Most greenhouse owners find they gain more enjoyment from their purchase by adding a few useful accessories. The extra investment is well worthwhile and can lead to healthier plant growth. However, we would not recommend that you sacrifice spending on the greenhouse itself in order
to finance the accessory purchases. They can always be added later when funds allow. lf you are in the fortunate position of being able to afford both greenhouse and accessories at the outset then gives some consideration to greenhouse and accessory packages which several manufacturers
now provide. This is a good way of saving money. The only downside is that you may be purchasing some items you may think you do not really need. We would recommend you consider purchasing the following basic items for your greenhouse;

1. Staging This is the most important accessory because it provides you with a working area and provides space for your plants. Aluminium staging can come in modular form and often has reversible trays and can have one, two or even three tiers. Aim to buy staging that will at least fit the full length of one side of your greenhouse. By way of an alternative consider slatted staging which is good for fluid drainage and air circulation. Height needs to be about 32" for comfortable working.
2. Shelving Aluminium shelves can be bolted to the side or rear of the greenhouse and adjusted to the height required. They provide more space for your plants and so are most useful in small greenhouses where space is limited. Cropped bolts come as part of the kits which allows you to fix the shelves without the need to dismantle a greenhouse already erected. lt is quite possible to buy shelf brackets and fittings separately which can enable you to make your own timber shelf for a modest cost.
3. Rainwater Kit We are all being encouraged to re-cycle rain water which is better for plants compared with water from the tap. Each kit consists of pipe work, outlets and stoppers which drain the water into a barrel or other container. Barrels are purchased separately. Please note that each make of greenhouse has its own distinct gutter profile so you need to purchase the kit that is sold for that particular make. In order to maximise rain water collection several manufacturers provide a kit allowing collection from both sides and rear of the building with one collection point at the rear.
4. Louvres Can be situated at the side or rear of the greenhouse and protects plants from disease caused by humid and stagnant air. Fresh air is drawn in and encouraged to circulate at different levels. Most louvres have four or five blades and come with toughened glass. Automatic louvre openers are a possibility but not deemed essential.
5. Automatic Vent Opener Ventilation is provided by a solar powered wax cylinder which opens and closes the vent when the temperature inside the greenhouse rises or falls. Prevents your greenhouse overheating when you are at work or on holiday.
6. Seed Trays ldeal for growing on seedlings before planting out. They consist of a light weight aluminium structure usually in two, three or four tiers with plastic trays. Easily moveable.
7. Netting Netting provides a good shade system for plants preventing scorching in high summer. Lining hooks are used to attach to the interior of the greenhouse and in most cases come with the netting.
8. Bubble insulation Very useful in the cold winter months when growth is modest and protects against the frost. Allows for early propagation of plants and extends plant life. Each kit comes with internal fittings. 9. Catalogues Most greenhouse firms will produce a catalogue of the various accessories they manufacture giving more detailed information. Your local retailer should be able to supply you with a copy.