As someone who would fix an engine and always have a screw left over, removing the end of the greenhouse then fixing it back on again after retaining wall had been built, nearby filled me with trepidation. Hartley Botanic kindly offered to come and remove the back of the greenhouse, then, emboldened by the fact they insisted that it was really simple, I decided to take courage and put it back together, with the help of my friend, Dave.
You would not believe how easy it was; if fact I was rather embarrassed I didn’t have the courage to remove the back section myself, as the staff at Hartley Botanic initially assured me I could!
Providing you have the necessary equipment – in this case a step ladder, socket set and screwdriver – then work slowly and methodically, it is one of the simplest and most straightforward things that you will ever do in your life!
It is a two person job, you always need someone to hold the ladder and to pass or receive the glass. When dismantling the greenhouse, ensure that you put all the panes of toughened glass of the same size, together and keep the screws in a pot with a sealed lid – an iced cream container, or similar, with a broad base, which you are unlikely to knock over, is perfect.
If you fancy erecting the greenhouse yourself follow the Hartley instructions; the key is to make sure that the brick foundation is absolutely level.
For a further ‘Step by Step’ see page 94-5 of ‘Gardeners’ Question Time – Techniques and Tips for Gardeners’, published by Kyle Cathie.
Techniques and tips for Gardeners
By the way, I took the pictures, but promise that I helped, too!
Next install the narrow panes at the apex – they need to be set before the lower panes are installed, so you have space to work. See below.
It is that simple!