Quick Answer:

How does nature in a greenhouse benefit health and well-being? Greenhouse gardening fosters year-round growth, creativity, and mental wellness. The greenhouse serves as both sanctuary and studio, where finger limes, tomatoes, and microgreens thrive—and where the act of nurturing plants inspires everyone from camera crew to casual observers. As supported by experts like psychiatrist Susan Stuart-Smith, engaging with natural complexity in gardens has proven restorative effects. Whether it’s growing exotic citrus or saving tomato seeds, greenhouse gardening extends the seasons and deepens our connection to nature—reminding us that the seeds we sow today hold the promise of tomorrow’s blooms.

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Late Fall Harvests

It's late September and I taste my first-ever finger lime, grown right in my greenhouse, and I am amazed by the crisp texture and luscious lime taste of the juicy vesicles. (See my first impressions here) And just then an unrelated email arrives. A Los Angeles-based marketing firm asks, "Will you showcase the benefits of nature on behalf of a client for an online event?"

Arnold is always hungry. And some of his favorite foods are the fruits and vegetables I grow in my greenhouse.  He also eats the plants of the tomatoes and squash I grow. He gently pokes around, licking up the small green fruits first and then chomps down on the whole tangled twisted plant.

There are many plant varieties and they all require different night temperatures to sustain their growth.

Greenhouse night temperatures

Quick Answer: 

How Does a Greenhouse Save Your Garden from Climate Challenges?
A greenhouse protects your garden from unpredictable weather, extends the growing season by one to two months, and shields crops from pests like slugs and marmots through controlled heat, water, and shelter. Unlike outdoor gardens affected by heavy rains, cold snaps, or short seasons, a greenhouse offers consistent conditions that support reliable growth and higher yields. Whether you're overwintering perennials, growing year-round vegetables, or simply avoiding climate chaos, a greenhouse provides a practical, long-term solution.

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In late September, I asked Facebook followers to share their biggest gardening challenges this summer.

Quick Answer:

What Are the Tips to Maximize a Bumper Harvest?
To maximize your fall greenhouse harvest, start fast-growing crops like radishes, spinach, and mustard in late summer, and experiment with resilient plants like sesame for high yield with minimal water. A greenhouse extends the growing season beyond outdoor limits, especially in northern climates, allowing gardeners to produce fresh food well into fall. By donating excess produce, greenhouse growers can also support food security and uphold the human right to access fresh, healthy food.

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What would Donna do?

New Crops and Bumper Harvests

I’m flying home through Calgary into Comox on my way back from a speaking gig. It’s late August and the pilot warns us: it is snowing close to Calgary. In August.

Quick Answer:

What are the 5 easy steps to start my greenhouse garden today? To kickstart your greenhouse garden, begin by buying ready-to-plant vegetables, adding quality soil or potting mix, and growing in nursery pots if beds aren’t built yet. How do I quickly set up a productive greenhouse space with minimal effort? Install shelves for vertical growing, personalize your space for comfort (yes, even a chandelier!), and remember: starting small today means thriving plants tomorrow.

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Setting Up Your Greenhouse: The box has finally arrived - the greenhouse is assembled. Now what?

I called Rodney a year after his greenhouse was installed. I expected him to brag about the size of his tomatoes or the hours he spends sitting and enjoying the beautiful space he created.

• Place portable heaters near the floor closer to the entry of your Greenhouse Garden so that they will replace lost heat quickly.
• Line the inside of your greenhouse with...

Quick Answer:

How Do You Keep Your Greenhouse Healthy and Pest-Free Year-Round?
A thorough fall cleanup—including disinfecting surfaces, protecting polycarbonate panels, and cleaning benches and pots—is essential to maintain a healthy greenhouse. Maintaining appropriate night temperatures based on plant needs and controlling pests with soapy water, sterilized soil, insecticidal soaps, and yellow sticky traps prevents diseases and infestations. These best practices ensure a productive, disease-free greenhouse environment ready for every growing season.

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There are many plant varieties and they all require different night temperatures to sustain their growth.

Quick Answer:

Maintaining ideal fall greenhouse temperatures involves using heaters with accurate thermostats and maximum-minimum thermometers, ensuring proper air circulation with circulating fans to prevent disease, and utilizing automatic vents to manage temperature fluctuations while supplementing light for healthy plant growth.

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You can feel the cool and crisp air in the morning as soon as the calendar says October. Night temperatures are dropping not only outside but also in the greenhouse. Now is the time for planning and preparedness.