How to fit an automatic greenhouse vent opener
Find out how to fit an automatic greenhouse vent opener with the help of our practical step-by-step guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To do | yes | yes | yes |
Keeping your greenhouse cool in summer is essential, as high temperatures can cause heat stress, damaging your plants and potentially, your crops.
Damping down and providing shading in the form of blinds, screens and shading paint can help, and it's really important to encourage good air circulation by opening the doors and vents.
You can make sure your greenhouse ventilation is constantly regulated during hot summer months, whether you're at home or not, by installing an automatic vent opener. It contains a wax that expands when heated, opening the vent. When the temperature falls, the wax contracts and the vent closes.
UPVC greenhouses have lightweight roof vents and may require a stronger vent opener to keep them closed or prevent them being blown away – check before you buy.
Available at garden centres or online, automatic vent openers are quick and easy to install – here's how to do it.
- Buy an automatic greenhouse vent opener from Amazon, Homebase, and Two Wests & Elliott
You Will Need
- Greenhouse
- Automatic ventilation kit
- Screwdriver
- Screws
Total time: 2 hours
Step 1
Place the opener in the centre of a window vent and mark the position of the holes on the window frame and greenhouse frame. If you have a metal-framed greenhouse, you might have pre-drilled holes already set in the centre. If not, mark the position on the metal with a pencil and drill the holes in.
Step 2
Screw the automatic window opener to the frame of the window then check that the window can open and close.
Step 3
If necessary, adjust the amount the window opens by rotating the main tube of the vent opener.
Step 4
On a sunny day, watch and wait to see that the vent is opening properly.
Essential greenhouse kit
Find out about more useful items for your greenhouse in our guide to essential kit for your greenhouse.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
