Aluminium Greenhouses with Storage

Greenhouse and separate storage space in one aluminium structure

The Bloomcabin aluminium greenhouse with integrated storage combines a bright growing area with a permanently integrated, separate storage compartment. Plants, pots, tools and watering accessories can all be kept under one roof without stored items obstructing growing space or paths between plants. This combination suits gardeners who need a greenhouse while avoiding an additional garden shed.

Choose from many versions for compact and larger gardens. Depending on the version selected, the growing area has different glazing options. Tinted panels in the storage compartment reduce views of tools, pots and supplies. Both areas remain functionally separate while creating one visually coordinated structure.

Total floor area is not the only consideration when choosing. Consider how much room you need for beds, containers and walkways, and what share should be reserved for your existing equipment. A simple plan showing key garden tools and intended crops makes the decision easier. Discover more Bloomcabin greenhouse models.

Short routes simplify recurring tasks from sowing to tidying

The benefit is particularly clear when several aids are needed one after another. Soil, pots, labels and tools can be taken straight from storage, used at the workbench and put away again afterwards. The growing area stays clear while essential materials remain close at hand.

Dimensions, glazing and standard equipment at a glance

Available sizes: 22 versions from 3.77 to 28.08 m².

Models 2.35 m wide: Ridge height approx. 2.32 m; door height approx. 1.65 m.

Models 3.10 m wide: Ridge height approx. 2.67 m; door height approx. 1.85 m.

Frame: High-quality aluminium profiles.

Growing-area glazing: Polycarbonate or 4 mm toughened safety glass.

Storage-compartment panels: Tinted glazing.

Doors: On 3.10 m-wide versions, single or double sliding doors depending on model.

Equipment: Roof vents, integrated gutters and an integrated aluminium base frame. The structure is designed for wind speeds of 30 m/s and snow loads of 210 kg/m².

Further details depend on the selected version.

Take out materials, care for plants and store used equipment immediately

During sowing, repotting and seasonal changes, many materials are needed in quick succession. Group labels, pots, ties and hand tools by their purpose. Keeping a small selection of frequently used items within reach is more practical than maintaining a permanently overcrowded work surface.

A clear floor makes movement between plants, shelves and watering easier. Hoses, boxes and bags should therefore not lie in walkways. When setting up, establish one continuous main path first, then arrange planting tables, containers and shelves. This keeps the door accessible when moving larger pots.

Roof vents support air circulation in the growing area. Tall plants, shelves or supports must not obstruct their operation. In the storage compartment, hooks can hold light tools, narrow shelves can organise smaller items, and floor-level space can be reserved for heavy, stable containers.

When the storage compartment can sensibly replace an extra shed

The adjacent storage area is particularly useful when it will mainly hold greenhouse equipment, such as plant supports, hand tools, empty containers and watering accessories. Lawn mowers, bicycles and large garden furniture have different requirements for door width, turning space and storage area, and should be planned separately.

Take stock before buying: which items are actually used in the greenhouse, how large are they, and should they be stored upright, flat or on shelves? This shows whether the integrated compartment is sufficient and how much space should be reserved for it.

Allow some spare capacity for items needed together only at certain times. Propagation pots, plant supports or empty containers still occupy room when not in use, so storage space should not be sized only around everyday requirements.

Prepare materials for sowing and repotting in good time

At the start of the season, seed trays, propagation pots, labels and various hand tools are often needed at once. Check these items before first use and sort them by task. Remove empty or damaged packaging so supplies are quickly visible and missing materials are noticed in time.

Keep pots and equipment still needing cleaning separate from prepared materials. A clearly defined place for used items prevents soil reaching seeds, labels or clean propagation containers. Clear this area after work so the passage to the growing area remains free.

Seeds and other sensitive products should remain in the storage compartment only where the manufacturer’s temperature, humidity and storage instructions can be met. Separation from the watered growing area is useful, but does not itself guarantee suitable conditions. Sealable, clearly labelled containers protect small items from spills and mix-ups.

Keep roof vents clear and counter heat build-up early

Strong sunshine can raise temperatures considerably in the growing area. Use roof vents as needed and check temperature and humidity regularly. Plants and supports must not block the opening area. Since conditions depend on weather, planting and use, ongoing checks are more useful than a fixed ventilation schedule.

Guide shoots and supports clear of moving windows and controls. During the season, check whether new growth extends into the opening area. Before the growing season, vents should move freely; remove dirt and plant debris.

