Following the completion of my greenhouse construction, I had a new task at hand. Moving in!
I had been dreaming about making my greenhouse a greenhome since I put down the deposit on my Cottage model.
The process ended up taking up a bit more execution and planning than I had initially envisioned. There were many factors to consider and it helped to see the completed, enclosed space before starting the process.
What Are the Insulating Tips for Aluminum Frame Greenhouses?
Proper insulation is essential to maintain stable temperatures and protect plants during winter in aluminum frame greenhouses by preventing heat loss and drafts. Effective insulation involves using materials like bubble wrap, polycarbonate glazing, or fiberglass, combined with sealing air leaks around doors, vents, and foundations to maximize thermal efficiency. Additional strategies such as double-layer insulation, floor insulation, thermal curtains, and regular temperature monitoring help ensure a well-insulated greenhouse environment for year-round plant health.
As we close in on late fall and the days get shorter, I am considering ways to bring more light and joy into my life. I decided to decorate my greenhouse with lights. Not grow lights. (They have to be placed 15 cm above plants to make a difference.) No, I am thinking about decorating generally and decorative lights specifically. Lights to stretch the beauty of my greenhouse through the upcoming social season and spread a bit of cheer.
How do you optimize a greenhouse for cold-weather gardening? To succeed in winter greenhouse gardening, start by thoroughly preparing your space—cleaning, insulating, sealing gaps, and installing heating or thermal curtains to maintain consistent temperatures. Choose cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and carrots that thrive in lower light and cooler conditions, and protect them using row covers, frost blankets, or safe supplemental heating. Maximize growth by managing temperature, ventilation, and light—adding grow lights and slow-release fertilizer while ensuring air circulation to prevent disease—so you can enjoy a steady winter harvest of fresh, nutritious produce even in the coldest months.
Discover essential techniques and tips for successfully gardening in a cold weather greenhouse. From protecting your plants to maximizing growth, this guide will help you make the most of your winter greenhouse garden.
Transform your greenhouse into a relaxing retreat by choosing functional flooring like gravel or Swisstrax, installing flexible wall systems like gridwall panels for organization, adding weatherproof furniture for comfort, and using self-watering planters to simplify plant care—blending beauty and purpose for a truly personal garden oasis.
My Helpful Husband (AKA Keith) installed a door sill on my new greenhouse while I was away last week. I had no idea I needed a sill so that proves my point: I am a gardener, not a builder. I take certain things for granted.
What are the 3 essential considerations for choosing a greenhouse location? The most critical factors are sun exposure, accessibility, and access to utilities. Your greenhouse should receive at least six hours of winter sunlight—ideally with the longest side facing south—to support healthy plant growth year-round, with supplemental grow lights if needed. Placing your greenhouse close to water and electricity and along a level, accessible path ensures ease of use, encourages regular visits, and allows for efficient installation, heating, ventilation, and sanitation to create an optimal gardening environment.
Selecting the ideal location for your greenhouse plans is a crucial step in your gardening journey. To ensure your plants thrive and your greenhouse remains in optimal shape, you need to carefully assess various factors.
I am sitting in my newly built greenhouse as snug as a bug. The sun is shining, and I take my coat off even though it is a cool fall day. I am still dreaming of my final greenhouse layout and watching my little lemons grow. (Okay - that's an exaggeration - the lemons bloomed in August and the tiny fruit is still the size of my baby fingernail! They are growing slowly, but unlike the grass a June rain, I can't actually watch them grow.)
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 Tips for a Successful Backyard Greenhouse?
Choosing the right greenhouse—like the durable, low-maintenance Pacific model with insulated polycarbonate glazing—and situating it for optimal sunlight and access to utilities is key to success. Keeping the interior organized with ample shelving, vertical space, and a simple layout promotes healthy plant growth by improving airflow and reducing pests. Efficient heating strategies such as bubble wrap insulation and partition walls help maintain warmth cost-effectively, making year-round gardening achievable and enjoyable.
When it comes to my gardening journey, there's one thing I can't imagine living without: my Pacific greenhouse. Now in my third year with this model, I am so happy with my choice. The curved roof adds a touch of attractiveness to my front garden, and also has the added bonus of shedding snow and debris with ease. I can't recall ever needing to sweep anything off the roof, which is a huge time-saver.
Construction is well underway in preparation for my greenhouse! It took time and careful consideration to get the site just right. Since this is my ‘forever’ greenhouse, I needed to make sure that I took into account a number of factors before getting started.
