse tunnel.
Perfect for regional areas like Medowie or Delacombe, where space isn't an issue and DIY saves on freight.
Maintenance Tips for Your Greenhouse
A greenhouse is only as good as its upkeep. Here are a few tips:
- Clean regularly to prevent mould and pest buildup.
- Replace torn plastic sheets as soon as damage appears.
- Open vents or doors daily to allow airflow, especially in humid climates.
- Rotate crops to keep your soil healthy and nutrient-rich.
This is especially important in coastal zones like Sydney or Kirribilli, where humidity can lead to mildew.
FAQs About Buying a Greenhouse in Australia
Q: Can I buy a greenhouse online and have it shipped to regional Australia?
Absolutely. Many sellers offer delivery Australia-wide. Be sure to check shipping costs if you're located in more remote areas like Tasmania or Medowie.
Q: Is a plastic greenhouse durable enough for harsh Aussie weather?
Yes—but make sure it’s UV-stabilised and properly secured. In windy areas like Ballarat, choose a reinforced frame for added stability.
Q: Do I need council approval to build a greenhouse?
For small kits or tents, usually not. However, larger structures, especially in suburban areas like Edgecliff or Melbourne, may require council notification.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Greenhouse?
If you’re serious about gardening—or even just curious—it’s hard to beat the benefits of having your own greenhouse. Whether you choose a compact greenhouse tent, a DIY hoop tunnel, or a full-blown walk-in kit, the payoff is year-round growing and protection for your plants.
With options tailored for every climate, from Sydney’s sun to Tasmania’s frost, and sizes for every yard from Kirribilli to Delacombe, now is the perfect time to explore what a greenhouse can do for you.
Ready to Buy?
Look online for deals on greenhouse kits Australia wide, or head to your local garden centre. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending more time in your greenhouse than your house—because once you start growing, it’s hard to stop.