Buying in Summer? Here's How to Make the Most of It
Summer might seem like the the ideal time to buy a greenhouse, and in many ways, it truly is. The days are long, the weather is warm, and you're already in the gardening mindset. But purchasing a greenhouse in the summer also comes with a few unique planning considerations. With the right preparation, you can take full advantage of the season and set yourself up for long-term growing success.
Timing Your Build: Is Summer Right for You?
Summer's long daylight hours and dry conditions can make it easier to build a greenhouse, especially if you're planning to install it yourself. Early mornings or cooler evenings are ideal for working outdoors. Just make sure to check for local issues like wildfire restrictions, high winds, or extreme heat that could delay your plans.
If you're hiring help for your greenhouse build, get on their schedule early. Summer is a busy season for landscape professionals, and the sooner you lock in a date, the better.
When Can You Start Growing
A common misconception is that summer is too late in the season to get started. In reality, it's a great time to grow heat-loving crops, set up tropicals, or propagate perennials. Even if you don't plant right away, summer gives you time to get comfortable with your new space before fall planting begins.
Think of this as your setup season. Use this time to test irrigation, experiment with ventilation, and organize your tools and shelving before your first big growing season hits.
What's the Current Lead Time for Your Ideal Greenhouse?
At BC Greenhouse Builders, summer is one of our busiest seasons. We manufacture each greenhouse to order in our British Columbia facility, and that level of customization can cause our product queue to fill up quickly, especially during peak months.
If you have a specific model, size, or frame color in mind, it's a good ideal to check in about current lead times before locking in your timeline. Ordering earlier in the summer gives you more flexibility to get exactly what you want, when you need it. This is especially helpful if you're interested in upgrades like decorative base panels or double glass glazing.
If you're working toward a particular planting or construction schedule, reach out to our team so we can help you plan accordingly and avoid delays.
Is Your Greenhouse Setup Ready for Summer Heat?
Many new greenhouse owners are surprised by how quickly the temperature can rise inside during the summer. We always tell people, "It's easy to heat up a greenhouse; it's much harder to cool it down." Planning ahead for airflow and shade will help ensure your space stays functional and comfortable as soon as it's built.
If you're buying in summer, it's worth thinking about adding some of the optional features we offer with your greenhouse kit, to ensure a healthy growing environment:
- Shade cloth to help reduce heat gain
- Roof or side vents, with the option for automated openers
- Circulation fans or vented louvres to support healthy airflow
Shade Cloth
$168.00Protect plants with durable 70% knitted shade cloth. Regulate temp/humidity.
Even i you don't plan to grow immediately, having these in place will make your greenhouse more comfortable from the start.
What About Watering?
When planning your greenhouse, it's important to think through how you'll keep your plants watered, especially during the hotter months when they need more consistent care. If your greenhouse site is far from your outdoor faucet, you'll want to figure out a solution before the heat kicks in.
Many greenhouse owners start with a temporary hose hookup, while other choose to install a drip irrigation system during their build. Both are great options depending on how you plan to use your space and how often you'll be around to water.
If your region has watering restrictions in summer, you might also want to explore rainwater collection or set timers to make the most of permitted watering hours.
Have You Thought About the Foundation?
Summer offers great conditions for site prep, but it's worth thinking about what kind of foundation will work best for your property and long-term plans. Dry conditions mean fewer weather delays, though you might encounter harder, compacted ground.
Common foundation options include:
- A pressure-treated wood
- Concrete slab
- Perimeter Foundation
Each has its advantages depending on whether you're building a seasonal setup or planning for four-season use. If you're not sure which is right for you, our Essential Guide to Greenhouse Foundations breaks down each approach with pros, cons, and site prep tips. It's a great starting point for making the right decision before you build.
Taking a Summer Vacation? Here's What to Consider
If you're planning time away this summer, it's worth thinking about how your greenhouse will be cared for while you're gone. During the first few weeks, your setup might still need adjustments, and warm weather can quickly impact temperature and moisture levels.
Here are a few simple was to stay prepared:
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your greenhouse periodically
- Use a timer-based watering system to keep plants hydrated
- Add a smart sensor to monitor temperature and humidity remotely
A little planning now can help you enjoy your time away without worrying about what's happening back home.
Set Yourself Up for Year-Round Growing
Summer is the perfect time to plan ahead and get your greenhouse ready for more than just one season. A few small upgrades during installation can make a ng difference when the weather cools down.
If you're hoping to grow later into the ear, consider:
- Running power to heaters or lighting while site access is easy
- Choosing polycarbonate glazing for added insulation in the cooler months
- Incorporating thermal mass like water barrels or stone to help stabilize temperatures
By thinking ahead now, you'll save time and effort later; and get more value out of your greenhouse all year long.
Summer Sets the Stage for Seasons to Come
There's no better time than summer to start planning your greenhouse. From sunny build days to late-season planting opportunities. this is the season to think ahead and take action. Whether you're still exploring your options or starting to visualize your backyard setup, the choices you make now will help you get the most from your greenhouse year-round.
Looking for tools to help with your next steps?
- Get our free First Steps to Planning a Greenhouse Guide to walk through your key decisions
- Explore our greenhouse models and custom features with our Design Your Own Greenhouse App
- Connect with our team to talk about your goals and timelines
