Quick Answer:

What are the best greenhouses for hot climates? The best greenhouses for hot climates combine strong ventilation, strategic shading, and heat-resistant materials like polycarbonate glazing and aluminum frames to manage high temperatures and protect plants. Which features actually work? Essential design elements include roof and side vents, retractable shade cloth, circulation fans, and smart orientation for passive cooling—while active systems like exhaust fans and evaporative coolers support climate control in extreme heat. How do you ensure long-term success? Choosing UV-resistant materials, sealing against pests, and planning for region-specific challenges like humidity or high winds ensures your greenhouse stays productive and durable year-round.

Gardening in the Heat

Hot climates offer major benefits for greenhouse growers You get longer seasons, more sun, and faster plant growth. But without proper control, too much heat can stress plant and reduce productivity. The key is finding a greenhouse setup that works with your environment. Whether you're growing vegetables in the Southwest or orchis in a humid zone, choosing the right features will keep your greenhouse productive year-round.

Quick Answer:

How do I find the right greenhouse size for my backyard? Choosing the right greenhouse size depends on your gardening goals, available yard space, budget, and whether you plan to grow seasonally or year-round. What should I consider before choosing a greenhouse size? Start by assessing how you’ll use the space—whether for seed starting, food production, or relaxation—and be sure to measure your yard for sun, access, and ventilation needs, keeping future expansion in mind. Which greenhouse size is best for my lifestyle and space? Compact models like 6x6 or 8x8 work well in small yards, mid-size options like 8x12 provide more flexibility, and large greenhouses (12x16 and up) offer year-round growing and entertaining potential—so when in doubt, go one size up to avoid outgrowing your space too quickly.

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Choosing the right size greenhouse is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your greenhouse journey. Whether you're dreaming of growing fresh veggies all year long or just looking for a cozy backyard retreat to nurture your favorite plants, getting the size right can make all the difference. At BC Greenhouse Builders we're here to help make the choice easier and more confident.

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.

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. 

Quick Answer:

What are the first steps when buying a greenhouse? Start by choosing between a freestanding or building-attached structure—each offers unique benefits for space, light, and utility access. Next, consider greenhouse design and DIY kit styles that suit your lifestyle, garden goals, and available space. Selecting the right glazing—glass or polycarbonate—is essential for durability, insulation, and appearance. Finally, site placement is key: aim for a location with at least 6 hours of winter sunlight, easy access for construction, and convenient daily use. These simplified steps will guide you toward the perfect greenhouse to extend your growing season and enhance your outdoor living space.

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Thinking about upgrading your garden space?

Wanting to expand your living area into the bright outdoors? Would you like to protect your plants throughout the colder weather that will soon be here?

Quick Answer:

What should you know before building a new greenhouse? Start by identifying your space, climate, and goals—whether it’s year-round food production, a plant haven, or a cozy garden retreat. Choose between freestanding or home-attached structures, and consider features like polycarbonate for insulation, drop doors for height, and automatic vents for heat control. From concrete foundations to seating areas and self-watering beds, thoughtful planning ensures your greenhouse meets your specific needs. Whether you're downsizing or adapting to a colder climate, the right design and features will transform your growing space into a functional and relaxing extension of your home.

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Building a New Greenhouse: Best Features and Design Ideas

What is the best feature of your existing greenhouse? And what would you change if you could do it all over again and build a new greenhouse from scratch?

Quick Answer:

What Are the Secrets to Testing Old Seeds and Growing Golden Sesame Seeds?
To test if old seeds are viable, place ten seeds on a moist paper towel in a ziplock bag and check for sprouting within a few days—this simple germination test helps gardeners save money and plan better. Golden sesame thrives in heat and drought, making it an ideal crop to start in a greenhouse and transplant outdoors for a high-yield harvest. Open-pollinated sesame allows for seed saving, extending your harvests year after year while maximizing greenhouse potential in any season.

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A new crop, discovered in a seed catalogue last year, piqued my growing interest. I grow lots of vegetables but growing Sesame seeds didn’t occur to me until I saw them listed. I'm excited to try something new I ordered it right away.

 

How do you grow?

Essentially there are two ways to grow in soil in your greenhouse. You can grow in pots or you can grow in planting beds. We look now at growing in posts, and we will consider the positives and negatives growing directly in the ground.

Quick Answer:

How Much Food Can My Small Greenhouse Grow?
A small 8’ x 8’ greenhouse can produce a surprisingly abundant and diverse harvest by maximizing vertical and horizontal space with crops like microgreens, radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, especially when supplemented with seasonal heating and grow lights. Crop selection and greenhouse heating significantly impact yield and growing seasons, allowing multiple successive harvests and year-round gardening possibilities. To optimize food production, gardeners should prioritize fast-maturing crops they love and efficiently use all growing areas, including shelves, pots, and hanging baskets.

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We get asked regularly "how much food can I grow in one of your smaller greenhouses?" 

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.