Delivery & Returns

Order Confirmation:

As soon as you place your order, we will pre-authorize your card however your card will not be charged. We will then contact our supplier to confirm that the product you have purchased is available for immediate shipment. Once confirmed we will process the payment and your order will be dispatched straight away. If there is any delay such as an item which is on backorder, we will void the pre-authorization and contact you to let you know.

Order Delivery:

Once your order has been placed, assuming it is in stock and available for dispatch, we will charge your card and your order will be dispatched within 5 working days. We’ll send you tracking details by email within 24 hours of your order being dispatched. If you have not received tracking details within 6 working days, please reach out to us via email at support@bloomgreenhouses.com so that we can help.

Damages:

We ask that you thoroughly inspect all items at the point of delivery. We advise you not to accept delivery of any damaged items. If you discover that an item has been damaged, please send clear photos of the damaged items to support@bloomgreenhouses.com so that we can open an insurance claim on your behalf.

Cancellations & Refunds:

Any orders cancelled after 48 hours of placing the order may be subject to additional fees. If your order has been dispatched, you (the buyer) will be responsible for any costs associated with returning the item. Any refunds can only be issued to the same payment method which was used to place the order.

Benefits of Having a Hobby Greenhouse

A hobby greenhouse offers so many benefits—it’s more than just a place to grow plants!

Extended Growing Season: One of the main advantages of a greenhouse is that it extends your growing season, especially if you live in a cooler climate. You can start seeds early in the spring, grow through the fall, and even harvest some crops in the winter.

Better Control Over Growing Conditions: You can create the perfect environment for your plants in terms of temperature, humidity, and light, meaning fewer worries about pests or sudden weather changes.

A Personal Retreat: Greenhouses can also serve as peaceful retreats. They’re great for relaxation, mindfulness, or simply spending time with nature. Think of it as a garden sanctuary!

Choosing the Right Greenhouse

When you're just starting out, choosing the right greenhouse is crucial—it’ll set the foundation for your success. Here are the main things to keep in mind:

Size Matters: First, think about the space you have available. You don’t need a giant greenhouse to get started! A small one can work wonders for a few herbs, veggies, or flowers. The key is to plan around the size of your garden and how much you want to grow. Keep in mind that the bigger your greenhouse, the more maintenance it might require—so start small if you’re a beginner!

Materials: Greenhouses come in different materials, each with its own pros and cons.

Glass is beautiful and traditional but can be heavy and expensive. It also doesn’t offer the best insulation for temperature control.
Polycarbonate is a great middle ground—it’s lightweight, durable, and offers better insulation than glass, making it a good choice for all climates.
Plastic or Polyethylene is the most affordable and lightweight option. It’s perfect for those who want a simple setup but will need replacing after a few years since it can degrade in the sun.

Style and Features: Greenhouses come in various styles:

Freestanding: These are ideal if you have the space and want a standalone structure. They offer lots of flexibility.
Lean-to: Attached to the side of your house or another structure, these are great for small spaces.
A-Frame or Dome: These can be more visually interesting and often handle snow load well, but they might require a bit more investment or work to set up.

Before buying, think about the climate where you live and how much sunlight your chosen space gets.

Greenhouse Foundations

A solid foundation is the unsung hero of your greenhouse. Without it, you could be dealing with all sorts of issues—like shifting ground, unstable walls, or water pooling where it shouldn’t. Here’s what you need to know:

Why a Solid Foundation Matters: A level, stable foundation is essential for keeping your greenhouse upright and properly aligned. It helps with water drainage, which is key for preventing any waterlogging issues that could damage your plants or structure.

Types of Foundations:

Gravel Foundation: This is a simple and effective option, especially for smaller greenhouses. Gravel allows for excellent drainage and is easy to level out. It’s also affordable.
Concrete Foundation: If you want something more permanent and durable, concrete is a solid choice. It also helps with insulation and prevents pests from burrowing under the greenhouse.
Wooden Frames: Wooden foundations can work if you're looking for a more affordable or rustic feel, but make sure the wood is pressure-treated to resist decay.

