A greenhouse is a great way to extend the growing season and perhaps save the heartbreak of losing a crop of vegetables to frost, hail or other weather variables. The last few years we have had fabulous long, warm summers thanks to climate change and this past winter (2016 / 2017) we have had record snow falls which continued into record rain fall in the spring. With our changing climate in the Lower Mainland maybe it is time to consider a greenhouse as a good investment.
8 Reasons to buy a greenhouse
- Winter plant storage: During this past wet, cold winter and spring the greenhouse has protected portable pollinator pots & new strawberry plants for planting in the spring. It also was a winter home to propagated sage as well as rhododendrons and camellia
- Extend the growing season: Tomatoes were moved from the house at the beginning of April and in early May there were blossoms on plants. These would not have survived in the outside gardens
- Protects plants from changeable spring weather (hail, wind, moderates temperatures)
- If space is available, transplants are set on movable shelves to harden off including tomatoes and squash, before planting in the garden in May
- Economy: The 3-year-old 6 x 8′ investment paid for itself in the first 2 years with a bounty of tomatoes
- Inside daily temperatures are more constant
- Soil is very fertile and worm friendly as heavily composted each year
- Chemical drift from the neighbour’s yard is less likely to contaminate vegetables
One who plants a garden
plants Happiness
Location & Size
- For site, a level area in your garden is the logical choice
- If you can situate your building closer to your home it is much easier to supply water and heat
- With regard to size, base this on your family food needs.
- Siting and orientation of your greenhouse for optimum solar benefit
Notes:
- Our 6′ x 8′ purchase was easy to install, well made and reasonably priced. We are into growing season #3 with no complaints after a winter with a record heavy snow falls
- The metal frame of the walls was bolted to a secure and level wood base. In its sheltered site this past winter it has withstood high winter winds in the 90 kph range
- Cross ventilation is very important especially for a small building. During hot summer months the door is left open all day. The shade cloth has been cut to allow for the roof vent to open and close and allow heat to escape
- All year gardening in this area requires extra light and heat but I manage to grow greens for 9 to 10 months of the year. Then its time to sprout seeds for a few months
- We have a soaker hose on a timer (adjustable) for watering tomato plants
- As the vegetable garden is small I am very selective about what I grow. My staple crops are: tomatoes, garlic, kale and herbs. Tomatoes are the main greenhouse crop
- My record for first picking ripe red tomatoes on the vine is mid June under cover and several weeks later outside. Not this year! Here’s a few other ideas to extend the growing season:
If you have the space, highly recommend you look into building or buying your own greenhouse. Take time to decide what type would suit your family needs best. It’s a great gardening experience … and a joy to be able to work in the garden, while listening to the wind and rain outside.
To plant a garden
is to believe in tomorrow
Links and Reference
- Plant trees for wind & weather protection
- Commercial tomato farmers Sundrop Farms – first solar & seawater greenhouses in Australia
- Cloche information
- Lots of information if you wish to start a commercial agriculture business
