Winter can feel like a long season of waiting when you’ve got a green thumb. Gardeners get put on hold when the snow starts to fall. The season may give you some time to plan their plants for the spring, but it can feel like a long wait for the next time you get to dig your hands into the soil. A backyard greenhouse can change the way you see winter. Hobby greenhouses have become a popular way to garden throughout the year, get a jumpstart on the gardening season, and grow plants that might not thrive in the climate where you make your home.
Fall In Love With Year Round Gardening
What To Grow In Your Backyard Greenhouse?
You can get a head start on plants you plan to move to your garden once the weather is ready for them, like peppers and tomatoes. To get the most out of them, these plants often need more growing time than a garden in a snowy climate allows. Other vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and carrots can all be grown in cool-frame greenhouses, since they thrive in cooler temperatures, while ornamental flowers like poinsettias, chrysanthemums, ferns, geraniums, and many more are best grown in a greenhouse. One of the advantages of growing them indoors is that it’s easier to multiply cuttings.
Tips For A Winter Greenhouse
You can successfully grow vegetables all through the winter with a greenhouse in your backyard with just a few gardening tips. First, carrots, peas, and lettuce can all be grown throughout the winter if you’ve got a greenhouse. With the sun low on the horizon, place them in a south-facing position for maximum sunlight. You may want to use a small space heater if temperatures dip below 10 degrees Celsius, and you want to open a vent to provide fresh carbon dioxide for your plants. You can also use containers to keep them free from pests and pathogens.
Buying a Greenhouse
Before you start your own greenhouse look at the different types you can buy. The one you choose depends on your personal tastes. The first thing to consider is whether you want a freestanding greenhouse or one that’s attached to your home. Attached or lean-to greenhouses are usually cheaper, since you’re relying on one sturdy wall. However, freestanding greenhouses will have more sunlight – and they’re a must-have if your home is on the south side of your lot.
You also have options when it comes to glazing. You can choose from three glazing options: glass, plastic sheeting, and polycarbonate, all of which are available from online retailers. Glass is the most expensive greenhouse material, but also the best. Plastic sheeting is less expensive but not long-lasting. Finally, there’s polycarbonate, which is not only lightweight but also retains heat better than glass. Check out your backyard greenhouse options on sites that offer free delivery.
You don’t have to wait for the snow to melt to get back to gardening. Tend to winter vegetables or get a head start on spring produce with your very own backyard greenhouse.
I would absolutely love to have a greenhouse, I’ve had a couple during my life time and it was always fantastic. Unfortunately our minute garden faces north, I’d still give it a go if our garden wasn’t so tiny. There’s a bit of lawn and that’s it. Then of course we’re in Alberta and you can imagine what winters are like here, sigh. Houses are built way too close to others these day and the plots are so small.
Yes, it’s very difficult in cities with houses to close to each other and the lots being so small to have a greenhouse. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always thought of doing a backyard greenhouse, wish I had more room . I love gardening , can’t wait to start my garden in the spring
I’ve never thought of gardening in the winter especially in Canada but it would be great to have a greenhouse
Hi Lyne:
I want to put a green house in my yard. I’m looking at Palram deluxe snap n grow 6×8 feet.
Are you familiar with this one?
Is there another one you would recommend?
Thanks,
Susan Boll
Stittsville, Ontario
Sorry, I am not. The blog post was more to be informative about starting a green house. I would visit a business that sells them or Google online for reviews.
I really wish I had a greenhouse, I’ve had a few in my life and it’s always been great. Unfortunately our tiny garden faces north, if our garden wasn’t so small I would still leave it alone. There is a small lawn and that’s it. So of course we are in Alberta and you can imagine how cold it is here, sigh. Today the houses are built very close to each other and the lots are so small
I really wish I had a greenhouse, I’ve had a few in my life and it’s always been great. Unfortunately our tiny garden faces north, if our garden wasn’t so small I would still leave it alone. There is a small lawn and that’s it. So of course we are in Alberta and you can imagine how cold it is here, sigh. Today the houses are built very close to each other and the lots are so small.