Owning a greenhouse is great. It can transform even a tiny section and improve anyone's quality of life. Greenhouse owners eat more healthily, have less stress, save money on groceries, and know exactly where their food comes from. Not only will you help the environment, but you'll also have the opportunity to get the kids interested in eating healthy. Greenhouse gardening is relaxing, financially savvy, and a uniquely satisfying part of modern living.
No longer just for commercial growers, new materials and technology have made domestic greenhouse gardening more accessible and affordable than ever. As more and more people experience how great it is, it's not hard to see why it's such a growing trend.
Trade Tested has greenhouse coverings to suit sections of any size. All you need to know is which greenhouse type is right for you.
The golden rule
If you buy a greenhouse, you're going to use it, and you're going to want to use it more. Greenhouse gardeners quickly develop an enthusiasm that takes on a momentum of its own. Unlike those gym memberships we pay for and never use.
The most common regret among first-time greenhouse buyers is that they should have thought ahead to accommodate their growing interest. It's far easier to buy a greenhouse one size larger than it is to put an extension on a smaller one. Other things to consider include how the greenhouse will look on your section, whether or not you want to customise it, and any accessories you may want to add to it.
So what's right for you?
There are plenty of different greenhouse technologies on the market these days. The quality and material of greenhouse frames and panels vary. So do the designs. The best structures are durable and rust-free. The best panels provide proper insulation, filtered light and UV protection.
Our greenhouse building supplies
Trade Tested offers an array of greenhouse options featuring coverings of various materials and versatile structural designs to cater to your specific needs.
Greenhouse covering materials:
Twin-walled polycarbonate
Our polycarbonate and mini greenhouse panels are made from twin-walled polycarbonate that filters light, insulates the interior, and protects seedlings, plants, vegetables, and fruit from UV rays. Polycarbonate’s versatility, durability and light weight make for safe and easy construction. It won’t shatter in high winds or earthquakes and provides exceptional defence from heavy snow and hail. These structures won't crack or discolour like acrylic sheets can in the winter. Available in either flexible or rigid sheets, polycarbonate can be applied to almost any type of greenhouse structure, giving you both efficiency and versatility.
Anti-UV polyethylene
This innovative plastic greenhouse covering material used on our range of tunnel houses offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of your greenhouse structure. An anti-UV polyethylene film covering is specifically designed to withstand the harsh effects of UV radiation, which can deteriorate conventional materials over time. Anti-UV polyethylene film not only protects your plants from excessive UV exposure but also allows essential light transmission while trapping heat.
Single-glaze toughened glass
This covering type, as used in our range of professional greenhouses, offers a perfect balance between transparency, strength and insulation. The toughness of the glass ensures resistance against impacts and extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of breakage. Its single-glaze design allows maximum light transmission, promoting healthy plant growth while providing a clear view of the cultivated plants. Single-glaze toughened glass is the perfect covering for heat retention. It contributes to a stable and controlled environment, supporting a thriving greenhouse ecosystem.
Greenhouse frame materials
By carefully selecting the right greenhouse style and materials, growers can create a space that nurtures their plants and optimises energy usage, ensuring a sustainable and productive gardening experience.
Rust-free aluminium
The rust-resistant nature of aluminium ensures that the structure can withstand the moisture-laden environment typically found within greenhouses, preventing deterioration over time. This resilience contributes to the greenhouse’s structural stability, allowing it to withstand the rigours of NZ weather. Aluminium is lightweight and easy to install, making it a practical choice for seasoned gardeners and hobbyists.
Galvanised steel
These tunnel houses are ingeniously crafted using galvanised steel, showcasing the material’s suitability for greenhouse applications. Galvanised steel is treated with a protective zinc coating, rendering it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. This quality makes it ideal for enduring the humid and occasionally wet conditions found within greenhouse environments. The sturdiness of a galvanised steel frame ensures longevity and reliability, supporting the structural integrity of the tunnel house throughout its lifespan.
Nordic spruce wood
Nordic spruce wood greenhouses boast exceptional strength and a distinct visual appeal that complements the greenery within. This wood's natural insulating properties contribute to maintaining a stable environment while allowing for efficient temperature regulation. The inherent beauty of the wood, combined with its structural reliability, adds an extra layer of sophistication to glasshouse designs.
Protect your plants
Overheating is the main reason plants fail in a greenhouse, so controlling ventilation is vital. Reduce energy consumption by focusing on natural airflow, eliminating the need for external vent motor enclosures. Our greenhouses feature automatic vent openers and are especially handy when you're away from home.
Location, location, location
Remember a few simple things when choosing a spot to put your greenhouse. Find an open part of the garden that isn’t shadowed by trees and buildings. It's simple to shade a greenhouse if the sun becomes too bright, but moving a tree or building whose shade stunts your plant is much more complex.
Think about the wind, too. Wind can cool the temperature inside a greenhouse. Eliminate this by selecting a site near a hedge or fence. Just remember to look out for shadows.
Multi-tiered staging shelves can maximise your internal space and growing output. Raised garden beds can also make a valuable addition to a greenhouse for those who don't like bending over too far to tend to their plants. Check out our range of greenhouse accessories.
Got a question about our greenhouse coverings or frames?
Either send us an email or give us a bell during office hours on 0800 800 880.
Purchase your own greenhouse from Trade Tested today
Explore our range of high-quality greenhouses in various styles, shapes, and sizes. We’re confident any type of grower will discover the best greenhouse for their growing goals, backyard, and budget. With a Trade Tested greenhouse, you can start cultivating a thriving garden, nurture your plants to their fullest potential, and enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor areas. Shop online or in-store today and take advantage of our variety of greenhouse options at affordable prices.
Real customer reviews & testimonials
“This is an amazing addition to our garden. It is excellent quality and was not too hard to put together. Has added style as well as practicality and will be sure to add lots of great seasonal produce to the dinner table. Great, before, during and after service. Thank you.”
“This is a fantastic buy - in fact, I have now bought two. I have one permanently set up in my garden, and I used the other one as a market stall for a festival! They are easy to assemble, sturdy, spacious, and very warm inside. My polytunnel garden is coming on well, and I am learning new things about growing in a polytunnel. A very good investment.”
“I bought this for my husband for Xmas. He was rapt to be able to replace our old broken glasshouse. It was quite a major to put together, but well worth it in the end. It looks so good in our backyard, and having the storage underneath is great. I feel it looks so much better than a veggie pod. Highly recommend this product.”
FAQs about Greenhouse Materials
What is the best greenhouse covering for New Zealand weather?
Different materials suit different growers and growing goals. Polycarbonate is durable and insulating, polyethylene is affordable and flexible, and glass offers clarity and traditional appeal. Semi-transparent mesh coverings are another option, letting you watch your plants grow at a glance without compromising on protection.
Should I choose an aluminium, steel, or wood greenhouse?
Aluminium is lightweight and rust-free, steel provides strength and long-term security, and wood offers natural insulation and aesthetic appeal. The right choice of structure depends on your project, budget, and style preference.
How do I control the temperature inside my greenhouse?
Ventilation, shade cloths, and automatic vent openers are key. These help filter sunlight, reduce overheating, and regulate warmth and humidity for your plants.
What factors should I consider before buying a greenhouse?
Think about size, location, budget, and efficiency. Consider how much space you’ll need, the type of structure that suits your garden, and the supplies required to complete your build.