Products that cannot tolerate high temperatures or major temperature fluctuations do not belong in the storage compartment. Always follow the instructions on the relevant packaging. Materials with particular storage needs require a location suited to those requirements.

Use gutters and keep the base and door areas dry

Integrated gutters collect roof water and can be connected to a suitable outlet or intended storage tank. Containers must stand securely and must not restrict doors, maintenance routes or access to the storage compartment.

If rainwater is used for watering, the collection point should be reachable without steps, tight turns or long carrying distances. The container needs a load-bearing base. Regularly remove leaves and deposits from connections and gutters so water can drain in a controlled way.

Overflowing water should be directed away from the base frame, foundation and door approaches. Persistent puddles make use difficult, carry dirt into both areas and soften surrounding ground. Decide where excess water can run during site preparation.

Allocate shelves, hooks and floor space by weight and frequency of use

Narrow shelves keep hand tools, string, labels and small spare parts off the floor. Position them so no edges project into the walkway and doors remain clear. Frequently used items belong at a comfortable reach; light, rarely used materials can be stored higher up.

Heavy bags and robust containers are best kept at floor level. Stacks must not tip or press against panels and frames. Fragile pots should not sit beneath heavy tools. Sensible weight distribution makes the compartment easier to access and clean.

Dedicated areas for repotting materials, watering accessories, plant supports and cleaning equipment prevent the storage space becoming confusing. Labelled boxes immediately show where items belong. Leave enough room to reach rear shelves without moving everything first.

Classic or Storage: more growing area or a dedicated compartment

With the Classic version, the complete floor area is available for plants and working space. This is useful where suitable storage already exists or where as many beds, containers and planting tables as possible are wanted. Tools and consumables must then be brought in from outside or stored in the growing area.

The Storage version reserves part of the structure for a separate storage compartment. This reduces the continuous growing area while keeping tools and accessories organised nearby. The key question is whether the remaining cultivation area is sufficient for intended crops, walkways and working furniture.

Storage particularly suits users who regularly repot, tie in, water or clean on site and need several aids. Those with few tools who want to plant every available area may benefit more from an uninterrupted growing zone. A plan showing shelves, beds and paths makes the difference clear before purchase.

Install the integrated aluminium base frame on a level, permanently load-bearing surface

The integrated aluminium base frame needs a stable, level support. Unevenness can affect frame alignment, glazing fit and sliding-door operation. Check the planned footprint carefully before assembly. The base must support the entire area and must not be levelled only at isolated points.

On longer versions, small changes in height matter more across the whole structure. Check diagonals, level and elevation before fitting frames and panels. Follow the product-specific assembly instructions and correct deviations before installing further components.

Assess ground conditions, local frost risk, drainage and site requirements before choosing a foundation. Before excavation, anchoring or delivery, identify underground services, boundaries and nearby buildings. For Cape Town projects, check the City’s work category and approval route; elsewhere, ask the relevant municipality what plans or approvals apply.

Choose suitable glazing for the growing area

Toughened safety glass provides a clear view and the classic appearance of a glass greenhouse. Plants are easy to observe from outside, although splash marks and deposits are also more visible. Follow product-specific instructions for assembly and cleaning. Avoid abrasive products, hard tools and point loads.

Polycarbonate differs from clear glass in appearance, light effect and handling. The better option depends on your priorities for looks, use and care. Choose the glazing when selecting the version. With either material, panels must be installed correctly and their fixings checked regularly.

The tinted panels in the storage compartment serve a different purpose from growing-area glazing: they reduce views of the contents. Still leave space between stored items and the panels. This makes cleaning easier and prevents tool edges or unstable stacks pressing against the glazing.

Coordinate door positions, garden paths and carrying routes

Access to the storage and growing areas should suit the garden routes actually used. Before choosing a site, consider the direction from which tools, plants and growing medium will arrive. Even with sliding doors, side areas must remain clear. Walls, raised beds or large containers must not obstruct operation.

A bag of growing medium, full watering can or large pot should be carried without tight turns or contact with glazing. Therefore, not only the door opening but also routes immediately in front of and behind it matter. Steps, loose edges and major changes in level can make carrying unnecessarily difficult.

Include routes to the house, compost area and water supply. The shortest route is not always the most practical if it is difficult to walk on when wet or crosses sensitive planting areas. A firm, usable route simplifies care throughout the season.

