Your greenhouse has finally arrived — exciting, right? Whether you’re stepping into gardening for the first time or expanding your outdoor living vision, this moment marks the beginning of something meaningful. Let’s walk through exactly what to do after your greenhouse is delivered so you can get it set up, secured, and growing with confidence.
1. Begin With the Basics: Inspect Your Delivery
Before you dream about seedlings and harvests, start with a simple but essential step: inspection.
According to the Federal Trade Commission’s delivery guidelines, customers should inspect all shipped items upon receipt to ensure everything arrived in good condition. (FTC, “Consumer Advice on Deliveries”)
What to check:
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Make sure all boxes are present
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Look for damage to packaging
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Check that hardware kits, panels, and connectors match the manual’s inventory list
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Take photos if anything is missing or damaged—this helps with warranty or replacements
At TrueNorth Outdoor Co., we always advise documenting your delivery from the moment it arrives. It protects you and speeds up support if needed.
2. Choose a Level, Prepared Site
A greenhouse performs best on a flat, stable foundation, which helps prevent warping, panel stress, and door misalignment.
According to guidelines from the University of Georgia Extension (a trusted horticulture source), greenhouses should be built on well-drained, level ground to maintain structural stability and temperature consistency.
Ideal foundation options:
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Concrete pad
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Gravel bed
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Treated lumber base
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Pavers
Avoid low areas that collect water — standing moisture leads to humidity spikes and pests.
3. Assemble With Care (and a Buddy)
Greenhouses are large structures, and even the simple models are easier to set up with two people.
Most manufacturers and agricultural extension services recommend two or more helpers for safe assembly (e.g., Texas A&M AgriLife guidance). Panels can act like sails in the wind, so extra hands matter.
Pro tips:
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Assemble on a day with low wind
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Keep panels covered until installed
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Follow the manual step-by-step, not “in the order that feels right”
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Wear gloves — polycarbonate edges can be sharp
If you purchased a premium model, TrueNorth-approved installers can handle the full build for you.
4. Anchor Your Structure — Non-Negotiable
Anchoring is a safety requirement, not a suggestion.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind uplift can damage or overturn lightweight structures if not properly secured.
Depending on your greenhouse model, you may need:
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Ground anchors
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Concrete footings
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Bolted base plates
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Earth screws
Proper anchoring protects your investment and ensures your greenhouse stands firm through storms and seasons.
5. Plan Your Interior Layout Before You Plant
Greenhouse success depends heavily on layout and airflow. The University of Vermont Extension notes that good ventilation reduces disease, maintains temperature balance, and prevents mold.
Before you start growing, decide:
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Where benches or raised beds will go
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Where fans or vents will be placed
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Where you’ll store tools, soil, and watering cans
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How sunlight will move through the structure seasonally
Intentional setup ensures higher yields and healthier plants.
6. Start With the Right Plants for Beginners
To get growing quickly — and successfully — choose varieties that thrive in controlled environments.
Research from the University of Minnesota Extension suggests beginners see the strongest early results with:
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Lettuce
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Spinach
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Kale
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Tomatoes
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Peppers
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Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary)
They’re hardy, forgiving, and fast-growing.
7. Monitor Temperature & Humidity Early
Greenhouses trap heat — that’s the point — but regulating it is key.
According to Penn State Extension:
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Most vegetables grow best between 65–75°F (18–24°C)
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Ventilation prevents overheating
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Humidity that stays too high leads to fungal growth
Use a simple digital thermometer/hygrometer to get familiar with your greenhouse’s natural climate patterns.
8. Enjoy the Journey — You’re Building Something Lasting
Your greenhouse is more than a structure. It’s a place for growth, experimentation, and legacy-building.
Every season will teach you something new. Every harvest will bring satisfaction. You’re cultivating not just plants — but skills, memories, and a lifestyle aligned with the outdoors.
At TrueNorth Outdoor Co., we believe that a greenhouse isn’t just a purchase.
It’s a step toward reclaiming your space, cultivating your land, and building something that lasts.
Final Thought
Whether your greenhouse becomes your morning sanctuary, your family’s project space, or the heartbeat of your garden — the next chapter starts now.