🌞 What are the advantages of a greenhouse?
- Longer growing season – Protects against cold, wind and rain.
- Faster growth – The temperature rises more quickly, which is ideal for seedlings.
- Fewer pests – Your plants are protected from snails, birds and insects.
- More sustainable gardening – Less waste of water and nutrients.
🧱 Which material should I choose: glass or polycarbonate?
- Glass: allows plenty of light through, looks stylish and is durable. Ideal for permanent installations.
- Polycarbonate: lighter, shatterproof and better insulated. Perfect for changing weather conditions and easy to install.
🌿 Which plants can I grow in a greenhouse?
- Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, aubergines
- Herbs: basil, mint, coriander, parsley
- Flowers: petunias, geraniums, orchids
❄️ Can I also use a greenhouse in winter?
- protect frost-sensitive plants,
- grow lamb's lettuce or field lettuce
- and start sowing seeds as soon as the days get longer again.
💧 How do I maintain my greenhouse?
- Clean glass or panels at least twice a year.
- Regularly check the seals and frame.
- Ventilate regularly to prevent mould growth.
- Use rainwater as a sustainable source of irrigation.
🔧 How do I choose the right size?
- For beginners: mini or wall greenhouse of 2–4 m².
- For advanced growers: freestanding greenhouse of 6 m² or more. Also consider access space, working height and possible expansion options.
🔥 Which accessories are useful in a greenhouse?
With the right accessories, you can get even more out of your greenhouse:
- Automatic window openers – ensure optimal ventilation.
- Thermometers and hygrometers – monitor temperature and humidity.
- Growing tables, racks and plant trays – for order and efficiency.
- Shade cloth – prevents overheating in summer.
How do I prepare the ground?
For a greenhouse that is placed directly on the ground, it is important that the intended ground is free of obstacles. The ground should be as level as possible and the soil should be well compacted.
How will my greenhouse be delivered?
A greenhouse is always delivered by a large lorry. Depending on the exact greenhouse you have ordered, the packages will be placed on one or more pallets and delivered to your home by lorry. It is not possible to collect your conservatory yourself.
Please note: the transporters will place the entire package on the pavement, not in your garden.
Is your home difficult to access with a large lorry, or is it located on a street where lorries are not allowed to drive? Be sure to mention this when placing your order.
In the case of a pallet delivery, the recipient will be contacted in advance. This is because a pallet is not a standard parcel that can be left in your letterbox. You will be contacted by the carrier to arrange a delivery time. A pallet may not be left at a residence without permission. That is why an appointment is always requested for the correct delivery time.
Why does a greenhouse have a longer delivery time?
Most parcels at Hermie Online are shipped on the day of the order or the day after. This is not the case for greenhouses. This is because we do not keep greenhouses in stock ourselves. When you order a greenhouse, it is delivered directly from the supplier. Furthermore, greenhouses are not available in ready-made packages from suppliers. Precisely because some personalisation is possible, production of your greenhouse only starts after it has been ordered. The delivery time for a coloured greenhouse is always slightly longer than for an aluminium greenhouse because the profiles of a coloured greenhouse still need to be coated before the package is ready for delivery.
What if my greenhouse is damaged upon delivery or parts are missing?
Our suppliers do their utmost to package everything as well as possible. Unfortunately, damage during transport can never be completely ruled out.
✅Check the delivery immediately upon receipt for damage and missing parts.
🚫Do not refuse delivery, even if there is damage.
📸Take photos of the damage and report it immediately to Hermie customer service.
You are always entitled to a complete and undamaged product. If damage occurs, we always take it seriously and do everything we can to resolve it as quickly as possible.
What about the installation of my greenhouse?
Greenhouses are generally supplied as self-assembly kits. Fortunately, assembling a greenhouse is easy to do yourself. We estimate about two days' work for two people. Choose a dry, windless day.
Not keen on assembling your brand-new greenhouse yourself? Vitavia does not provide an assembly service, so you will have to find your own solution, for example by hiring an independent contractor or gardener. An ACD greenhouse can be assembled for you, provided that the delivery address is in Belgium. The cost of assembly varies depending on the type of greenhouse.
1. Choose the location
- Choose a place with plenty of sun: the more hours of sunshine per day, the more types of crops you can grow in your greenhouse.
- Find a wind-free location: If your greenhouse is exposed to the wind, this increases the risk of glass breakage.
- Place your greenhouse with the door opening facing south: This allows your plants to benefit optimally from the sun without burning at the hottest time of the day.
2. Gather your tools
With a few minor exceptions, you don't need to drill any holes for a greenhouse. All the tools you need to assemble a greenhouse can be found in a standard toolbox.
- spirit level
- electric drill and screwdrivers
- wrenches
- ladder
- Stanley knife
- rubber hammer
3. Follow the instructions carefully
Does my greenhouse need to be completely level?
Yes, although some margin is possible. Your greenhouse must be completely level and square in width. In length, your greenhouse may slope by a maximum of 1 cm per running metre. If your greenhouse measures 5 metres on the long side, the rear façade may be a maximum of 5 cm lower than the front façade. This allows rainwater to drain away easily.
What about the warranty on my greenhouse?
The warranty period varies from brand to brand.
Please note: the warranty covers the construction, profiles and weathering of polycarbonate sheets. Glass breakage is never covered by the warranty (except upon delivery, of course).
There is also no warranty for damage caused by:
- exceptional natural phenomena
- an unsuitable location
- modifications made by the consumer
- insufficient anchoring
- incorrect use of cleaning products
- incorrect installation
Do I need a permit to install a greenhouse?
In most cases, no, as long as the greenhouse does not exceed a certain size and is not permanently inhabited. However, the rules vary from municipality to municipality. Always check with your local authority to see if an environmental permit is required.
Can I also use my greenhouse as a winter shelter?
Yes! It is perfect for frost-sensitive plants such as citrus trees, olive plants or fuchsias. Just make sure you provide:
- Sufficient light
- Minimal temperature drop
- Insulation or light heating