Do you have a greenhouse roof vent that is no longer opening or not opening enough?

Growing Soil with Hügelkultur

When I moved homes and built a new greenhouse, I was in for quite a surprise. The natural soil on my new lot is sand. Pure, yellow sand. This means it drains really well. It also means it does not hold nutrients to feed my plants.

Do you have a greenhouse roof vent that is no longer opening or not opening enough?

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:

Quick Answer:

Want to kickstart your greenhouse garden this season? The best time to begin is now. Cool-weather crops like arugula, bok choi, spinach, and radishes thrive in early spring greenhouse conditions—even in unheated spaces. Warm the soil with heating cables or IRT mulch to speed up germination and enjoy a head start on the growing season. Greenhouse gardening in late winter or early spring also means fewer pests, like flea beetles. While heat-loving plants like peppers need more warmth to sprout, starting them indoors on a damp paper towel can ensure strong, healthy transplants later. With the right timing and a simple crop schedule, your greenhouse can produce fresh greens and veggies year-round.

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Schedule Your Greenhouse Garden Now

Showing off my arugula (also known as rocket) on Instagram leads to a lot of questions about my greenhouse and what I currently have growing. 

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What Are the 5 Proven Ways to Boost Your Flower and Food Greenhouse Garden?
To maximize your greenhouse garden, start by seeding early, transplanting strong seedlings, dividing mature plants, and taking cuttings to multiply your crops—all under ideal indoor conditions. These techniques help you grow more flowers, food, and even potatoes or grapes with better success and less risk than outdoor planting. Most importantly, enjoy the space—your greenhouse is not just a garden, but a peaceful, productive retreat that brings warmth, growth, and joy year-round.

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Five ways to raise your flowers and food

Seed:

Nature hates a gap. That’s why weeds fill in every nook and cranny available to them outdoors. Sprinkling desirable seeds outside as the snow thaws on the south side of your home or Greenhouse Garden this spring lets you copy nature’s best efforts. Inside your greenhouse, scatter seeds on top of pots or flats. A light dusting of soil and a sheet of glass laid flat over trays keeps the humidity high until the seeds grow.

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You can grow more in every square foot by dividing your greenhouse into vertical and horizontal zones—utilizing floor, bench, wall, and ceiling space with hanging baskets, tiered shelving, trellises, and container gardens. What are the best space-saving strategies for small greenhouses? Consider soilless systems like hydroponics, train climbing plants vertically, and use modular, bolt-on features to efficiently scale your layout for high yield—even in an 8x8 greenhouse.

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If you're dreaming of growing your own food but worried your space is too small, you're not alone. Every week, we hear from new gardeners who want to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, expanding their growing season, or overwinter plants—but aren't sure if a compact greenhouse can truly deliver.

Here's the good news: With a smart setup, even an 8x8 greenhouse can yield hundreds of pounds of produce per year. Whether you're growing greens to supplement your grocery bill or creating a garden sanctuary in your backyard, these space-saving strategies will help you grow more in every square foot.

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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.

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Planning a Lean-To Greenhouse

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.

The Owners of BCG

Looking Back

About Kyle

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!