You can grow in the shoulder season with a greenhouse by overlapping warm- and cool-season crops, managing ventilation to handle temperature swings, and refreshing soil for new planting. The greenhouse protects against early frosts and extends harvests, making it possible to keep fresh produce coming as summer turns to fall.
The shoulder season, the transitional period between summer and fall, is one of the most important times of year for greenhouse growers. Temperatures swing wildly, daylight hours shorten, and the first frosts loom on the horizon. For gardeners, without a greenhouse, this often signals the end of production. With a BC Greenhouse, the shoulder season becomes an opportunity: to stretch out your harvests, to start cool-weather crops early, and to experiment with year-round growing strategies.
One of the biggest challenges in September is the unpredictability of the weather. A greenhouse acts as a buffer, protecting plants from both early cold snaps and lingering summer heat. By stabilizing growing conditions, you can:
At BC Greenhouse Builders, we design our structures to meet these exact challenges. From customizable ventilation systems to glazing options that balance insulation with light transmission, your greenhouse becomes a year-round tool instead of just a summer luxury.
Early fall is a sweet spot where you can overlap crops:
Pro Tip: Succession planting is your best friend. As you pull out the last of your summer vines, sow new rows of fall greens to keep the harvest cycle rolling.
Transitioning between seasons requires a few key adjustments:
Even as nights cool, sunny days can spike temperatures inside. Use vents, louvres, or fans to regulate airflow. Consistent ventilation prevents heat stress and reduces humidity buildup, which helps keep plants healthier as the season changes.
As summer fades, consider removing shade cloth to maximize fall sunlight while preparing thermal curtains or insulation for nighttime protection. Balancing shade and insulation ensures your plants receive enough light during shorter days while staying protected from cooler temperatures.
Warm, humid conditions are ideal for pests and mildew during transitional weather. Inspect plants closely for early signs of infestation or disease. Integrated pest management, including sticky traps, pruning, and proper space, can keep issues from spreading quickly.
After heavy summer crops, soil nutrients are often depleted. Amend beds with compost or organic fertilizer to restore balance before planting fall crops. Healthy soil ensures your cool-season vegetables and herbs have the nutrition they need for vigorous growth.
What you do in September sets the stage for the seasons ahead:
By treating your greenhouse as a year-round growing environment, you are not just reacting to weather shifts. You are staying one step ahead.
Growing in the shoulder season does not have to be complicated. With the right tools and strategies, your greenhouse can carry you from summer abundance into fall harvests and beyond. At BC Greenhouse Builders, we have been helping growers extend their seasons for decades, and we are here to help you do the same.
Explore our Buyer's Checklist or request our latest catalog to see which options make the most sense for your garden.