Greenhouse Ventilation

Good ventilation is one of the most important aspects of greenhouse care. Without it, the temperature can skyrocket, and your plants could suffer. Here’s how to keep the air moving:

Why Ventilation is Crucial: Too much humidity or heat can lead to plant stress and even diseases like mold. Good airflow helps keep the environment balanced, making sure plants don’t overheat during the summer or become too damp.

Types of Ventilation:

Roof Vents: These are great for hot air to escape. If you can, try to install automatic roof vents that open when the temperature rises.
Side Vents: Placing vents on the sides of your greenhouse helps with cross-ventilation. This can be manually operated or automated.
Fans: If you live in a particularly hot area, adding a fan or two can help circulate air and cool things down during those really hot days.

Simple Tips:

Position your greenhouse so that it catches a breeze—this way, natural ventilation can help cool things down.
Open vents on both sides of the greenhouse on hot days to create a crosswind effect.
Keep the greenhouse roof clear of any snow or debris so that the vents can open fully.

Care and Maintenance

A greenhouse is like a mini ecosystem. To keep everything running smoothly, here are some important care and maintenance tips:

Watering and Irrigation: In a greenhouse, consistency is key. Overwatering or underwatering can both harm your plants. Consider setting up a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to deliver water evenly to your plants. This helps avoid soggy soil or drought stress.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning of both the inside and outside of your greenhouse is crucial to prevent pests and diseases. Scrub the glass or plastic panels every few weeks to let in as much light as possible, and wipe down benches or shelves where soil may accumulate.

Temperature Control:

In the winter: Use heaters or even a small space heater if you're growing through the colder months.
In the summer: Shade cloths or a whitewash on the glass/polycarbonate can help block out excessive heat.
Throughout the year: Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity, adjusting as necessary to prevent extremes.

Beginner Tips

Starting a hobby greenhouse can feel overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start Small: If you’re new to greenhouses, don’t jump into a massive project. Start with a smaller structure or a few plants and grow your skills as you go.

Do Your Research: Not every plant thrives in a greenhouse, so do a little research to understand which ones will do best in your environment. For instance, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs love greenhouses, while more delicate plants may need special attention.

Don’t Overcrowd: Plants need space to grow and breathe. Crowding them together might sound like a good idea to maximize your growing space, but it can lead to poor airflow and pest problems. Space them out for the best results.

What Not to Do

Greenhouse gardening can be a little tricky, especially when you’re new to it. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring Temperature Fluctuations: Inconsistent temperatures are hard on plants. Avoid drastic temperature shifts—monitor and control the inside temperature regularly.

Underestimating Ventilation: Without proper airflow, your greenhouse can become stuffy, overheated, or too humid. Make sure you have enough ventilation to keep things comfortable for both you and your plants.

Overwatering or Underwatering: Watering might seem simple, but it’s easy to either overdo it or forget about it. Invest in a moisture meter or set up a watering schedule to keep track.

Essential Tools and Systems

Once you’ve got the basics of your greenhouse setup, you’ll want to equip it with some essential tools and systems to help keep your plants happy and healthy. Here’s a breakdown of some must-have greenhouse additions:

Grow Lights:

If you're growing plants that require a lot of sunlight or if you’re in a location with shorter days during certain seasons, grow lights are an excellent investment. Here’s what you need to know:

Why You Need Them: In a greenhouse, natural light might not always be enough, especially during winter months or on cloudy days. Grow lights help supplement sunlight, ensuring your plants get the light they need to grow strong and healthy.
Types of Grow Lights:
LED Lights: These are energy-efficient, produce little heat, and last for many years. They’re great for most plants and work well in smaller spaces.
Fluorescent Lights: These are another affordable option, perfect for seedlings or low-light plants, though they may not be strong enough for larger or fruiting plants.
HPS (High Pressure Sodium) Lights: These emit a lot of heat and are often used for flowering or fruiting plants like tomatoes or peppers. They require careful temperature control.

Heaters:

Maintaining the right temperature in your greenhouse is critical, especially in cooler months. Heaters can help you extend your growing season by ensuring a steady, comfortable climate.

