SPECIAL SECTION: OUTDOOR & GARDEN
PLAN AHEAD
Permanent structures may require approval from your local council. Barrenechea advises anyone thinking of purchasing a greenhouse to first consult local planning, zoning and building inspection departments for guidance on applicable building codes and / or zoning requirements.
From novice to pro
If you’ re a greenhouse gardening newbie, Barrenechea recommends a compact design that will give you room to grow. Many of these come with starter kits.
“ Look for a great entry-level greenhouse,” says Barrenechea. Compact footprints can fit beautifully into a suburban backyard. Other features to look for include sturdy construction, heavy-duty shelving, automatic vent openers and plenty of plant hangers.
Stepping up a notch is the Yardistry Cedar Greenhouse( Item 1902493), a favourite at Costco. Barrenechea admires Yardistry’ s attention to detail and craftsmanship, such as 81cm-high tongueand-groove-style cedar base walls. The 182cm-tall side walls maximise interior space and increase light and air volume to aid plant growth.
Additionally, Yardistry uses cedar that is Forest Stewardship Council( FSC) certified, meaning it meets the FSC’ s strict environmental and social standards.
Greenlife is known for its practical and affordable range of greenhouses, which are ideal for beginners. The Greenlife Large Garden Bed and Greenhouse Cover( Item 98551) is available in one versatile size( 180cm by 90cm by 45cm) that is designed to fit an existing garden bed, or even a balcony or courtyard garden. This option comes with four internal structural cross braces, a green PE Cover to convert your raised garden bed into a greenhouse.
“ It’ s ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, flowers and plants,” says Jesslyn Huynh, Costco garden buyer.
Greenhouse considerations
A greenhouse is more than just a covered structure. Before committing to any purchase, Barrenechea recommends thinking how you actually want to use your greenhouse, and knowing what kind of plants you want to grow.
“ It isn’ t one size fits all; it’ s finding the right design for you. Make sure you do your research,” he says.
For example, kits come with window panels made of clear or opaque glass, or polycarbonate, a lightweight, glasslike polymer. Different types of windows let in specific amounts of light and have varying insulation properties. Clear panels are best for starting seeds, whereas diffused light is preferred for cultivating plants. Roof windows that open automatically when the temperature goes up will save you from having to run outside to rescue your plants when it heats up.
Whatever the reason for upgrading your garden with a greenhouse this year, Costco. com carries a wide selection.
“ We stand behind our products and provide the best value for the same unit compared to what else is out there in the market,” says Barrenechea.“ If you want a high-quality greenhouse with a trusted company backing it up, look to Costco.”
Andrea Tomkins is an international reporter for the Connection.
28 | MAY / JUN 2024 COSTCO CONNECTION