Check, clean and store materials completely dry

Collect plant supports, string, clips and empty pots after the main season, and discard damaged items. Clean and dry usable items completely before returning them to their designated storage place. This prevents dirt and moisture being trapped for extended periods.

Remove dead plant material and loose soil from the growing area so the frame, base and glazing remain accessible. You can then inspect fixings and check vents and door tracks for dirt or obstructions. Do this preferably before additional seasonal material narrows storage-compartment walkways.

Damp textiles, wet cardboard and dirty containers should not be stored permanently. They reduce visibility and can cause odours or marks. Check even rarely used items for remaining moisture before placing them in rear shelves or boxes for a longer period.

Store fertilisers and plant-protection products safely as directed

Fertilisers, plant-protection products and other garden chemicals must be kept in their intended containers and according to manufacturer instructions. Labels must remain legible. Never transfer such products into food containers, and keep them separate from seeds and harvest containers.

Proximity to the growing area does not replace suitable packaging or required storage conditions. If the compartment does not meet a product’s temperature, humidity or ventilation requirements, store it elsewhere appropriately. Refer to the relevant product information for guidance on dealing with spills.

Sharp tools, chemicals and heavy containers need a secure, stable place out of reach of children and pets. Also ensure shelves stand firmly and that no items can fall out when the door is opened.

Create a compact repotting zone without narrowing the main path

A workbench near the transition to the storage compartment shortens routes during sowing and repotting. Choose its depth and position so doors, vent controls and the walkway remain clear. A wipe-clean surface makes soil easier to remove. Keep only dry-storable material under the table, without blocking access.

Set out only the pots, tools and growing media needed for one task. After use, return clean equipment to its place; seal or dispose of leftovers properly. A small container for plant waste keeps cuttings away from the work surface and storage compartment.

The main path must remain passable even while working. Put boxes and watering cans in a designated side area, not in front of doors. If you often move larger containers, test their route during setup. This identifies poorly placed table edges, shelves or plant supports early.

Divide extra space into clear functional zones

Longer versions often bring together more plants, work materials and seasonal supplies. Do not use extra room indiscriminately for more shelves. A clear sequence of entrance, storage, workspace and growing area keeps routes legible and avoids unnecessary transport through the entire structure.

More plants often require extra supports, pots, ties and watering accessories. Allow for these quantities in storage planning without building up unnecessary stock. Modular boxes can be rearranged between seasons. Long plant supports need a holder where they cannot topple or obstruct a door.

Divide long shelves into manageable sections so frequently needed items do not disappear behind seasonal materials. Clear cross-routes also make plants and panels easier to reach without moving several items first.

Plan every permanent position in advance where floor space is limited

Even in a compact version, the storage compartment is valuable where the garden has no other suitable storage area. Every permanently stored box, however, takes noticeable space. Prioritise items genuinely needed for greenhouse work. Bulky or rarely used equipment is often better kept elsewhere.

Draw beds, planting tables, containers and the required walkway into a plan. Then check how much growing area remains beside the storage compartment. Consider mature plants and their supports, not only small young plants. This avoids the space becoming too tight in the first fully planted season.

The suitable size depends on the desired balance of growing and storage area, as well as how it will be used. Tall crops create different requirements from numerous planting tables or containers. A little more walkway space is usually more useful than a narrow extra position that later restricts access to plants or panels.

Check supplies regularly and buy only needed materials

For frequently used materials, record which supplies remain and which packs are already open. Remove empty packaging and defective items from the inventory straight away. The list then shows only materials that can actually be used.

Check stock before busy work periods and add only what is missing for planned tasks. Clear labels help distinguish similar small items and opened packs; a brief note of the storage location shortens the search.

After the season, compare supplies with what was actually used. Materials regularly left over need not be bought again in the same quantity, while frequently missing small items can be added deliberately. Stock then reflects real greenhouse use.

Arrange access, assembly space and protected temporary storage beforehand

Before delivery, check whether components for the selected version can be moved to the assembly site. Keep the route clear so frame and glazing components do not need to be carried through narrow or densely planted areas. Also prepare a clean space where parts can be laid out clearly before assembly.

Clear sufficient working space around the planned footprint. Shrubs, garden furniture and loose materials should obstruct neither assembly nor later access to gutters and exterior surfaces. Also plan where packaging can be collected during assembly without blocking paths or doors.

Before starting, have the product-specific instructions and all related documents ready. Compare delivered components with the stated contents before assembling frames and glazing, and carry out installation according to the instructions.

Practical questions about choosing and using the Storage greenhouse