Why You Need One: During winter, temperatures inside your greenhouse can drop too low for some plants to thrive. A heater helps regulate this, keeping your plants in the ideal temperature range.
Types of Heaters:
Electric Heaters: These are easy to control and can be placed anywhere in your greenhouse. They work well for smaller spaces.
Propane Heaters: Ideal for larger greenhouses, propane heaters can warm up the space more quickly, but they do require good ventilation to avoid buildup of carbon monoxide.
Paraffin Heaters: These are less common but great for off-grid greenhouses. They burn paraffin wax, which gives off heat without electricity.

Watering Systems:

Watering your plants can take up a lot of time, but using an automated watering system can make your life a lot easier.

Why You Need One: A watering system ensures your plants get consistent moisture, and it helps prevent over or underwatering—two common gardening mistakes. It’s especially useful for larger greenhouses or if you’re growing a variety of plants that require different water levels.

Types of Systems:

Drip Irrigation: This is the most efficient watering system for greenhouses. It delivers water directly to the plant’s roots without wasting water on the surrounding soil.

Soaker Hoses: These are great for evenly watering a row of plants. They allow water to seep slowly into the soil, perfect for high-demand plants like tomatoes or peppers.

help cover a wide area. Choose a system with a timer to automate the watering process.

Fans:

Proper ventilation is key to a healthy greenhouse, and fans play a big role in maintaining airflow, temperature, and humidity.

Why You Need One: Fans help circulate air, preventing the buildup of excess heat or humidity, which can encourage fungal growth or plant diseases. In hot climates, they’re especially important for keeping your greenhouse cool.
Types of Fans:
Exhaust Fans: These help push hot air out of the greenhouse, especially when it gets too steamy in the summer months. They’re often installed near the roof.
Oscillating Fans: These circulate air evenly around the greenhouse, helping to maintain a more consistent environment.
Circulation Fans: These smaller fans help keep air moving in areas where ventilation might be weak, ensuring no spots are too stagnant.

Composters:

If you’re a sustainable gardener (or want to be), a composter is a fantastic addition to your greenhouse.

Why You Need One: Composting allows you to recycle organic waste (like plant clippings or kitchen scraps) and turn it into rich, fertile soil. Not only will you save money on fertilizers, but you'll also be creating a closed-loop system that benefits your plants.
Types of Composters:
Traditional Compost Bin: Great for those with space. It’s an open bin or pile where you layer organic matter. With the right balance of "greens" (nitrogen) and "browns" (carbon), your compost will break down over time.
Compost Tumblers: These are closed containers that rotate, making it easier to turn your compost and speed up the decomposition process. They’re perfect for beginners since they’re low-maintenance and faster than traditional bins.
Worm Composters (Vermiculture): If you want to go one step further, consider a worm composter, which uses worms to break down food scraps and create nutrient-dense "worm castings."

Solar Power:

Harnessing solar power in your greenhouse is a smart way to cut down on energy costs and stay environmentally friendly.

Why You Need It: Greenhouses require a lot of energy for lighting, heating, and fans. By using solar panels, you can help power some of these systems and reduce your greenhouse’s overall carbon footprint.
What You Need: A basic solar power setup typically includes solar panels, a battery system to store energy, and a charge controller to manage how the energy is used. Even a small solar setup can make a big difference in reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
Options: Solar-powered fans, lights, and small heaters are readily available, and you can install a system based on your greenhouse size and energy needs.

Shade Cloths:

In hot climates or during summer months, a little shade can go a long way in protecting your plants from too much heat and sunlight.

Why You Need Them: Greenhouses can become incredibly hot, and some plants (especially those that prefer cooler temperatures) can suffer from too much sun exposure. Shade cloths reduce the intensity of sunlight, which helps maintain a more moderate temperature.
How They Work: Shade cloths are made of mesh fabric, and they come in different shades to control how much sunlight they block. Choose a cloth with the right percentage of shading for your plants—typically, 30%-50% shading works well for most plants.
Placement: Shade cloth can be draped over the top of your greenhouse or installed on the sides for more control over light exposure.

Delivery & Returns