Quick Answer:

Wintering over means using your greenhouse to protect existing plants through cold weather with minimal growth or maintenance. It focuses on insulation and frost protection rather than active production.
Winter growing keeps your greenhouse climate-controlled for active cultivation through the winter months, using heat, ventilation, and supplemental light to maintain growth. 
The right approach depends on your growing goals. Choose winter over for plant preservation and lower energy costs, or winter growing for true four-season harvests.

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:

What should I know before buying a greenhouse this summer? Summer is a great time to buy and build a greenhouse thanks to long days and favorable weather, but planning ahead for heat, lead times, and foundation needs is essential for a smooth setup. Is summer too late to start growing in a greenhouse? Not at all—summer is ideal for heat-loving crops, system testing, and preparing your space for fall and year-round gardening. How can I make the most of a summer greenhouse purchase? Invest early to secure your preferred model and add features like shade cloth, automated vents, and irrigation systems to handle heat and watering, all while setting yourself up for long-term success.

Buying in Summer? Here's How to Make the Most of It

Summer might seem like the the ideal time to buy a greenhouse, and in many ways, it truly is. The days are long, the weather is warm, and you're already in the gardening mindset. But purchasing a greenhouse in the summer also comes with a few unique planning considerations. With the right preparation, you can take full advantage of the season and set yourself up for long-term growing success.

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.

Quick Answer:

Polycarbonate glazing is an ideal greenhouse choice for gardeners seeking superior insulation, light diffusion, and impact resistance—especially in colder or extreme climates—offering energy savings, durability, and design flexibility over traditional glass.

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When choosing a greenhouse, on of the key decisions is selecting the right glazing material. The choice between glass and polycarbonate glazing impacts insulation, light diffusion, and durability. While glass remains a timeless and aesthetically pleasing option, polycarbonate has gained popularity due to its strength, energy efficiency, and versatility. If you're considering polycarbonate for your greenhouse, here's what you need to know about its benefits and suitability for different gardening needs.

Quick Answer:

January is the best time to start your greenhouse because it allows you to jumpstart the growing season with ample preparation time, take advantage of winter sales for cost savings, and avoid springtime delays. Starting early also provides a quiet period to plan and customize your setup thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and productive gardening year. Beginning your greenhouse project in January supports sustainable living and helps you achieve your gardening goals with purpose and ease.

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The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to plan and grow—both in life and in your garden. If you’ve been dreaming of a greenhouse, January is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Here’s why:

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.

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.

Quick Answer:

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.

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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 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.

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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.