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BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd. was incorporated in 1951. Henry Heinen, employed with the company since 1959, purchased the company in 1972 with his wife Greta. With Henry’s expertise in design and manufacturing, he endeavoured to create the highest quality greenhouses called Cross Country Greenhouses. Henry and Greta’s son Rick now leads the company into new markets with innovative designs while continuing the legacy of a quality made product.
BC Greenhouse Builders' General Manager, Kyle Exner, sat down with Kevin at Epic Gardening to chat about the first considerations when looking for a greenhouse. Everything from Greenhouse location, to foundation information, and growing styles, this duo has you covered. Listen to the postcast below for more!
What are the first steps when buying a greenhouse? Start by choosing between a freestanding or building-attached structure—each offers unique benefits for space, light, and utility access. Next, consider greenhouse design and DIY kit styles that suit your lifestyle, garden goals, and available space. Selecting the right glazing—glass or polycarbonate—is essential for durability, insulation, and appearance. Finally, site placement is key: aim for a location with at least 6 hours of winter sunlight, easy access for construction, and convenient daily use. These simplified steps will guide you toward the perfect greenhouse to extend your growing season and enhance your outdoor living space.
Wanting to expand your living area into the bright outdoors? Would you like to protect your plants throughout the colder weather that will soon be here?
To keep your greenhouse cool during a heat wave, use shade cloth or natural shade, improve ventilation with exhaust or ceiling fans, spray water on floors, place plants at ground level, and consider mechanical cooling options like portable air conditioners while ensuring proper sizing, ventilation, and plant-specific needs.
Over the years, the piston moving through the seals gradually wears the seal material away, allowing a gradual seepage of wax out of the cylinder. This reduces the pressure within the cylinder and needs to be replaced. But it could also be that the wax in the cylinder just needs a simple kickstart and a warm bath. Here is a tip to see if you can get them working again:
BC Greenhouse Builders recommends dividing your greenhouse into fourdistinct growing zones to maximize every square foot:
Where do I place my lean-to greenhouse for best results? The ideal placement for a lean-to greenhouse is along a south-facing wall to maximize sunlight exposure—especially during spring and fall—while also integrating seamlessly with your home and garden layout. Before building, it’s essential to consider local bylaws, available space, and potential shading from trees or nearby structures. Whether attached to your home, built into a south-facing slope, or framed as a garden focal point or sitting area, a thoughtfully positioned lean-to greenhouse not only supports healthy plant growth but can also enhance your outdoor living space year-round.
When planning a lean to greenhouse, its placement is critical to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. A well-positioned attached greenhouse can enhance both your gardening experience and your home’s appearance. According to Angela Drake, Marketing Director with BC Greenhouse Builders, 1 out of 4 inquiries about new greenhouses involve home-attached designs. So, is this an option for you?
It's essential to consider several factors before committing to planning a lean-to greenhouse.
Kyle began his storied career with BCG in 1997. “I actually worked with Rick’s brother in law Roger at Ryder Truck Rentals and he knew that Rick was looking for someone as an office guy. In true Roger fashion, he really oversold it and called it a ‘worldwide conglomerate’ as Roger would do and I thought “Wow, this sounds amazing”. Worldwide actually meant that the company had shipped a greenhouse to Australia once.” Flash forward to 2021 with Rick and Kyle at the helm and we truly are worldwide!
