Happy 75 Years to Us!

In a world where companies come and go, reaching a 75-year milestone feels both humbling and meaningful.

Quick Answer

The best greenhouse for a small yard or urban garden is one that fits your space, gets good winter light, and supports a practical layout for everyday use. At BC Greenhouse Builders, we recommend starting with measurements and a quick winter sun check, then choosing a size that keeps the yard usable. To extend the growing season, select glazing that matches your goal, such as twinwall polycarbonate for spring and fall, or more insulating fivewall polycarbonate or Low-E double pane glass for colder weather.

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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?

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.

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What are the tips for greenhouse gardening in March and April? Early spring greenhouse gardening involves starting fruit cuttings like raspberries over heat mats to encourage rooting, transplanting hardy crops such as peas for early harvests, and directly sowing cold-tolerant seeds like radishes, spinach, and arugula in unheated soil. By managing space, timing crops carefully, and using seasonally appropriate strategies, gardeners can extend their growing season and enjoy fresh produce well before outdoor gardens mature. This approach maximizes greenhouse productivity while creating a rewarding, year-round gardening experience.

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Sunshine on Your Face in the Greenhouse Garden

I close my eyes as I bask in the sun, heat on my face. I take off my jacket and then my hat. My neighbors, friends and family have gone away to Martinique, Belize and Spain but I am experiencing the best holiday. I am sitting in the sun at home – in my Greenhouse Garden.

Quick Answer:

BC Greenhouse Builders recommends a five-step approach for sensible greenhouse gardening success:

A Testament to the Durability of BC Greenhouse Builders Products

Big thanks to Larry Clarkson for telling us the story of his two used Traditional Greenhouses

Larry won the greenhouse lottery and found two used BC Greenhouse Traditional model greenhouses on, of all places, Craigslist. It's worth saying that we do not sell used greenhouses. After this story broke, our email blew up with requests from customers wanting to buy refurbished greenhouses. 

Quick Answer:

What Are the Best Tips for Soil Amendments & Nutrients in a Greenhouse Garden?
Optimizing greenhouse soil requires building “super soil” by blending quality soil-less mix with compost, biochar, and worm castings, plus adding essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and micronutrients through amendments such as seed meals, lime, kelp, and gypsum. Recognizing nutrient deficiency signs—like purple leaves from low phosphorus or brown spots from potassium shortage—helps timely fertilization and soil management, ensuring healthy plant growth and improved crop flavor. Regular soil amendment and fertilization tailored to plant needs foster vibrant, productive greenhouse gardens year-round.

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Importance of Soil Amendments & Nutrients in Greenhouse Gardening

A few years back my greenhouse tomato leaves were purple, yellow and spotted. Not all at once, but over time and on different leaves. It was the second year I was growing in my greenhouse and the commercial potting soil I bought was low on phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. The leaves on the plants were telling me what was going on. And it didn’t look good.

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Can You Move a Greenhouse Multiple Times?
Yes, a well-designed greenhouse can be disassembled and relocated multiple times without compromising its durability or plant environment. Charles Russ, a loyal B.C. Greenhouses customer, successfully moved his greenhouse five times over 30 years, praising its sturdy construction, adaptable features, and exceptional customer support. This demonstrates that investing in quality greenhouses ensures long-term flexibility and lasting value for gardeners on the move.

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Read our customer's story about moving his beloved greenhouse five times

Thank you once again, Kyle, for taking the time to look after me yesterday. I did, again, appreciate so much your thoughtfulness in assisting me with my own reconstruction dilemma of a few weeks ago. As with everyone there, you showed such warmth and kindness, and as always, I am away with such a good feeling of support and confidence about my maintenance of my beloved little greenhouse.

Quick Answer: 

BC Greenhouse Builders recommends preparing your foundation with these essentials: